PMQs 2020-12-09

2020-12-09

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Edward Leigh Con
Gainsborough
Context
The UK is negotiating a post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU, facing challenges in terms of standards and fishing rights.
When I was a spear carrier in the Brexit referendum campaign led by my right hon. Friend, we assured the British people that a trade deal was entirely achievable, so may I urge him to make one last effort? Surely that deal is achievable, because we have no intention of lowering our standards, but the EU should know this: if, consistent with national security, he cannot secure that deal for us, this parliamentary party will back him to the hilt, because strength comes with unity.
I thank my right hon. Friend. He is entirely right: a good deal is still there to be done, and I look forward to discussing it with Commissioner von der Leyen tonight, but I must tell the House that our friends in the EU are currently insisting that, if they pass a new law in the future with which we in this country do not comply or do not follow suit, they should have the automatic right to punish us and to retaliate. Secondly, they are saying that the UK should be the only country in the world not to have sovereign control over its fishing waters. I do not believe that those are terms that any Prime Minister of this country should accept. I must tell the House and reassure my right hon. Friend that, whether our new trading arrangements resemble those of Australia's with the EU or whether they are like those of Canada with the EU, I have absolutely no doubt that, from 1 January, this country is going to prosper mightily.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address the specific ask for one final effort in securing a trade deal.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The UK's vaccine roll-out began with the first person receiving the vaccine yesterday. The Prime Minister previously promised a 'permanent break from talking about Brexit'.
I join the Prime Minister in his comments about the vaccine roll-out. It was fantastic to see the first person, Margaret Keenan, receive the vaccine yesterday. It is a huge national effort, and I want to thank everybody who has been involved with it. Mr Speaker, I also want to thank you and the House authorities for enabling me to participate today, notwithstanding the fact that I am self-isolating. A year ago, the Prime Minister stood on the steps of Downing Street and promised the country “a permanent break from talking about Brexit”. Can the Prime Minister tell us: how is that going?
I am delighted to welcome the right hon. and learned Gentleman here, from his vantage point of exile in Islington, his spiritual home, and wish him all the best in his self-isolation. His own silence on this matter has been sphinx-like. I wonder quite what it is that has kept him from asking this question for so long. We delivered Brexit on 31 January, in case he failed to notice.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister avoided addressing the specific ask about the 'permanent break' from discussing Brexit by questioning the opposition's silence and focusing on the date of leaving the EU.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister had previously stated that the UK had an 'oven-ready deal' before the election, but now faces challenges in negotiating with the EU.
It is Camden, not Islington. The Prime Minister starts straightaway by deflecting—it is the same old, same old, whether on covid or Brexit. Twelve months ago, he told the British people that he had an “oven-ready deal”. He did not say he had half a deal or that the next stage would be very, very difficult. In fact, he faced the British people and told them, before the election, that the chances of no deal were “absolutely zero”. The Chancellor, as he is now, obviously took him at his word, because the Chancellor said in the run-up to the election: “We won't need to plan for no-deal because we…have a deal.” So a year on, why should anyone who trusted the Prime Minister when he said he had a deal, including his Chancellor, apparently, believe a word he says now?
I hesitate to accuse the right hon. and learned Gentleman of deliberately trying to mislead people, but let us be in no doubt that we had an oven-ready deal, which was the withdrawal agreement, which the people voted for, as he rightly points out, and by which this country left the customs union and the single market, and delivered on our promises. I can tell him, although he must know this, that whatever happens from 1 January this country will be able to get on with our points-based immigration system, which we have put into law, in fulfilment of our manifesto commitment. We will be able to get on with instituting low-tax free ports, in places where jobs and growth are most needed around the country. We will be able to honour our promise to the British people and institute higher animal welfare standards; we will be able to do free trade deals; and we will get our money back as well. I do not know what else he wants to see from 1 January, but all those things will be delivered.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not directly address the specific ask about why people should trust current statements after previous assurances of an 'oven-ready deal'.
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister previously described leaving without a deal as a 'failure of statecraft', but now faces criticism from the Office for Budget Responsibility about potential negative consequences.
Oh, I see. Apparently, “Get Brexit done” just meant the first part of it—the easy bit. I do not remember that being written on the bulldozer at the time. Last September, the Prime Minister actually hit the nail on the head when he said that leaving without a deal would be a “failure of statecraft”. It would be—it would be a total failure—and it will be the British people who pay the price. Does the Prime Minister agree with his own spending watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility, that the cost of that failure—of leaving the EU with no deal—would be higher unemployment, higher inflation and a smaller economy?
The more the right hon. and learned Gentleman talks about Brexit, the more I can see why he tried to avoid the subject for the past year. We did leave with a very good deal, and in any circumstances this country will prosper mightily. He talks about the possible adverse consequences for this country of a deal on Australian terms—I think that is what he is talking about—but we have yet to hear from Labour party members what their view is of that matter. Would they vote for it, yes or no? He remained totally Delphic last week about his policy on fighting coronavirus and he is totally Delphic about what to do on Brexit as well.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister avoided addressing the specific ask about agreeing with OBR's assessment by questioning Labour's stance on potential deal terms and criticising the opposition for being vague.
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
INEOS announced it would move car production from Bridgend, Wales to France. The company warned of job losses due to the UK's Brexit stance.
Yesterday INEOS, a major employer in this country, announced that it will not build the new Grenadier car in Bridgend and will move production to France instead, resulting in hundreds of skilled jobs lost. Can the Prime Minister tell us how many more British jobs have to go overseas before he gets on with delivering the Brexit deal that he promised?
The Leader of the Opposition cannot attack the Government's policy if he cannot say whether he would vote for our deal. The UK will remain a magnet for overseas investment and jobs will be created throughout the whole country because of Brexit.
Assessment & feedback
Number of British jobs that need to go overseas before delivering the promised Brexit deal
General Principles Stated Without Concrete Details
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The UK needs to be ready for Brexit, including having 50,000 trained customs agents by January 1st.
The Government knew months ago that they needed 50,000 customs agents trained and ready from 1 January—deal or no deal. Can the Prime Minister tell the House how many of the 50,000 agents will be in place on 1 January?
We have invested £84 million into supporting customs agents across the UK and £200 million into supporting our ports. The message from business is that time is running out.
Assessment & feedback
Number of customs agents in place by January 1st
General Principles Stated Without Concrete Details
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Keir Starmer Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Context
The Prime Minister failed to secure a Brexit deal, protect jobs, or prepare adequately.
Will the PM end this charade? In that uncertainty, will he get the deal that he promised and allow the country to move on?
While the Leader of the Opposition remains silent on a position regarding the deal, we are getting on with preparations.
Assessment & feedback
Whether the PM will deliver the promised Brexit deal
General Principles Stated Without Concrete Details
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
The Oakervee report recommended a full y-shaped HS2 network serving both sides of the Pennines. Plans for phase 2b are being developed.
Will my right hon. Friend consider starting construction from the north? This would be good for jobs in the north and connectivity with the east midlands, all driving the levelling-up agenda.
My hon. Friend is a big expert on this field and a great campaigner for transport. He is right about the impact these programmes can have on jobs.
Assessment & feedback
Starting HS2 construction from the north
General Principles Stated Without Concrete Details
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
Northern Ireland has access to the EU single market and customs union, while Scotland faces a hard Brexit despite voting to remain.
Why is Scotland being shafted by this double dealing? Can the Prime Minister explain to Scottish businesses why this is fair?
In common with the whole of the rest of the United Kingdom, Scotland will benefit. It will regain control over colossal quantities of fish.
Assessment & feedback
Reason for differing deals between Northern Ireland and Scotland
General Principles Stated Without Concrete Details
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
The question follows a previous statement suggesting Northern Ireland will receive special trade terms post-Brexit while Scotland would not. This contrasts with earlier statements by Conservative MPs regarding Scotland's interests.
Why has the government's programme failed to recognise the impact on organisations across Bristol South? Members of his Scottish branch office told him how unfair and damaging it would be to deny Scotland's access to the EU single market and customs union while at the same time delivering it for Northern Ireland. The former Scottish Tory constitution spokesperson said that it would be the end of the Union.
The only reasonable answer to that question is that I think it is highly unlikely that those letters will arrive. The right hon. Gentleman does a gross injustice to Scotland and the future of Scotland, which will be assured within the single market of the United Kingdom.
Assessment & feedback
specific resignation threats not addressed
Gross Injustice Claim
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Context
There is a campaign to support same-language subtitles in media for children's literacy, especially disadvantaged ones. This follows concerns about the impact of covid on education.
I am supporting “Turn on the Subtitles”—a campaign led by my Bishop's Stortford constituent Henry Warren. There is a wealth of evidence that default same-language subtitling can have a dramatic effect on children's literacy, particularly for disadvantaged children. I know that that is a great priority for the Prime Minister, given the potential impact of covid on the attainment gap. Will he support a Government consultation to turn on the subtitles in order to really explore this potentially transformative opportunity?
I am sure that I speak for many hon. Members when I say that I am a massive supporter of subtitles myself—particularly with some of these crime dramas from America. The campaign that my hon. Friend mentions is excellent.
Assessment & feedback
no commitment to consultation or action
Massive Supporter Statement
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Context
Recent information indicates UK Export Finance is considering backing a significant crude oil pipeline project in East Africa, which would have massive climate impacts. This follows a previous inquiry by the MP about similar issues.
Last week, we learned that UK Export Finance has been approached to back the east African crude oil pipeline. This is a climate catastrophe that will produce emissions equivalent to all the UK's annual flights. Not only that, but a recent response to one of my written parliamentary questions confirmed that UKEF has six more fossil fuel projects under consideration. Ahead of the climate ambition summit this weekend, how can the Prime Minister claim any climate credibility while ploughing public money into dirty fossil fuel projects overseas?
I hope the hon. Lady knows that we are moving away dramatically and at speed from UK Export Finance supporting fossil fuel exploration around the world, but, of course, hydrocarbons remain a significant industry in Scotland and many other places.
Assessment & feedback
no clear commitment to change policy
Moving Away Dramatically Statement
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Kevin Hollinrake Con
Thirsk and Malton
Context
A recent letter to the Home Secretary by Labour MPs opposing deportation of foreign criminals has raised concerns about future immigration policies.
Will my right hon. Friend confirm that our future immigration policy will welcome law abiding citizens of other countries to our country, and that those who come to this country and are subsequently convicted of serious crimes, including rape and murder, should expect to be removed from this country to keep our citizens safe?
Indeed; I was astounded to see that 42 Opposition Members wrote to the Home Secretary opposing the deportation of foreign national criminals, while the leader of the Labour party maintained his characteristic delphic silence on the matter.
Assessment & feedback
no direct confirmation of policy stance
Astounded Statement
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Context
Recent polling shows consistent majority support for Scottish independence, raising questions about the future of Scotland within the UK.
Why does the Prime Minister think we have now seen 15 consecutive polls showing majority support for Scottish independence?
The people of Scotland, as the hon. Gentleman knows very well, voted in 2014, by a substantial majority, to remain in the UK. I believe that was the right decision, and I believe that were they ever to be asked the same question again in the future, it would be the same answer.
Assessment & feedback
no explanation for current poll trends
2014 Vote Reference
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
Context
Staffordshire is currently under tier 3 restrictions, affecting local businesses significantly. This raises concerns about testing availability and business support.
Staffordshire is currently in tier 3, so unfortunately, due to restrictions, many local businesses are either unable to open or having to operate differently, which is having a significant impact on my constituents' lives and livelihoods. So will the Prime Minister commit to providing sufficient testing in Staffordshire to help us to get out of tier 3 as soon as possible, and will he assure me that he will do all he can to support businesses and protect jobs in Stafford, as well as creating new employment opportunities for young people after 31 December?
I thank my hon. Friend. No. 1, yes of course we will do everything we can with NHS Test and Trace, plus our armed forces, to roll out community testing in Stafford; and No. 2, of course we want to support Stafford and the people of Stafford with a massive programme of business support, including nearly £1.4 million in bounce back loans, grants, rate relief and VAT deferrals.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Matt Western Lab
Warwick and Leamington
Context
The question follows recent data showing a significant drop in car sales compared to other countries.
I am concerned about the use of GDP as an abstract measure for understanding prosperity. With a 15% drop in UK GDP due to the pandemic, we have lost 184,000 car sales relative to Germany and 100,000 compared to France. Behind these numbers are jobs and businesses. How does the Prime Minister explain this economic performance?
The Government have done everything possible to support business and livelihoods during the pandemic, including over £260 billion in support. Unemployment remains lower in the UK than in France, Italy, Spain, and the US despite our difficulties.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address car sales or economic performance relative to other countries directly.
Under Review Working With Partners
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Context
The question pertains to the implementation of a renewable energy manufacturing hub in Workington.
I commend my right hon. Friend's clean, green industrial revolution plan and ask for his support in delivering a 26-hectare renewable energy manufacturing hub at Oldside in the port of Workington, continuing our promises from last year when I turned Workington blue.
I thank my hon. Friend and congratulate him on his achievements. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is looking seriously at the project mentioned and will keep him informed.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm support or timeline for the hub.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Pete Wishart SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Context
The question follows a previous one about the high support for independence in Scotland.
I ask him, on behalf of those who want to see an independent Scotland: could he please take a bow and accept our many thanks?
I am delighted to accept the hon. Gentleman's thanks, but it is actually due to him and his party that we have been able to keep the UK together.
Assessment & feedback
Did not take a bow or accept thanks directly.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Bob Blackman Con
Harrow East
Context
The question concerns the remediation of unsafe cladding after the Grenfell fire tragedy.
Three and a half years since the Grenfell fire, 3.6 million leaseholders still live in potentially dangerous properties. The £1 billion set aside for remediation expires on 31 December this year but will be insufficient to cover costs. Will my right hon. Friend set out what plan there is for next year? Will he guarantee that leaseholders will not have to pay a penny towards the cost of replacing unsafe cladding?
We are looking urgently at what can be done to support leaseholders before the expiry of current arrangements, to ensure they do not have to pay for cladding remediation.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plan or guarantee.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Feryal Clark Lab
Enfield North
Context
The question addresses the effectiveness of catch-up programs following pandemic school closures.
Analysis shows only one in six pupils on free school meals will benefit from current catch-up programmes. Does the Prime Minister agree this is not good enough and can he explain why we are in this situation nine months after schools reopened?
We have put over a billion pounds into catch-up funds, but different groups were affected differently by the pandemic. We emphasised keeping kids in school despite pressure on hospitality.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific statistics or explain situation fully.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Context
The question is about a visit to the Black Country Living Museum for a potential covid vaccination center.
I wonder whether my right hon. Friend, were he to find a small gap in his very busy diary, would join me on a visit to the Black Country Living Museum, where I would introduce him to a plate of Black Country battered chips and a pint of Holden's Golden Glow, all after he has reviewed the arrangements that the museum has made to become a covid vaccination centre.
I look forward to returning before too long and thrilled that the Black Country Living Museum is in line to be a covid vaccination centre.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm a specific visit date or agreement.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q22 Direct Answer
Derek Twigg Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Context
The Falkland Islands face potential tariffs of between 6% to 18% on their fisheries exports to the EU, accounting for more than 40% of GDP and up to 60% of government revenue.
Mr Speaker, I know you are a strong supporter of the Falkland Islands. The Falkland Islands face the prospect of their fisheries exports to the European Union being subject to tariffs of between 6% and 18% from 1 January. Fisheries exports to the EU account for more than 40% of the islands' GDP, and up to 60% of their Government's revenue. This poses a serious challenge to the Falkland Islands. Will the Prime Minister raise this matter when he meets with the President of the European Commission later?
Indeed. The hon. Gentleman is right to raise the issue of the Falkland Islands and, indeed, other Crown territories and overseas dependencies around the world, whose future and future trading arrangements must be secured. That is indeed something that we have raised and will continue to raise on their behalf to make sure that they get the satisfactory assurances they need.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q23 Direct Answer
Context
Rural communities, including those in North East Hertfordshire, face concerns about unauthorised developments such as caravans appearing without planning permission.
The Prime Minister is aware of the continuing concern in rural communities, such as those in North East Hertfordshire, about intentional unauthorised development where caravans suddenly appear on land without planning permission. Many of my constituents and I support proposal 24 in the planning White Paper, which proposes new powers for councils to tackle this. Will the Prime Minister put his authority behind it so these changes can be made as soon as possible?
I will indeed. I think everybody in the House recognises the distress that unauthorised camps and encampments can cause to local communities, and my right hon. and learned Friend is right to draw attention to this. He is also right to call attention to the new powers we are giving both to the police and to councils to tackle the matter, and I am glad to have his support.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
Tier 3 Birmingham, with over a million population and nearly 2000 deaths due to covid, has been considered not a priority for vaccine receipt.
Could the Prime Minister kindly explain to the people of tier 3 Birmingham, with a population of over 1 million and where almost 2,000 have lost their life, why he has not considered them a priority for receipt of the vaccine?
I really must respectfully disagree with the hon. Gentleman. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has set out very clear criteria for the groups, starting with those over 80, care home workers, NHS workers and those in care homes, and he knows the criteria very well. Birmingham, of course, will be among them, and of course that is right. I am afraid that I simply cannot accept the premise of his question.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not specify a timeline or any specific action to address Birmingham's vaccine prioritization.
Disagreed With Premise
Response accuracy
Q25 Direct Answer
Context
Conservative colleagues have been working on a bid for community testing to help tackle the spread of covid.
Conservative colleagues across Derbyshire have been working very hard on our bid for community testing to help us tackle covid. Will my right hon. Friend ensure that the bid from Derbyshire County Council receives the resources and attention we need to help us in our fight to get out of tier 3?
Yes, and just this morning I was discussing Derbyshire's bid for a big community testing programme. We will obviously do everything we can to support them, and I thank my hon. Friend and local leaders for what they are doing to promote community testing.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q26 Partial Answer
Richard Burgon Lab
Leeds East
Context
Public sector workers face real-terms pay cuts, while benefits are only increasing by an insulting 37p.
Real-terms pay cuts for millions of public sector workers, an insulting 37p increase in benefit levels and broken promises on minimum wage increases show that the Prime Minister wants to pay for this crisis on the backs of the working class. Would it not be fairer to impose a windfall tax on the wealth of the super-rich and on those who have made super-profits out of the covid crisis, including those who won contracts because of their links to top Tories?
I must, again, strongly disagree with what the hon. Gentleman says. Everybody on this side of the House is proud not just of the living wage but of record increases in the living wage, of above inflation pay rises across the board and, of course, of what we have done to support nurses and the NHS with record investment. I do not think anybody who looks at the investment this Government have made in the public sector could doubt our commitment. We will continue to do that, but what we want to see is our economy recovering and our strong and dynamic private sector, which the hon. Gentleman disparages, enabling the country to forge forward as it should.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not address the specific suggestion of a windfall tax on super-rich individuals and companies that benefited from the crisis.
Disagreed With Premise
Response accuracy
Q27 Direct Answer
Saqib Bhatti Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Context
The Environment Bill is a landmark piece of legislation aiming to protect the environment.
It has been almost 12 months since I and many of my colleagues were elected to this House for the first time, and it was a great privilege to deliver my maiden speech on Second Reading of the Environment Bill and be on the Bill Committee for this landmark piece of legislation. Does my right hon. Friend agree that protecting the environment is not only a moral duty but presents an economic opportunity, including the creation of jobs for my constituents in Meriden?
It is crucial to understand that the 10-point plan for the green industrial revolution is about jobs, jobs, jobs. This plan, whether it is retrofitting homes or making wind turbines, will generate 250,000 jobs across the country in just the first few years.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q28 Partial Answer
Tan Dhesi Lab
Slough
Context
Horrifying footage of water cannons and tear gas being used against peacefully protesting Indian farmers has caused concern among constituents with connections to Punjab.
Many constituents, especially those emanating from the Punjab and other parts of India, were horrified, as I was, to see footage of water cannon, tear gas and brute force being used against peacefully protesting farmers. However, it was heart-warming to see those very farmers feeding those forces who had been ordered to beat or suppress them. What indomitable spirit—it takes a special kind of people to do that. Will the Prime Minister convey to the Indian Prime Minister our heartfelt anxieties and our hopes for a speedy resolution to the current deadlock? Does he agree that everyone has a fundamental right to peaceful protest?
Of course. Our view, as the hon. Gentleman knows well, is that we have serious concerns about what is happening between India and Pakistan, but these are pre-eminently matters for those two Governments to settle. I know that he appreciates that point.
Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not explicitly agree with the right to peaceful protest or convey concerns to the Indian PM.
Deflection
Response accuracy
Q29 Partial Answer
James Wild Con
North West Norfolk
Context
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn faces urgent modernisation needs, including recent cracks in the concrete roof leading to gym closures.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn is at the heart of our local community, but it is in need of urgent modernisation. Most recently, cracks in the concrete roof have led to the closure of the physiotherapy gym. With his enthusiasm for building hospitals, can my right hon. Friend offer the people of west Norfolk hope and back our bid to build our future hospital?
I thank my hon. Friend for his campaign and for everything he does for his constituents. I can tell him that the bid process for the remaining eight hospitals, on top of the 40, is currently being designed. The Department of Health and Social Care is working with a variety of trusts, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Trust, as that work continues.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specifically commit to supporting the bid for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn.
Working With A Variety Of Trusts
Response accuracy