Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Record high water levels in the Rivers Severn and Trent have led to over 100 properties being flooded, causing significant distress.
Will the Prime Minister use his influence in the Budget and comprehensive spending review later this year to increase infrastructure spending on flood defences for at-risk communities as part of his determination to show global leadership in taking action on climate change adaptation and mitigation?
Indeed I can, and I thank my right hon. Friend. We have been ensuring that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is able to extend the Bellwin scheme where appropriate. Of course, we are also investing massively in flood defences—£2.6 billion has already gone in and, as he knows, we have pledged to commit another £4 billion to defend this country against flooding.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from criticism of the government's handling of recent floods and its perceived lack of action.
Mr Speaker, the Prime Minister was keen to pose for cameras during election times when there was a crisis, but he often goes AWOL: he was late responding to the London riots because he was on holiday; he was on a private island when the Iranian general was assassinated; and last week he had his head in the sand in a mansion in Kent. The hon. Member for Calder Valley said that it “is not good enough”. How can the country trust a part-time Prime Minister who, instead of supporting people suffering from floods, schmoozed Tory party donors at an expensive black-tie ball? This Government need to invest in defences and ensure real insurance for those affected by these floods.
Not only have we been investing massively in flood defences and compensating those who have suffered from flooding, but we have also stopped early release of terrorists; restored the nurses' bursary; begun work on 40 new hospitals; and recruited 20,000 more police officers. Our economy is strong with record employment, lowest unemployment since the '70s, rising wages, and increasing home ownership.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the resignation of a Prime Minister's advisor due to promoting eugenicist policies.
Graham, born with cerebral palsy and unable to perform basic tasks independently, brought joy to those who knew him. After an adviser resigned when it was discovered they promoted eugenicist views that could have ended the life of my brother Graham, will the Prime Minister explain why Andrew Sabisky remained in his Government until the issue was revealed?
Let us be absolutely clear that I certainly do not share those views, and nor are they the views of anybody in this Government. That individual no longer works for the Government.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The question addresses the establishment of an Office for Environmental Protection to monitor environmental commitments.
Does the Prime Minister agree that through the creation of the Office for Environmental Protection, which will oversee this Government's and future ones' adherence to their environmental pledges, it is the Conservatives who are driving the environmental agenda? Will he join me in praising the Conservative-led Solihull Borough Council for its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030?
It of course brings me great joy to congratulate Solihull Borough Council on its path-breaking leadership. The council is following in the footsteps of the national Government and my right hon Friend, who led the way in setting a target for carbon zero by 2050. This Conservative Government are going to leave our country and our environment in a better state for the next generation.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
The question discusses the insufficient amount of money received under Universal Credit for a constituent preparing to give birth.
I have a pregnant constituent with her due date in the next couple of weeks. She is currently on universal credit, and after deductions, including for an advance, she is left with £111 per month to feed herself, heat her home and prepare for her child. I will provide more details about this case if needed, but can the Prime Minister confirm whether he believes that £111 a month is enough for anyone to live on?
I am of course very happy indeed to look at that case and for us to do whatever we can to help with that individual case, but I must say to the hon Lady that, in the round, universal credit has helped and is helping 200000 people into work. An estimated 1 million disabled households will get around £100 more per month as a result of universal credit. I am proud to stand by our record of helping people into work and off welfare. As I said before, I am more than happy to look at the case—Mhairi Black: Answer the question.—The answer to her question, in a word, is no.
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Q6
Direct Answer
Like many other sub-postmasters, my constituent Chris Head has been affected by the Post Office Horizon IT system scandal. These errors have resulted in bankruptcies, imprisonment and even suicide. Will the Prime Minister today assure Chris and others that he will commit to launching an independent inquiry?
I am indeed aware of the scandal to which the hon Lady alludes and the disaster that has befallen many Post Office workers—I have met some of them myself. I am happy to commit to getting to the bottom of the matter in the way that she recommends.
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Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
John Downey received a letter from the government and his trial collapsed. Dennis Hutchings was also investigated but no further action taken.
Does the Prime Minister accept that if Dennis Hutchings goes to trial on 9 March, all assurances will amount to nothing more than empty platitudes?
It is to rectify matters such as the one to which my hon. Friend draws attention that this Government are finally bringing in a law to prevent vexatious prosecution of veterans when no new evidence has been produced.
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Q8
Direct Answer
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Context
Epsom and St Helier trust is set to lose services, potentially becoming a walk-in centre.
Will the Prime Minister reassure me that he will look at this issue of health inequalities between rich and poor areas?
In addition to the 40 new hospitals that we are building, as part of the £33.9 billion initial investment—the record investment—that we are making in the NHS, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust will receive £500 million to redevelop its estate and world-class facilities on that site.
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Q9
Direct Answer
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Concerns about the sell-out of fishing communities and control over UK waters from January next year.
Will the Prime Minister promise to resist in all circumstances the sell-out of our fishing communities?
I will indeed, and I hope that my right hon. Friend's words were listened to very carefully by members of the Scottish National party, because they would hand back control of our fishing to Brussels.
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Q10
Direct Answer
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Context
Families and businesses devastated after Storm Dennis. No funding announced by UK Government.
Will the Prime Minister provide major new funding that Wales needs to recover from the floods?
Of course it is a devolved matter, but none the less the Government are committed to working flat out with the Welsh Administration to ensure that everybody gets the flood relief that they need. Yes, of course, that cash certainly will be passported through.
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Q11
Direct Answer
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Context
£25 million investment via the Government's towns fund to secure a university campus near town centre.
Will the Prime Minister lend his support to this scheme to level up and generate greater opportunity for Dudley people?
I will certainly look at what I can do—be careful what you wish for! Is it to be there in person? Is that what he is asking for?
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Q12
Direct Answer
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Context
Growing religious intolerance, especially against Muslims and Christians.
Will the Prime Minister meet me to look more closely at religious freedom issues in India?
I would be more than happy to meet the hon. Gentleman to discuss protecting those of a Christian faith in India and around the world.
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Q13
Direct Answer
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Context
Severe flooding in Shrewsbury, proposals for a more holistic approach to managing the River Severn.
Will the Prime Minister ensure that the Department looks at serious proposals to manage the River Severn holistically?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise this. I will ensure that Defra, working with the Environment Agency, takes the necessary steps.
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Q14
Partial Answer
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Sir Michael Marmot's findings highlight the devastating impact of government cuts on health inequalities.
What does the Prime Minister intend to do as a matter of urgency to reduce stark health inequalities between north and south, rich and poor?
Answer not provided in the given context.
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Health inequality reduction measures
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Q15
Direct Answer
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The question relates to the government's stance on reducing health disparities across different regions of the UK.
Given your past work with Professor Marmot, can you elaborate on how this Government intends to continue addressing and mitigating health inequalities in England?
I have the highest respect for Professor Marmot, and during my time as Mayor of London we did a lot of work together. While there is no denying that more needs to be done, I can assure you that this Government remains committed to uniting and levelling up across our country through substantial investments in the NHS, education, and early years provision. We will not shy away from the campaign for levelling up that lies ahead.
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