Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 18 March 2026 · 24 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 13 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Prime Minister's Questions addressed concerns over hospice funding and frontline service cuts.
  • The cost of heating oil has significantly increased for rural residents, raising concerns about proper regulation and support.
  • The Prime Minister faced questions regarding the appointment process of Peter Mandelson and the handling of confidential documents.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills
NHS
Context

Nearly 60% of hospices are considering cutting frontline services due to financial pressures. In the west midlands, St Giles hospice has reduced beds and staff.

Question

I associate myself with the comments and condolences of the Prime Minister in relation to those affected by the meningitis outbreak. New data shows that nearly 60% of hospices are considering cutting frontline services. In the west midlands, St Giles hospice has already reduced beds and staff due to financial pressures. With services being cut, can the Prime Minister explain why hospices are being told to wait until autumn for the new framework, and will he commit today to proper long-term, sustainable funding to secure this vital lifeline for the future?

Answer from Keir Starmer

It is important that the funding and framework are put in place. We support the work of hospices and are doing everything we can to support them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitment to long-term, sustainable funding was not addressed.

How: We Support The Work Of Hospices And Are Doing Everything We Can To Support Them

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Q2 Marie Tidball Lab Penistone and Stocksbridge
Northern Ireland Energy
Context

The cost of heating oil has nearly tripled for a constituent in the past months, affecting disabled people, vulnerable individuals, and low-income households. Local farmers are also concerned about lack of regulation.

Question

My constituent Caroline from Grenoside told me that since December the cost of her heating oil has nearly tripled, from £257 to £700. Local farmers I met last week also raised their concerns that the oil industry has not been properly regulated, disadvantaging off-grid customers. While I welcome the Government's £53 million support package for rural communities, will the Prime Minister confirm how disabled people, vulnerable people and low-income households can access this support, and how he will improve regulation of oil to bring down the cost of energy bills?

Answer from Keir Starmer

My first instinct is always to protect people from the cost of living. The immediate action we have taken in relation to those who heat their homes with oil is the £53 million that we announced this week. That is particularly important for rural communities and for Northern Ireland. De-escalation in the middle east is the quickest way to reduce the cost of living.

Partly answered

Not addressed: How disabled people, vulnerable individuals, and low-income households can access support was not addressed.

How: De-Escalation In The Middle East

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Q3 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
Context

The Prime Minister was warned about the risk of appointing Peter Mandelson, who had stayed in Epstein's house after his conviction for child prostitution.

Question

I know the Prime Minister does not want to talk about the documents that he tried to bury last week. He is going to try to talk about anything else, but he is not going to get away with it. I asked him a question; he did not answer. We know that the Prime Minister was warned about the risk of appointing Peter Mandelson. This is not about the process. He knew that Mandelson stayed in Epstein's house after Epstein had been convicted for child prostitution—he knew that. So I will ask him again: did he speak to Peter Mandelson about that before the appointment? Yes or no?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I have already made clear that Peter Mandelson was asked questions and gave untruthful replies. The Government are complying with the Humble Address. The process has been set out. The independent adviser looked at it, and he said, 'the relevant process for a political appointee was followed'. Obviously, this is a question of my judgment, but what about the Leader of the Opposition's judgment? She wanted to rush into a war with Iran without thinking it through.

Not addressed: The specific question about speaking to Mandelson before appointment was not addressed.

How: Debate On Process, Discussion Of The Leader Of The Opposition'S Judgment

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Q4 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
Context

The Prime Minister was warned about appointing Peter Mandelson, who had stayed in Epstein's house after his conviction for child prostitution.

Question

I did not hear an answer, Mr Speaker. The Prime Minister is right: it is about his judgment. He has repeatedly told us that Peter Mandelson lied to him, but he will not tell us if he actually picked up the phone and spoke to Mandelson before appointing him. That does not make any sense. The Prime Minister told us on the record that he 'believed the lies' that Mandelson told him, but if he did not speak to him, how can he say that?

Answer from Keir Starmer

The process is clear, and it has been looked at by the independent adviser. The Leader of the Opposition asked me about the process and judgment on appointments, but she appointed the shadow Justice Secretary, the hon. Member for West Suffolk (Nick Timothy), who said last night that Muslims praying in public—including the Mayor of London, practising his faith—are not welcome.

Not addressed: The specific question about speaking to Mandelson before appointment was not addressed.

How: Discussion On Process, Focus On The Shadow Justice Secretary'S Comments

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Q5 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
Context

The Prime Minister was warned about appointing Peter Mandelson, who had stayed in Epstein's house after his conviction for child prostitution.

Question

I did not hear an answer, Mr Speaker. The Prime Minister is right: it is about his judgment. He has repeatedly told us that Peter Mandelson lied to him, but he will not tell us if he actually picked up the phone and spoke to Mandelson before appointing him. That does not make any sense. The Prime Minister told us on the record that he 'believed the lies' that Mandelson told him, but if he did not speak to him, how can he say that?

Answer from Keir Starmer

The Leader of the Opposition's position is that the shadow Justice Secretary is defending British values when he says Muslims praying together in Trafalgar Square are not welcome. Even Tommy Robinson—I can hardly believe that I am saying this—has said today that if the shadow Justice Secretary had made those hateful comments two years ago, the Conservative party would have kicked him out.

Not addressed: The specific question about speaking to Mandelson before appointment was not addressed.

How: Focus On The Shadow Justice Secretary'S Comments

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Q6 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
Justice & Courts Standards & Ethics
Context

The Prime Minister was warned about appointing Peter Mandelson, who had stayed in Epstein's house after his conviction for child prostitution.

Question

The Prime Minister wants to talk about Justice Secretaries. His Justice Secretary is abolishing jury trials; my shadow Justice Secretary is defending British values. I know who I would rather have sitting on the Front Bench next to me, and it is not the Justice Secretary. This is important: the Prime Minister wants to talk about anything except what I am asking him. Three times I have asked him whether he spoke to Peter Mandelson; three times, he has refused to answer. We can only assume that he did not speak to Peter Mandelson. From the documents published, we know that he left the questioning about Mandelson's relationship with a convicted paedophile to two of Mandelson's closest friends, one of whom was also friends with a convicted paedophile. Asking those questions should have been his job. Why did he fail to do his duty?

Answer from Keir Starmer

The Leader of the Opposition's position is that the shadow Justice Secretary is defending British values when he says Muslims praying together in Trafalgar Square are not welcome. Even Tommy Robinson—I can hardly believe that I am saying this—has said today that if the shadow Justice Secretary had made those hateful comments two years ago, the Conservative party would have kicked him out.

Not addressed: The specific question about questioning Mandelson was not addressed.

How: Focus On The Shadow Justice Secretary'S Comments

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Q7 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
Standards & Ethics Religion & Faith
Context

The Prime Minister's leadership is under scrutiny due to the Mandelson files and his handling of vetting procedures.

Question

There is still a lot to ask about the Mandelson files. The Prime Minister knew that Mandelson had kept up a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The documents released also show that he had been warned about appointing Mandelson. He claims he was lied to. Why did the Prime Minister believe Peter Mandelson over the vetting documents?

Answer from Keir Starmer

When I see religious events in Trafalgar Square—when I see Hindus celebrating Diwali, when I see Jews celebrating ChanukahLive!, when I see Christians performing the passion of Christ, or Muslims praying—that shows the great strength of our diverse city and country. The only conclusion is that the Tory party has a problem with Muslims.

Not addressed: The question about Mandelson files was not addressed; instead, the answerer spoke about religious events in Trafalgar Square.

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Q8 Kemi Badenoch Con North West Essex
Defence Democracy & Elections
Context

The Prime Minister is criticized for not taking responsibility for decisions and blaming others when things go wrong.

Question

He outsources the decisions and when things go wrong he blames the vetting, he blames the chief of staff, he blames the Cabinet Secretary—he blames anyone but himself. This Prime Minister appointed Peter Mandelson, but did not bother to ask the questions. Why should we believe a word he says about anything?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Three weeks ago she said we should rush into war. She did not do the work; she did not think through the consequences. Committing our military to a war without thinking through the consequences is the gravest mistake for a Leader of the Opposition.

Not addressed: The question about Prime Minister's responsibility was not addressed, and instead, the answerer criticized the opposition party's stance on military intervention.

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Q9 Claire Hanna Social Democratic & Labour Party Social Democratic and Labour Party
Ukraine Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK is facing pressure from the US to escalate military action, raising concerns about potential consequences.

Question

We have seen this play out before: a US rush to military escalation with no plan for what comes next. The Prime Minister has said that the UK will not be drawn into the wider war. Will he guarantee two things: that that position will hold in the face of mounting pressure from Trump and Netanyahu, and that this House will get a vote before the UK is involved in any further conflict?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We will protect our people in the region, we will take action to defend ourselves and our allies, and we will not be drawn into the wider war. The best way forward is a negotiated settlement, with Iran giving up any aspirations to develop a nuclear weapon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question about guaranteeing the stance and having a vote was partially addressed but did not provide specific guarantees or timelines.

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Q10 Edward Davey Lib Dem Kingston and Surbiton
Defence
Context

The UK is considering options for renewing its nuclear deterrent in the face of aging missiles.

Question

Britain's independent nuclear deterrent is critical for the defence of our nation and the whole of Europe, but the current Trident missiles will reach the end of their lives in the 2040s. Does the Prime Minister agree with Conservatives and Reform saying that we have to rely on President Trump and the US because we could not possibly do it ourselves?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Our independent nuclear deterrent protects us every day, and we should never forget how important it is. It is important that we renew it in the best interests of Britain.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question about relying on US versus self-reliance was not directly answered; instead, a general statement supporting independence was given.

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Q11 Edward Davey Lib Dem Kingston and Surbiton
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

GB News is accused of breaching impartiality rules, raising questions about regulatory effectiveness.

Question

A New World investigation into GB News has found hundreds of shocking breaches of the rules of impartiality and accuracy. We cannot let GB News propaganda turn our great country into its version of Trump's America. Either the Government rules are not fit for purpose or Ofcom is not properly enforcing them—which is it?

Answer from Keir Starmer

The right hon. Member is right to raise an important question of free speech and our media. It is a matter for Ofcom, and it is important that we let it deal with it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question about adequacy of regulations or enforcement was not fully addressed; instead, the issue was deferred to Ofcom without specifics.

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Q12 Uma Kumaran Lab Stratford and Bow
Women & Equalities
Context

The question arises from the discussion at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women regarding the promotion of misogynistic content on social media platforms. Such issues have spread to playgrounds, workplaces, relationships, and even politics, harming individuals.

Question

Violence against women and girls is a global emergency. It is a key concern that we discussed at last week's United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Social media platforms are promoting and profiting from vile online misogyny. It has made its way on to playgrounds, into workplaces and relationships, and even into our politics, harming women and girls and exploiting young men and boys. In the manosphere, everyone loses. What is this Government doing to tackle the harm being caused by hateful forces online?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We are committed to halving violence against women and girls wherever it takes place, whether that is online, offline or on our streets. That includes banning deepfakes and tackling non-consensual intimate images and abusive, vile content online.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details of the actions being taken to address online misogyny were not provided beyond a commitment statement.

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Q13 Jeremy Wright Con Kenilworth and Southam
NHS
Context

In January of the previous year, concerns were raised with the Prime Minister regarding inadequate and inaccessible compensation for those injured by covid vaccinations. The issue remains unresolved more than a year later.

Question

In January last year, I raised with the Prime Minister the issue of inadequate and inaccessible compensation for those injured by covid vaccinations. The Prime Minister undertook to look into it, along with the Health Secretary, but I am afraid that more than a year later no significant progress has been made. I know that the Prime Minister and the Government recognise the risk that this issue poses to public confidence in mass vaccination—all the more important given the Prime Minister's opening remarks in this session—and, indeed, the pain it has caused to those who have been injured or lost loved ones for doing only what their Government asked them to do. Will the Prime Minister please re-engage with this issue and ensure that his Government make swift progress in resolving it?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We are committed to looking at reforms to the vaccine damage payment scheme and engaging with those affected to ensure that it meets their needs. We expect the fourth module of the covid inquiry to report next month, which will look specifically at the issue he has raised.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline or concrete action was provided beyond a commitment to engage further and consider reforms.

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Q14 Dawn Butler Lab Brent East
Crime & Law Enforcement Business Compliance
Context

The Mayor of London and the Met commissioner have invested in technology to combat mobile phone theft, with some success. However, manufacturers do not implement a kill switch feature that could render stolen phones useless.

Question

At the international conference last week, it was clear that mobile phone theft is international organised crime. It drags in people as young as 14 years old. The Mayor of London and the Met commissioner have spent money on the latest tech to combat that crime, and it is working, but they need help. Manufacturers have the ability to deploy a kill switch to make stolen mobile phones worthless, but they do not do it—although Samsung takes it more seriously than Apple. If manufacturers do not do that, will the Government implement legislation to design out crime and keep our streets safe?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We are committed to working with the tech industry in order to reduce mobile phone theft. If we can reduce the value of stolen phones, it will help to break the business models that drive theft.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific legislative action or timeline was provided beyond a commitment to work with the industry.

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Q15 Martin Wrigley Lib Dem Newton Abbot
Science & Technology
Context

The Chancellor announced £2 billion of funding for UK sovereign artificial intelligence and quantum capabilities, with a focus on Government procurement to encourage UK companies. The questioner wants to ensure that key digital systems in health, defence and policing are made sovereign.

Question

Yesterday, the Chancellor announced £2 billion of funding for UK sovereign artificial intelligence and quantum capabilities. The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee was told that Government procurement will adapt to encourage UK companies to develop sovereign AI systems for Government use. In the light of those positive events, will the Prime Minister ensure that key digital systems in health, defence and policing are made sovereign and retendered to UK companies, not to politically motivated US companies such as Palantir?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We have put £5 billion behind British start-ups, and we will launch our sovereign AI unit with £500 million to help AI businesses start and grow. We are investing the £2 billion that he refers to in our quantum capabilities so that we can be the first country in the world to roll-out quantum computers at scale.

Answered
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Q16 Paul Davies Lab Colne Valley
NHS
Context

The NHS has reduced its waiting list numbers significantly. The partnership between Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and the Huddersfield University Health Innovation Centre is highlighted as a model for better patient care through innovation.

Question

NHS waiting list numbers are down by 374,000 thanks to this Government. Reform UK would take us back to the day when decent healthcare was only for people who could afford it. Innovation needs to be at the heart of our health service as we strive for better patient care. Does the Prime Minister agree that the partnership between Huddersfield Royal infirmary and the Huddersfield University health innovation centre is a great example of that? How do the Government intend to expand the brilliant health innovation centre model nationally?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We are investing in community health services such as local innovation centres, which are at the heart of our 10-year plan to improve patient care.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific timeline or concrete action was provided beyond a commitment to invest in community health services and innovation.

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Q17 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
Justice & Courts
Context

3,000 lawyers oppose the government's plans to reform jury trials. The Prime Minister faced criticism from his own Back Benchers for these reforms.

Question

Last week, some of my fellow Back Benchers criticised the Government's attack on jury trials as unworkable and unjust. My professional colleagues also disagree with this policy, which is expected to save less than anticipated according to the Institute for Government. Why does the Prime Minister persist with a plan that his peers oppose?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We are not abolishing jury trials, but rather adjusting them for 3% of cases currently going to jury trial. About 97% of cases do not go to jury trial. This policy adjustment aims to improve justice for victims waiting years for their cases to be heard.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about opposition was not directly addressed, focusing instead on the rationale behind the policy changes.

How: Under Review

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Q18 Steve Witherden Lab Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr
Employment
Context

The Employment Rights Act 2025 was passed by the Labour government, but Reform UK wants to repeal it.

Question

Reform Members want to repeal our Employment Rights Act. Does the Prime Minister stand behind these protections for workers and agree that only a Labour vote will preserve them?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I am proud of our Employment Rights Act and its protections for workers. The hon. Member for Clacton made a serious mistake about war support. His judgment is questionable.

Not addressed: The question on employment rights was not answered, instead focusing criticism on the Reform UK member's stance on the Ukraine conflict.

How: Attack

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Q19 Nigel Farage Reform Clacton
Taxation Energy
Context

Norway has opened numerous drill sites for oil and gas in the North Sea, while no such activity occurs on our side.

Question

With Norway opening 49 new drill sites and a potential two-day reserve of natural gas, should we not follow their example by reducing taxation on exploration companies to boost domestic production, employment, tax revenues, and energy prices?

Answer from Keir Starmer

Oil and gas will remain part of our energy mix for years. The hon. Member wants us to rush into war, making mistakes like supporting US strikes despite previously opposing it.

Not addressed: The question about taxation was ignored in favor of criticism over the member's stance on military involvement.

How: Attack

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Q20 Noah Law Lab St Austell and Newquay
Brexit Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Labour Rural Research Group aims to support British farmers by introducing honest labelling and levelling the playing field in trade.

Question

The majority of imported food from non-EU countries has lower welfare standards than ours, affecting our markets. Will you commit to meeting me and my group to discuss supporting British farmers' profitability?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I am happy to discuss this. We protect high welfare standards and are bringing down barriers for farmers through our food and drink deal, record £11.8 billion budget, farmer collaboration fund, and farming profitability review.

Answered
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Q21 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Transport
Context

Traffic chaos and underfunding of mitigation projects in Wendover due to HS2 construction. Landowners await compensation.

Question

The Prime Minister and I once opposed High Speed 2, but he changed his stance. With the upcoming reset, will he intervene personally for my constituents affected by this project?

Answer from Keir Starmer

I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this matter and acknowledge its impact on his constituents, ensuring their voices are heard during the reset process.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about personal intervention was not directly addressed; only acknowledged the issue's importance.

How: Under Review

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Q22 Oliver Ryan Labour (Co-op)
Transport
Context

More than half a million journeys were made from Burnley Manchester Road station last year, yet the station remains inaccessible despite previous promises for funding. The last Tory Government failed to shortlist the station for accessibility improvements.

Question

I am concerned about Burnley Manchester Road station being a key driver of growth and linking Burnley with important cities. With half a million journeys annually, its inaccessibility is problematic. Despite big promises from the previous government, no progress has been made. Will the Prime Minister support my campaign to make this station accessible and modern?

Answer from Keir Starmer

My hon Friend is a great champion on this issue. I will ensure he gets a meeting with the Rail Minister to discuss details. The previous Government took the decision not to shortlist Burnley Manchester Road station for accessibility improvements. We are giving Lancashire combined county authority £641 million to invest in priorities, including better accessibility.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about funding delivery was not directly addressed; only a meeting with the Rail Minister and local authority funds were mentioned.

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Q23 Andrew Snowden Con Fylde
Standards & Ethics
Context

The Leader of the Opposition asked about Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, but received unrelated responses regarding the war in Iran and criticisms of shadow Justice Secretary.

Question

Every week, the Prime Minister avoids answering questions directly. The Leader of the Opposition asked him twice about Lord Mandelson's relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. When he found out that Lord Mandelson had an ongoing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, did he speak to Lord Mandelson personally before appointing him as ambassador to the United States?

Answer from Keir Starmer

We have set out the process and put it before the House. The Opposition does not want to talk about the war because they supported going in without thinking through consequences, nor do they want to discuss the shadow Justice Secretary's comments on Muslims praying in Trafalgar Square.

Not addressed: The question was completely avoided; instead of addressing Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, he discussed war and a shadow Justice Secretary's statements.

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Q24 Matt Bishop Lab Forest of Dean
Women & Equalities
Context

The Travelodge CEO cancelled a meeting with Members of Parliament and the other place regarding serious concerns about guest safety and safeguarding.

Question

As mentioned, the chief executive officer of Travelodge refused again to attend a meeting with Members of this House and the other place. This refusal deepens distrust in the company's commitment to protecting women and vulnerable guests. Will the Prime Minister meet me and invite the CEO of Travelodge to discuss these serious issues?

Answer from Keir Starmer

My hon Friend has raised this issue multiple times. Our thoughts are with the victim. The CEO cancelled the meeting with MPs, which I would urge them to reconsider. This meeting needs to go ahead as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about a direct meeting between the Prime Minister and Travelodge CEO was not fully addressed; only an urging for reconsideration of the cancelled meeting was mentioned.

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