PMQs

Question

At a recent coffee morning, residents in Southampton Itchen told me how much they still miss the Bitterne NHS walk-in centre, which was shut down a decade ago under the Conservatives. May I begin by welcoming this Government’s 10-year plan and its commitment to neighbourhood health services? Does the Prime Minister agree that, as we put this plan for change into action for my local residents, Bitterne is an excellent location for the first new neighbourhood health centre?

Question

In its manifesto last year, Labour promised not to increase income tax, national insurance and VAT. Does the Prime Minister still stand by his promises?

Question

Does the Prime Minister stand by his promises made at the Budget, particularly on lifting the freeze on income tax and national insurance thresholds?

Question

What does the issue of tax thresholds mean? It means that under Labour, millions of our poorest pensioners face being dragged into income tax for the first time ever. Does the Prime Minister think it is right that struggling pensioners should face a retirement tax?

Question

Before the election, the Prime Minister promised not a penny more on your council tax. The Institute for Fiscal Studies says that council tax bills will now rise at their fastest rate in 20 years. Will the Prime Minister admit that under him council tax is set to soar?

Question

Has the Prime Minister spoken to any farmers lately? He is in office for a year and congratulates himself on what a great job he has done but nobody believes it; taxes are up, unemployment is up, inflation is up. Is not this weak Prime Minister dragging us back to the 1970s?

Question

Will the Prime Minister back this exciting project—Eden Portland—and work with me and all relevant Ministers to secure funding through the growth mission fund?

Question

Will the Prime Minister look at the five tests for SEND reform that we have published today and work with us to make it happen?

Question

Will the Prime Minister update the House on the work of the covid corruption commissioner? Does he agree with constituents in Rugby, Bulkington and surrounding villages that there should be no place in public life for people who exploited the pandemic?

Question

Why has the government's programme failed to recognise the impact on organisations across Bristol South? Will the Prime Minister set out what difference that will make to family services in Exeter?

Question

Growing numbers of people are joining the call for a wealth tax on the super-rich, including former Labour leader Lord Kinnock. Will the Prime Minister stand by his promise that those with the broadest shoulders will carry the largest burden? Will he clarify that that means the ultra-wealthy, not disabled people, the poorest and children with special educational needs?

Question

I am proud that the Labour Government are banning fire and rehire. I am proud that we are addressing the abusive use of zero-hours contracts and improving protections at work, particularly against unfair dismissal. Reform and its Tory friends voted against Labour’s workplace protections. Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that it is only this Labour Government who will ensure that people have fairness at work?

Question

With permission, Mr Speaker, before I ask my question, may I tell the House that there are a number of veterans of Northern Ireland in the Public Gallery? Given what the Prime Minister said about 7/7, I would like to publicly thank them for their courage in defending our country and our democracy against the first scourge of terrorism. The Prime Minister knows that every time a paramilitary was killed in Northern Ireland by a British soldier, it triggered a thorough investigation. No bullet went unscrutinised. Our soldiers were held to the highest standards of law. The IRA were not; they tortured, shot men in the back, forced families to watch their menfolk being murdered, and killed women and children with bombs, yet we are willing to prosecute our own men, who were forced to make life-and-death decisions in split seconds. If the Government get the legacy legislation wrong, at least 50 innocent retired veterans will be exposed to legal persecution for crimes they did not commit. I have raised this matter six times since February. I ask again: on Monday, when we debate this matter in Westminster Hall, will the Government protect our veterans, or will they sacrifice them to politically motivated lawyers who are trying to rewrite history with a pack of lies?

Question

Last week, I published a report that revealed the terrible legacy that the Conservative party left the NHS locally. Kids in Basingstoke wait 210 days following a referral for access to mental health services. That is three times the national average. I welcome the publication of the 10-year plan last week. It was led by the Prime Minister, will be delivered by a Labour Health Secretary, and was made possible by a Labour Chancellor. What more can the Government do to close the gap in mental health services locally, and ensure that every kid in Basingstoke has access to the very best mental health services?

Question

I met headteachers and SEND co-ordinators in my constituency last week who all told me the same thing: the SEND system is broken, with adversarial processes, parents at breaking point, insufficient specialist school places, and a lengthy, often degrading education, health, and care plan process. The Government are exploring options but will they take on board the Liberal Democrats’ calls to introduce a national body for SEND?

Question

I am delighted at the spending review commitment of £445 million for Welsh rail. A new station at Magor and Undy will take cars off the congested M4, offer greener journeys, and open doors for local residents without a vehicle to get jobs. It is also great value for money due to existing track and infrastructure. Does the Prime Minister agree that Magor and Undy is an excellent candidate to be the first Burns station to be built?

Question

In the past few weeks, I have spoken to five people from my rural North Devon constituency who have been forced to remove their own teeth with pliers or amateur surgical kits because they are unable to find an NHS dentist. What would the Prime Minister say to those people, and when will the Government banish this dentistry crisis to the history books?

Question

Tax evasion, money laundering, illicit goods, and illegal working all undermine our high streets. In my constituency of Freeman Street, this challenges local business confidence and community cohesion. Will the Prime Minister commit to working with his Cabinet to bring in a national strategy to tackle these scourges and restore high street confidence?

Question

My constituent Mr Brian Buckle is a victim of miscarriage of justice. He was wrongly imprisoned for over five years before being exonerated at retrial. Despite finding him not guilty, his application for compensation was denied because he cannot prove his innocence under the 2014 change to the law. Will the Prime Minister consider meeting Mr Buckle to discuss his case and lend support to APPEAL’s campaign for fair compensation?

Question

I am delighted that in the past week, the Government have launched a review into parental leave and started to rebuild the legacy of Sure Start by launching our Best Start family hubs. Both of those will make a huge difference to my constituents in Ribble Valley. Can he commit to the parental leave review creating some truly ambitious outcomes, so that we can make the UK not only a world-leading place to live and do business, but the best place in the world to live a rewarding family life?