Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Chancellor announced economic measures but did not provide specific support to industries like aviation facing job cuts.
Over the past few months, we have supported many of the economic measures announced by the Government, but the decision last week not to provide sector-specific support to those most at risk could end up costing thousands of jobs. One of the sectors, aviation, has already seen huge redundancies: BA has announced 12,000 redundancies; Virgin 3,000; and easyJet 1,900. If the Government's priority really is to protect jobs, why did the Chancellor not bring forward sector-specific deals that could have done precisely that?
No one should underestimate the scale of the challenge that this country faces. That is why the Chancellor has brought forward a range of measures, which, by the way, the right hon. and learned Gentleman supported last week. They include the job retention bonus and the kick-starter programme for young people. We are also doing a huge amount to support the aviation sector.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
British Airways is trying to force the rehiring of remaining workers on worse terms and conditions after announcing 12,000 redundancies.
The Prime Minister knows exactly what I am talking about: it is the rehiring of 30,000 people at BA on worse terms and conditions, and he should call it out. The Office for Budget Responsibility yesterday projected 3.5 million unemployed next year. I want to press the Prime Minister further on the situation at BA, which is a huge employer and the national flag carrier.
We have been absolutely clear that we want our great companies across the country to support their workers and keep them in employment where they possibly can. I have made that point clear on the Floor of the House just in the past couple of weeks.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The report assessed the reasonable worst-case scenario for autumn and winter, including a second covid spike and seasonal flu.
Yesterday, the Government's expert advisory group published a report on the challenges this autumn and winter. The report was clear: July and August must be a period of intense preparation—i.e., now. Could the Prime Minister make it clear that he intends to implement the recommended actions in the report in full and at speed?
Not only are we getting on with implementing the preparations for a potential new spike but the right hon. and learned Gentleman will know that the Government are engaged in record investments in the NHS of £34 billion.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Starmer questions the effectiveness of the government's test and trace operation, citing a decline in its performance.
It is perfectly possible to support track and trace and to point out the problems. Standing up every week saying, “It's a stunning success” is kidding no one. That is not giving people confidence in the system. They would like a Prime Minister who stands up and says, “There are problems and this is what I am going to do about them,” not this rhetoric about “stunning success” when it is obviously not true.
I join with, I think, every Member of the House in mourning the loss of everybody who has died in this epidemic. I can assure the right hon. and learned Gentleman, and through him the victims and their families, that we will do absolutely everything we can to prevent a second spike in this epidemic.
▸
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Blackford criticises the UK Government's Brexit policies as an assault on Scottish devolution.
The document tomorrow will discuss benefits of the single market; regrets PM not understanding its economic value. Criticizes UK government's actions post-Brexit, such as the immigration system and governance, which Scotland rejected in 1997. Asks if PM guarantees plans won't be imposed on Scotland without their choice.
Repeats point about right hon. Gentleman attacking unelected bureaucrats, claims proposal would transfer power back to Brussels; refers to 2014 referendum on Scottish independence and calls for promises to be kept.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address the guarantee asked about Scotland's decisions.
Attacking The Questioner
Referencing Past Referendums
Response accuracy
Q6
Direct Answer
▸
Context
A development consent order was granted for Manston airport, but funding is needed to build Thanet Parkway station.
There is great celebration in Thanet and east Kent with the positive development consent order for Manston airport. Unfortunately, due to covid pressures, Kent County Council feels unable to raise £17 million by a Public Works Loan Board loan to support the final part of the jigsaw, Thanet Parkway station. Can my right hon. Friend use his influence to encourage the Chancellor and Ministers to find that £17 million?
The Department for Transport has received a bid for funding Thanet Park railway station, which is going to be assessed in the third round of the new stations fund.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The Prime Minister had promised on June 23 and 24 that nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing in regard to financial support for businesses and workers during local lockdowns.
On 23rd and 24th of June, the PM stated that nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing. However, details regarding future local support were not provided by the BEIS Secretary last week. Can the Prime Minister today confirm whether businesses and workers will or will not be penalised for doing the right thing?
In addition to £160 billion of support, areas in lockdown have received considerable grants like £20 million to Leicester with business rates relief of £44 million and £68 million in spending on business grants.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Due to a covid outbreak in Kirklees, the council needs enhanced support.
The council is testing workforces and closing operations at a cost. May I ask the Prime Minister to help us with daily postcode data? Will he commit to a package of support so that businesses can close and individuals can do the right thing?
We are sharing as much data as we have with councils to deal locally. We will continue to support councils up and down the land as they engage in local action against the pandemic.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Daniel Caplan, a 17-year-old constituent of Kirsten Oswald's, has been diagnosed with a diffuse midline glioma.
Oswald calls for renewed focus on researching childhood brain stem tumours and increasing awareness to prevent similar heartbreak in future families facing terminal diagnoses like Daniel's.
Johnson agrees to sympathise with Daniel Caplan and his family, promising to assist in making representations to the Department of Health regarding childhood brain stem cancers.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The report highlights historical mistreatment of women by male medical experts, including cases related to Primodos and sodium valproate.
Bardell calls for the implementation of all recommendations in Baroness Cumberlege's report and requests a meeting with the Prime Minister to ensure women are heard and compensated appropriately.
Johnson agrees that the Government takes the issue seriously, confirms direct representations from constituency MPs regarding affected women, and offers to meet Bardell either personally or through the Department of Health.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Hayes highlights the murder of Donnell Rhule and the Youth Violence Commission's interim report, advocating for a cross-government approach to tackle serious violence.
She urges immediate acceptance and implementation of the Youth Violence Commission's final report recommendations to introduce a public health approach against serious violence.
Johnson acknowledges the need for cross-departmental medical approaches and tough policing solutions, emphasizing the importance of zero tolerance towards kids carrying knives in public.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy