PMQs

Question

Back in the 1990s, the Conservatives claimed that the minimum wage would cost 1 million jobs. Instead, low earners have seen the fastest pay rises year after year, with no effect on employment—[Interruption.] They opposed it. Today, and on their watch, 1 million workers are on zero-hours contracts and more than 1 million people have no sick pay whatsoever, facing risks that nobody in this House would bear.

Question

Yesterday, Labour MPs voted to remove the winter fuel payment from more than 10 million British pensioners, including those with just £13,000 of income. With that decision debated and made, it is now important that the House understands the full consequences of the Government's choice. May I specifically ask the Prime Minister this: will he now publish the impact assessment before the House rises?

Question

They are shouting now, but those arguments did not even convince 50 of the Prime Minister's own MPs, who suddenly found yesterday that they had urgent business elsewhere. We know why the Prime Minister is hiding the impact assessment: the Labour party's own previous analysis claimed that this policy could cause 3,850 deaths. Are the numbers in his impact assessment higher or lower than that?

Question

Pensioners watching today will have seen that the Prime Minister has repeatedly refused to admit or to publish the consequences of his decision. We will continue holding him to account for that.

Question

Changing topics, today is Back British Farming Day, when we recognise that British farmers produce food that is of higher quality and has higher welfare standards and higher environmental standards than imported food. At a time of increasing global volatility, it is also crucial for our food security and national security. Will the Prime Minister therefore confirm whether he will be adopting the National Farmers Union's recent proposal to enshrine a national food security target in law?

Question

I am not sure I heard a specific answer, but farmers also do great work to preserve the beauty of the British countryside—something I am sure the Prime Minister will appreciate, given his new-found preference for landscapes over political portraiture. When it comes to land use, protections are currently in place to ensure that the most productive farmland is used for food production rather than alternatives like solar. Does he agree that it is not appropriate or right that developers with a vested interest grade the quality of that farmland themselves? Will he look at making that process independent?

Question

Why has the government's programme failed to recognise the impact on organisations across Bristol South? Will the Prime Minister reassure English farmers that he will not threaten their livelihoods, and will he rule out imposing those same top-down targets here?

Question

I am sure the whole House will join me in paying our respects to Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon, who tragically passed away last week. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and with the HMS Queen Elizabeth crew during this very difficult time. Housing in Portsmouth is in dire straits, but local residents have concerns around population density, infrastructure, and the environment. Will the Prime Minister ensure that the infrastructure is properly considered, and that communities are involved in the planning process for any new developments?

Question

When it comes to fighting cancer, we know all too well that every day counts. In the last year of the last Government, over 100,000 patients waited more than two months just to start their urgent cancer treatment—the worst on record. Will the Prime Minister help boost cancer survival rates by guaranteeing that every patient can start their cancer treatment within 62 days?

Question

Last night, Liberal Democrats voted against withdrawing winter fuel payments. We believe it is just wrong to balance the books by removing this support from pensioners. Will the Prime Minister instead reverse those cuts so we can afford to support millions of struggling pensioners through this very hard winter?

Question

My Southport constituency has experienced a difficult summer. First, I want to reiterate that our thoughts are with the families of Alice, Bebe and Elsie, who tragically lost their lives in the attack in July. May I ask the Prime Minister to take this opportunity to recommit to the Government's support for our town, for those grieving and affected by the tragic attack?

Question

Yesterday saw celebratory scenes outside prisons as serious criminals were released. This is to make way for others including rioters and those who have said unpleasant things online. Is the Prime Minister aware of growing public anger about two-tier policing and justice?

Question

I welcome the Government's swift action on railway public ownership. Great British Railways will reform and serve both passengers and freight effectively. How does Labour plan to improve rail infrastructure at Luton station?

Question

Today is Back British Farming Day, with previous Government underspending £100 million in farming budget. Will the Prime Minister deny removing this permanently? Farmers want increased budget and environmental support.

Question

Constituents battle management agents over rip-off fees and maintenance issues. Will the Prime Minister commit to reforming the outdated leasehold system?

Question

Dropping 2,000 lb bombs on civilian areas is illegal. Israel has used F-35s to do so. Why did the Government choose not to suspend arms licences?

Question

Fife has a proud defence heritage, including the dockyard at Rosyth constructing Type 31 frigates. Will the Prime Minister ensure SDSR team visits such areas to engage with local supply chains?

Question

The previous Conservative Government committed themselves to rebuilding Whipps Cross hospital and Princess Alexandra hospital in Harlow, and to the establishment of a new community. What is being done now?

Question

Last week, I met my constituent Cheryl Korbel, the mother of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, the nine-year-old who was tragically murdered in 2022. Cheryl is campaigning for Olivia's law, which would compel convicted criminals to attend court to face the judge and receive their sentence. Will my right hon. and learned Friend commit himself to supporting Olivia's law, and will he meet Cheryl to discuss how we can move this forward without delay?

Question

If the Prime Minister were a pensioner earning £11,350 this year and receiving no winter fuel payment, what would he prioritise this Christmas—heating or eating?

Question

Annabel is five years old and lives in my constituency. She has high-risk neuroblastoma. Annabel has endured 15 months of chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy, stem cell harvest, proton therapy, immunotherapy, hair loss and nasal feeding. Now she urgently needs the drug DFMO, which is not yet available in the UK. It must be administered within 90 days of the end of immunotherapy; 91 days is too late. Will the Prime Minister please meet Annabel's parents to discuss the lifesaving care that she needs?

Question

I thought that socialism was about taxing those with the broadest shoulders in order to help the most vulnerable, but it appears that Starmer socialism involves scaring those with the broadest shoulders out of the country while taking away the winter fuel allowance for frail 90-year-olds living in draughty homes. Will the Prime Minister apologise to my shivering constituents for his personal choice, and will he reverse this chilling decision?

Question

More than half of people with pancreatic cancer die within three months of diagnosis, and seven in 10 never even receive treatment. Every two minutes in the UK, someone is diagnosed with cancer, but for those diagnosed with the least survivable cancer, time has too often already run out. I am really proud of the Labour Government's commitment to our NHS, but will the Prime Minister now commit to reviewing the long-term cancer strategy so that we can improve diagnosis and treatment rates in this country?

Question

Following Labour's disgraceful political decision to scrap winter fuel payments, with little notice to millions of pensioners, will the Prime Minister today rule out scrapping concessionary travel fares and council tax discounts, which also help millions of pensioners across the UK—yes or no?

Question

May I pass on the heartfelt thanks of the Bolton Council of Mosques, which greatly appreciated the dedication and leadership that the Prime Minister showed during the riots over the summer? Does my right hon. Friend agree on the importance of supporting inter-faith and community groups, which play a vital role in bringing people together?

Question

Diolch, Llefarydd. Denmark has been undergrounding its electricity cables since 2008, building infrastructure and maintaining responsible stewardship of the countryside. The Welsh Labour Government's policy is for all new power lines to be placed underground where possible. The UK Labour Government favour overhead pylons. Why are the Prime Minister's Government opposing Welsh colleagues in Wales?

Question

The UK steel industry needs a serious Government who work in partnership with both businesses and trade unions to secure a transition that is right for the workforce and delivers economic growth in Wales. We know that deindustrialisation can be devastating for communities, so can the Prime Minister tell me how the Government are safeguarding jobs and securing the future of steelmaking communities like ours for generations to come?

Question

Oxfordshire has seen a huge amount of population growth in recent years, without the infrastructure to match. A new railway station on the great western main line between Didcot and Swindon at Grove and Wantage would help to reduce traffic and improve access to both Oxford and London. Does the Prime Minister support investment in our railways, and will he meet me to hear the case for a new railway station at Grove and Wantage?