PMQs

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

The substantive evidence was provided in 2023 by the previous Government. That is when the witness statement was submitted. I am going to disclose it; Members will all be able to read it. The substantive evidence was written, disclosed and submitted in 2023, under the previous Government. I note that the Leader of the Opposition did not indicate whether Ministers were involved in that at the time.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

Let me be clear: the only process I want to go through is in relation to some of the individuals in the statements to make sure that they know this is coming up. I can assure the House there is no substantive delay here. The right hon. Lady asks about minutes etc., but there are usual rules and processes for Government. The Opposition are asking me to disclose discussions had under previous Governments.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

The case did not proceed because the policy of the past Government did not meet the test that was necessary. Instead of taking responsibility for their failure to update law—the review into legislation was in 2015—Conservatives took eight years to change it. Had they done that more quickly, this case would have proceeded.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

We have delivered Ronan’s law to tackle sale of ninja swords; banned zombie knives and strengthened controls for online knife sales. Pay tribute to my hon. Friend's work in setting up city safety summits.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

No. We will continue to give support to Hongkongers who need it. The hon. Lady should be assured that the Jimmy Lai case is raised regularly by my Ministers.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

We look across the board at threats to our democracy. I will not comment on particular case given state of legal proceedings.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

I thank my hon. Friend for his question. I know just how important that school is to parents and children in his constituency, and share his determination to fix the broken SEND system. That is why we have boosted investment in SEND to £12 billion, to put new facilities and tailored support in place for children who have long been failed. We want decisions to be taken swiftly, and I will ask the schools Minister to update my hon. Friend about that particular school.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

On behalf of the House, I wish my hon. Friend the very best for his recovery. I know that this is a deeply personal campaign for him—a campaign that is also supported by our hon. Friend the Member for Isle of Wight West. May I send my deepest sympathies, and pay tribute to, Zoe’s family, who are with us today? Their bravery is staggering, and I share their determination to improve cancer survival rates. That is why we are investing billions to see earlier diagnosis and faster treatment of cancer, and are developing a national cancer plan. Of course, we will get a meeting set up, and if the family are available and it is convenient —I do not know whether it is—I will ask the Health Minister to meet them later today, or, if that is not convenient, at the earliest possible opportunity, so that they can have that discussion.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

My hon. Friend has been a strong advocate for his constituents on this issue. The Health Secretary has met the families affected by these failures twice, I think, this year to hear their stories, and I want to make it clear that what happened to their loved ones is unacceptable. The Health Secretary is currently considering the best way forward so that families get the answers that they deserve. It is right that they receive any update first, but I can assure my hon. Friend that we will provide that update as soon as we are able to do so.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

We published our small business strategy based on what small businesses told us. I will provide the hon. Lady with a copy of this strategy so she can distribute it to her constituents before their survey responses are collected.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

My hon. Friend is correct; we are rebuilding Britain's infrastructure with £1 billion allocated for repairing bridges, tunnels, and flyovers, and £92 billion for major road and rail upgrades. The Conservatives neglected this aspect of governance.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

We are recruiting 6,700 additional NHS mental health staff, building new dedicated mental health emergency departments, and increasing NHS spending on mental health by almost £700 million. We acknowledge the unacceptable situation faced by constituents.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

We can either give in to division or come together as a country. Attacks on our diverse nation are unacceptable, and we must uphold the values of tolerance and inclusivity.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

We have protected business rates bills from inflation, extended relief at 40%, introduced lower rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure, and are providing £3 billion for small business loans. We are also addressing late payments issues.

Answer from The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)

Labour is introducing an elections Bill to protect our democracy from foreign interference. However, parties whose leaders accept Russian bribes cannot be trusted due to serious questions about their integrity and knowledge.