PMQs 2020-03-18

2020-03-18

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Rob Butler Lab
Conservative
Context
The MP acknowledges constituents' concerns about the pandemic and expresses gratitude to healthcare workers.
Can my right hon. Friend assure the people of Aylesbury, and everybody in the country, that the Government will take whatever action is needed and spend whatever money is needed to save lives and protect livelihoods?
I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the staff at Stoke Mandeville and to all the staff in our fantastic NHS for the way they are coping at this extremely difficult time. We not only put another £5 billion into the NHS last week, as he heard from my right hon. Friend the Chancellor, but we will certainly do whatever it takes and provide whatever funding is necessary to help our NHS through this crisis and, indeed, to support the whole country with Government-guaranteed loans, as he will have heard yesterday.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Jeremy Corbyn Ind
Labour
Context
Corbyn raises concerns about the lack of testing for NHS and care sector workers, highlighting the uncertainty these employees face.
He asks why the Government is not prioritising testing all healthcare workers and expresses worry over recent guidance that restricts protective equipment use.
Johnson confirms the Government's priority on testing NHS staff and reveals an increase in daily tests from 5,000 to 25,000. He acknowledges the concern regarding PPE but assures ongoing efforts to ensure adequate supplies.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Direct Answer
Jeremy Corbyn Ind
Labour
Context
Corbyn expresses the need for bold and decisive actions from the Government to protect society's most vulnerable groups.
He questions the Prime Minister about providing support to those living on the margins of society, emphasizing the importance of balancing public health with social justice.
Johnson announces a £500 million fund for councils to help the poorest and most vulnerable, as well as immediate cash injections into businesses. He reiterates the importance of following scientific advice to combat the pandemic effectively.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4 Direct Answer
Brendan Clarke-Smith Lab
Conservative
Context
Clarke-Smith asks for an update on the £14.9 million investment to upgrade the A&E department at Bassetlaw Hospital.
He invites the Prime Minister and Secretary of State to visit the hospital when work is completed, expressing delight over their previous visits.
Johnson congratulates Clarke-Smith for his work at Bassetlaw Hospital, confirming £15 million already allocated to expand emergency care capacity. He expresses eagerness to see progress and support the hospital's ambitions.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Ian Blackford SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Context
Blackford praises cross-party cooperation in responding to the crisis but calls for a financial package for individuals similar to what was announced for businesses.
He suggests a temporary universal basic income, supported by six parties across the House, and asks if the Prime Minister will provide such security for everyone, especially freelancers, renters, and the self-employed.
Johnson acknowledges cross-party support for protecting all people during the crisis but does not explicitly commit to providing a temporary universal basic income.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to a universal basic income
Acknowledges Cross-Party Cooperation Without Committing
Response accuracy
Q6 Direct Answer
Ian Blackford SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
Context
UK facing economic crisis due to coronavirus.
Asked about the PM's willingness to meet supporters of emergency universal income to discuss protecting incomes. Stressed importance of not repeating past mistakes where ordinary people suffered while banks were bailed out during last financial crisis.
Acknowledged willingness to meet to discuss proposals. Emphasised importance of avoiding past mistakes, ensuring no one is penalized for doing the right thing during crisis.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7 Direct Answer
Damian Hinds Con
no constituency
Context
Concerns about burden on schools during crisis.
Welcomed postponement of routine Ofsted inspections and commended teachers for their efforts in supporting families. Asked if PM would join him in commending them.
Praised NHS, teachers and school staff for work during crisis. Confirmed postponement of Ofsted inspections to remove burden on schools and more decisions expected soon.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8 Direct Answer
Rosena Allin-Khan Lab
Tividale
Context
Concerns about PPE supply, testing availability, social distancing measures in care homes.
Asked where forward planning was for PPE and testing for NHS and care staff. Questioned why mass testing is delayed and called on PM to scale up response without delay.
Acknowledged work of NHS, confirmed stockpiles of PPE equipment, stressed importance of timely measures based on scientific advice to combat spread and save lives.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9 Direct Answer
Edward Timpson Con
Crewe and Nantwich
Context
NHS needs for ventilators in treating severely affected patients.
Asked PM to update on efforts to bring together manufacturers to supply the NHS with ventilators and other essential medical equipment.
Confirmed coalition of British manufacturers working to supply ventilators. Already have 8,000 and moving upwards rapidly, will keep House informed on developments.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy