PMQs 2026-07-08

Question

Given that the Deputy Prime Minister clearly thinks the Prime Minister has always been match fit, how does he feel now that his own MPs have given the boss the red card and brought on a left winger to get them out of the relegation zone?

Question

Will the Deputy Prime Minister join me in welcoming Bev's pledge to extend free travel on public transport to all 11 to 18-year-olds, so all our young people in Greater Manchester can have the independence to travel to the work, education and leisure opportunities they deserve?

Question

Will the Deputy Prime Minister apologise to the victims of the rapists, sexual predators and paedophiles that he is planning to release early?

Question

That is the impact his policy is having on victims. He refuses to apologise, but why is he pursuing a policy that he must know is both wrong and dangerous?

Question

I am concerned about the Labour Government releasing 50,000 serious criminals including rapists and paedophiles over two years. I know it is wrong for them to release these dangerous individuals early. Will he at least make this guarantee: that not one rapist or paedophile will be released early later on this year?

Question

I think the Deputy Prime Minister will look back on this exchange and be shocked by how it is coming across: no apology to the victims; and no guarantee that paedophiles and rapists will not be released early. Will he apologise to the country for his abject failure to keep prisoners in prison, where they belong?

Question

Another thing that the country, and indeed this House, knows instinctively is wrong is his personal crusade to scrap trial by jury. We know that it will not clear the backlog, we know that it undermines fundamental British freedoms, and we know that the legal profession is united against it, so will he now admit that it is wrong, and will he commit to reverse his proposals to scrap trial by jury?

Question

Since Labour taking over, that number has dropped by over 2,000 officers. The Leader of the Opposition highlighted this Government's failure to defend us internationally. Today, I have highlighted the Deputy Prime Minister's failure to defend us domestically. If this Labour Government cannot protect the citizens of this country, either domestically or internationally, then what on earth is the point of them?

Question

The Family C report identifies serious failures by Glasgow city council and other bodies in dealing with child sexual abuse. A child victim was treated as 'streetwise' when they needed compassion, love, and safety instead of contempt. Does the government agree that robust, independent scrutiny is required?

Question

Will the Deputy Prime Minister join the Liberal Democrats in urging the Chancellor to delay Nigel Farage's resignation until all facts are known? If not, will he support a 'Clacton clause' for ongoing investigations post-resignation?

Question

Will the Deputy Prime Minister offer Beth a full apology on behalf of the Government? Will he bring back a full Hillsborough Bill covering security services before the summer recess?

Question

Will the Deputy Prime Minister support amendments to the Representation of the People Bill to force labelling of AI content, stop production of deepfakes of ourselves and colleagues, and protect against foreign interference?

Question

Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree with Andy Burnham that proportional representation is an idea whose time has come? Does he also agree that this time is now before the next general election?

Question

Two years on, my constituents enjoy greater rights at work due to wage increases. Thousands are better off, children lifted from poverty, and tens of millions in funding have been given to communities. Shipbuilding is secured through Norwegian naval deals. Billions invested in Faslane, new youth hubs set to open.

Question

Over the past week, rules and regulations have come understandably under sharp focus, but even more important than rules and regulations is the law. On that topic, I believe there are a number of things that everyone in the House can agree on and feel proud about: phrases such as “without fear or favour” and symbols such as Lady Justice wearing a blindfold. However well-meaning the National Police Chiefs' Council and the College of Policing may be with their programmes such as the race action plan, we have seen some very high-profile cases where faith in police has been shaken by what appears to be two-tier decision making. May Isb ask, in good faith, what the Deputy Prime Minister can do to reassure people that “without fear or favour” will always be maintained?

Question

I am deeply grateful for what the Prime Minister has helped us deliver in Cornwall in the past couple of years, whether that is free breakfast clubs, urgent capital funding for GP surgeries or the Kernow industrial growth fund. However, what has held us back at various points—besides the chuntering from the Opposition side—completely unnecessarily, I would argue, is something to which the answer is patently obvious to all in Cornwall: the question of who should be the masters of Cornwall's strategic destiny. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that the answer to this question must always be Cornwall? Will he make time for the Government to lay the statutory instrument required to make Cornwall once and for all a strategic authority, so that when my right hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) comes in, we can ensure good growth in every postcode and the reindustrialisation of Cornwall?

Question

My constituency is the ninth most sewage-polluted constituency in the entire country, with thousands of hours of sewage pouring into the Thames, Avon and Coln, but that metric of hours conceals the truth. It does not convey the actual volume, and clearly a trickle is very different from a gush. Will the Deputy Prime Minister arrange for me to meet the relevant Minister on requiring water companies to report on the volume and concentration of sewage discharges, as well as the number of hours?

Question

Stourbridge is famous for many things: the glass industry, Jude Bellingham—[ “Hear, hear!”]—Robert Plant and, most importantly, the Stourbridge shuttle, the UK's shortest railway line at just 0.8 miles, or 1.3 km for those who prefer metric. It links Stourbridge Junction with Stourbridge Town. Despite its small size, it achieves an impressive 99.6% reliability compared with the west midlands average of 64.4%. One of my highlights as an MP was unveiling a shuttle car named after local legend George, the Stourbridge station cat, whose global social media following made him a beloved fixture at the junction. Today marks the start of “Shuttle Shorts”, a short film festival celebrating the journey. The shuttle shows how community railway can improve local mobility. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that Pre Metro's ambition to introduce a VLR—very light rail—service between Stourbridge and Brierley Hill is a valuable opportunity for Great British Railways and that local businesses should be supported to do this?

Question

Constituents in western North Shropshire were delighted when road investment strategy 3 was announced, because a roundabout at the desperately dangerous Llynclys crossroads came a step closer as part of the national safety programme. However, with the announcement that the defence investment programme will be funded by cuts to transport programmes, will the Deputy Prime Minister reassure my constituents that the national safety programme will not be cut? Will he consider using the Liberal Democrat idea of defence bonds to fund the defence investment plan so that critical security projects such as those in transport are not put at risk?

Question

Ruth Ellis' case serves as a haunting reminder of the justice system's failure to address domestic abuse. Her family has campaigned for years for a posthumous pardon. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that their efforts should strengthen the Government's resolve to combat cycles of abuse?

Question

Discussions between the Treasury and Northern Ireland Departments proposed allowing retention of savings from reducing welfare fraud and error for direct investment in public services. Will the Deputy Prime Minister ensure the incoming PM looks at this approach again?

Question

The meeting with Basingstoke's Gurkha veterans highlighted the need to resolve the longstanding pension issues they face due to their service and sacrifice for Britain. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree it is time to address these concerns?

Question

Five of Coughlan's Bakery stores are closing down because of recent tax hikes. This family-owned business, which has survived a world war and multiple recessions, is failing under this Labour Government's policies. How many more businesses must go bankrupt before the government understands that higher taxes do not foster economic growth?

Question

Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary reflects the unity brought by cultural events post-WWII. Unfortunately, recent far-right marches divide communities again. The World Cup shows how sport and culture unite people. Does the Deputy PM agree it's time to invest in initiatives that foster social cohesion?