Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 30 October 2024 · 22 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 16 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Katrina Murray raised concerns about delays in the construction of an elective and diagnostic treatment centre in Cumbernauld, promised by the Scottish Government in 2021.
  • Rishi Sunak inquired about the importance of maintaining NATO's role as the bedrock of western security, with the UK playing a leading role.
  • Edward Davey asked the Prime Minister to commit to supporting the climate change targets set out by the independent Climate Change Committee and to publish a programme to deliver on them.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Katrina Murray Lab Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch
NHS Scotland
Context

Cumbernauld in the MP's constituency was promised an elective and diagnostic treatment centre by the Scottish Government which has been delayed and allegedly mothballed. The question follows concerns about funding.

Question

I would like to associate myself with the remarks made by the Prime Minister. Cumbernauld in my constituency was promised an elective and diagnostic treatment centre by the Scottish Government in 2021, this has continued to be delayed and is now alleged to be mothballed. What assurances can the Prime Minister give me that any Barnett consequentials from today's Budget will be used to benefit my constituents and not be held on to by the Scottish Government?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I thank my hon. Friend for her question. I am sorry to hear about the delays affecting her constituents. The party opposite oversaw years of mismanagement and chaos, and the impact on the Scottish NHS is evident. This Labour Government are committed to delivering for the Scottish people, including making sure that we have an NHS fit for the future. The Chancellor will set out the details in just a few moments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific assurances about Barnett consequentials being used for Cumbernauld's NHS needs

How: Oversaw Years Of Mismanagement And Chaos

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Q2 Rishi Sunak Con Richmond and Northallerton
Parliamentary Procedure Environment
Context

The MP is departing PMQs after serving as Chancellor, expressing interest in the coast-to-coast walk through his constituency and others.

Question

Mr Speaker, thank you for your kind words—and, indeed, I thank the Prime Minister for his kind words. No Prime Minister looks forward to PMQs, but I always did like this pre-Budget one. It was, for a change, nice not to be the main event but just the warm-up act. As you said, Mr Speaker, today is my last appearance at PMQs. I am happy to confirm reports that I will now be spending more time in the greatest place on earth, where the scenery is worthy of a movie set and everyone is a character. That's right, Mr Speaker, if anyone needs me, I will be in Yorkshire. As an adopted Yorkshireman, I am particularly looking forward to doing the coast-to-coast walk that runs through my constituency and many others. Since 2015, we have made significant progress with the campaign to make it a national trail, and Natural England is close to concluding its work. Can I ask the Prime Minister to ensure that the coast-to-coast walk does indeed become Britain's greatest national trail, and, in preparation for my return to the Back Benches, will he meet with me to discuss it?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Mr Speaker, I thought the right hon. Gentleman was about to ask me to join him on the walk. [Laughter.] Certainly I will meet him, and that is an important point.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to ensuring the coast-to-coast walk becomes Britain's greatest national trail

How: Thought He Was About To Ask Me To Join Him On The Walk

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Q3 Rishi Sunak Con Richmond and Northallerton
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP is expressing interest in fostering a new generation of cricketers through state school initiatives.

Question

That is very kind of the Prime Minister. I know he is partial to the Lake district, but perhaps we can tempt him over to our end as well. Yorkshire is famous not just for its walks, but for being home to some of England's greatest cricketers. Sadly, no one is going to put me on that list—but who knows? I now have a lot more time to practise. Cricket has the power to bring people from all communities together and give them fantastic opportunities, as was shown so powerfully by Andrew Flintoff's recent documentary. We lead the world in female participation, and that will stand us in good stead when we host the women's world cup in 2026 and when cricket becomes an Olympic sport in 2028. Can I therefore ask the Prime Minister to continue Government support for the England and Wales Cricket Board's new initiative to get cricket into vastly more state schools, fostering a whole new generation of cricketers for us all to cheer on at every level?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Yes, is the answer to that question. That point is a really important one. We celebrate cricket and it does bring communities together, but it is also really important for children and young people to enjoy lots of different sports. It gives them a confidence that they might not otherwise have and the ability to work in a team, and it teaches them about skills like leadership, so I am fully supportive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific support for getting cricket into state schools through ECB's new initiative

How: Children Should Enjoy Lots Of Different Sports

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Q4 Rishi Sunak Con Richmond and Northallerton
Science & Technology
Context

The MP references a previous cross-party agreement on the importance of technology and innovation.

Question

Our two predecessors, Sir Tony Blair and Lord Hague, have repeatedly come together and powerfully argued in their joint reports that it is vital for the future prosperity of Britain's economy, society and public services for us to be a world leader in technology and innovation. The Prime Minister and I may not yet be at our joint report writing stage, but in a similar spirit of cross-party agreement, could I ask him to find his inner tech bro and continue to support emerging British tech businesses and establish our country as the home of AI growth and innovation?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Yes, and that is a really important point. Last year, the Leader of the Opposition held a summit on AI, which was very important. We have been bringing together the leaders in AI. We have a huge advantage in this country, being ranked in the top three in the world. AI will have huge potential for our growth and our public services, and I think that the whole House should be fully supportive of it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to finding his 'inner tech bro' or supporting British tech businesses specifically

How: We Have A Huge Advantage In Ai

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Q5 Rishi Sunak Con Richmond and Northallerton
Northern Ireland
Context

The MP expresses gratitude towards the PM for supporting the restoration of government in Northern Ireland.

Question

The Prime Minister has the immense privilege of being Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is a special part of our Union, but one that needs particular care, attention and respect. Having a strong, functioning Assembly at Stormont is good for the people of Northern Ireland and good for our Union, which is why I was so pleased to see government restored there earlier this year, and I am grateful to the Prime Minister for his support with that. Can he assure the House that he will continue to work to keep Stormont open, delivering for the Northern Irish people and strengthening Northern Ireland's place in our Union?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Yes. Again, that is a very important point, and it is one that matters to me personally. I worked for five years in Northern Ireland on some of the proposals under the Good Friday agreement, in particular the transformation of the Royal Ulster Constabulary into the Police Service of Northern Ireland. I worked with both communities there for those five years. That was very important to me and it had a huge impact on me, so I care deeply about Northern Ireland. I absolutely agree that the institutions of government need to be up and running, and I want to give all the support I can to further development in Northern Ireland.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide assurances for continued support on keeping Stormont open specifically

How: I Care Deeply About Northern Ireland

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Q6 Rishi Sunak Con Richmond and Northallerton
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP highlights the threats from authoritarian states like Russia and emphasizes the importance of NATO in ensuring Western security.

Question

In light of the threats that we face, may I urge him always to maintain the strength of the transatlantic alliance and to ensure that NATO remains the bedrock of western security, with the United Kingdom playing a leading role?

Answer from Keir Starmer

NATO is as important today as it was on the day on which it was created, and we support it to the hilt.

Partly answered

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q7 Rishi Sunak Con Richmond and Northallerton
Religion & Faith
Context

The MP notes that Diwali is coming up and mentions his leadership role during this festival.

Question

Will the Prime Minister join me in applauding the kindness, decency and tolerance that have always been the British way?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We were all proud to see the right hon. Gentleman standing there as Prime Minister representing our diverse country. I thank him for that, and for his last question as Leader of the Opposition—although, given the speed with which his party goes through leaders, he may be back here before too long.

Partly answered

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q8 Meg Hillier Labour (Co-op)
Housing
Context

The MP highlights the housing crisis in Hackney, where nearly 4,000 children are in temporary accommodation.

Question

In Hackney, nearly 4,000 children who could fill eight primary schools are in temporary accommodation. I welcome the Government's pledge to build new homes, but will the Prime Minister ensure that those who cannot have a roof over their heads are a top priority in that long queue for new housing?

Answer from Keir Starmer

The best way to tackle overcrowding and meet housing need is to build the homes this country needs, and that is why we will deliver 1.5 million homes over this Parliament.

Partly answered

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q9 Edward Davey Lib Dem Kingston and Surbiton
Climate
Context

The MP asks about regaining world leadership on climate change after the Conservatives' tenure.

Question

Will the Prime Minister take this opportunity to seize back world leadership on climate change by committing today to support the targets set out this week by the independent Climate Change Committee and publishing a programme to deliver on them?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We will seize that initiative. We have reset on the international stage, and climate is one of the biggest challenges that we face.

Partly answered

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q10 Edward Davey Lib Dem Kingston and Surbiton
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP raises the issue of escalating war in Sudan, where tens of thousands have been killed.

Question

When the UK takes over the presidency of the UN Security Council this Friday, will the Prime Minister make it a priority to secure a new resolution on preventing future atrocities, including a no-fly zone to stop the Iranian drones?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Working with international partners— including as penholder at the UN Security Council—to end the violence, secure humanitarian access and ensure the protection of civilians is a major priority.

Partly answered

How: Under Review, Working With Partners

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Q11 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op)
Benefits & Welfare
Context

The MP highlights the issue of older people in poverty and requests a pensioner poverty taskforce.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister agree to set up a pensioner poverty taskforce so that older people do not have to worry about paying for their housing, food and heating costs, ensuring that they have dignity in later life?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We will deliver on our manifesto commitment to tackle child poverty, as we did last time in government. We will publish our strategy in the spring.

Not addressed: Setting up a pensioner poverty taskforce

How: Deflection

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Q12 Carla Denyer Green Bristol Central
Foreign Affairs
Context

The International Court of Justice has mandated that Israel ensure access to life-saving aid in Gaza, yet the Israeli government voted against this. This decision raises concerns about breaches of international law and humanitarian consequences.

Question

The ICJ has mandated that Israel must ensure access to lifesaving aid in Gaza under article 2 of the genocide convention, yet the Israeli Government have voted to effectively block its delivery. As a human rights lawyer, does the Prime Minister agree that banning UNRWA is a breach of international law? How much more evidence does he need before he calls out what is happening as genocide and acts in line with the UK's responsibilities as a signatory to the genocide convention?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I am very worried and concerned about the decision that has just been taken by the Parliament in relation to UNRWA. There is a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and that decision will only make it much worse, which is why I have expressed my concern about it already, before today, and will continue to do so. It needs to be reversed very quickly indeed. I have never described what is going on in Gaza as genocide, but I do agree that all sides should comply with international law.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Whether banning UNRWA constitutes genocide and the amount of evidence needed to label it as such

How: Never Described What Is Going On In Gaza As Genocide

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Q13 Melanie Ward Lab Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
NHS Scotland
Context

The Scottish Government Health Minister apologised for waiting times in Fife, where some patients wait more than two years for treatment. The SNP has been in power for 17 years and has not improved healthcare.

Question

Last month the Scottish Government Health Minister was forced to apologise for waiting times in my area of Fife, where some patients wait more than two years for treatment. My constituents deserve so much better than this. Does the Prime Minister agree that the Scottish National party must take responsibility for 17 years of failure and that, if today's Budget delivers a bigger block grant to Scotland, the SNP must sort out the mess it has made of Scotland's precious NHS?

Answer from Keir Starmer

This is the second time this has come up this afternoon in Prime Minister's questions, and I hope that SNP Members are listening good and hard. I am sorry to hear that my hon. Friend's constituents have been waiting so many years for the medical treatment that they need. We are committed to the NHS, and the Chancellor will have a lot more to say about that in just a moment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Responsibility of the SNP for 17 years of healthcare failures

How: Hope That Snp Members Are Listening Good And Hard

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Q14 Richard Tice Reform Boston and Skegness
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall KC, has said repeatedly that in incidents of terrorism it is important to put out more information sooner.

Question

The Government's own independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Jonathan Hall KC, has said repeatedly recently that it is important in incidents of terrorism that the authorities put out more information sooner in order to prevent an information gap. Does the Prime Minister agree?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Obviously I will tread carefully in answering this question, Mr Speaker, for the very reasons that you set out at the beginning of this session. It is very important, first and foremost, that in all cases, including the particularly difficult case that the Speaker mentioned earlier, the police and prosecutors are able to do their difficult job. All of us in this House have a choice to make, including both candidates to be the next Tory leader. They can either support the police in their difficult task or they can undermine the police in their difficult task. I know which side I am on.

Not addressed: Agreement with Jonathan Hall KC's statement about information dissemination during terrorist incidents

How: Tread Carefully, Support The Police In Their Difficult Task

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Q15 Rachel Blake Labour (Co-op)
Housing
Context

There is an unprecedented rise in rough sleeping after 14 years of the Tory Government. The Labour party has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end rough sleeping.

Question

Minutes from here, in the communities of Victoria, Pimlico, Paddington and Covent Garden, there is an unprecedented rise in the number of people sleeping rough after 14 years of the Tory Government. Will the Prime Minister update the House on the cross-departmental homelessness strategy, and does he agree that this Labour Government have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to end rough sleeping for good?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Homelessness levels are far too high in this country, and we are developing a long-term strategy, working with mayors and local leaders, to end homelessness once and for all. We are taking action to tackle the root causes, which is delivering the biggest increase in social and affordable house building in a generation, and we have picked up where the Conservatives failed by abolishing no-fault evictions, preventing many renters from ending up homeless.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific update on cross-departmental homelessness strategy

How: Developing A Long-Term Strategy

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Q16 Lincoln Jopp Con Spelthorne
Democracy & Elections
Context

The Labour party was sued by the Trump campaign. The national capitulation refers to the previous government's handling of the situation.

Question

First we had the embarrassment of the Labour party being sued by the Trump campaign. Then we had the national capitulation—

Answer from Keir Starmer

I was intending to say that the hon. Gentleman was an upgrade on his predecessor, who of course drove up mortgages by thousands of pounds, but I withdraw that now.

Not addressed: Embarrassment and national capitulation concerning Labour party actions

How: Driving Up Mortgages

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Q17 Ben Goldsborough Lab South Norfolk
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Prime Minister acknowledges the critical role of food security and needs to take action in supporting farmers.

Question

When the Prime Minister and the Chancellor discuss the importance of supporting working families, I think of the dedicated farmers in South Norfolk. The Prime Minister has consistently acknowledged the critical role of food security and the need for farmers to have certainty to plan. Can he confirm what action our Government will be taking to back British farming in constituencies like mine?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I welcome my hon. Friend to his place. Talking of predecessors, no one did more damage to rural constituencies than his nearby predecessor, whose disastrous mini-Budget crashed the economy and hurt his constituents. I note that she has been tweeting her approval of the shadow Chancellor's attacks on the independent Office for Budget Responsibility, showing that the Conservative party has learned absolutely nothing. More than 12,000 farmers have been forced out of business due to Tory neglect, but we will turn that around. My hon. Friend will hear more about that in the Budget in just a minute.

Not addressed: Specific actions for supporting British farming

How: Welcome My Hon. Friend To His Place, Talks Of Damage Done By Predecessors

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Q18 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
NHS Veterans
Context

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt hospital in Oswestry hosts the veterans' orthopaedic service, which is facing a funding shortfall due to NHS changes.

Question

The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt hospital in Oswestry, in my constituency, is home to the veterans' orthopaedic service, which is by far the largest provider of veterans' hospital care in the country. It is a fine example of what can be built when the national health service and local authorities work together. It cost no extra public money to set it up but, because of NHS changes in how integrated care boards charge each other, it has been left with a funding shortfall. Will the Prime Minister come to visit this fantastic facility in beautiful North Shropshire to see for himself why it is so important that we keep it going?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I thank the hon. Member for raising this issue. We are all grateful to our veterans for their service in protecting our country. I understand the value of the Veterans' Orthopaedic Service and the support it provides for veterans. We are committed to ensuring that veterans receive the employment, mental health and housing support they need. The upcoming Budget will set out the changes we will be making.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Visit to the veterans' orthopaedic service at Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt hospital

How: We Are Committed To Ensuring That Veterans Receive The Employment, Mental Health And Housing Support They Need

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Q19 Jim Dickson Lab Dartford
Economy Transport
Context

Jim Dickson expressed concern over the lack of infrastructure growth under previous governments and its impact on economic development.

Question

After 14 years of failure by the last Government to renew and grow the UK's infrastructure, does the Prime Minister agree that additional investment is needed to kick-start economic growth? Does he agree investing in a new lower Thames crossing for Dartford residents would boost the north Kent and UK economies by £40 billion?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Under this Government, Britain has secured £63 billion-worth of investment which will create tens of thousands of jobs. Our top priority is economic growth.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Investing in a new Thames crossing for Dartford residents and the potential economic boost

How: Under Review

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Q20 David Mundell Con Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The question concerns the tragic case of Greg Mackie, who died after his drink was spiked at college. The family is campaigning for better protection against such practices.

Question

My constituents Colin and Mandy Mackie's son, Greg, died after having his soft drink spiked shortly after he went to college. They welcome continued legislation on spiking. Can the Prime Minister assure them that Ministers will work with campaigners not only on bringing forward this legislation but also on raising awareness of its consequences?

Answer from Keir Starmer

The tragic case of Greg Mackie is raised, acknowledging the need to protect victims through better legislation and raising awareness.

Answered
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Q21 Alex Baker Lab Aldershot
Housing Local Government
Context

The question involves the demolition of a Farnborough leisure centre by the Conservative council, which failed to deliver on promises. The Labour party aims to secure funding for rebuilding.

Question

Our Farnborough leisure centre was demolished by the Conservative council with no viable plan for replacement. Will the Prime Minister help secure Rushmoor borough council's funding needs to rebuild the facility?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Rushmoor Borough Council faces a shortfall of £19 million over four years due to Conservative policies. We will work closely with councils on multi-year funding settlements and local development.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Securing specific funding for the Farnborough leisure centre reconstruction

How: Under Review

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Q22 Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford
Northern Ireland Veterans
Context

Concern over the repealing of the Northern Ireland Troubles Act which was intended to protect veterans from investigations.

Question

Prime Minister, as we approach remembrance time, will you throw Northern Ireland's war veterans to the wolves by repealing the 2023 Act designed to protect them?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I am not.

Not addressed: Providing a specific reason for or against the repeal of the Northern Ireland Troubles Act

How: Changing Subject

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