PMQs 2020-01-29

2020-01-29

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
In response to Holocaust Memorial Day, concerns about Britain's reputation and its handling of unaccompanied child refugees.
Monday was Holocaust Memorial Day. When the Prime Minister's Government rejected Lord Dubs' amendment on unaccompanied child refugees, Britain's beacon dimmed. Will the Prime Minister now devolve powers over immigration to Holyrood to allow Scotland to be a beacon of hope?
The hon. Lady does a disservice to this country's reputation and record, because not only have we taken 41,000 unaccompanied children since 2010, but the whole country can be very proud of everything that we continue to do to commemorate the holocaust and what took place then.
Assessment & feedback
Devolution of immigration powers to Holyrood
Discrediting Questioner'S Claim
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Context
Concerns over the safety of the Huawei deal for both UK constituents and international allies.
What plans does he have to convince the US Secretary of State that the Huawei deal is safe not only for our constituents but for our allies?
My hon. Friend raises a most important point that I know is of great concern to Members from all parties. I assure the House and, indeed, the country that it is absolutely vital that people in this country have access to the best technology available, but that we also do nothing to imperil our relationship with the United States, compromise our critical national security infrastructure, or imperil our extremely valuable co-operation with Five Eyes security partners.
Assessment & feedback
Specific plans for convincing US Secretary of State
Vague Commitment To Safety And Cooperation
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Jeremy Corbyn Ind
Islington North
Context
The UK leaving the EU and its role in tackling climate change, especially during COP26.
Britain's role in the world will face one of its most important tests later this year when COP26 meets in Glasgow to discuss drastic action against climate emergency. Given the crisis scale, does the Prime Minister think that we should be financing billions for oil and gas projects?
Let me first say, in memory of Nicholas Parsons, that we should all avoid hesitation, deviation or repetition. I do think it important that the UK continues to campaign against hydrocarbon emissions as we do. The right hon. Gentleman will have noticed that we have just decided to ban support for all extraction of coal around the world.
Assessment & feedback
Funding oil and gas projects
Focus On Banning Coal Support Instead
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Jeremy Corbyn Ind
Islington North
Context
BBC and Unearthed investigation reveals UK Government agency financing oil and gas projects, despite pledge to reach net zero by 2050.
The report from BBC and Unearthed revealed a Government agency financed oil and gas projects emitting millions of tonnes of carbon yearly. Despite pledging to reach net zero emissions by 2050, the UK is on track to meet that target only in 2099. Can we afford to wait another 79 years before reaching net zero?
This Government have doubled spending on tackling climate change internationally to £11.6 billion. I am not surprised by what the right hon. Gentleman has said because he is so pessimistic. We should not forget that this country has reduced CO2 emissions already by 42% on 1990 levels, while the economy under this Conservative Government has grown by 73%. That is our record; we can do both.
Assessment & feedback
Affordability of waiting until 2099 for net zero emissions
Focus On Economic Growth
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Jeremy Corbyn Ind
Islington North
Context
US Secretary of State visiting to discuss President Trump's Middle East peace proposal.
When the Government meet the US Secretary of State later, will they make it clear that they stand for a genuine, internationally backed peace plan rather than Trump's proposed one?
Let us be clear that this is a problem that has bedevilled the world and the middle east in particular for decades. No peace plan is perfect, but this has the merit of a two-state solution—it is a two-state solution. It would ensure that Jerusalem is both the capital of Israel and of the Palestinian people. Rather than being so characteristically negative, I urge the right hon. Gentleman to reach out to his friends and my friends—our friends—in the Palestinian Authority, and to Mahmoud Abbas, for whom I have the highest respect.
Assessment & feedback
Stance on Middle East peace plan
Shift Focus To Reaching Out To Palestinian Leaders
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Jeremy Corbyn Ind
Islington North
Context
The question arises from the ongoing conflict in Yemen and concerns about Saudi Arabia's role, including arms sales and human rights abuses.
I have met President Abbas many times and recognise the serious issue regarding President Trump's plan. The Prime Minister should acknowledge that it has no support from Palestinians anywhere. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity for Britain to say frankly and candidly to the US that, on this, it is wrong. There needs to be a two-state solution with international support. The Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen has led to needless deaths of innocent people, yet this Government have broken the ban on Saudi arms sales three times.
The Saudi-led operation in Yemen is supported by a UN mandate. The crisis in Yemen continues, but Martin Griffiths, the British UN negotiator, is doing a fantastic job trying to bring the sides together for a peaceful solution.
Assessment & feedback
Specifically did not confirm respecting his own ban on arms sales or asking US to stop selling arms to Saudi Arabia
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Jeremy Corbyn Ind
Islington North
Context
The question is prompted by concerns about human rights abuses in Yemen and Saudi Arabia, especially regarding women's rights activists.
Attempts are being made to bring about a peace process in Yemen but it is not helped when one country supplies arms to Saudi Arabia leading to the deaths of 100,000 people last year. According to Human Rights Watch, human rights abuses continue in Saudi Arabia. When heading to Riyadh for G20 later this year, will he make clear that any future trade arrangement with Saudi Arabia is dependent on an improvement of its human rights laws and record?
The right hon. Gentleman is a supporter of the Iranian regime which exacerbates tensions by sending missiles to attack civilians in Saudi Arabia. Of course we raise the matter of human rights in Saudi Arabia and will continue doing so as we pursue free trade deals around the world.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether future trade deals are dependent on human rights improvements
Changing Subject To Iran
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Jeremy Corbyn Ind
Islington North
Context
The context is Britain's changing place in the world post-Brexit, focusing on trade deals and human rights abuses.
I condemn human rights abuses globally. What is being done to ensure future trade deals are dependent on good human rights? Nine women are in Saudi prisons for standing up for equal rights; four received electric shock treatment during interrogation. Is this the kind of human rights we tolerate?
This Government lead the world in tackling abuses, sticking up for human rights, championing climate change struggle and promoting education globally. Labour would isolate Britain from crucial allies.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address future trade deals contingent on human rights improvements
Changing Subject To Labour'S Stance
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Context
The context is the Government's levelling-up agenda to invest in parts of the country lagging behind London, focusing on Hastings and Rye.
With our Prime Minister's vision, this Conservative Government have an incredible opportunity to deliver change by driving forward the levelling up of parts of the country that have lagged behind London. Will the Prime Minister confirm beautiful Hastings and Rye will not be overlooked in the process of levelling up?
I can confirm that the infrastructure revolution will penetrate all the way to Hastings and Rye. There will be an additional £100 million for the redevelopment of Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne District General Hospital, which will benefit my hon. Friend's constituents.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
The Scottish Government published their plans for a Scottish visa system which was rejected without consideration. The proposal includes model 3 on page 20.
Scotland is being dragged out of the European Union against our will. During the EU referendum, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster promised Scotland would decide immigration matters. Can the Prime Minister tell me on what points he disagrees with model 3 as outlined on page 20?
The idea of having a Scottish-only visa system is fanciful and deranged. There are no points of disagreement with model 3 outlined on page 20.
Assessment & feedback
Specific disagreements with model 3
Fanciful Deranged
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
Experts including the Scottish Trades Union Congress, Federation of Small Businesses, and Migration Advisory Committee have backed the Scottish Government's proposals.
Unlike the Prime Minister, experts support the Scottish Government's immigration proposals. Will the PM now read the proposal, listen to evidence, and deliver a tailored migration policy for Scotland?
We will have a points-based system. The way to boost population is not through taxation but by addressing issues like education in schools. The SNP has debated flying the EU flag instead of educational matters.
Assessment & feedback
Reading proposal and delivering tailored policies
Education Day Job
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
The Prime Minister is being congratulated on achieving Brexit, especially in his Conservative heartlands. The question focuses on celebrating the opportunity for new laws, borders, and money control.
Prime Minister, up in Yorkshire, we are having a big Brexit bash to celebrate leaving the EU. Does he agree this marks an opportunity to control our laws, borders, and money as a global trading nation?
I join my hon. Friend in her celebrations. I am sorry I cannot be there personally but wish everybody in Morley and Outwood a very enjoyable big Brexit bash.
Assessment & feedback
Opportunities for new lawmaking, border control, and economic independence
Personal
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Sarah Champion Lab
Rotherham
Context
Sexual exploitation continues post-18 and is a main driver of modern slavery and trafficking in the UK. The question asks if legislation can be introduced to make buying sexual consent illegal.
Sexual exploitation does not end when one turns 18; it drives modern slavery and trafficking. Will the PM bring in legislation to end demand by making it illegal to buy sexual consent?
I am happy to look at proposals for such measures if the hon. Lady wishes to bring them forward to the House.
Assessment & feedback
Specific legislation or timeline
Looking At
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Kevin Hollinrake Con
Thirsk and Malton
Context
The question discusses the need to increase rail capacity in and between various regions of the UK through projects like Northern Powerhouse Rail, Midlands Engine Rail, and HS2.
Do we need to increase railway capacity for the north, midlands, south, and Scotland? Can HS2 provide a solution to avoid decades-long disruption?
We are building Northern Powerhouse Rail and investing in the midlands rail hub. The House can expect an announcement on HS2 very shortly.
Assessment & feedback
Specifics about HS2
Looking Into
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Context
The Scottish food and drink sector employs 40,000 EU nationals with 46,000 roles to fill by 2030. The question focuses on the need for Scotland's power over its own immigration policies.
This PM has shown no respect for Scotland. Will he listen to Scotland's food and drink sector employing 40,000 EU nationals with 46,000 roles needing filling? When will this PM accept that Scotland must tailor its own immigration policy?
I have respect for the people of Scotland. I have less respect for the SNP government who are currently producing less growth than any other part of the UK.
Assessment & feedback
Tailored immigration policies
Less Respect Growth
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Context
The question highlights the importance of restoring biodiversity around the world, with reference to a palm oil plantation turning into a rainforest. The focus is on stepping up work through DFID.
I have seen how it's possible to turn a palm oil plantation back into a rainforest full of wildlife. Will the PM ensure we step up our work through DFID to restore biodiversity and tackle climate change?
My right hon. Friend raises an important point. We have a direct link between the Chinese COP summit on biodiversity and our COP26 summit on climate change.
Assessment & feedback
Specific efforts through DFID
Direct Link
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Context
UK-Africa investment summit announced £2 billion for oil and gas projects.
The Prime Minister talks of avoiding hypocrisy but does he agree that we should also avoid ploughing taxpayers' money into overseas fossil fuel projects? Will he join me in agreeing no UK money should go into fossil fuels from the end of 2021?
We have doubled spending on tackling climate change, to £11.6 billion. No further penny will go into digging coal and we will do everything to help reduce CO2 emissions.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to stop funding fossil fuels by the end of 2021
Doubled Spending No Penny For Coal
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Context
World Wetlands Day approaching.
What will the environment Bill do for wetlands and wildlife? Will he visit WWT Slimbridge to see the flamboyance of flamingos?
Environment plan places biodiversity frameworks on a statutory footing, but it is unsure if this includes flamingos.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details about what the Environment Bill does for wetlands and wildlife
Biodiversity Frameworks
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Karl Turner Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Context
P&O Ferries hiring Filipino seafarers for below-minimum wage in poor working conditions.
Will the Prime Minister meet a cross-party group of MPs to discuss seafarer fatigue issues, such as those seen in the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster?
Right hon. Friend the Transport Secretary will be happy to meet concerned parties.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to hold a meeting with MPs
Right Hon. Friend Concerned Parties
Response accuracy
Q20 Direct Answer
Context
Chapelford Medical Centre opened, improving GP access in Warrington.
Will the Government's intention be to recruit more doctors and train more nurses for increased appointments?
We are delivering 6,000 more GPs and also pledging to deliver 40 new hospitals and train 50,000 more nurses.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Gregory Campbell DUP
East Londonderry
Context
Pressing the Government to provide a pension for innocent victims.
What progress has been made on pensions for innocent victims of violence and will it ensure only innocent victims receive such a pension?
We have consistently maintained the principle that people must sustain injuries through no fault of their own.
Assessment & feedback
Specific update on progress towards providing pensions for innocent victims and assurance against perpetrators receiving pension
Consistently Maintained
Response accuracy
Q22 Direct Answer
Context
Telford Council has delayed the Future Fit programme over six years.
Will the Prime Minister intervene to help break deadlock on Future Fit programme, which is essential for patient safety?
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will personally intervene to ensure this is done.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Context
MAC proposes a reduction in salary thresholds from £30,000 to £25,600.
Does the Prime Minister agree that protecting Scotland's care sector is more important than reducing immigration?
We do not wish to deprive UK parts of needed labour, we have special provisions for Scotland and doubled the seasonal agricultural workers scheme.
Assessment & feedback
Specific agreement on protecting Scottish care sector versus reducing immigration
Special Provisions Doubled
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Andrew Bowie Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Context
Commitment to transition oil and gas industry towards net zero.
Will the Prime Minister deliver a long-awaited oil and gas sector deal, making Aberdeen an energy capital?
We can continue this country's reduction in hydrocarbon emissions while delivering on the deal.
Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to deliver a deal focused on energy transition
Reduction In Hydrocarbon
Response accuracy
Q25 Direct Answer
Context
Shortage of GPs reaching a critical point.
What is the Prime Minister going to do now to ensure patients can access GPs?
The number of GPs is already increasing, and we are recruiting 6,000 more.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Context
The announcement that the Nexus contract was given to a Swiss company instead of Hitachi Rail, which is based in Sedgefield constituency, has raised concerns about the socioeconomic impact on UK-based businesses.
Yesterday's announcement of the Nexus contract being placed with the Swiss company Stadler instead of with Hitachi Rail, which is based in my Sedgefield constituency, is in my opinion inappropriate and it takes no account of the socioeconomic benefit to us of UK-based business. I hope to see a positive decision on HS2 with its potential to reconnect the north with London, and would ask the Prime Minister to ensure that UK-based businesses such as Hitachi see their investment in the UK properly recognised in the procurement process.
My hon. Friend has personally raised the issue with me before, and I am sure that his constituents will congratulate him on sticking up for their interests in the way that he does. I can tell him that there will be a decision on HS2 very shortly, if he can just contain his impatience a little bit longer.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask about procurement recognition for UK-based businesses
Contain Your Impatience
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Context
The EU's annual report on the Erasmus+ programme shows Edinburgh University as the top UK institution for sending students. The number of incoming higher education staff from the EU is 4,970 across the UK.
Yesterday, the EU published the Erasmus+ programme annual report. It showed that Edinburgh University is the top UK institution for sending students on the scheme. The number of incoming higher education EU staff stood at 4,970 across the UK. The educational benefits are clearly endless. Will the Prime Minister now prioritise talks on the UK's continued participation, so we do not face any delay in joining the next cycle from 2021?
Nothing in withdrawal from the EU stops UK students being able to pursue their hopes, their dreams around the whole of the European Union, and we will ensure that that is the case.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific ask about prioritising talks for participation
Response accuracy
Q28 Direct Answer
Context
The second phase of the Grenfell inquiry has started, focusing on what happened during and after the tragedy.
This week sees the start of the second phase of the Grenfell inquiry. Does my right hon. Friend agree with me that our thoughts are with those affected, and that what we seek from the inquiry is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth as to what happened?
Yes. I think most people would agree that Sir Martin Moore-Bick was pretty unflinching in the first section of his report, and I have no doubt that he will be equally unsparing in the next.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q29 Direct Answer
Context
The questioner is inquiring about the status of the BBC under the Conservative government.
Prime Minister, is the BBC a mortal enemy of the Conservative party, or a cherished British institution that will be funded by the licence fee?
I can certainly say that it is a cherished British institution, and not a mortal enemy of the Conservative party.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q30 Partial Answer
Context
The Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is receiving £500 million from the government.
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is receiving £500 million thanks to this Conservative Government. Does the Prime Minister agree that that is excellent news for Carshalton and Wallington patients, and will he encourage my constituents to get involved with the consultation on where the new hospital should go?
I congratulate my hon. Friend on speaking up for Carshalton and Wallington, and on drawing attention to investment in the NHS. That investment is increasing under this Government, and we have now legislated for it, not just for this year, not just for next year, but for every year of this Parliament.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address encouragement of constituent involvement in consultations
Response accuracy
Q31 Partial Answer
Mohammad Yasin Lab
Bedford
Context
Grange Academy, a special school in Kempston, had its bid to the condition improvement fund turned down.
Last week I visited Grange Academy, a special school in Kempston. Its recent bid to the condition improvement fund, in order to make desperately needed school improvements, was turned down by the Government. Will the Prime Minister urgently review the funding formula for capital and revenue, so that schools for children with special educational needs and disability are not disadvantaged simply because they have fewer pupils?
The hon. Gentleman makes an important point. We are increasing funding for SEND schools by £780 million and ensuring that there are more of them, but I would be happy to look at the particular case he raises.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to urgent review or specific timeline
Increasing Funding For Send Schools
Response accuracy
Q32 Direct Answer
Context
Half of the adult population and 40% of children in Cornwall have not seen an NHS dentist in a year.
Half of the adult population in Cornwall, and 40% of children, have not seen an NHS dentist in the past year. Will my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, who is a friend of Penzance and Cornwall, meet me to see how we can resolve that inequality?
I am very happy to meet my hon. Friend any time.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q33 Partial Answer
Context
Celtic Connections festival's international strand has been scaled back by almost 20% due to visa issues.
Is the Prime Minister aware that the international strand of Glasgow's fantastic Celtic Connections festival has been scaled back by almost 20% this year, because of what the director, Donald Shaw, described as the “hassle and stress” of sourcing visas for overseas artists? What is the Prime Minister's message to artists who want to come here and share their talents, but who are put off by an over-complicated and extortionate application process that signals they are not welcome?
As the hon. Gentleman knows, this Government have already instituted new measures to ensure that people of talent, and who can contribute to this economy, can come without let or hindrance. I am surprised that the director of the festival he refers to is encountering any difficulties, but if he really has a problem, may I direct him to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary?
Assessment & feedback
Did not address message for artists directly
Surprised About Festival Director'S Issues Directing To Home Secretary
Response accuracy
Q34 Partial Answer
Kieran Mullan Con
Bexhill and Battle
Context
The questioner highlights the PM's ability to overcome delays, asking for similar success in getting HS2 completed.
Given the Prime Minister's proven track record in overcoming prevarication, procrastination, dither and delay, will he repeat that success, do as other hon. Friends have asked, and get High Speed 2 done, in order to secure jobs across the country, including in Crewe and Nantwich?
I reassure hon. Friends and Members across the Chamber, of whatever persuasion they may be regarding HS2, that there will be an announcement and decision very shortly.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific actions or timeline for HS2 progress
Very Shortly
Response accuracy
Q35 Partial Answer
Liz Saville-Roberts PC
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Context
The questioner expresses concerns that not everyone feels empowered by the decision to leave the EU.
I hope the Prime Minister has the humility to recognise that not everybody will be celebrating on Friday night. We have been promised that leaving the EU will bring power closer to the people and give us a greater say in our communities, but instead many people feel that they have so far been ignored and disempowered. Will he demonstrate his willingness to listen to all voices by meeting Plaid Cymru leader, Adam Price, and me, to discuss how Wales will win the tools to forge a better future?
I certainly share the right hon. Lady's general sentiment that it is time for the whole country to come together. I think from memory that Wales voted to leave the EU, and it is time that we regarded this as a beginning. This is curtain-up on a fantastic future for our country, and I respectfully suggest to the right hon. Lady, and others, that that is the frame of mind in which they should approach it.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to meeting or discussion
Response accuracy