Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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More than 350 steel jobs will be lost in Sheffield, Rotherham and Newport due to high energy costs and business rates.
When will the Government bring forward a comprehensive plan for the steel industry that tackles high energy costs and business rates and ensures that steel is at the heart of all infrastructure plans? Action is needed now. Will the Prime Minister stay true to his word and repay the trust of communities that voted for him only last month?
I thank the hon. Lady, and I can assure her that the Government are indeed embarking on a plan to do everything we can to make sure steel made in this country has all the competitive advantages we need. She makes some excellent points. In the particular case of Liberty Steel, I understand that whatever happens —it is a commercial decision for that company—all those affected will be offered an opportunity to remain within the GFG Alliance by joining a new company.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The Conservative manifesto promises the roll-out of broadband and mobile phone signals.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that rural constituencies like mine, wherever they are in the United Kingdom, should not be left behind? Does he agree that these vital technologies should be rolled out, and will he set a firm timetable for their roll-out?
Yes, the Cotswolds needs broadband and the Cotswolds is going to get gigabit broadband. That is why we are putting £5 billion into the roll-out of gigabit broadband. My hon. Friend asks for a deadline and he will get it—2025.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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There are concerns about NHS underfunding, long waiting times for essential care, and insufficient staff.
Will the Prime Minister let the British people know why, after almost 10 years of Tory Government, patients are waiting longer for essential NHS care, whether it is in A&Es, on waiting lists or for a GP appointment?
We are investing record sums into the NHS. Indeed, I think the House should be very proud today that we are passing the NHS Funding Bill, which will guarantee such funding not just this year but into the future.
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Q4
Direct Answer
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There are concerns about NHS underfunding, long waiting times for essential care, and insufficient staff.
Delays in cancer treatment can reduce a patient's chance of survival. The target of 85% of patients being seen within two months was last met four years ago, in December 2015. Action is needed urgently. Last week, we heard of the heart-rending case of a 92-year-old RAF veteran in Leicester who had to go through the indignity of waiting almost 12 hours on a hospital trolley because there were no beds available.
The right hon. Gentleman is right to highlight the case of the RAF veteran, and I think everybody in this House will have every sympathy for people who have a bad and unacceptable experience in the NHS. We all share that. On the other hand, I would say that most people in this country—most patients of the NHS—have a fantastic experience of our healthcare, and we should pay tribute to our nurses and our staff.
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Q5
Direct Answer
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Jeremy Corbyn criticizes the government's approach to social care funding and proposes an alternative.
Mr. Corbyn asks if the Prime Minister has read Labour's manifesto regarding free personal care, more funding and support for carers, and challenges the PM on his commitment to fixing NHS issues with sufficient funding.
Johnson acknowledges Labour's manifesto but points out that it was rejected by voters. He emphasizes the Conservative Party's commitment to funding public services like the NHS and criticizes Labour for damaging the economy when in power.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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Context
Halfon highlights the underperformance of white working-class boys in education and asks about reforming the apprenticeship levy.
Mr. Halfon discusses the need to improve educational standards for white working-class boys and suggests that reforms to the apprenticeship levy could help them climb the skills ladder.
Johnson agrees with Halfon's concerns and confirms that reforms to the apprenticeship levy are under consideration, stating that the Secretary of State for Education will update the House on their plans.
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Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
Blackford criticizes the Prime Minister for rejecting Scotland's right to determine its own future regarding independence and calls out the government's relationship with Donald Trump.
Mr. Blackford accuses the PM of being a democracy denier, points out that the Conservative party signed up to the Smith commission, and questions if backroom deals are being made with Donald Trump which could endanger Scotland's NHS.
Johnson denies the accusations and criticizes the SNP, highlighting issues like high taxes in Scotland under their governance and poor performance in maths and science rankings. He insists on changing the record regarding Scottish independence.
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Q8
Direct Answer
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Griffith asks about the government's scheme to guarantee minimum broadband speeds and its readiness for launch.
Mr. Griffith enquires if the Government's plan to ensure access to superfast broadband is on schedule, particularly mentioning constituents of West Sussex with limited or no current broadband access.
Johnson affirms Griffith's concerns, confirms £5 billion funding has been allocated for superfast broadband rollout, assures legislation is on track, and promises Chancellor's assurances of adequate coverage for Arundel and South Downs.
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Q9
Direct Answer
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Context
Research from Oxford University indicates an alarming increase in ocean temperatures leading to more extreme weather events. The Government is projected to miss its environmental goals.
Given the research indicating worsening climate conditions, will you commit to legally enforceable targets for your government's environmental promises and empower the Office for Environmental Protection with fines if these are not met?
Acknowledges the role of the Office for Environmental Protection in holding the government accountable but highlights achievements like a 42% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions since 1990, despite economic growth. Plans to lead COP26 with enforceable global limits.
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Q10
Direct Answer
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The Prime Minister previously committed to granting Southend city status. A religious order, Nazareth House, has cared for vulnerable individuals in Southend for 147 years.
Will the Prime Minister support Nazareth House's mission by meeting with relevant parties and express gratitude towards them? Additionally, will he expedite the process of granting city status to Southend?
Expresses support for Nazareth House's work in caring for vulnerable individuals, recognizing its contribution since the author was Mayor of London. Affirms ongoing efforts towards achieving city status for Southend.
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Q11
Direct Answer
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There are over 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, making it a leading cause of death.
Will the Prime Minister commit to supporting recommendations from Alzheimer's Research UK for curing all forms of dementia? Additionally, will he support urgent calls from the Alzheimer's Society for immediate improvements in dementia care?
Commends efforts by Debbie Abrahams to raise awareness on dementia issues. Acknowledges the importance of addressing dementia, noting plans to double funding towards finding causes and cures for the disease.
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