Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
Andrew Jones
Con
▸
Context
A city-wide testing trial using lateral flow tests is beginning in Liverpool to reduce virus spread by identifying asymptomatic cases.
The city-wide testing trial starting in Liverpool on Friday will cut the time to get results, cut the spread of the virus by identifying people who are infected but not showing symptoms, and vastly reduce both the number of people and the time involved in isolating. When does the Prime Minister think the results from this trial will be available and its benefits extended across the UK?
I thank my hon. Friend. He is absolutely right. I can tell him that the pilot is planned to last for approximately two weeks and we will keep the House updated on the results as they are evaluated.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
On September 21, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies recommended a circuit breaker to bring the virus under control. However, by October 5, daily deaths rose from 11 to 397.
Can I start with the elections in the United States? Whatever the results, will the Prime Minister join me in saying that it is not for a candidate to decide which votes do and do not count or when to stop counting? The next President must be the free and fair choice of the American people. Can I also express my revulsion at the terrorist attacks in Nice and Vienna? I am sure I speak for the whole House in saying that our thoughts are with all those affected. Of course, Mr Speaker, I join the congratulations on your one-year anniversary. Turning now to covid-19, on 21 September, when the Government's scientific advisers indicated that a circuit break would bring the virus back under control, the number of people who tragically lost their lives to covid-19 was 11. On Monday, 42 days later, the number of people who tragically lost their lives to covid-19 was 397—that is a staggering 35-fold increase. Does the Prime Minister understand the human cost of his delay in acting?
In answer to the right hon. and learned Gentleman's opening question, of course we do not comment as a UK Government on the democratic processes of our friends and allies, and I do not think, in all seriousness, he would expect otherwise. Turning to the point about covid and the decision—the difficult decision—that this House has to face tonight, I think I speak for many hon. Members across the House when I say that I do not think any Government or any Parliament would want to impose these measures lightly on the people of this country.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Human cost of delay in acting due to lack of specifics and shifting focus
Democratic Processes
Difficult Decision
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Prime Minister is proposing a four-week lockdown, whereas implementing a circuit break two weeks ago could have been done for two to three weeks with schools closed during half term.
I am sure that nobody wants a lockdown, but it is a question of timing. Had the decision been taken a few weeks ago to put in place a circuit break, it could have been done for two to three weeks and taken advantage of schools being closed over half term. Now the Prime Minister's proposed lockdown will be for at least four weeks, which means that businesses will be closed for longer and in the critical run-up to Christmas. Does the Prime Minister understand the economic cost of his delay in acting?
It is precisely because we understand the economic cost and the social and psychological damage of lockdowns that it was right to go for the local and regional solution, which was supported by many Members—indeed, it was supported by the right hon. and learned Gentleman, as long as it was useful to him for a while. That was the right approach.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Economic Cost
Social Damage
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Prime Minister is planning a four-week national lockdown that will begin tonight, but there are concerns about the timing of its end.
The Prime Minister's delay in acting is a huge failure of leadership, and it is no good saying that there was support for the tier system. As he well knows, I looked at the evidence and made a decision three weeks ago that the right thing was a circuit break. The direction of travel and the number of infections, hospital admissions and, tragically, deaths have been clear for weeks. But we are where we are. Millions of people across the country are really concerned about the restrictions that will come into force at midnight tonight. I accept that we all have a duty to pull together and try to make this lockdown work, so I just want to ask some basic and direct questions on behalf of those millions of people. First, will the lockdown end on 2 December come what may, or will it depend on the circumstances at the time? People need to know that.
I am grateful for the support that the right hon. and learned Gentleman is now offering, and I can answer him very simply. As the House knows, and as I informed him repeatedly on Monday, these autumn measures to combat the surge will expire automatically on 2 December, and we will then, I hope very much, be able to get this country going again and get businesses and shops open again in the run-up to Christmas.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Circumstances
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Prime Minister's four-week national lockdown will begin tonight, and there are concerns about extending it beyond December 2 if the R rate has not come down.
I accept that there will be a vote in the House. That does not tell us anything; that is the process. I want to press the Prime Minister. Is he saying that if, by 2 December, the R rate has not come below 1 and is still rising, we will come out of lockdown come what may, with infection rates going up on 2 December? That does not seem sensible to me.
It is thanks to the efforts of the British people that the R is now currently only just above 1 as it is. We are doing the right and the prudent thing at the right time to get that infection rate down, and these measures, as I have said repeatedly to the House, will expire on 2 December.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Infection Rates
Efforts Of British People
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The infection rate is rising, and the tiered system cannot cope with an R rate above 1. The current NHS Test and Trace system faces significant issues.
If the Prime Minister does not fix Test and Trace in the next four weeks, we will face the same problems again. Only 20% of those who should isolate are doing so, and most people do not receive results within 24 hours. What is he going to do to fix this?
We accept the failings of NHS Test and Trace, but it has achieved a capacity of 500,000 tests. The system is helping to drive down the R rate despite difficulties.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about fixing Test and Trace in the next four weeks was not addressed with concrete steps.
Under Review
Working Together
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
During the pandemic, care homes have faced significant challenges. There is a growing concern about emotional wellbeing for those in care homes and their families.
Can we find a way to allow safe visits to alleviate isolation and despair? Will the Prime Minister work cross-party to establish a scheme?
New guidance on visiting care home residents safely will be published today. The right hon. and learned Gentleman's offer to work collaboratively is noted.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about a dedicated family member scheme was not addressed with concrete details.
Working Together
Political Attack
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Government is considering easing congestion in the south-east by establishing a border control point at Don Valley to facilitate trade and level-up the north.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that easing congestion with the iPort in Don Valley will help trade flow through the country and support economic recovery?
My hon. Friend is right, the Department for Transport is engaged on that matter and would be happy to meet him and representatives.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
Ian Blackford
SNP
▸
Context
The Prime Minister agreed to an 80% furlough scheme for Scotland if lockdown restrictions required it. However, subsequent statements by Ministers have caused confusion.
Will the Scottish Government receive full 80% furlough and payments for self-employed individuals under current eligibility criteria whenever requested?
The UK-wide scheme has helped save about 10 million jobs, including around 1 million in Scotland. The Prime Minister stands by his commitment to the furlough scheme.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Details of what 'whenever requested' means were not provided.
Under Review
Political Attack
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
Ian Blackford
SNP
▸
Context
Scottish Government awaits clarity on additional funding from English local government spending increase and business support scheme.
The Scottish Government have been waiting for clarity on whether Scotland will receive additional money as a result of increased spending from English local government, and there is also no clarity about whether the unlimited payments for business support in England will be made available on a similar demand-led basis. Will the Prime Minister clarify those two points now, and commit to confirming in writing to the Scottish Government today, that access to the furlough scheme will be there if they need it?
£7.2 billion has already gone to help Scotland, and we will support people in Scotland and throughout the UK during this crisis.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific demand-led basis funding for business support and local government spending increase clarity not addressed
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Request for places of worship to reopen as soon as practically possible due to restrictions.
Does the Prime Minister recognise the importance of places of worship to my constituents in Wolverhampton and the rest of the country? Does he agree that they should open as soon as practically possible, and will he commend the work that has been done in those places to make them covid-secure?
We will work as hard and fast as we can to allow people to worship in the way they want from 2 December, and I commend the work done by those places to make them covid-secure.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concerns about Joe Biden's analysis of the impact on the Good Friday agreement due to UK Internal Market Bill.
If every vote is counted in the US election, it is likely that Joe Biden will be the victor. The Prime Minister has a major challenge to build relationships with any incoming Administration. Therefore, in the light of Joe Biden's entirely correct analysis of the impact on the Good Friday agreement of the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill, how quickly will the Prime Minister recognise the inevitable and remove those clauses from the Bill?
The UK Internal Market Bill is a vital part of the armature—the skeletal structure—of the whole UK economy as we leave the European Union, and it ensures that goods and services placed on the market are available throughout the UK on the same terms.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No commitment to remove clauses from Bill
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Support for anti-extremism programs and concerns about TV channels promoting extremist views.
With the UK terror threat level now at severe following the horrific attacks in Paris and Vienna by cowardly Islamic State terrorists, the whole House joins the Prime Minister in heartfelt solidarity with our French and Austrian allies. Does he agree that here in the UK we must redouble our support for anti-extremism programmes such as Prevent, and does he share my concerns about UK-based TV channels such as the Islam Channel, which just this week was fined by Ofcom for giving airtime to extremist preachers who justify antisemitism, wife beating and female genital mutilation?
We stand shoulder to shoulder with France and Austria in our joint war against this abominable ideology. Together, we will defeat it.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific mention of Prevent programme or TV channels issue
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Decision not to extend free school meals during half-term and Christmas.
I hope that the Prime Minister and the Chancellor now regret their decision not to extend free school meals to cover half-term and will join the richly deserved praise for all those community groups, councils and, indeed, businesses that stepped up to stop our nation's children going hungry last week. Will the Prime Minister now commit to do the right thing at Christmas and extend free school meals to cover that period too?
This Government will ensure that no child goes hungry this Christmas thanks to any inattention or inactivity by Government. Never forget that it was a Conservative Government that instituted free school meals for five, six and seven-year-olds after all the years Labour was in power.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No commitment to extend free school meals during Christmas
Never Forget That
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
Mark Pawsey
Con
▸
Context
Support for the automotive sector impacted by manufacturing output at its lowest level in 25 years.
The Prime Minister will remember watching the new electric London taxi being made in my constituency. He will be pleased to hear that the company has this week started production of a van, but this year has been tough for the automotive sector, with manufacturing output at its lowest level for 25 years. It would benefit massively from the certainty of knowing that components and vehicles will be able to move free of tariffs between the UK and countries of the European Union from the new year. Can the Prime Minister provide good news about concluding a deal with the EU to the sector, its workers and their families?
We are supporting green technology of all kinds, particularly hybrid and battery vehicles, and we have just put another £49 million into grants for exactly the kind of vehicles that he and I have inspected and driven together so that this country can bounce back greener.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific deal conclusion mentioned, only green technology support
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Refuge reported a 50% increase in the use of its hotline during the pandemic, and the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse warns of significant risks to those working from home. These issues are exacerbated by the threat of another English lockdown.
The Government will be aware that domestic abuse has risen dramatically through the pandemic, with Refuge reporting a 50% increase in hotline use. The Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse highlights major dangers for people working from home. Before another English lockdown begins, will the Prime Minister produce a well-resourced plan to address this issue? Will he join me and South Wales police as an Employer's Initiative member to show that no one should live with violence at home?
The Government has established helplines and invested in refuges and independent domestic violence advisers to tackle repeat victimisation. We are also investing heavily in mental health services.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Providing a well-resourced plan for addressing domestic abuse before another English lockdown, joining the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse
Changed Subject
General Commitment
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
Sajid Javid
Con
▸
Context
An independent study suggests that year 7 pupils' writing ability is about 22 months behind expectations, with the most disadvantaged students hit hardest by school closures.
The Government has acknowledged the importance of supporting disadvantaged children. Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that we will do whatever it takes to make up for lost ground and never again contemplate closing schools?
We are investing in one-on-one tutoring as part of our national tutoring programme to support children's academic attainment.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Committing to doing everything necessary to help year 7 pupils catch up academically, pledging not to close schools in future
General Commitment
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies recommended a circuit breaker more than six weeks ago. The Prime Minister is criticised for not listening to scientific advice, with SAGE forecasting 12,000 deaths by Christmas.
SAGE suggested a circuit breaker over six weeks ago, but the Prime Minister has ignored this advice. What will he say to families expecting 12,000 deaths due to his inaction?
We are considering a balanced approach that takes into account both mental health, livelihoods, and protecting lives while supporting schools.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Acknowledging SAGE's recommendation and taking action to prevent further deaths from the pandemic
Balanced Approach
Response accuracy
Q19
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The end of the transition period with the European Union is approaching. Concerns about traffic gridlock in Dover and plans for upgrading the A2 between Whitfield and Dover's eastern docks.
Can the Prime Minister confirm that the transition team will work to prevent traffic congestion in Dover, and continue progressing with plans to upgrade Brenley Corner junction and access into Dover along the A2?
Highways England is developing plans to improve Brenley Corner junction and access into Dover along the remaining single-carriageway sections of the A2 from Lydden, thanks to lobbying by my hon. Friend.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q20
Partial Answer
Carol Monaghan
SNP
▸
Context
Millions of people need clarification on the availability of furlough support to specific regions beyond December 2nd if they require lockdown measures due to rising infections.
Will 80% furlough be available to specific regions beyond December 2nd, should they need to lock down because of increasing infections?
The furlough scheme is a UK-wide programme that will continue to be available to all parts of the country.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Providing clarification on the availability of 80% furlough support beyond December 2nd for specific regions needing lockdown measures
Redirect
Response accuracy
Q21
Direct Answer
Chris Skidmore
Con
▸
Context
The Prime Minister has pledged more money for research than any of his predecessors, aiming to make the UK a global science superpower. Maintaining commitment to spending 2.4% of GDP on R&D by 2027 is seen as essential.
Does the Prime Minister agree that maintaining our commitment to spend 2.4% of GDP on research and development by 2027 will be essential for achieving his vision?
We are committed to increasing public investment in research and development, with a target to spend £22 billion more by 2024-25.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Rikky Wilson's coach business in Newcastle faces closure due to lack of grants despite substantial contributions. The Prime Minister has announced bus investment, but Northern Ireland has specific funds for similar businesses.
My constituent Rikky Wilson is one of the excluded from grant support despite having built a private coach business with 18 employees and £1 million in turnover before covid. Buses might be just a photo-op for the Prime Minister, but they matter in the north and in Northern Ireland which has announced special funds. Will he do the same? Will he also write to me to explain how we can protect those threatened by personal debt guarantees?
I am interested in what the hon. Lady says because this Government are investing massively in 5,000 low-carbon buses. I would be interested to know more about Rikky Wilson's company and its eligibility for support measures such as bounce back loans. She is invited to write with further details.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address the specific request for a similar fund or writing to explain protections against personal debt guarantees.
Inviting The Mp To Write With More Details
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
Mary Robinson
Con
▸
Context
Northern communities have faced restrictions disproportionately, emphasizing the need for the Prime Minister's levelling-up agenda. The MP asks to fast-track infrastructure spending in her region, including a new train station.
Northern communities have been subject to restrictions for months with disproportionate effects on livelihoods. The importance of the levelling-up agenda is stark; will the Government fast-track infrastructure spending, including Northern Powerhouse Rail and a new train station in Cheadle? Will they formulate a northern economic recovery plan?
We are going ahead with Northern Powerhouse Rail. In addition, Cheadle will receive at least £500,000 from the towns fund to support the local high street and community.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address fast-tracking infrastructure spending or formulating a recovery plan with northern MPs and business leaders.
Mentioning Only Specific Funds For Cheadle
Response accuracy
Q24
Partial Answer
Owen Thompson
SNP
▸
Context
Mid-Lothian has a mining heritage. The Scottish Government announced a general pardon for miners criminalised during the 1984 strike, but issues remain with UK Government oversight.
Will the Prime Minister commit to undertaking a UK-wide independent review of experiences related to the 1984 miners' strike, including political interference and reconciliation efforts?
I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman raising this. I would be obliged if he could send me further particulars on his concerns which I will address.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to an independent review or reconciliation efforts.
Requesting More Details
Response accuracy
Q25
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Leeds City Council has not distributed half the laptops provided by the government to disadvantaged pupils.
Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking teachers across Elmet and Rothwell, and does he share my frustration that half the laptops remain unused? What can be done to get Leeds City Council to distribute these resources?
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for his point. Over 2,500 laptops and tablets were delivered to Leeds City Council for disadvantaged pupils; I will do whatever possible to get them out of the storeroom.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address what can be done about distribution by Leeds City Council.
Acknowledging Distribution Issue But No Specifics
Response accuracy
Q26
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Greater Manchester receives less support under tier 3 compared to the new restrictions, despite similar economic impacts.
Why should people in Greater Manchester receive less help from the government if they go back into tier 3 after December 2nd, given that workplace closures lead to income loss?
The furlough scheme was extended until October. We are putting measures in place now to support people across the UK throughout this period, including after December 2nd.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment on equal tier 3 and national lockdown support was made.
Mentioning Existing Furlough Scheme
Response accuracy
Q27
Partial Answer
Huw Merriman
Con
▸
Context
The Prime Minister will soon receive recommendations to cut quarantine periods for air passengers tested negative.
When will a decision be made on enabling shorter quarantine periods for covid-negative air passengers, and will he look favourably on this proposal?
The aviation industry is having a terrible time. The UK has new testing possibilities with PCR tests at 500,000 daily. We will bring forward further measures and proposals as soon they are finalised.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline for decision-making was provided.
Mentioning Future Possibilities
Response accuracy
Q28
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Dominic Cummings has undermined public health messaging, faced planning violations, and owes an unpaid council tax bill.
Will the Prime Minister condemn Dominic Cummings for undermining public health messaging, facing planning violations, and owing a large unpaid council tax bill?
People's confidence in the Government has possibly been undermined by constant party political point-scoring. I advise constituents to follow guidance and get the virus down.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not condemn Dominic Cummings' actions or address the specific issues raised.
Blaming Constant Party Political Point-Scoring
Response accuracy
Q29
Partial Answer
Simon Clarke
Con
▸
Context
The MP is concerned about the pending applications for Middlesbrough and Loftus from the levelling up fund.
Levelling up will matter more than ever as we emerge from the pandemic next year, and I was delighted to see the first town deals announced last week. They will deliver transformative investment for places such as Darlington. Will my right hon. Friend prioritise rapid decision making in the cases of Middlesbrough and Loftus, which have applications pending for this vital fund?
Yes indeed, and I congratulate my hon. Friend on lobbying for Middlesbrough in the way that he has. Tees Valley is already getting £126 million from the local growth fund. The devolution deal will mean £450 million extra for transport, skills and employment, and Middlesbrough will get at least £500,000 from the towns fund.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not specifically address rapid decision making on pending applications.
Response accuracy
Q30
Partial Answer
Karl McCartney
Con
▸
Context
The MP is questioning Boris Johnson on his personal views regarding antisemitism and the recent Equality and Human Rights Commission report.
While those of us with higher political morals than Captain Hindsight on the Opposition Front Bench have sought to do our collective best during recent times, what does my right hon. Friend believe are the views regarding antisemitism, following the recent Equality and Human Rights Commission report, that the current Leader of the Opposition—a knight of the realm, no less—holds now? Does my right hon. Friend believe that they are any different from those the right hon. and learned Gentleman displayed when serving the right hon. Member for Islington North?
The only comment I would make is that I was genuinely amazed that the leader of the Unite union should make a remark of the kind that he did, and that the Labour party should remain in receipt of funding from Unite and take no steps to dissociate itself from that union after that remark. I did find that absolutely astonishing.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not address his personal views or changes in the current Leader of the Opposition's stance on antisemitism.
Deflected To Criticism Of Labour And Unite Union
Response accuracy
Q31
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP is referencing a statement by the Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee about track and trace systems being more effective when locally driven. She mentions that while Wales' track and trace costs £32 per head, runs well, England's cost £1700 and does not work.
Happy anniversary, Mr Speaker. This week, the Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee stated that centralised contact tracing will always be less effective than a locally driven model. Given the fact that in Wales track and trace cost £32 a head, is run by local authorities and works, whereas the English system cost £1700 a head, is run centrally and does not, when will the Prime Minister introduce a more effective track and trace system driven by local authorities?
I am not going to pretend that every aspect of NHS Test and Trace has worked in the way that I wanted to, but as I said earlier on, it has achieved some very considerable things. What we will be doing now is rolling out mass testing led by local people, working with those local authorities to deliver these programmes.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline for adopting a locally driven model like Wales' system.
Avoided Committing To A Specific Approach Or Timeline
Response accuracy