Commons Sense

House of Commons · PMQs

PMQs

Wednesday 17 June 2026 · 25 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 7 Partly answered 10 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Lauren Sullivan (Gravesham) asked about the importance of local town centres and the ferry campaign in Gravesend-Tilbury, to which the Prime Minister responded with support for the high streets strategy and investment in integrated transport.
  • Claire Coutinho (East Surrey) questioned the Labour Government's policy on oil and gas from Aberdeen, highlighting job losses, to which the response included figures on oil and gas production and investment in renewables.
  • Frank McNally (Coatbridge and Bellshill) requested a meeting to discuss a new national MND strategy, to which the response indicated support for improving care and investing in research, with the Minister for Care willing to meet.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Lauren Sullivan Lab Gravesham
Economy Transport Local Government
Context

Sullivan noted her campaign to restore the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry, which was cut by the Conservatives.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that our town and local centres are the lifeblood of our economy? Will he confirm that this Labour Government will do what it takes to unlock the potential of our local economies? One such example would be supporting the campaign to restore the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry.

Answer from David Lammy

I congratulate my hon. Friend on her campaign to restore the Gravesend-Tilbury ferry. We are determined to help town centres thrive through our high streets strategy, backed by more than £300 million of investment. The local council can use integrated transport funding for priorities including ferry services.

Answered
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Q2 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Employment Brexit Energy
Context

Coutinho highlighted that Labour banned new oil and gas licences in the North Sea.

Question

Why are the Labour Government happy for Britain to get its oil and gas from Russia or Qatar but not from Aberdeen? Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me how many jobs have been lost in Aberdeen since Labour came to power?

Answer from David Lammy

Over 700 jobs were lost in the last 10 years that the Tories were in power, and production fell 75% over the last 25 years. We have secured over £900 billion of investment to support more jobs by taking control with renewables.

Answered
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Q3 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Employment Energy
Context

Coutinho mentioned that one thousand people are losing their jobs every month in places like Aberdeen South due to Labour's policies.

Question

How many jobs have been lost in Aberdeen since Labour came to power? Can he tell the House how he would feel if the Government forced him to take a 50% pay cut?

Answer from David Lammy

Oil and gas are coming out of the North sea 24/7. In the first three months of this year, 52 million barrels of oil came out, and the equivalent of 44 million barrels of gas came out. We do want to create more jobs, which is why we will continue to invest in renewables.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not answer how he would feel about a pay cut

How: The Right Hon. Lady Used To Be An Investment Banker, And She Has Got Her Facts Wrong.

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Q4 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Defence Energy
Context

Coutinho noted that the Energy Secretary refused to meet the Prime Minister on a matter of national security.

Question

The Government say that those oil and gas workers can get new green jobs, but what they do not say is that those salaries pay half as much. Why has he not been sacked?

Answer from David Lammy

When the defence investment plan is published, it will set out how every Government Department is contributing to defence, including the Energy Department.

Not addressed: Did not address why the Energy Secretary has not been sacked

How: Stop Reading The Papers

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Q5 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Defence Energy
Context

Coutinho mentioned that the Energy Secretary refused to meet the Prime Minister on a matter of national security.

Question

Why has he not been sacked? The right hon. Lady asked again about pay cuts, which the Government should care about because if the Mayor of Manchester gets his way, I am pretty sure that half of the Front Bench will be getting a pay cut pretty soon.

Answer from David Lammy

When the defence investment plan is published, it will set out how every Government Department is contributing to defence, including the Energy Department. We will always put national security first.

Not addressed: Did not address why the Energy Secretary has not been sacked

How: Stop Reading The Papers

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Q6 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Defence
Context

The question arises from a perceived inconsistency in the government's priorities, with half of the Defence team quitting last week. It also references the government's refusal to claim £25 billion tax revenue from the North Sea.

Question

If everything is so hunky-dory, why did half the Defence team quit last week? The Government will not find the money to keep our country safe, so let us go through some of the things they can find money for. They can find millions of pounds to build solar farms in the Congo, and tens of millions of pounds for an experiment to dim the sun, but they are turning down £25 billion in tax revenue from the North sea to please their out-of-control Energy Secretary. Does the Deputy Prime Minister really think that any of that is more important than defending our country?

Answer from David Lammy

We have said that more spending on defence is our No. 1 priority in this spending review and the next spending review. The right hon. Lady wants to talk about resignations. Let us remind ourselves of the Tory Defence Secretary in the last Government—the right hon. Member for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge (Sir Gavin Williamson)—who was sacked for breaching national security; the Tory Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, who resigned over sexual harassment; and the Tory Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who admitted hollowing out the armed forces for 14 years.

Not addressed: The specific ask about prioritising other projects over defence was not addressed.

How: Changed Subject To Past Conservative Government Resignations

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Q7 Claire Coutinho Con East Surrey
Defence Economy Employment Energy
Context

The question reflects the perception of the current government as unstable, with a new Defence Secretary appointed and ongoing speculation about leadership changes.

Question

If everything is fine, why do we have a new Defence Secretary? [Interruption.] He was not here last week, was he? Let us face it: this is a Government on life support. What is their grand plan now? Let me get this straight: they want to make the job-destroying Energy Secretary Chancellor; they want to bring back the former Transport Secretary, who resigned for nicking phones; and they want to replace the Deputy Prime Minister with the former Deputy Prime Minister, who resigned for dodging taxes. Those are all pointless distractions. Here is a better idea: why do they not cut welfare, fund defence, make energy cheap and back the North sea?

Answer from David Lammy

It is very thin gruel. I am here, like the right hon. Lady, because I am standing in for the leader of my party. I am proud to serve the Prime Minister and proud of what the Labour Government are delivering: more rights for working people—the biggest upgrade to workers' rights in a generation—the biggest boost to defence spending since the cold war, and lifting more children out of poverty in a single term than any British Government in history.

Not addressed: The specific ask about current plans was not addressed.

How: Changed Subject To Labour'S Achievements

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Q8 Claire Hanna Social Democratic & Labour Party Social Democratic and Labour Party
Crime & Law Enforcement Northern Ireland Community Security
Context

Recent incidents of paramilitary activity have led to families being burned out, health workers intimidated, and businesses ordered to close based on ethnicity or political affiliation.

Question

I, too, wish to pay tribute to Jo Cox and her family, and to the commitment in her name that we tackle division and extremism. We saw extremism play out on the streets of Belfast last week—a pogrom where families were burned out based on the colour of their skin; health workers were stopped and asked for ID by masked thugs; and small businesses were ordered to close. Many minorities are still living in fear after a list of their addresses was circulated widely online. They deserve more than sympathy and warm words; they deserve to know that Governments are serious about confronting hatred online and offline. The UK Government and the Northern Ireland Executive spend millions each year on programmes intended to tackle paramilitarism, but, decades after the troubles, individuals linked to loyalist paramilitaries had a role in directing and fuelling the disorder last week, including menacing a senior journalist on tape. Will the UK Government commit to reviewing how the Northern Ireland Executive are gripping—or failing to grip—paramilitarism? Will they ensure that public money never reaches individuals or groups who fuel, orchestrate or benefit from intimidation and hate?

Answer from David Lammy

I join the hon. Lady in utterly condemning the violence. People are right to feel sickened by the sight of people being burned out of their homes because of the colour of their skin. That is racism, and those responsible will face the full force of the law. We must never go back to 1950s Britain, where my father arrived to signs saying, “No blacks, no dogs, no Irish.” We are focused on bringing people together, and that includes by providing a further £24 million to help to tackle paramilitarism and by acting to tackle those who incite hatred online; our social cohesion plan is about bringing our communities together. I am happy to work with all parties in that endeavour.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for a review of how the Northern Ireland Executive are tackling paramilitarism was not addressed.

How: Provided General Commitment But No Concrete Plan

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Q9 Daisy Cooper Lib Dem St Albans
Defence
Context

The question stems from concerns that the Treasury's refusal to consider new ways of funding defence is undermining national security. It suggests an alternative approach through defence bonds.

Question

May I associate myself and my party with the Deputy Prime Minister's tribute to Jo Cox? We extend our condolences to her friends and family, and to those of Roy Hattersley as well. I also join the Deputy Prime Minister in remembering the horrific tragedy of Grenfell, and that the families still await justice. I congratulate all those named in the King's birthday honours list, congratulate Scotland and wish good luck to England this evening. The right hon. Member for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough (John Healey) is respected across the House. When he says that he was forced to make decisions that could make the country less safe, we should all take heed. It is now becoming clear that the Treasury's refusal to consider new ways of funding defence is undermining our national security, so will the Deputy Prime Minister join with us to make the case in Government for new defence bonds, which could raise £20 billion over two years to defend our country?

Answer from David Lammy

We believe we should work with our allies to join up defence, procurement and funding. That is why we are exploring the most effective mechanisms for multilateral co-operation, which is of course a topic of discussion for the Prime Minister at the G7.

Not addressed: The specific ask about supporting new defence bonds was not addressed.

How: Changed Subject To Discussing Multilateral Cooperation

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Q10 Daisy Cooper Lib Dem St Albans
Brexit
Context

Five years have passed since the Prime Minister set out his red lines on Europe, but global circumstances have changed. The world now faces challenges such as Putin's war in Ukraine and rising costs of living.

Question

We are pleased to hear that the Government is looking at this issue but need them to act much quicker. Given the changes since then, does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that the red lines should be reconsidered or will it be left to a future government?

Answer from David Lammy

Our red lines remain but we are focused on negotiating deals that cut prices, offer youth experience schemes and reduce export regulations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request to reconsider the red lines was not addressed directly

How: We Are Focused On Other Aspects Of Negotiations

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Q11 Frank McNally Lab Coatbridge and Bellshill
NHS
Context

Mark Sommerville, a constituent with MND since 2023, fights for the disease's cure. He runs a foundation focusing on care improvement and research.

Question

I support Mark Sommerville and his foundation in pushing for a new national MND strategy emphasizing finding effective treatments, enhancing trial access, and accelerating drug discovery. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss further?

Answer from David Lammy

We are committed to improving care for people with motor neurone disease and investing in cutting-edge research, including a world-first clinical trial. The Minister for Care would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss further.

Answered
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Q12 Matt Vickers Con Stockton West
Economy Taxation Employment
Context

Since the Government's coming to power, over half a million businesses have closed, nearly a million young people are unemployed or in training programs, and graduate recruitment is at an all-time low.

Question

Can the Deputy Prime Minister tell me if these outcomes are due to business rate hikes, job tax, Employment Rights Act changes, or some combination of these factors?

Answer from David Lammy

We have the fastest growing economy in the G7, borrowing is down and we have just signed our fifth major trade deal. The Tory deputy chairman was on television laughing about a firebomb attack on the Prime Minister's home.

How: The Questioner Was Accused Of Inappropriate Behavior

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Q13 Sarah Owen Lab Luton North
Women & Equalities
Context

A Makerfield candidate for Reform made disgraceful comments about abortions, mums with prams in their pyjamas, and failed to apologize to Carol Vorderman.

Question

Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that Reform has a problem with women given they have embraced a politician endorsing sexist remarks?

Answer from David Lammy

The Prime Minister is putting tackling violence against women and girls at the heart of this Labour Government. By contrast, I am utterly appalled by what we have heard from the Reform candidate in Makerfield.

How: Reform'S Politics Were Attacked As Opposed To Answering About Women Issues

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Q14 Ayoub Khan Ind Birmingham Perry Barr
Employment Science & Technology
Context

There are approximately 400,000 private hire and black cab drivers in the UK facing unsafe working conditions, discrimination, and low pay.

Question

Why is the Government pushing an agenda that will drive tens of thousands out of work due to AI deployment by Uber? Will he arrange a meeting for discussion?

Answer from David Lammy

We have to get governance right and test safety measures. I do not think we can stand in the face of innovation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific concerns about driver employment were not addressed directly

How: Emphasis On Getting Governance Right

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Q15 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
Democracy & Elections
Context

Yesterday marked the 10th anniversary of Jo Cox's murder, a tragic event that deeply affected her family and community.

Question

I associate myself with the remarks of the Deputy Prime Minister. Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of the murder of our dear friend Jo Cox, who was not just an MP but also a sister, wife, daughter, and mother. Her mantra was 'more in common than that which divides us.' What should we do to ensure her beliefs and legacy are always remembered?

Answer from David Lammy

We all have a duty to live up to the values that Jo stood for. She was a trailblazing campaigner against loneliness and inspired the Great Get Together taking place this weekend, in which neighbours come together, differences set aside, and communities choose unity over division.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete actions or commitments to ensure Jo's legacy is remembered beyond general principles.

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Q16 Louie French Con Old Bexley and Sidcup
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

London's police force is facing a reduction in officers due to the Home Secretary's policies and Sadiq Khan's decision.

Question

I know that the Deputy Prime Minister has struggled with police visibility. London will be less safe because of the Government's police cuts and Sadiq Khan's decision last week to block a key contract, leading to 500 fewer frontline police officers. Does he agree with Sir Mark Rowley?

Answer from David Lammy

We on the Labour side remember the decisions by Boris Johnson to cut policing across the country. We have put neighbourhood policing back at the heart of our communities and are putting in extra policing across the country.

Not addressed: Did not address whether he agrees that London will be less safe but instead criticized previous government's cuts.

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Q17 John Whitby Lab Derbyshire Dales
Climate
Context

A film called 'People's Emergency Briefing' is being shown to educate communities about the climate emergency.

Question

The People's Emergency Briefing film educates us on the climate emergency. However, the Conservatives have given up on it. Will the Deputy Prime Minister assure me that this Labour Government will continue doing everything possible to combat man-made climate change?

Answer from David Lammy

I am proud of restoring the UK's position as a global leader on climate action, with ambitious targets to reduce emissions and seize opportunities in clean power. The net zero economy now supports 1.1m jobs and generates £105bn.

Answered
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Q18 Bradley Thomas Con Bromsgrove
Business & Trade
Context

New steel quotas and tariffs will come into force in two weeks, risking job losses and deindustrialisation.

Question

In two weeks, new steel quotas and 50% tariffs will be implemented. UKF Steel in my constituency faces closure by the end of the year if no action is taken. What steps are being taken to mitigate this economic disaster?

Answer from David Lammy

The hon. Gentleman raises a serious issue, but he might have forgotten that this House legislated for emergency measures to save steel across our country. Further action will be taken and discussed at the Prime Minister's G7 agenda.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify concrete actions or timeline beyond stating it is on the Prime Minister's agenda.

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Q19 Beccy Cooper Lab Worthing West
NHS Environment
Context

Over 30,000 deaths annually are attributed to poor air quality in the UK. Ella Kissi-Debrah's death highlighted this issue.

Question

In order to keep our NHS working well long-term, we must focus on prevention. Every year over 30,000 deaths are due to poor air quality; Ella Kissi-Debrah's tragic case being an example. Seventy years after the Clean Air Act 1956, will the Deputy Prime Minister support updating this essential law to protect our NHS and children's health?

Answer from David Lammy

Through our environmental improvement plan, we are taking action to cut pollutants by a third, reforming industrial permitting to reduce emissions. A Minister is willing to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly state support for updating the Clean Air Act but offered to discuss it in detail with the MP.

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Q20 Josh Babarinde Lib Dem Eastbourne
Housing Community Security
Context

Eastbourne pier is an iconic landmark facing concerns over its future due to liquidation and high maintenance costs.

Question

Eastbourne pier is an iconic part of our heritage, economy, and my personal identity. The residents are concerned after a company connected to the pier fell into liquidation, with maintenance costs being very high. Will the Deputy Prime Minister support my 'Protect Our Pier' campaign and meet me to discuss emergency measures?

Answer from David Lammy

The government has allocated £20 million of Pride in Place funding for Eastbourne regeneration. The hon. Gentleman is meeting the Under-Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to discuss his campaign.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address emergency measures or specific support for the 'Protect Our Pier' campaign

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Q21 Yuan Yang Lab Earley and Woodley
Energy Environment
Context

Investors in Thames Water are concerned about the company's restructuring which could impact consumers' bills and the environment.

Question

Thames Water's distant creditors control the company. Their current deal is being objected to by the Government, but there is uncertainty on whose interests will be prioritised in any restructuring: senior creditors or customers and environmental health. Whose side is the Deputy Prime Minister on?

Answer from David Lammy

The Government supports consumers, not paying for years of failure by the Conservatives. Labour blocked bonuses and introduced criminal sanctions for polluting water bosses; a new powerful regulator will hold companies accountable.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q22 Mark Pritchard Con The Wrekin
Asylum & Refugees
Context

A small rural settlement, Stoke Heath, is set to receive a significant influx of asylum seekers, raising concerns about the impact on the local community.

Question

Stoke Heath will see an increase of 121 asylum seekers within weeks, equivalent to a massive population surge. This level of dispersal into a small rural area seems unfair. Is the Deputy Prime Minister in agreement?

Answer from David Lammy

Reduction in net migration of 82% over 23 months; honesty about detaining people when necessary. Immigration Minister will look at the matter.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not explicitly state whether it is fair for small rural communities to experience such significant population increases

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Q23 Anna Gelderd Lab South East Cornwall
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

There are growing concerns about the harmful effects of online platforms on children and teenagers, including self-harm, suicide, and mental health issues.

Question

The Government's willingness to protect young people from harmful online content is welcome. Such material often manipulates speech rather than promoting free speech. Companies must be held accountable for harms caused. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree? What further actions will the Government take?

Answer from David Lammy

Agrees; decision to ban social media for under-16s; asked Ofcom to review its capability for enforcing this ban.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q24 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
NHS
Context

A constituent with a brain tumour received necessary treatment after approaching the Government, highlighting issues of inequity in cancer services across different regions.

Question

The issue of equitable cancer service across the United Kingdom has been highlighted by my constituent Archie Goodburn. How will the Government ensure that people receive the best possible treatment regardless of where they live?

Answer from David Lammy

New target to save 320,000 lives by ensuring that 75% of patients diagnosed from 2035 will be cancer-free or living well after five years. End postcode lottery on cancer; introduce a three-year neighbourhood early diagnosis fund and cover travel costs for treatment.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q25 Christopher Vince Con Labour/Co-operative
Education Children & Families
Context

The MP thanked the Harlow Town Park volunteers for repairing the zig-zag bridge. He highlighted the Government's new youth hubs initiative, which includes a site in Harlow.

Question

I thank the Deputy Prime Minister and others for their comments about Jo Cox; our thoughts are with her family today, as they are every day. May I also thank the Harlow Town Park volunteers, who I joined this morning in repairing the iconic zig-zag bridge in Harlow? Harlow will be the site of one of the Government's new youth hubs—another example of this Labour Government investing in our town. I believe passionately that Harlow's young people have so much potential. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree? Does he also agree that this funding will unlock that potential?

Answer from David Lammy

My hon. Friend is a former schoolteacher, and I know how much he cares about this matter. I am delighted that we have announced the locations of 180 new youth hubs, which include Harlow; it means that more young people across the country will benefit from skills and training opportunities. This week, we have shown that this Labour Government are working to transform the lives of our young people.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific potential of unlocking Harlow's youth potential was not directly addressed with commitments or details.

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