Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 14 May 2025 · 16 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 4 Partly answered 9 Not answered 1

Key points

  • Lorraine Beavers questioned the Prime Minister about the Environment Agency's inadequate resources and staff due to fourteen years of Conservative cuts.
  • Mrs Kemi Badenoch inquired about rising unemployment and criticized the impact of the Prime Minister's policies on job security.
  • The Prime Minister defended the trade agreement with the US, stating it has safeguarded thousands of British jobs in the motor manufacturing industry.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lorraine Beavers Lab Blackpool North and Fleetwood
Environment
Context

MP highlighted the Jameson Road landfill site in her constituency which has been producing toxic smells causing health issues for residents. She noted that the Environment Agency lacks sufficient staff to deal with such issues due to years of funding cuts.

Question

Fourteen years of Conservative cuts have stripped the Environment Agency of the resources and the staff it needs to properly deal with badly managed landfill sites blighting communities like mine. The Jameson Road landfill site in my constituency of Blackpool North and Fleetwood has been producing toxic stenches for more than a year now, causing nosebleeds, headaches, vomiting and breathing problems for my residents. Will the Prime Minister commit to ensuring that the Environment Agency has the staff and resources to police such badly managed sites across the country, so that it can act swiftly and effectively to protect communities like mine?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

I love the fact that when anyone says 14 years of a Conservative Government, Opposition Members all go, “Oh no.” That is how the country feels. Once again, a hard-working Labour MP is clearing up the mess that was left behind. My hon. Friend’s residents deserve far better, and we expect rapid improvements. We are closely monitoring air quality and will not hesitate to take further action. She is right that we must tackle rogue operators who blight our communities. That is why we have boosted Environment Agency funding by £188 million, alongside tough new rules on incinerators and commercial fly-tippers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The PM did not provide a direct commitment to ensure the Environment Agency has adequate staff and resources for policing badly managed sites. Instead, he highlighted that funding had been increased but did not address specific resource allocation or staffing levels needed for immediate action.

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Q2 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
Economy Employment
Context

MP highlighted that unemployment has increased by 10% since the election and questioned why the Prime Minister thinks this is happening.

Question

Yesterday we learned that unemployment is up 10% since the election. Why does the Prime Minister think unemployment is rising on his watch?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

May I pay tribute to Roy Stone as well, and the service that was given to us in various capacities? I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her words about the attacks on me and my family, and many others for their kind messages in the past few days. The Leader of the Opposition messaged me pretty well straightaway, which I really do appreciate. She is absolutely right that it was an attack on all of us, on democracy and on the values that we stand for. Nobody wants to see job losses, but the right hon. Lady must be the only person left in the country who thinks that the economy was booming after the last Government. We have created new jobs, record investment and trade deals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The PM did not provide a detailed explanation for why unemployment is rising under his government but rather highlighted positive economic measures and dismissed criticism of previous governments.

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Q3 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
Employment Business & Trade

Question

Let us talk about how things are getting worse now. In every month of this year, household names like Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda and Santander have cut staff numbers. The Office for National Statistics estimates that there are 100,000 fewer jobs than there were a year ago—and that was before the Prime Minister’s jobs tax, which will make things worse. Can he promise the House that by this time next year, unemployment will be lower than it is today?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

I think the right hon. Lady just said “tiny tariff deal”. Can I suggest that she gets the train to Solihull, which takes two hours, and tells the workforce at Jaguar Land Rover, and their families and communities, that she would rip up the deal that protects their jobs? When she has done that, she might travel across to Scunthorpe and tell the steelworkers there that she is going to rip up the deal that saves their jobs; then, if she has time, she could go up to Scotland and tell the people at the whisky distilleries that she would rip up the deal that is creating 1,200 jobs for them, boosting their exports; and then she can come back here next week and tell us what reaction she got.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The PM did not address the specific question about unemployment levels but instead defended trade deals that he claims support job creation.

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Q4 Rachel Taylor Lab North Warwickshire and Bedworth
Employment Business & Trade
Context

The UK Government's trade agreement with the US has safeguarded thousands of British jobs, including those in Jaguar Land Rover. Labour opposition criticises these deals.

Question

Thousands of British jobs have been safeguarded by this Government’s trade agreement with the US, including for those in my constituency who work for Jaguar Land Rover. Can the Prime Minister confirm that he will continue to stand up for all workers and our vital motor manufacturing industry as he negotiates a better deal for Britain around the world?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for her work with JLR and for standing up for the jobs in her constituency. The deal that we have agreed saves thousands of jobs in our car industry, securing the livelihoods of countless families. I will continue to stand up for these workers and industries as I negotiate better deals for Britain around the world.

Answered
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Q5 Lloyd Hatton Lab South Dorset
Environment
Context

Current water quality testing only occurs from mid-May to September, leaving a gap for pollution or sewage risks during other months.

Question

Found in my constituency, Durdle Door is one of the most iconic bathing sites in all the country. Currently, water quality at bathing sites is monitored only from mid-May to September. With that in mind, will the Prime Minister work with me and my hon. Friends to introduce all-year-round testing at popular bathing sites such as Durdle Door?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

Everyone enjoying our beautiful beaches, lakes and rivers is entitled to know that the water is clean and safe. That is why we are modernising outdated bathing water regulations, including more regular monitoring sites to reflect local demand.

Answered
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Q6 Jonathan Brash Lab Hartlepool
Local Government
Context

The question addresses the regressive nature of council tax in England, highlighting disparities between affluent and less affluent areas.

Question

Council tax is the most regressive and unfair tax in this country. It has become a tax on deprivation: the less affluent an area, the more you pay; the greater your need, the more you pay. A band D property in Westminster pays just £1,017 a year. In Hartlepool, it is £2,495 a year. For a band H property, the difference between the two areas is £3,000. It is hammering people in towns like Hartlepool. Does the Prime Minister agree that this unfairness cannot continue? Will he commit to addressing this inequality once and for all?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

I thank my hon. Friend; he has been a dedicated campaigner on this issue for a very long time. As he knows, 14 years of mismanagement by the Conservative party left councils on their knees, with a total failure to improve and update how councils are funded. Through £69 billion of funding this year and the upcoming multi-year settlement—the first in over a decade—we will give councils far greater certainty and stability. Our detailed funding review will create a fairer system to make sure that his constituents see strong, affordable local services.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment to addressing the regressive nature of council tax was made beyond mentioning a review.

How: Under Review

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Q7 Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills
Ukraine Housing
Context

The question addresses a bin strike that has lasted for ten weeks, causing significant disruption and impacting the reputation of the west midlands.

Question

While the Prime Minister prefers to take to the international stage, back here at home Labour’s Birmingham bin strike is now in its 10th week. Rubbish is still piled on the streets and recycling goes uncollected, and the reputation of the west midlands is being trashed. His Ministers continue to wash their hands of this and his mayor does not even want to talk about it. Will the Prime Minister come to the west midlands and sort this out, because at the moment it is only the squeaky blinders that are winning?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

Further evidence of the decline of the Tory party: they say that going to Ukraine at the weekend to try to secure peace for Ukraine, for the security and defence of Europe, is somehow the wrong priority. That conflict has already massively impacted people in this country through the cost of living crisis and energy. Ukraine, Europe and we deserve peace, and to live in peace.<br/>Dealing with the bin strikes is a priority. We continue to call on Unite to suspend the strike immediately and bring the disruption to an end. We are supporting the council to ramp up the cleaning operation. We are now collecting over 1,100 tonnes of waste every day and continue to offer our support so that the backlog does not reappear.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Redirecting focus from Birmingham bin strike to international affairs in Ukraine.

How: Redirection

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Q8 Sarah Smith Lab Hyndburn
Education Children & Families
Context

The question highlights the frustration of teachers regarding delays in issuing education, health and care plans for children with special educational needs.

Question

Last week, I visited Sacred Heart primary school in Hyndburn, where the excellent teachers expressed their frustration at the current special educational needs and disabilities system. One wonderful boy, despite being non-verbal and requiring personal support, has been waiting for over 18 months for an education, health and care plan. There is a risk that he will not get a place in a school for the year ahead that suits his needs. How will the Prime Minister ensure that the voices of parents and children are at the heart of the SEND reforms that the Government will bring forward?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

I thank my hon. Friend; she is a powerful champion on this issue. Our principle is that every young person with special educational needs should receive the right support to succeed. We have immediately announced an additional £1 billion for high-needs funding, including almost £20 million for schools in Lancashire. We will support special schools, and deliver truly inclusive places and expertise in mainstream schools to help every child thrive.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment was made regarding prioritizing parent and child voices in the reforms.

How: Redirection

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Q9 Nigel Farage Reform Reform
Migrants & Borders Community Security
Context

The question addresses the influx of undocumented migrants crossing the English Channel, raising concerns about national security.

Question

We at Reform, a party that is alive and kicking, very much enjoyed your speech on Monday. You seem to be learning a very great deal from us. But can I encourage you please to go further as a matter of national security? Over the weekend, an illegal immigrant from Iran, who we believe came by boat, was arrested in the north of England on serious charges of terrorism. Since the speech on Monday, 1,000 undocumented young males have crossed the English channel. Does the Prime Minister agree that now is the time to declare the situation in the English channel a national security emergency?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

The situation is serious. The last Government lost control of the borders. We are taking powers—[Interruption.] This is precisely to the hon. Gentleman’s point. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill is the first Bill to give counter-terrorism-like powers to law enforcement, precisely so that we can get in before the crimes are committed and before people get to this country. This is the most far-reaching provision ever for law enforcement to defend and secure our borders. That is why it is extraordinary that he, of all people, voted against it, and sooner or later he is going to have to explain that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment was made regarding declaring the situation a national security emergency.

How: Redirection

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Q10 Amanda Martin Lab Portsmouth North
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement Employment
Context

The question addresses the need for tougher sentences and action against tool theft, impacting small businesses.

Question

Since my election, I have championed and backed our country’s plumbers, builders, electricians and all our tradespeople, who are not just building Britain, but holding our communities together. That is why I have been campaigning for tougher sentencing and action on tool theft, and for the real cost of this crime to be recognised. I thank everyone in the sector who has backed the campaign, because together we have shown that the message is clear: after 14 years of Government neglect, it is time for action and change. Will the Prime Minister work with me and the Secretary of State for Justice to include my private Member’s Bill as we review sentencing and justice, so that the punishment finally fits the crime?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

I commend my hon. Friend for leading the campaign to highlight the devastating impact of these crimes. For hard-working small businesses, tool theft is not just a violation; it can mean thousands of pounds of potential work lost, with a huge impact on businesses and families. We are investing more than £1.2 billion extra in policing, with 13,000 new neighbourhood police officers to focus on the crimes that impact on communities the most. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for her work, and I know the Justice Secretary will look at the details carefully.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific commitment was made regarding working with Amanda Martin on her private Member’s Bill.

How: Redirection

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Q11 Andrew Snowden Con Fylde
Transport Climate Energy
Context

The question addresses the proposed cable corridor and substation for the Morgan and Morecambe offshore wind farm, highlighting a preferred alternative route that would bring local economic benefit.

Question

Whether or not people agree with the Prime Minister’s net zero targets, he must agree that he will not achieve those targets without taking people with him. The cable corridor and substation for the Morgan and Morecambe offshore wind farm is one of the most objected to national energy infrastructure projects in the country. What is angering me and thousands of others is that there is a perfect alternative cabling route further up the coast that would bring local economic benefit, would be more cost-effective as a whole lifecycle project and could connect to existing national grid infrastructure, but no one is listening. Will the Prime Minister now listen, pause the planning inquiry for the existing application and ask the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to consider and cost the alternative route to avoid untold devastation to our coastline and countryside?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

Further evidence of the decline of the Tory party: they say that going to Ukraine at the weekend to try to secure peace for Ukraine, for the security and defence of Europe, is somehow the wrong priority. That conflict has already massively impacted people in this country through the cost of living crisis and energy. Ukraine, Europe and we deserve peace, and to live in peace.<br/>Dealing with the bin strikes is a priority. We continue to call on Unite to suspend the strike immediately and bring the disruption to an end. We are supporting the council to ramp up the cleaning operation. We are now collecting over 1,100 tonnes of waste every day and continue to offer our support so that the backlog does not reappear.

Not answered

Not addressed: No direct response or commitment regarding alternative routes for cabling was provided.

How: Redirection

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Q12 Fred Thomas Lab Plymouth Moor View
Ukraine Defence
Context

The UK has provided £4.5 billion in support to Ukraine for modern warfare capabilities.

Question

With colleagues interested in defence technology, I am developing a proposal for a joint UK-Ukraine production hub on British soil, which would support Ukraine while modernising our own forces at warfighting scale and creating the jobs and know-how needed to rearm and stay secure. Will the Prime Minister use his good offices to support this proposal?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

My hon. and gallant Friend is right that our iron-clad support for Ukraine should go hand in hand with firing up our own defence industries, which means well-paid, secure jobs right across the country, including in Plymouth, and strengthening our national security. We reiterated our support for Ukraine in Kyiv last weekend, and I am proud that British industries are playing their part in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s illegal invasion. I will make sure that he meets the relevant Minister to discuss his proposal.

Answered
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Q13 John Lamont Con Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Climate Energy
Context

The Scottish Borders are facing large-scale renewable projects like solar farms and wind farms which locals feel will scar landscapes.

Question

People in the real world are disgusted by the Energy Secretary’s obsessive pursuit of net zero at any cost. The Scottish Borders are under attack, with solar farms the size of towns, massive wind farms and now mega-pylons scarring unspoilt landscapes. Nobody sensible supports his crazed, crank policies, which will put jobs at risk and rip up farmland. When will the Prime Minister step in and stop his Energy Secretary throwing taxpayers’ money at this nonsense?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

Only a few years ago, dealing with the climate challenge was a shared endeavour across this House. It is yet further evidence of how far the Conservatives have fallen that they cannot see the significance and importance of tackling one of the major challenges of our time. I think we should rise to that challenge, not be defeatist about it. It is further evidence, as far as I can see, that the Tory project is just finished.

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not directly address the specific request regarding intervention in the Energy Secretary's policies but criticized the opposition for opposing climate action.

How: Diverting To A Political Critique, Avoiding Direct Engagement

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Q14 Jake Richards Lab Rother Valley
Mental Health
Context

Each week, almost 100 men take their own lives in the UK, with suicide being the biggest killer of men under 50.

Question

Male suicide is a tragic epidemic in our country. Each week, almost 100 men take their own lives, and suicide is the biggest killer of men aged under 50. In my constituency, I am working with Andy’s Man Club in Maltby, the Learning Community in Dinnington and Better Today in Kiveton Park to try to raise awareness about the fantastic groups that offer support for men in the most difficult circumstances. Will the Prime Minister use this opportunity to support the campaign that we are undertaking in my constituency and also reassure those groups and my constituents that mental health services for men will be a priority for his Government?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this crucial issue. I know that Members across House will have their own personal and tragic experiences of suicide. We have launched a call for evidence on our men’s health strategy, which will improve men’s health in all parts of the country, including tackling devastatingly high suicide rates. We are also investing £26 million in new mental health crisis centres, funding talking therapies for 380,000 more people and recruiting 8,500 more mental health workers.

Answered
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Q15 Nesil Caliskan Lab Barking
Employment
Context

Families in Barking and Dagenham are concerned about paying bills due to being on zero-hours contracts.

Question

Every week, I meet families in Barking and Dagenham who tell me that they worry about paying their bills because they are on zero-hours contracts. My constituents want the chance to work hard in a secure job, earn a decent wage and have dignity in their workplace. As Labour’s plan for change delivers the biggest uplift in workers’ rights in a generation, does the Prime Minister agree that Reform MPs working and voting against our Employment Rights Bill show that they are no friend of workers in this country?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

As Labour’s plan for change delivers the biggest uplift in workers’ rights in a generation, does the Prime Minister agree that Reform MPs working and voting against our Employment Rights Bill show that they are no friend of workers in this country?

Not addressed: The Prime Minister did not directly respond to the question but restated it as a rhetorical statement.

How: Repeating The Question, Avoiding Direct Engagement

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Q16 Adam Dance Lib Dem Yeovil
NHS
Context

The maternity services in Yeovil are set to shut down following a Care Quality Commission inspection, moving patients to Musgrove Park Hospital which lacks capacity for an additional 1,300 births annually. The initial closure is six months but no guarantee exists for reopening.

Question

Maternity services in Yeovil are due to shut on Monday after a deeply flawed CQC inspection and move to Musgrove Park hospital in Taunton which does not have capacity for an extra 1,300 births annually. Although the closure is initially for six months, I have received no guarantee that the services will open again, creating huge fear. Will the Prime Minister or relevant Minister agree to meet me and colleagues from the south-west to stop this decision?

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

I am grateful to the hon. Member for raising this issue, which must be of concern. I am not across the details at this stage, but I will make sure that he gets a meeting with the relevant Minister to get to the bottom of the issue.

Partly answered
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