Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Businesses face significant cash-flow losses due to the coronavirus pandemic, potentially impacting employees' financial stability.
Does the Prime Minister agree that a robust plan is needed to cover cash-flow losses for businesses affected by coronavirus? Will the Treasury consider delaying VAT and PAYE collection?
My hon. Friend is right; we are monitoring the situation and prepared to support individuals, businesses and the economy. Mitigations like HMRC's Time to Pay arrangements exist for firms struggling with payments.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The NHS is already under strain with bed-occupancy levels at 94% and hundreds of patients treated in corridors.
What additional funding will be given to an overstretched NHS to deal with the coronavirus crisis?
This Government have put record funding into the NHS and will give it all it needs for the crisis. We are prepared to ask people to self-isolate if necessary; statutory sick pay from day one will be implemented.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Police forces may become overstretched by the coronavirus, potentially extending emergency response times.
Are police forces likely to become so stretched that 999 response times will have to be extended? Are investigations into murders halted?
We are not at that stage; our police forces are well able to cope with pressures and have long-standing arrangements for eventualities.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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Many low-paid workers, including women in the care sector, are not eligible for statutory sick pay.
Does the Prime Minister's statement about statutory sick pay from day one cover all claimants, including those on universal credit and zero-hours contracts?
Some self-employed and those on zero-hours contracts are entitled to statutory sick pay or help through universal credit; we urgently look at the application process for self-isolation.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Allegations about the Home Secretary's conduct in three Government Departments have emerged, raising concerns about her treatment of staff.
Mr. Corbyn asks if PM was aware of recent allegations against the Home Secretary for repeated harassment and bullying across multiple departments, demanding an independent investigation to avoid a cover-up.
Johnson asserts that Home Secretary is doing well; investigations are happening through Cabinet Office. He criticizes Labour's handling of bullying, citing their failure to address antisemitism.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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Corbyn presses for clarity on PM's awareness of Home Secretary's alleged bullying, noting resignation of a permanent secretary due to her treatment.
Mr. Corbyn questions if Boris Johnson is aware of the resignation of a permanent secretary over the Home Secretary's conduct and demands he address workers' rights issues, claiming PM defends bullying in his Government.
Johnson counters with Labour's failure on handling bullying and highlights government achievements over 82 days, including Brexit progress and funding increases.
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Q7
Direct Answer
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UK's carbon emissions have decreased by a third over the past decade, reflecting environmental efforts.
Ms. Coutinho congratulates Boris Johnson on UK's significant reduction in carbon emissions and asks for details on future climate change strategies.
Johnson chairs first Cabinet Committee on Climate Change, noting commitment to net zero by 2050 and leading Europe in tackling climate issues.
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Q8
Direct Answer
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Up to 80% of the population are at risk from coronavirus infection; concerns over financial impact on workers and those reliant on benefits.
Mr. Blackford discusses the need for clear leadership during the coronavirus crisis, inquiring about financial support measures for all affected individuals and businesses.
Johnson thanks SNP for cooperation; confirms plans to protect economy and ensure no one is penalised for self-isolating or taking necessary precautions.
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Q9
Direct Answer
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Concerns about financial impacts on workers who may have to self-isolate or undergo sickness.
Mr. Blackford asks for specific guarantees that all workers will be protected from day one of sickness, at the real living wage level, with emergency legislation ensuring support.
Johnson advances eligibility for statutory sick pay from fourth day to first day; assures business support and no penalization for doing the right thing. He invites further discussion with Chancellor.
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Q10
Direct Answer
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Cornwall is identified to have significant lithium deposits, which could contribute to the UK's domestic supply of critical minerals.
Tomorrow is St Piran's day. Is the Prime Minister aware that significant deposits of lithium have been identified in Cornwall? Will he commit his Government to enabling Cornwall to make the most of this opportunity?
This country leads in battery technology. Cornwall has extensive lithium resources, which we mean to exploit. The Government is committed to exploiting this opportunity.
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Q11
Direct Answer
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A court ruling found that the Government's decision to proceed with Heathrow Airport expansion violated UK law by not considering the Paris Agreement.
Given a recent judgment against Heathrow expansion, will the PM provide details on how many other national policy statements have been reviewed for compliance with the Paris climate agreement?
We will abide by the judgment and consider the Paris convention on climate change. However, this should not hinder our infrastructure development across the country.
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Q12
Direct Answer
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The Government committed to recruit more police officers and enforce stricter sentences.
Will the PM reaffirm his government's commitment to invest in the police and impose harsher penalties on offenders, unlike a Labour PCC who is closing down a local police station?
My Home Secretary aims to recruit 20,000 more officers and enhance stop-and-search powers. We also plan to build new prisons and keep violent offenders incarcerated longer.
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Q13
Direct Answer
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Karbon Homes' research shows that the universal credit delay causes rent arrears and destitution among tenants, especially those on benefits.
Given the low conviction rate and high reoffending rates for sexual offences, will the PM commit to reviewing sentencing policies to ensure sex offenders serve full sentences?
I agree with the hon. Lady that we need to address sentencing for sexual offences, as indicated by my earlier response.
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Q14
Direct Answer
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The Government aims to 'level up' communities through investment.
Will the PM ensure that Blyth Valley benefits from government initiatives aimed at leveling up across the country?
We are supporting rail projects and investing £500 million in connecting towns. The west midlands will receive a £46 million investment for urgent care hubs.
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Q15
Direct Answer
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Karbon Homes research indicates that the universal credit delay results in significant rent arrears and destitution among tenants.
Given the research by Karbon Homes, will the PM address the issues of Universal Credit delays causing rent arrears and destitution?
I am happy to review the case. Universal credit is available from day one, and work remains the best route out of poverty with record employment figures.
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Q16
Direct Answer
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The PM visited the hospital secretly at night to listen to staff and patients.
What did you learn from your secret nighttime listening visit to Kettering General Hospital?
I learned about the wonderful NHS staff. Kettering General Hospital will receive £3.7 million for redevelopment and £46 million for urgent care hub.
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Q17
Direct Answer
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An investigation into the Home Secretary's alleged breach of ministerial code is underway.
If the Cabinet Office finds that the Home Secretary breached the ministerial code, will she be expected to resign or be removed from office?
I return to my earlier statement: The Home Secretary is doing an outstanding job and delivering change. I am sticking by her.
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Q18
Direct Answer
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Clarke raised concerns about the future of A&E services in his constituency.
Having knocked on doors across Stafford, Clarke noted that the A&E at County Hospital is a vital local service. Does the Prime Minister agree with him that A&E units like County are essential for the NHS's future delivery of care?
My right hon. Friend the Health Secretary has just told me that my hon. Friend's A&E is certainly staying open, and I thank her for highlighting its importance.
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Q19
Direct Answer
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Debbonaire criticized the government for promoting individuals involved in alleged bullying incidents while penalizing those who stood against it.
Resignation of an experienced civil servant, sacking of a Government aide—with this Government it seems that allegations of bullying or just being incompetent gets you promoted, whereas standing up to it, you lose your job. What does this say about this Prime Minister?
I loathe bullying, but I am not taking lessons from a party that has presided over systematic bullying and discrimination against those who stick up for the Jewish community and Israel. We still have yet to hear an apology from Labour.
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Q20
Direct Answer
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Ghani raised concerns about the Taliban resuming attacks in Afghanistan, undermining a fragile peace deal that could release prisoners and fund extremism.
The Taliban have resumed their attacks in Afghanistan, and today the US has undertaken defensive airstrikes. Does my right hon. Friend share my concern that no peace deal can bypass the Afghan Government? Will he give me his assurances that we will stand shoulder to shoulder with Afghan women?
We of course stand shoulder to shoulder with the Government of Ashraf Ghani. My hon. Friend is right that millions of women were helped into education thanks to interventions by this country, and we can be proud of what we did.
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Q21
Direct Answer
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Monaghan expressed concern about MPs potentially becoming vectors for coronavirus spread while attending Parliament.
Parliament must stay open, but what plans does the Prime Minister have to utilise systems such as conference calls and electronic voting to ensure that we do not become part of the problem? Every week 650 MPs come here from every part of the UK, spend several days operating in close proximity and meeting people from all over the world.
We are still at the containment stage. The chief medical officer and the chief scientific adviser will say more in the next couple of days about what we are going to do to delay the advance of coronavirus—in Parliament and other large gatherings.
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Q22
Direct Answer
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Cairns raised the case of Tom Channon, who died at the Eden Roc complex in July 2018 due to preventable circumstances.
My consituent Tom Channon was just 18 years old when he tragically died at the Eden Roc complex in Majorca. This incident was totally preventable and avoidable. Nothing had been done to make the site safe. Will my right hon. Friend use all his influence to press the Spanish authorities to pursue a criminal prosecution?
I thank my right hon. Friend very much for raising this appalling case and expressing our deepest sympathies to Tom's family and friends. To seek justice for Tom, I am happy to ask the Foreign Office to begin talks first with my right hon. Friend and then their Spanish counterparts.
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Q23
Direct Answer
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Owatemi raised the issue of rising violent crime in her constituency, particularly stabbings.
Violent crime in Coventry is rising, yet I only have 10 police officers in my constituency. As the Prime Minister makes such a big deal about his 20,000 new police officers, can he tell my constituents whether we are going to get our fair share?
The hon. Lady is right to raise stabbings and violent crime, which must come down. We are increasing the number of police officers in this country, and in the west midlands that number is going up by 366 immediately.
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Q24
Direct Answer
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Maynard noted that demand for air travel has decreased due to coronavirus, leading to perverse incentives under slot allocation rules.
Due to coronavirus, demand for air travel has decreased around the world. Is he aware that there are perverse incentives for airlines to fly half-empty planes around the globe so as not to lose lucrative slots? Will he seek a derogation for UK airlines from these international rules?
My hon. Friend raises a brilliant point, which has not been drawn to my attention so far. I will look at it and see what we can do about planes flying simply to retain slots they are entitled to.
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Q25
Partial Answer
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Kendall highlighted the crisis in social care, noting a need for an extra 580,000 staff to meet demand.
The Prime Minister promised on the steps of Downing Street to fix the crisis in social care. We need an extra 580,000 care workers, not just to fill vacancies but also to grow demand. Where are we going to find all these extra staff when EU workers will be excluded under the new immigration system?
Lindsay Hoyle: Order. I make the decisions; please, we want shorter questions.
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Discussion was cut short by the Speaker's interruption.
Shortened Question
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Q26
Direct Answer
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Concerns over judicial activists undermining the government's plans to curb early release of terrorist prisoners.
My right hon. Friend has, with righteous zeal, acted to curb the early release of terrorist prisoners, but he must know that those plans will be put at risk by malign, bourgeois-liberal judicial activists, so will he, in the spirit of our wonderful new Attorney General, agree an urgent review of the legislative means they use to do their work and to put the Government's plan to tackle that in jeopardy?
It is certainly true that people have been let out far too early, far too often. That is why we are not only looking into stopping the early release of serious sexual and violent offenders, but have already produced legislation to stop the early release of terrorist offenders.
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Q27
Direct Answer
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Business in Northern Ireland has ongoing concerns about unfettered access to the UK market under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
The Prime Minister will be aware of continuing concerns in Northern Ireland among business about the Northern Ireland protocol. Will the Prime Minister agree to meet a cross-party delegation of Members of Parliament representing Northern Ireland and business representatives to discuss his commitment to maintain unfettered access to the UK market for Northern Ireland business?
I have no difficulty at all making such an undertaking, because it is very clear from the protocol that unfettered access for Northern Ireland will continue.
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