Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 13 March 2024 · 27 questions

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

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 17 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister to broaden the definition of extremism to tackle rising extremism attempting to hijack democracy.
  • Prime Minister encouraged to discuss proposals for NHS staff awards with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
  • Prime Minister and Chancellor defend their economic plans, stating pensions will increase and taxes for workers will be cut.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Context

The Archbishop of Canterbury and former Home Secretaries oppose the government's plan to widen the definition of extremism. Three Government advisers also raised concerns about antisemitism, social cohesion, and political violence.

Question

Despite opposition from key figures, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is set to broaden the definition of extremism tomorrow. Should the Prime Minister focus on addressing extremism within his own party instead? Will he support a new definition?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Discrimination has no place in society. We must differentiate between political debate and acts of abuse, intimidation, and violence. The government is tackling rising extremism attempting to hijack democracy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the specific request for a new definition that includes Islamophobia.

How: Changed Subject

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Context

Armed forces, police, fire service, ambulance service, and coastguard personnel receive medals after 15 years of service. No such medal exists for NHS staff.

Question

Staff in various services can earn a medal after 15 years of service, but not in the NHS. Will the Prime Minister support a campaign to introduce an award recognising long-serving NHS employees?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

NHS staff deserve our thanks; many organisations have their own recognition schemes, and honours can be awarded through nominations. The MP is encouraged to discuss his proposals with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly commit to supporting the proposal or introducing a new medal.

How: Offered Alternative

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Context

The Post Office scandal has led to legislative action. Tommy McAvoy, a loyal Labour supporter, passed away recently.

Question

Welcomes the legislation addressing the Post Office scandal. Sends condolences for Tommy McAvoy's passing. The Prime Minister is funded by someone who made offensive remarks about black women. Is he proud of this?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The comments were wrong and racist, an apology was given, which should be accepted. There is no place for racism in Britain.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the question of pride or commitment to funding source.

How: Repeated Point

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Q4 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

The Prime Minister is funded by an individual who used offensive language.

Question

How many racist, misogynistic threats would the funding source need to make before the Prime Minister returns the £10 million he has received?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The gentleman apologized sincerely for his comments and that remorse should be accepted. The MP's deputy Leader called opponents 'scum', and others used similar language.

Not addressed: Completely avoided the question of returning funds.

How: Changed Subject

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Q5 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

The Prime Minister is described as being afraid of his party, while the questioner changed his.

Question

The difference is that the Prime Minister is scared of his party; I have changed my party. The problem is that the PM is describing a Labour party that no longer exists; I am describing a man who is bankrolling the Conservatives' upcoming general election.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The MP's past actions and values are questioned, including representation of Hizb ut-Tahrir and letting antisemitism flourish in the Labour party.

Not addressed: None specific asked.

How: Criticized Opposition

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Q6 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

The Prime Minister has proposed scrapping national insurance contributions, a £46 billion promise.

Question

Will the PM's unfunded proposal to scrap national insurance be paid for by cuts to state pensions or NHS funding?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Budget has not been addressed yet; it is time for the shadow Chief Secretary to speak about their plans.

Not addressed: Did not address funding mechanism or specifics of the promise.

How: Changed Subject

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Q7 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

The question follows a previous announcement of £46 billion in unfunded commitments. Keir Starmer criticizes the Prime Minister's inability to fund these promises without impacting pensioners or reducing NHS spending.

Question

We have the highest tax burden since WWII, and your Chancellor promised £46 billion that isn't funded. You tried this before, and everyone else paid the price. Now you're avoiding an election by pretending everything can be funded without cutting pensions or the NHS. Why are you too scared to face the public?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Pensions are going up by around £900 this year due to our plans. We have cut taxes for every person in work and invested in the NHS. The Labour party's promise of £28 billion is unfunded, so why don't they come clean about their plan?

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific funding details requested.

How: Working With Partners, Under Review

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Q8 Keir Starmer Lab Holborn and St Pancras
Context

Clubs like Gloucester Rugby were funded during the pandemic through loans authorised by the Prime Minister. Concerns have been raised about repayment schemes potentially crippling financially fragile clubs.

Question

Premier league clubs like Gloucester Rugby received £150 million in loans during the pandemic to stay solvent. Some clubs are concerned that current loan repayment schemes could be harmful to their finances. Will you ask the Sports Minister and the Treasury to find a solution?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We provided £150 million during the pandemic. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working with Sport England to address concerns from borrowers. We are also talking to Rugby Football Union and Premiership League about securing the future of rugby.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specifics of finding a solution were not addressed directly.

How: Under Review

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Context

The Conservative party accepted a £10 million donation from an individual who expressed extreme views towards parliamentary colleagues. The question raises concerns about prioritising money over ethical considerations.

Question

The Conservative party received a £10 million donation from someone who said that one of our MPs should be shot. Why are you putting money before morals?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The comments were wrong, and the donor has apologised for them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions to address morals.

How: Apology Accepted

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Q10 Stephen Flynn SNP Aberdeen South
Context

The previous question raised concerns about extreme statements made by a donor to the Conservative party. This follow-up seeks clarity on how these views are being addressed.

Question

Your No. 10 office acknowledged an unacceptable rise in extremist activity seeking to divide our society and hijack democratic institutions. Is not this extremism your Tory donors' odious, racist, dangerous views?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

There has been a rise in extremist activity that seeks to hijack democratic institutions. The strategy to tackle this threat will be released soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific extremism referenced by No. 10.

How: Under Review

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Context

The Government has announced legislation to overturn wrongful convictions of sub-postmasters. This question seeks assurances on the swift passage of this legislation.

Question

Sub-post-masters across the country will welcome today's announcement on introducing legislation to overturn wrongful convictions. Will my right hon Friend reassure us that this legislation will be passed quickly?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We owe it to postmasters who have campaigned for justice to progress this legislation as soon as possible before the summer recess. Redress will be paid regardless of location.

Answered
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Q12 Edward Davey Lib Dem Kingston and Surbiton
NHS
Context

The existing children's cancer service in the constituency is world leading, but NHS England will decide its future tomorrow.

Question

I am concerned about the future of children's cancer services in my constituency, and across south-west London, Surrey, Sussex and beyond. The existing service is world leading and has saved countless lives. Many feel that a wrong decision will be made by moving them to the Evelina London Children's Hospital if chosen tomorrow. Will the Prime Minister intervene personally to delay any final decision until he meets concerned MPs so they can prevent risks to children's cancer services?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Decisions about clinical provision are rightly made by local clinicians. We are investing in more oncologists, radiologists and community diagnostic centres to contribute to cancer treatment at record levels. I will ensure that the questioner and colleagues get a meeting with the Secretary of State.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not commit to delaying any decision or personally meet concerned MPs.

How: Decisions Made By Local Clinicians

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Context

There are concerns that broadening the definition of extremism may criminalise individuals with legitimate views and impact free speech.

Question

Radical Islamists pose a serious threat to national security. Will the Government target specific groups fostering terrorism without trying to police people's thoughts and speech?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The strategy will tackle threats identified, ensuring tools for tackling them. It is not about silencing peaceful beliefs or impacting free speech.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specifics on definitions and impacts on free speech were provided.

How: Not Silencing Private Views, Tools To Tackle Threats

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Context

Many London schools face high levels of air pollution; Sadiq Khan's pilot provides air filters to impacted schools.

Question

Children deserve clean air. Does the Prime Minister support London's pilot for 200 most impacted schools with air quality filters? Will he implement similar measures across the country?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Air pollution has reduced since 2010 due to legally binding targets. We have provided £1 billion for local authorities to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment to support London's pilot or implementing similar measures nationally was given.

How: Reduction In Pollution, Legally Binding Targets

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Context

A petition calls for leaving the ECHR to deport migrants freely, similar to the Rwanda scheme.

Question

I understand that a scheme is being considered to pay thousands of pounds to leave Britain. Will the Prime Minister commit to leaving the ECHR or have it in the manifesto for referendum?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We must secure borders and ensure illegal migrants do not stay. The Rwanda scheme is important, and a foreign court cannot block our ability to send people there.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment to leaving the ECHR or including it in manifesto was made.

How: Rwanda Scheme, Securing Borders

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Q16 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Context

The National Theatre's production celebrates increased life expectancy due to the NHS, but UCL findings suggest a setback due to austerity policies.

Question

University College London found that austerity policies between 2010 and 2019 set back life expectancy progress by three years. Can public services withstand an extra £20 billion of cuts?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The National Theatre received funding from the Chancellor. The right hon. Lady should be surprised to raise NHS when her party supports a Government with poor NHS performance.

Not addressed: No discussion on whether public services can withstand another £20 billion in cuts.

How: Funding For National Theatre, Poor Nhs Performance

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Q17 Christopher Chope Con Christchurch
NHS
Context

The questioner thanked the PM for meeting to discuss victims of covid-19 vaccine damage and raised his Bill on Friday.

Question

Thanking my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister for discussing vaccine damage with me, will the Government support my Covid-19 Vaccine Damage Payments Bill this Friday?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The issue is being looked at in detail to ensure policies provide needed support. I will ensure that the hon. Friend can meet the Secretary of State.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment to supporting the Bill was given.

How: Supporting Discussion, Looking Into Issues

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Context

The Prime Minister's delayed response to racist remarks about black women raised concerns, while he accepted a non-cash donation from Frank Hester.

Question

While the PM said he wants to root out hate and extremism, it took over 24 hours for him to call racist remarks by Tories' biggest donor racist. Will he reimburse the donor?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The gentleman supports one of the most diverse Governments in history, led by this country's first British Asian PM.

Not addressed: No commitment to reimbursement was given and the question was attacked instead.

How: Supporting Diversity, British Asian Prime Minister

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Q19 Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire
Context

Baldwin expresses anticipation for voting on a national insurance tax cut proposal.

Question

I am concerned about the opposition's stance after hearing their rhetoric against our proposed tax cuts. Will Labour vote against today's tax cuts?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Conservative Members believe in rewarding hard work by cutting taxes by £900 each for thousands of constituents. In contrast, Labour continues to cling to unfunded spending promises that would increase taxes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific voting intentions of the opposition party were not addressed

How: Rhetorical Questions, Contrast With Opposing Party

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Context

Grady questions the Prime Minister's description of the European Court of Human Rights as a foreign court, asking for commitment to UK's continued membership.

Question

The UK has belonged to the European Court of Human Rights since 1953 with an Irish president and a UK justice. How can it be considered foreign? Will the PM commit today to continuing our membership?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

On tackling illegal migration, when Parliament expresses a clear view and supports it with legislation, I will not let a foreign court stop us from sending illegal migrants to Rwanda. This is necessary for securing our borders.

Not addressed: Commitment to UK's continued membership in the European Court of Human Rights was avoided

How: Changed Subject

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Q21 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Context

Leigh argues that only the Conservative party has the determination to stop both legal and illegal migration.

Question

Is there only one potential government, namely the Conservatives, who have the will to end mass illegal and legal migration?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

The Leader of the Opposition opposes our scheme, even when it is implemented and working. Labour's values are not those of the British people on this issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific agreement or disagreement with the statement was avoided

How: General Principles

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Q22 Sarah Olney Lib Dem Richmond Park
Context

Olney inquires about the government's contingency plan for Thames Water, which is reported to be facing potential collapse.

Question

Despite over 72 billion litres of sewage dumped into rivers by Thames Water, with multi-billion-pound debts and possibility of bankruptcy, will the Prime Minister confirm if Thames Water will still exist by year-end?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Our storm overflow reduction plan is backed by £60 billion of capital investment. We monitor every storm overflow in England and have legislation for unlimited penalties on water companies.

Not addressed: Publication of contingency plans was avoided

How: Changed Subject

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Context

Elphicke raises concerns about the EU's new digital border system and asks for urgent government support to ensure smooth flow of traffic through Kent.

Question

Key changes for a new EU digital border system have not been decided. Will the Prime Minister assure me that this issue is taken seriously at high levels with funding support?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

This issue is being discussed between UK Ministers, EU and French counterparts to ensure practical solutions for easing traffic flow in Kent.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to immediate action or funding was avoided

How: Rhetorical Questions

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Q24 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op)
Context

Maskell expresses deep concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with no peace, food, water, or medical aid.

Question

158 days since conflict started, there is no peace or aid. With a rising death toll and spreading disease, will the PM change his approach for an immediate bilateral ceasefire?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

We are playing a leading role in alleviating suffering with £100 million aid this year, 150 tonnes of UK aid due to arrive in Gaza today and a full field hospital flown from Manchester last week.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to ceasefire was avoided

How: General Statements

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Context

The Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske has improved maternity services over the past few years, with no midwifery vacancies in Cornwall. A new women and children's hospital is scheduled for 2030.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking the maternity team at the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske in my Truro and Falmouth constituency for all the outstanding work they have done to improve maternity services over the last few years? Their sheer hard work, along with the coming new women and children's hospital, means that there are no midwifery vacancies in Cornwall.

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I thank my hon. Friend for highlighting the improvement in maternity services at the Royal Cornwall. She is a tireless campaigner on reducing baby loss, and I commend her for her recent work on the introduction of baby loss certificates. As she knows, we are committed to a new women and children's hospital for her local trust in 2030, as part of the new hospital programme.

Answered
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Q26 Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
Context

A strategic business case for reopening a train station in the Somerton and Langport area was submitted to the Government in July 2022. The station would connect over 50,000 people to the rail network and support local economic growth.

Question

My constituents in Somerton and Frome, working together with the Langport Transport Group, submitted a robust strategic business case to the Government in July 2022 for the reopening of a train station in the Somerton and Langport area. Such a train station would connect over 50,000 people to the rail network, boost the local economy and support local people to reduce their reliance on cars. Almost two years on, they are still waiting for a response. Does the Prime Minister support this project, and can he provide confidence to my constituents that their hard work to drive this vital project forward has not been futile?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

Conservatives in the south-west are rightly championing the reopening of local stations. Cullompton and Wellington will be among the places that receive funding as a result of our decision on HS2. It is because of that decision that we have now freed up billions of pounds of funding to invest in local transport across the country, and local leaders will be put in charge of that money to prioritise their local needs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific support for reopening a train station in Somerton and Langport was not addressed.

How: Discussed Other Stations, General Funding Announcement

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Q27 Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford
Context

Historical context is drawn from the 1930s when Neville Chamberlain's government underfunded British armed forces, leading to a failure to deter Adolf Hitler. The current situation includes Russian aggression in Ukraine and threats from China.

Question

Prime Minister, in the 1930s, one of your less illustrious predecessors, Neville Chamberlain, so denuded the British armed forces of funding, until it was too late, that we failed to deter Adolf Hitler, and 50 million people tragically died in the second world war. Russia has invaded Ukraine, China is threatening Taiwan, and British shipping is being attacked by Houthis in the Red sea. Could you please assure me, as the son of a D-day veteran, and the House of Commons that we are not going to forget the lessons of history and make the same mistake again?

Answer from Rishi Sunak

I thank my right hon. Friend for his tireless campaigning for our armed forces. He is right to champion them and the role they play. I agree with him wholeheartedly that sadly the world we are living in is becoming both more challenging strategically and more dangerous, and in response to those challenges we must invest more in our armed forces. That is exactly what we are doing, with the largest uplift since the cold war recently topped up with billions of pounds to strengthen our nuclear enterprise and rebuild stockpiles.

Answered
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