Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question comes in response to the Prime Minister's remarks regarding Team GB and Ukraine, expressing concern over government policy changes affecting local businesses.
May I associate myself with the remarks of the Prime Minister in respect of Team GB and Ukraine? Given that the current Government are no stranger to the U-turn, can I gently tempt the Prime Minister to add one more to the current tally and help get Britain working again by scrapping the Government's business rate changes?
It is good to see the right hon. Member in good form, particularly after his health scare. The right hon. Gentleman discusses a former leader of his party who was the former Health Minister, Prisons Minister and economy Minister under Liz Truss. We are picking up the mess and turning it around.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about scrapping business rate changes was not addressed.
Discussed A Former Leader Of His Party
Picking Up The Mess
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Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows from a Labour Government recognition of Palestine and the Foreign Secretary's statement at the UN Security Council on UK's commitment towards humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Does the Prime Minister agree that protecting civilians, upholding international law and supporting Palestinian-led governance are essential for a lasting peace?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue, because the ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile and protecting Israeli and Palestinian civilians is critical. We will be hosting a peacebuilding conference in March to build lasting peace and security for both Palestine and Israel.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address upholding international law or supporting Palestinian-led governance directly.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows from the Prime Minister's comments about Ukraine and Team GB, focusing on the cost of going to university.
May I associate the Conservative party with the Prime Minister's comments about Ukraine and Team GB? It is time for all of us to do something about student loans that have become a debt trap. Will he cut interest rates on student loans?
We inherited their broken student loans system and introduced maintenance grants, which they scrapped, to improve the situation. We will look at ways to make it fairer.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address cutting interest rates directly.
Look At Ways To Make It Fairer
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is in response to the Prime Minister's previous statement about Ukraine and Team GB, focusing on the cost of living for students and graduates.
I asked the Prime Minister if he would cut interest rates on student loans—no answer. For the record, energy bills are still higher than when he came into office. Will the Prime Minister tell us whether graduates are paying more or less under Labour?
Inflation has fallen to 3% and the Bank of England says that it will keep on falling. That is only happening because of the decisions that we made at the Budget, opposed by the Conservatives.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm whether graduates are paying more or less under Labour.
Talk About The Economy
Energy Prices Coming Down
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows from previous exchanges about Team GB and Ukraine, focusing on the cost of living for students and graduates.
Labour Members do not like it, but I have not said anything that is not true. Why don't we talk about student loans? The fact is that graduates are paying more, not less. On Monday, the Schools Minister was asked on the BBC why Labour froze the repayment thresholds. She said that the Government have “huge pressures”. Those pressures have been created by the Prime Minister's taxes and borrowing to pay for more welfare.
Under the Conservative Government, student loan thresholds were frozen for 10 years. They broke the system—and we are fixing it. We have taken £117 off energy bills, and inflation is going down.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why taking from students to give to welfare.
Discussed Broken Student Loan System
Energy Bills Coming Down
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister has acknowledged the need to address issues with the student loan system. Kemi Badenoch criticizes the lack of action.
How is the Government fixing the student loans system? The fact is that those policies failed and now he wants to talk about the last government's record. He got legislation in to fix his own pension but not for other people. There are no plans to help graduates get out of debt traps or to get young people into work.
The Government has reduced bills, lowered inflation and increased surplus. The FTSE is at a record high and business confidence is up. The President of the British Chamber of Commerce says this year could turn around the economy.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically asked about student loans; instead answered with general economic performance
Changing Subject To Broader Economic Policies
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Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister has faced criticism for not addressing issues such as youth unemployment and the debt trap for graduates.
You want to distract from your own mess by talking about last government's failures. You have 15 U-turns, no plan on student loans, high youth unemployment, and you can't govern because of scandals. Why should the country put up with three more years?
We have reduced bills, lowered inflation and increased surplus. The FTSE is at a record high and business confidence is up. The President of the British Chamber of Commerce says this year could turn around the economy.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically asked about student loans; instead answered with general economic performance
Changing Subject To Broader Economic Policies
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister faces criticism over the economy, especially youth unemployment which is at its highest ever.
You want to distract from your own mess by talking about last government's failures. Youth unemployment is highest ever, monthly increases in unemployment under this Labour Government. No plan on student loans because you cannot govern due to scandals.
The right hon. Member carps from sidelines, talking down economy when business community welcomes our plan; FTSE at record high, surplus at record, resales up.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically asked about leadership and student loans; instead answered with general economic performance
Changing Subject To Broader Economic Policies
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Q9
Direct Answer
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Context
Residents in Stanley, North Durham, are excited about the Pride in Place funding. Other villages and areas need similar investment.
Stanley South has received ÂŁ20 million of Pride in Place funding as one of 250 most deprived neighbourhoods. Villages like Grange Villa, New Kyo, Avenues area of Chester-le-Street are also deprived but too small to qualify for current funding wave. Will the Prime Minister consider an additional wave targeting smaller areas?
Pride in Place investment is meaningful for communities. We are backing with funding, powers to invest in priorities: unleashing jobs, growth and opportunity. Next wave will invest in additional 169 neighbourhoods focusing on smaller areas.
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Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
Former PM Gordon Brown raised concerns about Jeffrey Epstein using British airports, RAF bases for trafficking women and girls. A full public inquiry is suggested.
Joining Prime Minister in congratulating Team GB on winter Olympics success and solidarity with Ukraine allies after four years resistance to Putin's war machine. Former PM Gordon Brown raised shocking concerns that Epstein used British airports, even RAF bases, for trafficking young women and girls. Needs full public inquiry into this. Agree or will release flight logs/documents?
Police investigation ongoing; evidence must take its course before deciding next action needs to be taken.
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Assessment & feedback
Specifically asked about releasing logs/documents; instead said let police investigation run course
Acknowledges Need For Investigation But Avoids Specifics On Release Of Documents
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Q11
Direct Answer
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Context
A trustee of William Blake House, a care home for adults with profound disabilities, embezzled ÂŁ1 million, threatening the home's closure. Families proposed a rescue plan.
It has been revealed that a trustee of William Blake House embezzled ÂŁ1 million, putting the unique facility at risk of closure. As this is a nightmare for many parents of disabled children, including myself, will the Prime Minister meet with families and support their rescue plan involving HMRC and Charity Commission?
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for raising this case, which is obviously a cause of considerable concern. Of course, I will make sure that the relevant meeting is put in place for all the individuals who need it.
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Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
The Equality Act 2010 is under threat. The act prevents workplace discrimination and protects women from pregnancy-based firing.
Given the recent challenges to the Equality Act, will the Prime Minister commit to defending laws that prevent workplace discrimination and protect rights regardless of sex, race or disability?
I am proud of the Equality Act, which was passed by the last Labour Government; we will always fight for working people. I also have to raise this: a death threat against my hon. Friend was shared by Reform's deputy council leader in Lancashire.
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Assessment & feedback
commitment to protecting laws
Condemning A Death Threat
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Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
A Chagossian, Michel Mandarin, faces removal orders after being forced from his home at age 14 and dumped in Mauritius.
The Government are full of human rights lawyers. Why do the opinions and human rights of indigenous Chagossians not matter to this Labour Government?
So the hon. Gentleman has neither the decency nor the backbone to condemn a death threat against a Member of this House, whichever party they are in.
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Assessment & feedback
human rights of Chagossians
Condemning A Death Threat
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Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
The Green party advocates for the legalisation of drugs like heroin, while Labour disagrees.
Can the Prime Minister update on how the Government are tackling illegal drugs misuse? Will he reassure parents that Labour will disagree with those who think legalising class A drugs is a good idea?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that issue. We are working relentlessly to tackle the supply of illegal drugs, and expanding police powers to test more suspects on arrest.
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Assessment & feedback
reassurance regarding Labour's stance
Mentioning Green Party Policy
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Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister has spoken about treating justice as non-optional for Epstein's enablers. Is the same principle applied to those who assisted Mohammed al-Fayed in abusing women and girls?
Will the Prime Minister ensure sufficient resources are committed to fully investigating multi-perpetrator, multi-jurisdictional human trafficking abuse facilitated by Mohammed al-Fayed, meeting victims like 'Isabella' for understanding their experiences?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising that really important case on behalf of really important victims, and I am sure that the thoughts of the whole House are with those victims.
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Assessment & feedback
commitment to full investigation
Safeguarding Minister Meetings
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Q16
Direct Answer
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Context
A man entered Manchester Central mosque with weapons, causing concern over frequent violent attacks on the Muslim community.
We have all heard the horrific news that a man entered Manchester Central mosque last night in this, the holy month of Ramadan, carrying weapons including a hammer, a knife and an axe. Violent and Islamophobic attacks against the Muslim community are becoming far too frequent in our country. Prime Minister, is it not the case that every single politician in this place, has a responsibility to stop fanning the flames of hatred against the Muslim community?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that really important case. Let me tell him that I share his deep concern, and the deep concern of the community, over the incident at Manchester Central mosque—particularly as it took place during the holy month of Ramadan—and that we will not, and must not, relent in the fight against anti-Muslim hatred. We must not. I remember visiting Peacehaven mosque in the wake of the awful attack there, and when I did, I committed £40 million to protecting mosques and community centres. It is a shame that we have to do that, but we do have to do it, and we are establishing a new fund to monitor anti-Muslim hatred and to support victims. I want to reassure my hon. Friend and the House that we will fight hatred and protect freedom of worship in this country.
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Q17
Partial Answer
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Campaigners have been ignored for over a decade regarding the rail services issue, but today there is a plan for an underpass. The town of Bicester will be cut in two when the rail services start.
Bicester is one of the fastest-growing towns in the country, but the town will be cut in two when rail services start between Oxford and Cambridge and the London Road level crossing closes. Campaigners were ignored by the Conservative Administration for over a decade, but today we are in touching distance of a solution. East West Rail has a detailed plan for an underpass, the Rail Minister is fully engaged, we have financial support from the county council, and thousands of local residents have pledged a pound to go underground. Can the Prime Minister now confirm that the Government will back the plan and keep London Road open?
I know that the hon. Gentleman shares our support for East West Rail, which is a vital project that will deliver better journeys and tens of thousands of jobs, and unlock up to 100,000 new homes. I agree that access to Bicester Village must be maintained—my children say that as well—and I think the company has put forward two options for replacing the crossing. I reassure him and his constituents that they will have the opportunity to express their views on what would work for them during the upcoming consultation.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not confirm backing the plan for an underpass at London Road but mentioned a future consultation.
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Q18
Direct Answer
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Planning permission was granted last week for the regeneration of Belper Mills, a site with significant historical value.
The regeneration of Belper mills—a large site with buildings, including grade I listed ones dating from the start of the industrial revolution, at the heart of the east midlands' only UNESCO world heritage site—took a significant step forward last week, when planning permission for its redevelopment and conservation was finally granted. The Government want to provide more housing—rightly so—and sites like this, though very challenging, provide a very important opportunity to support that aspiration and share our national story. Can the Prime Minister tell me what support the Government are giving to regenerate at-risk listed buildings, and whether we are delivering support to train construction workers in heritage building techniques? May I ask him to take a personal interest in Belper mills, because it is an internationally significant site?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue, because restoring Belper mills is not just about delivering the housing that his constituents want, but about restoring an iconic world heritage site in the east midlands. We are investing over £1.2 billion in skills, supporting apprenticeships—including courses focused on heritage construction—recruiting 60,000 more construction workers, and backing new technical excellence colleges, so that we have the workforce to build the homes the country needs.
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Q19
Direct Answer
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There was a significant increase of pothole reports from Somerset, going from around 2,000 to nearly 7,000 within one year.
In January last year, Somerset received around 2,000 pothole reports. This January, there were nearly 7,000—a 250% increase. I recently stood on the Fosse Way in my constituency, where one resident had blown a tyre and another was checking the damage under his car. Families and small businesses are paying the price. Rural counties like Somerset have some of the largest rural networks in the country, yet the funding does not reflect that reality. Will the Prime Minister commit to fairer funding for rural areas so that we can properly maintain and resurface our roads, rather than constantly patching them up?
I know how important it is that we fix the crumbling roads that we inherited from the Conservative party. The hon. Gentleman's county council will receive over ÂŁ225 million as part of our ÂŁ7.3 billion investment to tackle potholes. We are also implementing tough new standards so that councils have to prove that they are fixing the roads properly, and delivering ÂŁ78 billion for councils to ensure that they can deliver excellent local services.
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Q20
Partial Answer
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The MP highlights that around 2.64 million animals were used in medical experiments in the UK, while many drugs fail clinical trials despite passing pre-clinical tests including animal tests.
In 2024, 2.64 million animals were used in medical experiments in the UK. As chair of the all-party parliamentary group on phasing out animal experiments in medical research, I think it is important to note that an estimated 92% of drugs fail in human clinical trials, even though they have passed pre-clinical tests, including animal tests. Innovative non-animal research methods are increasingly available and provide viable alternatives. I very much welcome our “Replacing animals in science” strategy, but for this to be meaningful, a robust implementation timeline must be set. I ask the Prime Minister to consider leading the way by introducing an immediate ban on the use of dogs in these often-horrific experiments.
May I thank my hon. Friend for her dedicated work on this issue? We are committed to phasing out animal testing wherever possible. Last year's strategy, backed by ÂŁ75 million, will accelerate new alternative testing methods. Alongside banning puppy farming and introducing stronger standards for zoos, we are ensuring that the UK is a world leader in animal welfare.
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Assessment & feedback
The Prime Minister did not commit to an immediate ban on using dogs but mentioned other measures supporting animal welfare.
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Q21
Partial Answer
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A constituent was violently attacked in 2014, leading to the conviction of a local Labour councillor named Mohsin Hussain. Recent incidents have raised concerns about his conduct.
In 2014, a man in my constituency was ambushed and brutally beaten with a pickaxe handle. The judge called it a 'brutal attack'. Many constituents are concerned that the perpetrator, Councillor Mohsin Hussain, is still a sitting Labour councillor and recently celebrated an election with convicted drug dealers. Will you ensure he cannot stand in local elections this May?
I will look into it straightaway and give him a full answer.
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Assessment & feedback
Look Into It Straightaway
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Q22
Direct Answer
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Context
The hon. Member is launching the TNT charter to address unfair practices in commercial energy markets for SMEs.
I need your help as Prime Minister to deploy powers that can bring greater transparency, fairness, and competition to the commercial energy sector which has been called a 'wild west'. Can you ensure Ofgem will regulate and stamp out exploitation by third-party intermediaries?
We inherited high industrial energy costs but our British industry supercharger is cutting bills for major industries. We will appoint Ofgem to regulate and stamp out exploitation by third-party intermediaries, helping to reduce bills.
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Q23
Partial Answer
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SNP Members previously sat on the Front Bench but now sit elsewhere, reflecting changes in political support.
Even loyal Scottish Labour party members seem to have lost confidence in you. Can you explain why those who were close to him are abandoning him given your Government's record?
I remember when SNP Members used to sit here, now they sit up there, because we won the general election in 2024 with a landslide majority.
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Assessment & feedback
The reason for loss of confidence among Scottish Labour party members
Shifts To Historical Context
Refers To Past Political Victories
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Q24
Partial Answer
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Springside special school is opening a free breakfast club from April, but the constituency needs a new secondary school due to population growth.
A free breakfast club will open in my constituency this April. However, Rochdale's growing popularity and population mean it desperately needs a new secondary school for mainstream and SEND children. Will you arrange for me to meet with DfE to get our secondary school over the line?
We are determined to halve the disadvantage gap and give all children the best start. I am delighted about the free breakfast club opening and we will lift over half a million children out of poverty through our SEND system reforms.
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Assessment & feedback
Arrangement for meeting with DfE to discuss new secondary school
Focuses On Broader Educational Initiatives
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Q25
Partial Answer
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The MP had previously questioned the Prime Minister about why charges were not brought against Mohammed Fayed. Met police delivered dossiers to CPS.
Some months ago, I asked you as DPP why you did not bring charges against Mohammed Fayed for rape and assault. You replied it didn't cross your desk. If it wasn't you, who saw the dossiers? When can we expect Metropolitan police to charge those who aided Fayed?
Hundreds of thousands of files are submitted each year. The investigation is ongoing, but I cannot predict or disclose the decision timeline as it would compromise proceedings.
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Timeline and responsibility for reviewing dossiers and issuing charges
Emphasizes Procedural Complexity
Refuses To Provide Specific Timeline
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Q26
Direct Answer
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The hon. Member supports Ukraine's bid to join NATO, contrasting it with the Green party's stance of weakening NATO.
Four years after Russia's illegal invasion, Britain backs Ukraine. However, while Ukraine fights for freedom and NATO membership, Greens want to dismantle NATO. Does the Prime Minister agree that those who attack NATO are betraying our security?
Our support for Ukraine is unwavering, and we have announced new sanctions against Putin. The Greens want to pull out of NATO and negotiate with Putin over our nuclear deterrent.
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