Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 24 January 2024 · 27 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 15 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister committed to maintaining Royal Mail's universal service obligation.
  • PM declined to comment on Lib Dem council's auditor report due to interruptions.
  • PM criticized Keir Starmer's leadership and questioned Labour's ideas for the country.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Thomson
Transport
Context

Thomson raises concerns about Ofcom's proposal that Royal Mail might reduce its postal services, affecting constituents' businesses and mail delivery in Scotland.

Question

Can I echo the Prime Minister's comments on International Holocaust Memorial Day? My constituents rely on the Royal Mail to deliver important items of mail and packages. They will be alarmed to learn of Ofcom's proposal for Royal Mail to cut its service days. Will the Prime Minister commit that there will be no reduction in postal services provided by Royal Mail in Scotland or elsewhere?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I agree with the hon. Gentleman about the importance of the Royal Mail's universal service obligation. We remain absolutely committed to ensuring that it remains as it is.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific details on preventing service reductions or commitments to action beyond a general statement.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley
Local Government
Context

Holmes criticizes the Eastleigh council's handling of fraud reports and whistleblowers, implying a lack of accountability.

Question

The Lib Dem-run council in Eastleigh has received an auditor report warning about possible fraud and ignoring whistleblowers. Does the PM agree that Lib Dem leaders should show remorse or step aside?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

[Interruption.] My—[Interruption.]

Not addressed: The answer avoids the specific issue of accountability and does not address Holmes' question.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Standards & Ethics Religion & Faith
Context

Starmer acknowledges the Prime Minister's statements on International Holocaust Memorial Day but questions his actions, referencing Sir Tony Lloyd's legacy.

Question

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Can I join the PM in commenting about His Majesty and the Princess of Wales for Holocaust Memorial Day? Also, can the PM comment on Sir Tony Lloyd's contribution to public service?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The right hon. and learned Gentleman talks about what Britain needs, what Britain wants and values—but from the man who takes the knee and still does not know what a woman is; backing divisive white privilege in schools.

Not addressed: The answer criticizes Starmer's record and positions rather than addressing the question about understanding his MPs' concerns.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

Starmer questions the Prime Minister's ability to lead given his lack of a growth plan, handling crime issues, or addressing housing shortages.

Question

The PM spouts nonsense as his Government crumbles with MPs pointing out he is out of touch. Does he understand why MPs say he does not understand Britain and is an obstacle to recovery?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Again, the right hon. and learned Gentleman calls it nonsense but these are his positions: representing a now-proscribed terrorist group; campaigning against deportation of foreign national offenders.

Not addressed: The answer attacks Starmer's record rather than addressing why MPs consider him an obstacle to recovery.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Economy Employment Children & Families
Context

Starmer criticizes the government's handling of steel industry, childcare promises, and its focus on internal division.

Question

In 2008, I prosecuted terrorists and murderers. The PM profited from misery during financial crisis. Meanwhile, Britain is set to be the only major economy not making its own steel. Parents are told free childcare promise is a mirage. Is he embarrassed that Tories focus on themselves?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

More sniping from the sidelines—see why Hizb ut-Tahrir hired him. His own party realises he lacks ideas for the country; Steve Coogan said it's difficult to 'identify the purpose' of his leadership.

Not addressed: The answer criticizes Starmer's record and credibility rather than addressing whether he is embarrassed by the party's focus on internal division.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Children & Families
Context

Starmer questions the Prime Minister's commitment to free childcare, referencing criticism from his own party members.

Question

The fire is coming from behind him. The PM can blame Labour all he wants but it's clear he's bullied by his party. Has he found time in his busy schedule to figure out why parents are told they won't get the free childcare promised?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Let us see what Labour is offering. The right hon. and learned Gentleman does not have many ideas for our country.

Not addressed: The answer shifts the focus to Labour's lack of ideas without addressing why parents are being told they won't receive free childcare.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Economy Housing Children & Families
Context

Starmer criticizes the government's economic record, implying their role in past financial issues.

Question

There is only one party that crashed the economy. The PM can try to blame Labour but his own MPs are pointing out he is out of touch and has no plan for growth or housing.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are delivering the biggest ever expansion in childcare. Millions will benefit, but Labour plans impose costs with no borrowing plan; £28 billion spending without a plan to pay.

Not addressed: The answer discusses free childcare instead of addressing whether only one party crashed the economy.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q8 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Economy Children & Families
Context

Local families are facing issues with childcare due to budget deficits, staffing shortages, and IT problems. The situation is urgent as nurseries cannot provide the free childcare promised by the government.

Question

MP noted that making steelworkers redundant and failing to provide childcare is not a plan; families struggle with cost of living crisis and are thrown into chaos when their nursery says it cannot deliver the free childcare promised due to budget deficits, staffing shortages, and IT problems. He asked who briefed The Times that this was a complete “shit show”.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

MP talks about cost of living improvements; wages rising, debt on track to be reduced, inflation halved from 11% to 4%; Labour's £28 billion tax grab would take Britain back to square one. That is the choice: it is back to square one and higher taxes with him, or a plan that is delivering a brighter future with the Conservatives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The background issues regarding childcare and the specific question about free childcare provision were not addressed directly; instead focused on economic improvements.

How: Under Review, Progress Made

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q9 John Penrose Con
Justice & Courts Taxation Foreign Affairs
Context

Moves to create an international anti-corruption court have been gathering momentum since the London anti-corruption summit in 2016. The proposal has support from countries such as Canada, Holland, and Nigeria.

Question

Asked if the Government will take the lead in getting an international anti-corruption court under way to plug the gap for those living off ill-gotten gains beyond the reach of domestic courts.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Paid tribute to MP's work on issue; establishing a new bespoke institution is significant endeavour but Foreign Secretary will look at proposals. Our Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 has measures to crack down on dirty money, second anti-corruption strategy shortly published.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question about an international court was not directly addressed; instead provided information about existing measures.

How: Under Review, Considering

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q10 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

ITV News reported footage from Gaza showing an unarmed Palestinian man walking under a white flag being shot and killed by the Israel Defence Forces.

Question

Asked if shooting an unarmed man walking under a white flag constitutes a war crime.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Absolutely consistent that international humanitarian law should be respected, civilians protected; made point expressly to PM Netanyahu. Foreign Secretary in region making same point.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The direct question about whether shooting an unarmed man walking under a white flag constitutes a war crime was not directly answered.

How: Under Review, Considering

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q11 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

ITV News reported footage from Gaza showing an unarmed Palestinian man walking under a white flag being shot and killed by the Israel Defence Forces.

Question

Asked if the House will show urgency in backing a ceasefire in Gaza following ITV News report.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

No one wants conflict to go on longer; immediate humanitarian pause for aid, hostages out, creating conditions for sustainable ceasefire. Foreign Secretary in region today, pressing all allies and partners.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific question about backing a ceasefire was not directly addressed.

How: Under Review, Considering

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q12 Tom Hunt
NHS
Context

The University of Suffolk and local NHS are establishing a new dental centre that will carry out 18,000 hours annually of NHS dental appointments. Many dentists trained at university can immediately go private or abroad without giving anything back to the NHS.

Question

Asked if Prime Minister supports view that those dentists should work in NHS for five years and give something back after heavily subsidised training.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

MP is long-standing campaigner for better dental access; new dental centre opening, taxpayer investment in education and training of dental workforce. Exploring tie-in to ensure dentists spend proportionate time in NHS; consultation policy launched later this year.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q13 Colum Eastwood Social Democratic & Labour Party Social Democratic and Labour Party
Foreign Affairs
Context

In the week of Bloody Sunday's anniversary, 25,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. The Prime Minister wants a sustained ceasefire.

Question

Over 25,000 people have now been slaughtered in Gaza since the start of the conflict. My question is very simple: will his representative vote for a ceasefire at the UN next time there's a vote?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Of course we will engage with all UN resolutions on their merits. I have been clear that no one wants to see this conflict go on for a moment longer than is necessary. We want an immediate pause so that aid can be delivered and hostages released, but a sustainable ceasefire requires Hamas releasing all hostages, ceasing control of Gaza, and allowing the Palestinian Authority to return.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm specific vote on next UN resolution for a ceasefire

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q14 Sheryll Murray Con
Transport
Context

In 2022, Network Rail agreed to build a footbridge over the railway line in Lostwithiel. The bridge still has no completion date.

Question

In 2022, I met Network Rail and others to celebrate an agreement for a footbridge at Lostwithiel station. That bridge is yet to be built. Can my right hon. Friend help?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My hon. Friend has campaigned long-standing for the footbridge at Lostwithiel station. Network Rail is currently working on a funding solution to proceed with construction in the next financial year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a completion date or confirm government assistance

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q15 Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett
Children & Families
Context

A report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that one in four people are living in poverty in the north-east, with child poverty rates above the UK average.

Question

The report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation stated that 25% of people and higher than average child poverty rates exist in the north-east. How does rising child poverty align with his plan?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Poverty is falling due to our efforts, reducing by 1.7 million people since 2010, including hundreds of thousands of children. Labour's £28 billion tax grab would hurt families.

Not addressed: Did not address rising child poverty rates in the north-east

How: Labour'S £28 Billion Tax Grab

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q16 James Sunderland
Economy Taxation
Context

Bracknell Forest has high business occupancy rates and employment figures, but the cost of living is still a concern.

Question

Businesses are thriving in Bracknell Forest with high footfall at the Lexicon shopping centre and higher wages. However, the cost of living continues to be an issue. What more can be done to help people?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Bracknell Forest is thriving with high employment figures and footfall. We have cut taxes for tens of millions of workers, worth £450 on average.

Not addressed: Did not provide specific additional measures to alleviate the financial burden

How: Cutting Taxes For Tens Of Millions Of People

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q17 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Benefits & Welfare
Context

If everyone had the same health as the least deprived 10%, there would have been a million fewer deaths between 2012-2019, including 28,000 during the first year of the pandemic.

Question

The report suggests that if everyone had equal health to the least deprived 10% of the population, there would be a million fewer deaths. How do cuts in social security affect people living in poverty?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are committed to caring for society's most vulnerable. Benefits will increase by April, benefiting almost 20 million families with a total support of around £3,700 per household.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the impact of social security cuts on health inequalities

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q18 Jonathan Lord Con
Justice & Courts NHS
Context

Seema Misra, a sub-postmaster from West Byfleet with an outstanding record of service, was wrongfully convicted in 2010 and sentenced to prison while pregnant.

Question

My constituent Seema Misra is here today. She has an outstanding record of service but was wrongly convicted in 2010 for stealing £75,000. Does the PM agree with me that she needs a full apology from the Post Office and proper compensation?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Horizon scandal is one of the greatest miscarriages of justice. We will introduce primary legislation to quash all convictions based on erroneous evidence and deliver swift access to compensation.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q19 Alex Norris Labour (Co-op)
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

In 2021, Bestwood & Bulwell Foodbank gave out 3,527 food parcels which increased to 6,500 in the previous year. The food bank is struggling to sustain its operations.

Question

I am concerned about the increase in food parcel distributions at Bestwood & Bulwell Foodbank from 3,527 in 2021 to 6,500 last year, with nearly half going to children. Despite this crisis, why does the government pretend that things are improving instead of addressing widespread destitution?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I do not want to see anyone reliant on food banks, but while they are in place I have nothing but praise and thanks for the people who run them. However, it is wrong to say we are not making progress. When I came into this job, inflation was running at 11%, which has had the single biggest impact on families' cost of living. Now, thanks to the efforts of this Government—inflation has been more than halved, at 4%, and we are combining that with significant tax cuts to put more money into people's bank accounts at the end of every month.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address the specific ask for an apology regarding widespread destitution caused by government policies.

How: Changing Subject, Downplaying Severity

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q20 Mark Menzies Con
Transport
Context

The Rail Minister had provided assurances about the progress of south Fylde line upgrades which have not been met, causing delays and cancellations.

Question

I held an Adjournment debate on the need for a passing loop to double hourly service on the south Fylde line. Despite initial optimism from the Rail Minister due to HS2 reallocation funds, progress has stalled. Can the Prime Minister meet me to discuss how the Government can help advance this critical infrastructure project?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

My hon. Friend is correct: local transport projects are and must be prioritised, and every region of our country will have more transport investment as a result of the decision that we made on HS2. Work is under way to consider potential upgrades to the west coast main line, including improvements at Preston station which may support additional local services from south Fylde.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not commit to a meeting to expedite improvements for the south Fylde line.

How: Providing General Progress Information

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q21 Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon
Energy Environment
Context

During recent flooding in Oxfordshire, Thames Water dumped sewage from over 270 sites along the Thames. The company is planning to increase bills by 60% despite poor service.

Question

Thames Water has been dumping sewage into rivers and homes during floods, failing to unblock drains and refill reservoirs due to dirty water. Instead of offering a rebate for its incompetence, Thames Water intends to raise bills by up to 60%. Will the Prime Minister explain why my constituents are being asked to pay for this shoddy service?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We have been clear that the volume of sewage discharge by water companies is unacceptable, and that is why we have launched the most ambitious storm overflow discharge reduction plan. We have now achieved the monitoring of nearly every single storm overflow in England—under this and previous Governments—and introduced unlimited penalties on water companies.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address Thames Water's billing intentions or provide an explanation for it.

How: Providing General Information

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q22 Theresa May Con
NHS
Context

A report on T1DE, a condition affecting over a quarter of type 1 diabetics in the UK, was published. Hampshire integrated care board responded positively to the recommendations.

Question

Yesterday, my right hon. Friend and I published our report on T1DE—a life-threatening condition that affects over a quarter of type 1 diabetics in the UK. It is urgent that we implement these recommendations which would improve lives, save lives, and save money for the NHS. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that the Government act upon them?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Can I start by thanking my right hon. Friend, and indeed the right hon. Member for Knowsley (Sir George Howarth), for their important work on this issue? The Health Secretary will of course consider the report, and the NHS has already been piloting services to support those with this condition.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not commit to specific action on the recommendations but stated that they are under consideration.

How: Providing General Information

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q23 Anum Qaisar
Foreign Affairs
Context

The integrated food security phase classification found that of the 600,000 people globally facing starvation, 95% are in Gaza due to Israel's ongoing siege.

Question

We entered 2024 with famine and starvation as acute as ever across the globe. The world's worst hunger crisis is in Gaza where 95% of those facing starvation reside. Starvation used as a weapon of war is a war crime. Can you ensure that the Israeli Government end the siege and open all crossings?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I have been absolutely clear that we are incredibly concerned about the devastating impact of the situation in Gaza on citizens. That is why we have tripled our humanitarian aid for this financial year to the region and, as I said in the statement yesterday, we are working with partners such as Jordan and the United States to open up new aid corridors.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not address the specific ask regarding Israel ending its siege of Gaza.

How: Providing General Information

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q24 Miriam Cates
Culture, Media & Sport Mental Health Children & Families
Context

The UK has seen an increase in teen mental health issues, suicide attempts, and addiction to pornography. A recent case of a 14-year-old girl taking her life due to bullying on social media highlighted these concerns.

Question

I am concerned about the impact of social media on children's mental health and safety, as evidenced by a tragic incident involving a 14-year-old girl who took her own life after experiencing severe bullying online. The United Kingdom has historically legislated to protect children from threats to their welfare. Given this context, do you agree that it is time to consider banning social media for under-16s?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Our Online Safety Act 2023 addresses criminal activity online, protecting children from harmful or inappropriate content like bullying and self-harm promotion. Ofcom is developing guidance with codes of practice to ensure platforms meet their duties, and can impose fines up to 10% of global turnover if they do not comply.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The ban on social media for under-16s was not addressed directly

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q25 Tahir Ali Lab Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Foreign Affairs
Context

Documents reveal the Foreign Office had concerns about Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law during its assault on Gaza. The Prime Minister publicly expressed confidence in Israel, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.

Question

Recently released documents highlight serious concerns from the Foreign Office regarding Israel's adherence to international humanitarian law during an attack on Gaza. Given these findings and South Africa's case at the International Court of Justice, is it now time for the Prime Minister to acknowledge his responsibility in this matter and commit to demanding a ceasefire and ending arms trade with Israel?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

That is the face of the changed Labour party.

Not addressed: The question was completely ignored

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q26 Nicola Richards
Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

As Holocaust Memorial Day approaches, there has been a rise in antisemitic incidents on British streets. The Holocaust Educational Trust works to combat such occurrences through educational programs.

Question

I would like to express gratitude for the Speaker's support of the Holocaust Educational Trust's exhibition and his commitment to remembrance. As we approach Holocaust Memorial Day, will the Prime Minister join me in commending the trust for its work with holocaust survivors? With antisemitism on the rise, does he agree that all Members should sign the book of commitment?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I pay tribute to the Holocaust Educational Trust for its work, thanking my hon. Friend for her efforts on this issue. I will be signing the book of commitment today during a meeting with Lily Ebert and encourage Members from both sides to do so in order to combat antisemitism.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q27 Sarah Champion Lab Rotherham
Economy Taxation Business & Trade
Context

Steelworkers in Port Talbot are facing uncertain times, and there is a concern that taxpayer money might be used to make workers redundant and undermine national security.

Question

I represent the Rotherham steel community which stands with those in Port Talbot during these concerning times. Taxpayers do not want to see their funds being used for redundancies, reduction of primary steelmaking capacity, or compromising national security. Will the Prime Minister reconsider his current course and start by examining a multi-union plan aimed at securing the long-term future of our steel industry?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

During the pandemic, we provided significant support to Celsa Steel, ensuring job security and sustainability of operations. The current measures have protected 5,000 direct jobs and thousands more in related industries, securing a brighter future for steel production.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The multi-union plan was not directly addressed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)