Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 13 November 2024 · 31 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 6 Partly answered 15 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Prime Minister announced an extra 25.6 billion for the NHS and social care in the Budget.
  • The Government has increased the minimum wage by 1,400 and invested heavily in schools and the NHS.
  • The Prime Minister stated that the Government's economic policies have led to a 22 billion black hole left by previous governments.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
NHS Taxation
Context

Several GP practices in Edinburgh West are concerned about the impact of recent changes to employer NI contributions, threatening their ability to maintain current service standards.

Question

In my constituency of Edinburgh West, several GP practices have contacted me with concerns that the changes to national insurance employer contributions will affect their ability to offer the same standard of health service. Can you explain how these practices are expected to cope without additional support from the Government?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We have put forward a Budget that includes an extra £25.6 billion for the NHS and social care, including an increase in carers' allowance and £600 million to address adult social care pressures. GP practices will receive the resources they need through funding arrangements.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify how GP practices are directly supported by the new budget for NI changes

How: Under Review

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Q2 Lloyd Hatton Lab South Dorset
NHS Education Employment
Context

Members have raised concerns about the Leader of the Opposition's stance on various issues, including investment for NHS and maternity pay.

Question

Members have expressed concern about a range of damaging policies pursued by the Leader of the Opposition. Can you clarify if she has attempted to justify these positions that could cause significant harm to communities such as mine in South Dorset?

Answer from Keir Starmer

This Government have increased the minimum wage by £1,400 and invested heavily in schools and NHS. We are clearly on the side of working people.

Not addressed: Did not address Labour's harmful positions as stated by the MP

How: Changing Subject

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Q3 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
Economy Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

The Prime Minister made commitments in Azerbaijan that may increase costs for residents.

Question

The Prime Minister has committed to actions abroad. How does he reconcile these with the rising living costs and economic strain back home?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We are restoring leadership on climate change, which will lead to lower bills, energy independence, and future jobs. I announced a large order for offshore wind blades in Hull.

Not addressed: Did not address the cost impact of foreign policy decisions

How: Changing Subject

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Q4 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
Taxation Local Government
Context

The Chancellor's Budget has created a funding gap for social care, with no separate provision.

Question

How much additional money do local authorities need to raise due to the Chancellor's Budget and increased employers' NI contributions?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I just said £600 million, which is part of a budget that does not raise taxes on working people.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the additional £2.4 billion required for council tax increases

How: Repeating

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Q5 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
NHS Social Care
Context

The Local Government Association warned that the Chancellor's Budget will increase costs for care providers without sufficient funding.

Question

How does the government plan to address the additional costs faced by care homes, GP surgeries, children's nurseries, and charities due to the Budget changes?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We have put forward a budget that takes difficult decisions, fixing a £22 billion black hole left by previous governments and investing in our future.

Not addressed: Did not address specific cost increases for social care providers

How: Changing Subject

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Q6 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
Local Government
Context

The Deputy Prime Minister is responsible for the Department that revealed councils will need an additional £2.4 billion in council tax.

Question

Did the Deputy Prime Minister inform you about the £2.4 billion black hole in council funding that was revealed by his Department?

Answer from Keir Starmer

The Opposition does not want any of the measures but wants all benefits; same old Tories.

Not addressed: Did not confirm if he was informed about the £2.4 billion shortfall

How: Criticising Opposition

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Q7 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The Labour party is accused of manipulating fiscal rules, leading to increased employer national insurance costs affecting small businesses.

Question

Labour has manipulated the fiscal rules leading to a 150% increase in employer national insurance for Kelly's after-school club business from £10,000 to £26,000. What is the Prime Minister's message to Kelly and her 500 families if her business fails?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We inherited a badly damaged economy with a £22 billion black hole. We stabilised it, unlike the Tories who delivered low growth and a disastrous mini-Budget.

Not addressed: Did not address Kelly's business situation or provide any specific support message

How: Change Of Subject, Criticising Opposition

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Q8 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
Economy Local Government
Context

The Government's ideological Budget is causing economic concerns, including potential four-day weeks for councils due to budget constraints.

Question

If the Government provides bailouts to fix their tax mess, does the Prime Minister think it appropriate to approve a four-day week for councils as a response?

Answer from Keir Starmer

The Government's economic policies under the Conservatives led to low growth, a stagnant economy, and a £22 billion black hole. The Leader of the Opposition does not want advice on running the economy.

Not addressed: Did not address appropriateness of four-day workweek for councils

How: Change Of Subject, Criticising Opposition

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Q9 Patrick Hurley Lab Southport
NHS Economy Local Government
Context

Towns like Southport have faced decline under the Conservative party for over a decade, prompting questions about necessary investment.

Question

Will the Budget provide much-needed investment for towns like Southport to properly support local authorities and public services?

Answer from Keir Starmer

The Budget provides £1.3 billion in new funding for local government, investment in safer streets, and future NHS improvements to support towns like Southport.

Answered
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Q10 Edward Davey Lib Dem Kingston and Surbiton
NHS Taxation
Context

GPs are worried about the impact of national insurance hikes on patient care, seeking assurances from the government.

Question

Will GPs and other health providers be exempted from the upcoming tax rise to ensure continued patient care quality?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We will ensure that GPs have the resources they need, with funding arrangements set out later this year. The NHS receives significant investment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny exemptions for GPs and other healthcare providers from tax rise

How: Vague Reassurances

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Q11 Edward Davey Lib Dem Kingston and Surbiton
Ukraine
Context

Concerns about potential US withdrawal of support for Ukraine, prompting questions on UK and European responses.

Question

Will the UK step up to fill any gaps if the US withdraws support from Ukraine? Will frozen Russian assets be seized to fund Ukrainian forces?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We are resolute in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Discussions continue on strengthening support for Ukraine.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm seizing of Russian assets for Ukrainian funding

How: Vague Reassurances

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Q12 David Baines Lab St Helens North
NHS Economy Children & Families
Context

Child poverty has increased under the previous Government, prompting questions about cross-party efforts to address it.

Question

Does the Prime Minister agree on addressing child poverty cross-party? Concerned about Conservative opposition to budget actions affecting families.

Answer from Keir Starmer

Under the Conservatives, child poverty increased by 700,000. The Budget invests in NHS and schools without raising taxes on working people.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm cross-party effort on tackling child poverty

How: Vague Reassurances

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Q13 Gavin Robinson DUP Belfast East
Immigration Foreign Affairs
Context

Catherine Flanagan, a constituent from Belfast East, fled domestic violence in Beirut with her three-year-old son David. The High Court has ordered the return of David to his mother but she is unable to get help from the UK embassy or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Question

My constituent Catherine Flanagan fled domestic violence in Beirut with her three-year-old son, who should be returned to her according to a court order. However, neither the UK embassy nor the FCO have provided assistance. Will the Prime Minister engage this issue and ask the Foreign Secretary to assist my constituent in reuniting with her son?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I thank the right hon. Member for raising this case, and for all he is doing on behalf of Catherine and David—I hope they get some comfort from knowing that they have an MP working so hard on their behalf. It is a complex and difficult situation, but of course I will make sure that the relevant meetings are set up with the relevant Ministers to ensure the right hon. Member gets the answers he needs on behalf of his constituents.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment or timeline was provided for helping reunite Catherine Flanagan and her son

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Q14 Jacob Collier Lab Burton and Uttoxeter
Taxation Business & Trade
Context

The Prime Minister is being asked to ensure that pubs and hospitality have a voice during the consultation on business rates reforms.

Question

My constituency is home of UK brewing with fantastic pubs. As this Government look to reform business rates, will he commit to ensuring that pubs and hospitality have a seat at the table?

Answer from Keir Starmer

The last time I went to my hon. Friend's constituency I got to see the fantastic South Derbyshire college. I look forward to testing his proposition that he has the best pubs in his constituency on some future occasion. Pubs and breweries are such an important part of our culture and communities, so Budget delivered £85 million per year tax cut for pubs reducing duty on a pint. We also delivered 40% relief on business rates for next year permanently lowering them the year after. We protect small businesses by more than doubling employer allowance to £10,500.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment was made to ensure pubs and hospitality have a seat at the table during consultations

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Q15 Neil Shastri-Hurst Con Solihull West and Shirley
Education Taxation Employment
Context

A pattern of school closures is reported across the country as a result of policy changes. This has led to staff being unemployed and parents seeking alternative education options.

Question

In my constituency, schools are closing due to VAT on school fees and increases in national insurance contributions under this Government's policies. Will the Prime Minister do the decent thing, abandon this policy and apologise?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I understand concerns of those saving to send children to private school for aspiration and opportunity. Every parent shares this aspiration regardless of school choice. Under last Government, we did not have enough teachers in basic subjects in state secondary schools; Tories tolerated that whereas I am proud to increase national minimum wage by over 16%.

Not addressed: No commitment or apology was given regarding the policy and its consequences on school closures, jobs, and families

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Q16 Catherine Fookes Lab Monmouthshire
Employment
Context

Three million people across the country benefit from Labour's budget measures on minimum and living wages. Members are asked to contrast this with opposition statements about these policies.

Question

Members should contrast comments by Opposition leaders that minimum wage hurts businesses against our record of raising it by over 16% and increasing income for low-paid workers. Does PM agree?

Answer from Keir Starmer

It was last Labour Government who introduced national minimum wage against opposition from Tory party. I am proud this Government increased it by over 16% which means increase of £2,500 a year for full-time workers aged 18 to 20.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No direct comparison was made between Labour and current government on minimum wage policy effectiveness

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Q17 Lincoln Jopp Con Spelthorne
Standards & Ethics
Context

Sue Gray, a supposed candidate for a PM special envoy role, declined the opportunity. This prompts questions about the real purpose of such roles in government.

Question

Now that Sue Gray has turned down an offer to be Prime Minister's special envoy, will he admit this was an invented job on taxpayers' money for cronies? If not, is a new one being hired?

Answer from Keir Starmer

It wasn't.

Not addressed: No explanation provided about the nature of special envoy role or future plans

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Q18 Antonia Bance Lab Tipton and Wednesbury
Children & Families
Context

Leader of Opposition's campaign chair suggested it was not right to expand childcare provisions. This contrasts with Labour's commitment to supporting working parents through affordable, accessible childcare.

Question

I represent hard-working mums and dads who need reliable childcare options. Given the Tories voted against making life easier for families via expanded childcare provision, will PM confirm that this Labour Government believes in supporting them?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Let me be clear: This Government are committed to making childcare more affordable and accessible. We will provide £1.8 billion for expanding access across childcare creating 3,000 new school-based nurseries and family hubs.

Answered
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Q19 Ayoub Khan Ind Birmingham Perry Barr
Foreign Affairs
Context

Over 45,000 Palestinians have been killed since October last year with intent from Israeli government and IDF. This prompted questions on UK's stance during UN presidency.

Question

Article 2 of Genocide Convention makes it clear that genocide is about intent not numbers. Intent has been explicit in words and actions over the past 400 days leading to more than 45,000 casualties. On Oct 28, FCO denied genocide was happening suggesting insufficient deaths for definition. Last week PM stated he never referred to atrocities as genocide. Will PM share his definition of genocide and state what further action will be taken?

Answer from Keir Starmer

It would be wise to start a question like that by reference to what happened in Oct last year. I am aware of definition of genocide, which is why I have never described this or referred to it as genocide.

Not addressed: No clear stance on whether events constitute genocide nor any further action outlined

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Q20 Katie White Lab Leeds North West
Women & Equalities
Context

Bethany Rae Fields was murdered by her ex-boyfriend despite multiple alarms raised to the police. Pauline, Bethany's mother, recently travelled to Parliament to bring this case forward.

Question

My constituent's daughter, Bethany Rae Fields, was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2019, despite raising multiple alarms of her abuse to the police. This week, Bethany's mother Pauline travelled down to Parliament to bring her case to the Minister. Does the Prime Minister agree with Pauline that more needs to be done to shift the culture towards believing victims and reacting fast when they sound the alarm of concern, as one way to reduce violence against women and girls?

Answer from Keir Starmer

What happened to Bethany is appalling, and my thoughts, as I am sure are those of the whole House, are with her family. We need a culture shift here, and we have committed to halving violence against women and girls in a decade. No Government have ever made that commitment before, and I hope that can be something that is shared across the House, because this is so important. It starts with that central question of belief and confidence: for every woman or young woman who comes forward, there are probably about nine who never had the confidence to come forward, and this starts with belief and the culture that we put in place. We are committed to that, and I invite the whole House to join us on that mission to halve violence against women and girls.

Answered
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Q21 Nigel Farage Reform Clacton
Foreign Affairs
Context

Donald Trump won a landslide victory in the U.S. presidential election.

Question

I am sure the Prime Minister and the whole House would wish to congratulate Donald Trump on his landslide victory last week—

Answer from Keir Starmer

I am glad to see the hon. Member making a rare appearance back here in Britain. He has spent so much time in America recently that I was half expecting to see him in the immigration statistics when we see the next batch—[Interruption.] He may have missed it, but I congratulated the incoming President last week, and we will work with him. The point the hon. Member makes about Iran is very serious, and we will work across the House and with our allies on it. Obviously on the question of proscription, we keep that under review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specifics about Iran or proscription policy were not provided

How: Under Review

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Q22 Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme
Crime & Law Enforcement Religion & Faith
Context

There has been a rise in Islamophobic hate crimes over the past decade, and recent riots have raised concerns.

Question

I welcome the Prime Minister's recognition of Islamophobia Awareness Month, and his commitment to supporting Muslim communities. The definition of Islamophobia from the all-party parliamentary group on British Muslims is one of the most widely accepted definitions, and I have been discussing its adoption with the Deputy Prime Minister, the Faith Minister, and the Leader of the House. Given recent riots and a doubling of Islamophobic hate crimes over the past decade, will the Prime Minister outline the steps that this Government will take to tackle the issue, and commit to ensuring a clear and effective definition of Islamophobia?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important issue. Whatever the hatred, there has been a rise in the past 12 or so months, and the whole House will join me in saying that we must meet any rise in hatred in whatever form it is, including Islamophobia. We are working with others to take that forward, and I am happy to meet him further on that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific steps or timeline for tackling Islamophobia were not provided

How: Working With Others

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Q23 Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

Pensioners in Brendan O'Hara's constituency are concerned about the removal of their winter fuel payments.

Question

I was in South Lochaber at the weekend, speaking to pensioners who still cannot understand why the Prime Minister chose to take away their winter fuel payment. One of them remembered from just two years ago the then Leader of the Opposition stating: “Looking ahead to winter is frightening. I've met pensioners who have no idea how they'll heat their homes.” She asked me to ask the Prime Minister, whatever happened to that guy?

Answer from Keir Starmer

As the hon. Member knows from previous answers, we have taken tough decisions in this Budget to deal with the situation that we faced. Because of that, we have stabilised the economy, which means that we can commit to the triple lock, and because of the triple lock, pensioners will be better off. I will take no lectures from his party about running the economy; the SNP's record in Scotland is terrible.

How: Snp'S Economic Record

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Q24 Juliet Campbell Lab Broxtowe
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Unprecedented flooding in Broxtowe has caused significant financial insecurity and distress for residents.

Question

I welcome the establishment of a flood resilience taskforce, because in my constituency of Broxtowe, unprecedented flooding has affected many of my constituents. There is rising concern and significant financial insecurity for many; they face distress, trauma and fear in their own home. What other measures is the Prime Minister taking to improve flood resilience? What support will be available to my constituents in Broxtowe?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I know the dreadful impact that flooding has had on my hon. Friend's constituency, including in Storm Henk earlier this year. The last Government left flood defences in the worst condition on record. We are investing £2.4 billion in flood resilience over the next two years, and we have launched a flood resilience taskforce to co-ordinate national and local flood preparation to better protect communities and our economy.

Answered
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Q25 James McMurdock Ind South Basildon and East Thurrock
Local Government
Context

Residents in South Basildon and East Thurrock are facing increased council taxes and reduced public services, due to £1 billion of emergency funding being borrowed at 1% above base rate.

Question

Residents of my constituency of South Basildon and East Thurrock face a triple whammy of council tax increased by 50%, reduced public services, and £1 billion of emergency funding that is being borrowed at 1% above base rate. That 1% is approximately £10 million a year going to the Treasury that could be spent on frontline services in Thurrock. Will the Prime Minister commit to reducing that rate, so that the money can go where it belongs?

Answer from Keir Starmer

The last Government made life even more difficult for councils needing exceptional financial support by charging a premium on borrowing. That was the wrong decision, and it had a huge impact on vital services. We will take a different approach. We are delivering a real-terms increase in core Government spending power, and that will benefit the hon. Member's constituents.

Partly answered

Not addressed: specific commitment to reducing borrowing premium or timeline for action was not provided

How: Taking A Different Approach

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Q26 Sojan Joseph Lab Ashford
NHS Mental Health
Context

There are over 2 million people on mental health waiting lists due to the last Tory Government's policies.

Question

The Leader of the Opposition took time at her party's conference to say that “a little bit of adversity” in life is good for people's mental health. That approach clearly did not work for the 2 million people stuck on mental health waiting lists because of the last Tory Government. Will the Prime Minister commit to tackling mental health waiting lists in the NHS?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We obviously recognise the devastating impact that mental health problems have on people's livelihoods. Lord Darzi's report showed that waiting lists are far too long, and that there was a shocking decline in mental health for children under the last Government. We are giving mental health the commitment it needs by recruiting 8,500 mental health workers—they are much-needed—and reforming the Mental Health Act; in my view, that is long overdue.

Answered
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Q27 Alex Brewer Lib Dem North East Hampshire
Environment
Context

Chalk streams are rare and unique, with two in North East Hampshire. Last year saw 14,000 hours of sewage discharges into these streams.

Question

I am concerned about the impact of sewage discharges on our unique chalk streams. Despite calls for action from my hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Sarah Green), the previous Government did nothing. Will the Prime Minister introduce special protection for our chalk stream rivers?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We are committed to protecting and restoring unique chalk streams. We have announced new powers, tougher penalties including fines and criminal charges against persistent law breakers. A water commission has also been launched.

Partly answered

How: We Are Committed

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Q28 Jo White Lab Bassetlaw
Immigration Migrants & Borders
Context

In the first six months of this year, small boat arrivals were up by 18% compared to the same period last year. The previous government spent £700 million on returns but only managed four volunteers.

Question

The Labour Government returned more than 9,000 people with no right to be in the UK, which is 20% more than the Conservatives did. Will the Prime Minister continue this trend and take action against criminal gangs that profit from people's misery?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Yes, we have returned 9,400 people with no right to be here. We are investing £75 million to smash criminal gangs and will not engage in gimmicks but rather a serious response.

Answered
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Q29 Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge
Education
Context

The Chancellor announced a £2.3 billion increase in core spending and £1 billion for SEN, but the Budget document states these figures are from the same pot.

Question

The Chancellor's speech announced a £2.3 billion increase in core spending and £1 billion for SEN, yet the Budget document says both are from the same pot. Which is correct?

Answer from Keir Starmer

The Chancellor made it clear in the Budget that we are putting huge investment into special educational needs to address issues left by the previous Government.

Partly answered

How: We Are Making This Clear

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Q30 Alistair Strathern Lab Hitchin
Education Children & Families
Context

Young people and families in the constituency contact his office frequently about poor SEN provision. The Budget announced additional funding for SEN.

Question

Young people and their families are being let down by poor SEN provision. Will the Prime Minister assure my constituents that we will not shy away from whole-system reform to ensure every young person has support?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We will look at needed reforms alongside investment and finally fix the problem inherited from the previous Government.

Partly answered

How: We Will Not Shy Away

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Q31 Alec Shelbrooke Con Wetherby and Easingwold
Parliamentary Procedure
Context

On November 29, the House will consider a significant piece of legislation. There are concerns about the short time available for debate.

Question

Will the Government commit to two days—16 hours—of protected Government time on Report for this Bill, so we can fully examine and debate it?

Answer from Keir Starmer

There is sufficient time allocated for debate. Every Member needs to decide how they will vote in a free vote.

Partly answered

How: Sufficient Time

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