PMQs 2020-09-16

2020-09-16

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Context
It is National Teaching Assistants Day, highlighting the efforts of educators and staff in ensuring safe educational environments during the pandemic.
On National Teaching Assistants Day, will the Prime Minister join me in thanking teachers, teaching assistants and all support staff for their efforts to bring children back into covid-secure schools? Will he update the House on the national tutoring programme's implementation?
I echo my hon. Friend's thanks to teachers and teaching assistants. The first group of tutors will support schools from November, with provision ramping up through autumn and spring term.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific timeline or funding details for the tutoring programme
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
A constituent, Keir, was unable to work due to awaiting coronavirus test results beyond the promised 24-hour turnaround time. The average hourly wage of a care worker is queried.
The Prime Minister mentioned his high earning rate but what is the average hourly rate for a care worker in this country? There are issues with testing delays and social care funding running out. Will the Prime Minister commit to providing necessary funds?
89% receive test results next day; Winter Care Home Action Plan launched; National Living Wage implemented. Government will protect care homes from further infections.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific average wage or detailed funding commitment for winter crisis prevention
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The Prime Minister's lack of knowledge about the average wage in social care was previously noted. Additional funding to prevent infections will end soon.
Will the Prime Minister commit today to providing necessary funding for the social care sector facing a winter crisis? The action plan and infection prevention are critical.
Care home infections have decreased since £600 million care home action plan; Winter Care Home Action Plan announced for tomorrow. Tightening rules on worker movement in care homes.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific funding amounts or timelines
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
There were issues with test availability in Tameside and Oldham. Weekly tests for staff and residents in care homes have not been confirmed.
Do all care homes have weekly tests available? The lack of NHS tests in high-infection areas, including my constituency, is a concern.
All care homes should get weekly staff and 28-day resident testing. Demand for tests has increased; capacity increasing by 10%; four new labs being built; aiming for 500,000 tests/day by October end.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if all care homes have weekly testing available
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The chief executive of Care England stated that weekly testing for staff was promised but not delivered. The Prime Minister previously committed to turning all tests around in 24 hours by the end of June.
I heard what the Prime Minister had to say, but I have to say to him that we were promised weekly testing for staff. That has not been delivered. Time and again, the Government have failed to meet these promises. The latest figures show an average of 62,000 people tested per day, not 500,000 as promised. How does he explain this?
We have delivered on a thorough testing regime in Europe; we now conduct 240,000 tests per day. The British people are responding with increased demand for tests. Per thousand people, this country is testing more than Germany, Spain and France.
Assessment & feedback
Discrepancy between promised capacity and actual capacity not explained
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
Mothers have had to give birth without support of their partners or families due to restrictions.
The Health Secretary yesterday issued new guidance, but under this guidance many birth partners will not be allowed to join until established labour. Will the Prime Minister meet with me and my hon. Friends to ensure that no woman is forced to give birth without support?
I totally agree that birth partners should attend births and I am happy to encourage co-operation between my right hon. Friends in the Health Department.
Assessment & feedback
No specific agreement on meeting Labour MPs
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Angela Rayner Lab
Ashton-under-Lyne
Context
The Prime Minister's friend owns grouse moor estates and paid for a luxury Christmas getaway, while infections are rising and testing system is collapsing.
Infections are rising. The testing system is collapsing. We have the highest death toll in Europe and we are on course for one of the worst recessions in the developed world. This winter, we are staring down a second wave with no plan. People cannot say goodbye to loved ones; frontline staff cannot get tests they need. What was the top priority for the covid war Cabinet this weekend?
We are delivering on priorities of the British people: fighting coronavirus, stopping early release of dangerous offenders, strengthening our Union, building homes, recruiting doctors and nurses, and building hospitals.
Assessment & feedback
Restoring grouse shooting not addressed
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Context
The south-west has often been overlooked. The Prime Minister is levelling up across the country.
Will the Prime Minister reassure Members from across the south-west that we will invest in digital and transport infrastructure, turbocharge opportunity and provide growth? To that effect, will he meet a delegation from the south-west to discuss opportunities?
We are allocating considerable sums for the maintenance and improvement of school estates, such as West Alvington Church of England Academy and Eden Park Primary and Nursery School. I will happily consult my diary.
Assessment & feedback
Specific meeting with delegation not confirmed
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Context
The question is prompted by the Prime Minister's past comments regarding devolution and its perceived injustice. The context includes a historical vote on further devolution and current debates over the UK Internal Market Bill.
In his previous life as a Daily Telegraph journalist, this Prime Minister wrote: “Devolution is causing all the strains that its opponents predicted, and in allowing the Scots to make their own laws, while free-riding on English taxpayers, it is simply unjust.” So let me ask the Prime Minister two specific questions, which need two specific answers. First, does he still think that devolution in Scotland is unjust? Secondly, where does he believe full spending and decision-making powers over our NHS, education, infrastructure, economic development, culture and sport should be held—is it with Scotland's Parliament or with Westminster?
Obviously, there is a very considerable, and has been a massive, devolution of powers to Scotland, and the Scottish people had the opportunity to vote for more in 2014, as the right hon. Gentleman will recall, in a once-in-a-generation event. They chose decisively to reject that. I think he said it was a once-in-a-generation event as well. They now have the opportunity to vote to support the further devolution of powers in the United Kingdom Internal Market Bill, and I hope that he will join us in the Lobby in support of that.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly answer whether he still thinks devolution is unjust
Redirecting To Ukim Bill
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Context
The question is a follow-up prompted by the Prime Minister's previous response to an earlier question. It focuses on Clause 46 of the UKIM Bill which allows for bypassing Scotland's Parliament in decision-making.
My goodness, what nonsense. I never once talked about “a once-in-a-generation”, and the Prime Minister should withdraw that. As usual, the Prime Minister is all over the place. He does not remember what he has written, he does not understand his own Brexit deal and he does not even know what is in the Internal Market Bill—I will tell him. Clause 46 allows this Tory Government to bypass Scotland's Parliament and take decisions on the NHS, education, infrastructure, economic development, culture and sport—it is a blatant power grab. We all know what the Tory Back Benchers are saying behind closed doors: that the Prime Minister is incompetent, that he cannot govern and that they want him away before the next election. Scotland's legacy will be in a being a fair, decent, law-abiding, independent nation state. Will the Prime Minister's legacy be leading the UK to break international law and break this failing Union?
I am not quite clear from that question whether the right hon. Gentleman is in favour of the Union or not. I take it from his hostility to me that he wants to support the Union. So do I. The best thing he can do is to support the UK Internal Market Bill, which buttresses a surge of powers transferred to the devolved Administrations in more than 70 areas. I should just remind him that in the recent coronavirus crisis £5.4 billion has been transferred to be spent in Scotland as a result of Barnett consequentials, and I am proud to say that 70% of the testing that has taken place in Scotland has been supported by the UK Government. If he is a convert to the Union, which is what I take from his question, that is just one of the reasons he should back it.
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly answer whether he supports Clause 46
Challenging Support For Union Providing Statistics On Funding And Testing
Response accuracy
Q11 Direct Answer
Context
The question is prompted by the need for more support for businesses affected by tighter restrictions in Bolton, particularly in relation to psychological impact on residents and further assistance from the Exchequer.
Please allow me to push back against what has just been said. The Prime Minister has done a stellar job in fending off economic depression right across the United Kingdom, including Scotland. Now, my worry turns to a psychological depression. Tighter restrictions have forced more businesses to shut in Bolton and, while 13,900 jobs were saved through furlough, more needs to be done. I invite the Prime Minister, when the time is right, to pound the streets of Bolton North East and, before then, to send in the pennies from the Exchequer and more testing kits from Health.
Yes indeed, we will do that, and I am delighted to say that, in addition to the £40 billion we have spent on the coronavirus job retention scheme and the £130 billion plan for jobs, Bolton will receive at least £500,000 from the towns fund to spend on its high street and community.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Edward Davey Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Context
The question is prompted by research showing that three quarters of families with disabled children had their care support stopped during lockdown. The Coronavirus Act 2020 is partly to blame, and there are concerns it may have broken international law.
Research by the Disabled Children's Partnership shows that three quarters of families with disabled children had their care support stopped during lockdown. The Coronavirus Act 2020 is partly to blame, as it relaxed the duties to assess and meet the needs of disabled people. As the father of a disabled child and a patron of the Disability Law Service, I have seen legal advice that suggests that the Prime Minister's Government broke international law when the Coronavirus Act reduced the rights of disabled people. So before the House is asked to renew the Coronavirus Act, will he meet me to discuss how we can protect the right to care of disabled people and act lawfully?
First, I congratulate the right hon. Gentleman on securing the leadership of his party. I must say that I am not aware of that particular allegation about the legal effect of the Coronavirus Act, and I would be only too happy to write to him very shortly to clarify the matter.
Assessment & feedback
Did not agree to meet or commit to specific actions
Congratulating On Party Leadership
Response accuracy
Q13 Direct Answer
Context
The question is prompted by a proposal for a large festival that was withdrawn due to ongoing public health concerns, raising questions about councils' power to resist such events.
The residents of Amber Valley were relieved yesterday when a proposal for a 1,000-strong festival was finally withdrawn, because it had become clear that the council did not have the power to resist it despite the ongoing public health crisis. Will the Prime Minister ensure that, while covid restrictions remain in place, councils can resist such festivals in the interest of public health?
I thank my hon. Friend for that important question, because I believe that it illuminates a question that councils are asking themselves. I wish to affirm very strongly that they do have the power to stop such events in the interest of public health, and that the council has taken the right decision.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Context
The question is prompted by conflicting statements from various government officials regarding the legality of the UKIM Bill. It seeks clarity on whether it breaches international law.
Last week the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said that the UK Internal Market Bill would breach our obligations under international law. Yesterday the Advocate General for Scotland said that the Secretary of State was wrong to say that. Today the Secretary of State says that the Advocate General was wrong to say that he was wrong. It is of course possible that they are both right in saying that the other is wrong, but surely an important matter such as this requires clarity. For that reason, will the Prime Minister now undertake to publish the advice he has had from all his Law Officers so that the House can make an informed decision on the question of legality, come Monday?
I thank the right hon. Gentleman. I think he asked substantially the same question last week. As he knows, we do not publish the Attorney General's advice—Governments do not normally publish such advice—but what I can certainly say is what I have said to the right hon. Gentleman the leader of the Scottish nationalists: that, of course, this Bill is intended to uphold the economic, political and territorial integrity of the United Kingdom, and I believe it should be supported by every Member of this House.
Assessment & feedback
Did not agree to publish legal advice
Stating Government Does Not Normally Publish Such Advice
Response accuracy
Q15 Direct Answer
Context
The MP highlighted the importance of gigabit connectivity, noting its vital role during the pandemic. She referenced a £5 billion government funding for digital infrastructure.
My right hon. Friend has always highlighted the importance of gigabit connectivity, and digital infrastructure has been vital in keeping us connected throughout the pandemic. Could he update the House on the Government's progress towards the roll-out of gigabit broadband across the country, and in particular whether the £5 billion of Government funding is being used to connect hard-to-reach areas like those in my North Devon constituency?
Yes, I can. We are rolling out full-fibre broadband to the North Moor area, investing £10 million in partnership with the local authority and gearing up to invest over £30 million across Devon and Somerset to target 70,000 premises in her constituency that do not have good enough connectivity.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Ian Byrne Lab
Liverpool West Derby
Context
The Trussell Trust forecast that six emergency food parcels will be given out every minute during winter. The MP requested an additional £250 million investment in local welfare assistance and a meeting to discuss the right to food.
The figures released this week by the Trussell Trust forecast that we will give out six emergency food parcels every minute this winter. Will the Prime Minister commit to two urgent measures to tackle this humanitarian disaster, which is happening in all our communities? First, will he commit to an additional £250 million investment in local welfare assistance schemes to bring England in line with the rest of the UK, as requested by the Children's Trust and the Trussell Trust; and, secondly, will he meet me and partner organisations as a matter of urgency to discuss bringing the right to food into UK law?
I thank the hon. Gentleman. The Government are supporting local councils with £3.7 billion for coronavirus extra needs; £380 million has gone into supporting food, and a massive programme of investment—a £9 billion investment—to lift up universal credit to support the neediest in our society.
Assessment & feedback
£250 million additional investment commitment not given
Supporting Local Councils With £3.7 Billion Massive Programme Of Investment—A £9 Billion Investment
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
Joy Morrissey Con
Beaconsfield
Context
The MP asked about the Government's Internal Market Bill and its impact on levelling up and negotiations.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that this Government's Internal Market Bill will protect our United Kingdom, strengthen our mission to level up and back our negotiators?
I could not have put it better myself.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q18 Direct Answer
Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem
Bath
Context
The MP referenced a new obesity strategy announcement, but noted an increase in the number of people contacting Beat's support services. She requested a meeting to discuss concerns about adverse effects on eating disorder sufferers.
In the week in which the Prime Minister announced the Government's new strategy on obesity, the eating disorder charity Beat experienced a 165% increase in the number of people contacting its support services. I am pleased that the Prime Minister is focused on obesity, but as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on eating disorders, I have been contacted by many who suffer from eating disorders who have approached me with concerns about certain aspects of his obesity strategy and the adverse effects it would have on them. Will the Prime Minister take these concerns seriously and commit to a meeting between sufferers of an eating disorder, myself and the relevant Minister in his Health team?
Yes. I am acutely conscious that there are no glib, easy answers in this area of public policy, and I happily undertake that the relevant Minister should meet the hon. Lady as fast as possible to understand her concerns and the concerns of her constituents.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Context
The MP mentioned the importance of regional airports in the recovery from the pandemic, noting the impact of lockdowns and Flybe's demise on many smaller airports such as Cornwall Airport Newquay.
Regional airports are going to play a crucial role in our recovery from the pandemic and in levelling up our country, but many of them, such as Cornwall Airport Newquay, have been very hard hit not only because of the lockdown, but because of the demise of Flybe. There is a very real concern that if our smaller airports close at this time, they may never open again, which will make the Government's levelling-up agenda even harder to deliver. So could my right hon. Friend please ensure that our regional airports get all the help that they need, whether that be through grants or the Government backing more public sector obligation routes, and would he carefully look at reducing air passenger duty, particularly on domestic flights?
Yes. We will continue to consider applications for public service obligations on routes into Newquay and elsewhere. We will certainly look at air passenger duty, although it would be wrong of me to make any fiscal commitment at this stage.
Assessment & feedback
fiscal commitment not given
Continue To Consider Applications Look At Apd
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Context
The MP mentioned that 17,700 people in her constituency are currently furloughed and could lose their jobs unless the furlough scheme is extended. She requested a more flexible extension to target those still needing support.
The Prime Minister holds the power to save jobs or sacrifice the livelihoods of my constituents. Currently, 17,700 people living in my constituency of York Central are furloughed; their future rests in his hands. Next month, 22% of my constituents could lose their jobs and futures unless furlough is extended. Reformed, yes; more flexible, a must; targeted, absolutely. Extend and review is the only way forward. My question is: will the Prime Minister do that?
I hope the hon. Lady is not saying that she simply wants to extend the furlough scheme, because I do not believe that that is the right way—the hon. Member for Ashton-under-Lyne (Angela Rayner) is shaking her head. We need to get people off furlough and into work, with £2 billion kickstart fund and job retention bonus to encourage employers.
Assessment & feedback
Get People Off Furlough Kickstart Fund
Response accuracy
Q21 Partial Answer
Gagan Mohindra Con
South West Hertfordshire
Context
The MP visited a local wedding venue facing issues due to attendance limits.
I recently visited the Micklefield Hall wedding venue in Sarratt, run by Anna and Jamie Rankin. They expressed concerns about the blanket limit of 30 attendees for weddings. Would the Prime Minister consider changing this rule to allow venues to hold a percentage—say, 50%—of their usual licenced activity?
Similar concerns have been raised about weddings and other businesses affected by social distancing rules. The risk of spread must be balanced against virus containment efforts. The government aims to lift restrictions quickly, but this requires following the 'hands, face, space' guidelines.
Assessment & feedback
Specific request for changing wedding attendance limit was not addressed directly
Under Review Work As Fast As Possible
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Context
Testing problems have been reported in Cardiff South and Penarth, originating from the UK's testing and online system.
I have received serious concerns about testing issues in my constituency. These originate not in Wales but with the UK's testing and online systems leading to rationing, chaos, and confusion, while the virus spreads further. The Prime Minister's friend Cummings reportedly had a 'seeing room'. When will he get control of this?
The Opposition is undermining NHS Test and Trace. The average distance people travel for a test has reduced from 6 or 7 miles to 5 miles this week. We conduct more tests than any other European country, per thousand population.
Assessment & feedback
Specific issues raised about the testing system were not directly addressed
Undermine Colossal Work
Response accuracy
Q23 Direct Answer
Context
The MP has received messages from Bishop Auckland residents about crime, including personal experiences with violent crime.
Residents in Bishop Auckland contact me daily regarding crime concerns. My own history includes learning about violent crime in a way I never wished to learn about it. The first duty of any Government is public protection, but our criminal justice system has fallen short. Will the Government take all steps necessary to keep criminals off streets and crack down on crime?
We are recruiting another 20,000 police officers; about 5,000 have already been recruited. We also introduce measures to stop early release of serious sexual and violent offenders.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
The Court of Appeal ruled against 1950s-born women, affecting about 350,000 in Scotland.
Given the ruling against 1950s-born women at the Court of Appeal yesterday, any restitution requires political action. Will the Prime Minister honour his words from last year to return to this issue with fresh vigour and see what he can do to sort it out?
I will study the judgment in detail and be happy to write to the hon. Member.
Assessment & feedback
Study Write
Response accuracy