PMQs 2026-06-10

2026-06-10

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Melanie Ward Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Context
Ward submitted a formal complaint to the Charity Commission about 32 UK charities funnelling over £28 million to illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land, with an additional likely taxpayer subsidy of more than £5 million.
Happy birthday to you, Mr Speaker. The existence of Israeli settlements and settler violence against Palestinians is a major impediment to peace. I have uncovered 32 British charities funnelling money to Israeli settlements on Palestinian land. Last week, I submitted a formal complaint to the Charity Commission about them. In the last five years, they sent over £28 million to illegal settlements, with a likely taxpayer subsidy through gift aid of more than £5 million. Does the Prime Minister agree that this is extremist activity and not charitable activity, and will he be clear that it is banned?
I thank my hon. Friend. Settlements are a flagrant breach of international law, and no UK charity should be supporting them. The Middle East Minister met the Charity Commission today to discuss concerns. We announced further sanctions against those who support settler violence and will continue strengthening these sanctions. British businesses should have no economic involvement in illegal settlements.
Assessment & feedback
Did not specify whether funding to Israeli settlements is banned or how it is addressed as extremist activity beyond announcing sanctions.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
The UK faces a more volatile world with renewed attacks on Ukraine and strikes in Iran, raising concerns about national security. The government has not yet published the full defence investment plan.
I wish England and Scotland the very best in the world cup. I wish you a very happy birthday, Mr Speaker—many happy returns. May I take the opportunity to associate myself with the remarks that the Prime Minister made about the helicopter crash? Our condolences go to their families, and to the family of Michael Storey. The scenes in Belfast are deeply disturbing. A man is in hospital after a brutal attack and now families are frightened after a night of violence. Last night, America carried out strikes on Iran in response to the downing of a US helicopter. This comes just days after renewed attacks on Ukraine. The world is getting more dangerous and the British public want to know that this Government are doing everything they can to protect our national security. Can the Prime Minister tell the House, will the full defence investment plan finally be published this week?
I agree with the Leader of the Opposition that in relation to both Iran and Ukraine, we are facing a more volatile world than at any time during our lifetimes. We have already taken measures such as increasing defence spending from 2.3% to 2.6% by 2027 and carrying out a strategic review of defence. The defence investment plan will be published before the NATO summit in just a few weeks' time.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm whether the full defence investment plan will be published this week, only stated it will be published before the NATO summit.
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
It has been reported that the Chief of the Defence Staff told the Prime Minister that the Ministry of Defence needs an extra £28 billion. There are concerns about delays in publishing the defence investment plan.
We have wasted two years waiting for the defence investment plan. Projects have been put on hold and Britain is getting weaker with every passing day. It has been reported that the Chief of the Defence Staff told the Prime Minister that the Ministry of Defence needs an extra £28 billion. Will that requirement be met in full?
We will set out the defence investment plan, a 10-year review of defence budgets. The right hon. Lady is wrong to say it has been delayed by two years; the strategic review was published last year and we have been working through details. We increased defence spending from 2.3% to 2.6%. Spending in this Parliament totals £270 billion, with 1,400 major contracts signed.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm whether the additional £28 billion requirement will be met in full, only discussed general spending and contract details.
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
The Prime Minister has not yet published the full defence investment plan, raising concerns about meeting the minimum defence spending requirement. The Chancellor reportedly only offers £13 billion for this plan.
I welcome the pay rise for the armed forces. The Prime Minister says he has increased defence spending, but he has not. This year he is cutting it by £3.5 billion. What he is talking about are hopeful increases, and we do not know if he will make them because there is still no defence investment plan. At a time when we need leadership, we have total paralysis. It is reported that the Chancellor is only willing to find £13 billion for the DIP. How can that be the case when he is giving the armed forces less than half of the minimum that they need?
We have already increased defence spending to £270 billion over this Parliament. We took defence spending from 2.5% to 2.3%. Now we are at 2.6% by 2027. The plan will be published before the NATO summit, and we signed 1,400 major contracts, with 94% going to British businesses.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address how current spending meets minimum requirements or discuss the £13 billion reported by the Chancellor for DIP.
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
The government has not provided a clear defence investment plan despite previous statements and concerns from the military.
There is still no defence investment plan. The military is waiting, and bond markets are watching. The Prime Minister has only three options: cutting spending, more borrowing, or higher taxes. Will he rule out raising taxes?
The right hon. Lady asks the House to ignore the last 14 years of Conservative governance, but we cannot forget that when they left office, 47 out of 49 major defence contracts were delayed or over budget. We are fixing this and increasing defence spending. The defence investment plan will be published before the NATO summit in a few weeks.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about ruling out tax rises was not directly addressed; instead, the response focused on past governance issues.
Ignore The Last 14 Years Focusing On Past Failures
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
The government is facing criticism for lacking a clear plan to balance defence and welfare spending, especially in light of increased global instability.
At a time of increased global tension with war in Europe and the Middle East, why does the Prime Minister not have a defence investment plan? Why not just cut welfare benefits?
The right hon. Lady ignores our leadership on Ukraine and military coalitions, as well as the fact that we are turning the country around with growth up, interest rates down, immigration down, and NHS waiting lists coming down at a rate not seen in 17 years.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about cutting welfare was completely avoided; instead, the response focused on unrelated achievements.
Changing Subject To Unrelated Achievements
Response accuracy
Q7 Partial Answer
Kemi Badenoch Con
North West Essex
Context
The government is criticized for its inability to make tough decisions regarding defence and welfare spending, especially as the leader's premiership draws to a close.
As the Prime Minister is weak and unable to face down Back Benchers or cut benefits, will he be remembered for a bloated welfare state and weaker armed forces?
The Conservatives neither reformed welfare nor invested in our armed forces when they were in office. Defence spending went down, and welfare spending went up by £88 billion overall, with £33 billion under the shadow Chancellor.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about weakness was completely avoided; instead, the response criticized past governance.
Changing Subject To Past Failures
Response accuracy
Q8 Partial Answer
Richard Burgon Lab
Leeds East
Context
Palantir, a US tech giant with concerns over its human rights record, is running the NHS's new data platform. There are fears about patient data security.
Palantir staff have had unlimited access to identifiable NHS patient data. The Government have an opportunity to end this contract through a break clause next year. Will they take that opportunity and kick Palantir out of our NHS next year?
The Health Secretary will review the existing contract ahead of the break clause. Data security is a priority, and strong cyber-security protections will be in place for the single patient record.
Assessment & feedback
No commitment was given to terminate the Palantir contract; instead, the response focused on data security measures.
Focusing On Data Security Rather Than Terminating The Contract
Response accuracy
Q9 Partial Answer
Edward Davey Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Context
Reports suggested the government was considering cutting NHS spending to fund military expenses.
I join the Prime Minister in sending our condolences. As chaos over the defence investment plan continues, I am sure Members were shocked by reports that the Government are contemplating slashing hospital funding for military expenses. Surely in 21st-century Britain people can expect both a decent local hospital and armed forces that keep them safe. Will the Prime Minister rule out any cuts to NHS budgets to fund defence?
I agree with the right hon. Gentleman about carers' work. We will take measures necessary to defend our country and invest in public services, as we have done already.
Assessment & feedback
The issue of ruling out cuts to NHS funding was not directly addressed.
Running A Public Service Stripping Them Bare Under Austerity
Response accuracy
Q10 Partial Answer
Edward Davey Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Context
An attack took place in Belfast, prompting concerns about violence and social media's role.
I urge the Prime Minister to look at our plans for defence bonds. I turn to the horrific scenes in Belfast: an appalling crime was committed, making us feel immense pain and anger. Extremists exploit grief and anger, aided by social media barons like Elon Musk. Does the PM agree that this is not who we are as a country? Will he crack down on platforms like X fuelling violence and hatred?
We will crack down on anyone fuelling division. I agree with the right hon. Gentleman: we are in a difficult situation in Northern Ireland. The police are on the frontline, and it is our duty as politicians to call for calm.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about cracking down on platforms was not directly addressed.
Division
Response accuracy
Q11 Partial Answer
Lauren Edwards Lab
Rochester and Strood
Context
Recent case law has put flexible working spaces under threat, potentially costing businesses hundreds of thousands of pounds in backdated bills.
Flexible and co-working spaces play a crucial role in regenerating town centres. However, recent Valuation Office Agency assessments now treat many as single, larger businesses. This could result in losing small business rate relief and receiving backdated bills for up to three years. Will the Prime Minister ensure an urgent political solution is found to this problem?
I absolutely recognise the important role flexible working spaces play. Where law requires a property to be treated as a single unit, business rates are paid by the operator. I will ensure a Treasury Minister picks up this issue with my hon. Friend.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for an urgent political solution was not fully addressed.
Cannot Speak For Every Case
Response accuracy
Q12 Partial Answer
Gavin Robinson DUP
Belfast East
Context
An attack in Belfast has caused community damage, requiring strong condemnation.
I associate myself with the Prime Minister's remarks about the helicopter crash. The north Belfast attack on Monday was medieval and sadistic, viewed by millions. It requires the strongest condemnation. Will the PM meet me urgently to discuss steps taken to ensure values are enforced, rule of law sustained, and border protection improved?
I thank the right hon. Member for his question. Standing together with a common message was powerful. I am very happy to meet the right hon. Member and other MPs from Northern Ireland. We are sickened by this attack, but need clarity that scenes of violence have no justification.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for urgent meeting on border control was not fully addressed.
Scenes Of Violence And Disorder Questions Need To Be Answered
Response accuracy
Q13 Partial Answer
Rushanara Ali Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Context
The Mildmay hospital, founded in 1877, has been a pioneer for HIV and AIDS care since the 1980s.
I associate myself with PM's remarks on Northern Ireland. The Mildmay hospital in my constituency has been a pioneer for HIV and AIDs care since the 1980s. Diana, Princess of Wales made numerous visits to this unique charitable hospital, breaking through stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. It provides care for patients with complex needs today yet is at risk of closure due to commissioning issues in NHS. Will the Prime Minister lend his support ahead of 30th anniversary of her death so that it can survive and thrive?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising Mildmay Hospital, which is synonymous with extraordinary care and compassion. I will ensure she meets the relevant Health Minister to discuss concerns.
Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for Prime Minister's support was not fully addressed.
Response accuracy
Q14 Partial Answer
Ayoub Khan Ind
Birmingham Perry Barr
Context
The question arises from violent incidents in Northern Ireland and the fear they have caused among minority communities.
I am sure hon. Members will agree that I, as a person of colour in this House, cannot be held accountable for the vile acts of individuals who share my complexion or heritage. However, there are some in this Chamber who seek division to further their political ambitions—individuals who are fuelling hate against citizens of our own nation and causing hard-working, upstanding people to be afraid for their safety because of the colour of their skin. Teachers, doctors and nurses are afraid to go to work. Words have consequences, and with the eyes of the nation on us in this moment, what pure, cold actions will the Prime Minister take against those inciting and perpetrating violence and, more importantly, to support the victims following the brutal attack in Belfast?
All those involved in the violence will face the full force of the law, and quite rightly so. The hon. Member is right to describe, as he does, the fear that this instils in some of our communities. That is a very real fear, and it is being felt today, this hour, in Northern Ireland by families who are too scared to go about their lawful work, to go to school and to go about their business. That is exactly what it does, which is why we must all condemn it.
Assessment & feedback
We Must All Condemn
Response accuracy
Q15 Partial Answer
Liz Twist Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Context
The British Standards Institution is celebrating its 125th anniversary.
The British Standards Institution is 125 years old this year. I am proud to have been working closely with it to produce and publish BS 30480: the world's first free standard on suicide and the workplace. The standard has now been downloaded more than 12,500 times. As we all work towards reducing the number of people who die by suicide, will the Prime Minister support more workplace adoption of the standard and work with the BSI and me to achieve that?
I pay tribute to my hon. Friend, who has been an outstanding advocate on this issue. I congratulate the BSI on 125 years of vital work. The guidance reminds us that every part of society has a role to play in suicide prevention, and it is positive that so many businesses are putting it into practice. I am pleased to raise awareness of it and to encourage others who have not seen it yet to look closely at it and follow it.
Assessment & feedback
I Am Pleased To Raise Awareness
Response accuracy
Q16 Partial Answer
Richard Tice Reform
Boston and Skegness
Context
The question arises from violence in Belfast and allegations of the Prime Minister's failures.
Happy birthday, Mr Speaker. We all condemn, of course, the appalling violence in Belfast last night after the horrific attack on Monday. But this Prime Minister is in denial of the rising despair across the country over his failure to stop the boats and related criminality, his failure to recognise two-tier policing, his failures over Mandelson and his failures over the scourge of antisemitism. He has lost the confidence of the country, his own trade union members and his own, very quiet, Back Benchers. When will he do the right thing? When will this Prime Minister resign?
Last week we had the terrible case of Henry Nowak, which Reform Members sought to exploit. Now we have a very difficult situation in Northern Ireland where families and communities are extremely frightened. What do they do? They try to whip up fear and division, because that is all they have got. The hon. Member talks about stopping the boats. When we passed legislation to help stop the boats, what did they do? They voted against it.
Assessment & feedback
They Try To Whip Up Fear And Division
Response accuracy
Q17 Partial Answer
David Burton-Sampson Lab
Southend West and Leigh
Context
A constituent died from an ecstasy overdose during a holiday in Ibiza.
Happy birthday, Mr Speaker. Last summer, my constituent Ryan Long went to Ibiza on his first lads' holiday. On his first night, he made what turned out to be a fatal decision when he took an ecstasy pill, and after falling into a coma, he sadly passed away at the age of 18. Since his death, his mum Angie, working with local charity Open Road, has ploughed her grief into campaigning, fundraising and raising awareness of the dangers of drug use, so that no other family has to go through the pain hers has suffered. She joins us in the Public Gallery today. Will the Prime Minister join me in thanking Angie for her dedicated work, and will he meet her to discuss ways in which we can, in Ryan's name, further raise awareness of the danger of drugs?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising Ryan's case, the details of which, as he outlined, are very hard to hear. As the father of a 17-year-old boy, I find that particularly hard to hear. No one—no mother—should have to experience what Angie has. I know that she is here with us today, and I very much hope that I can meet her immediately after PMQs.
Assessment & feedback
Very Hard To Hear
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
James McMurdock Ind
South Basildon and East Thurrock
Context
Public events have security measures but allow carrying of knives under certain exemptions.
If any member of the public wishes to visit a major sporting or music event, they can expect to be searched on the way in. If they bring a bottle of water, the lid will be taken. If they order a drink from the bar, it will be served in a plastic cup. That is done for security reasons, yet because of exemptions in the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, those same events permit the carrying of blades up to 5 inches long. Does the Prime Minister recognise the dangers and risks associated with that, and that what a solicitor might call “an exception”, our voters would call “two-tier justice”?
Let me be very clear: any blade that is used to threaten or to harm others is illegal by law—any blade. We will work with the Sikh community, knife crime campaigners and the police to learn the right lessons. That is the responsible thing to do. We all have a responsibility and a duty as politicians to respond to the case that we were discussing last week and to the events in Northern Ireland that we are discussing today with the calmness that leadership requires.
Assessment & feedback
The Responsible Thing To Do
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Sean Woodcock Lab
Banbury
Context
The Care Quality Commission recently upgraded the Horton maternity unit to 'good'.
Maternity care in north Oxfordshire declined under the previous Government, with the loss of consultant-led services at the Horton hospital—where I was born—and serious failings by the trust, which is now part of Baroness Amos's inquiry. However, last week, the Care Quality Commission upgraded the Horton maternity unit to good. Will the Prime Minister visit the Horton hospital in Banbury to see the change that this Government's £3.3 million investment has delivered since July 2024?
I am pleased that my hon. Friend's local maternity services are seeing improvements. We now have a record number of midwives working in the NHS, and we are investing over £150 million to address critical safety risks. There is much more that we need to do so that every mother is listened to and receives outstanding care. The recommendations of the Amos inquiry will be published shortly, and we will act to deliver lasting change.
Assessment & feedback
We Are Investing Over £150 Million
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Tom Gordon Lib Dem
Harrogate and Knaresborough
Context
The MP noted his personal experience with ulcerative colitis, highlighting long diagnosis times and inconsistent care quality across the country. He mentioned IBD UK Alliance's standards for better care.
Earlier this year, I found myself in hospital as a result of a flare-up from living with ulcerative colitis. I was bowled over by the support of local constituents and people who live with inflammatory bowel disease across the country when they got in touch. For people with IBD, however, care often falls far short of the mark. It can take ages to get a diagnosis—for me, it took the best part of a decade—and then when someone manages to get one, care can become a postcode lottery. Living with a fluctuating and non-visible condition is already hard enough before having to navigate those systems. IBD UK Alliance set out what good care looks like with the IBD standards. Will the Prime Minister meet me and clinicians to discuss IBD standards, and will he consider appointing a national clinical lead to drive improvement when it comes to IBD care?
I thank the hon. Member for sharing his personal experience and, notwithstanding that, congratulate him on his achievements at the London marathon. I agree with him that patients should receive high-quality, consistent care, wherever they live. Through national improvement programmes such as Getting It Right First Time, we are making sure that best practice is shared to drive up standards, and I am happy for Ministers to give him the details.
Assessment & feedback
Appointment of a national clinical lead
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q21 Direct Answer
Christopher Vince Con
Labour/Co-operative
Context
The MP noted Carers Week and thanked young carers in his constituency. He expressed concern about big tech companies' lack of responsibility towards child safety online.
Many happy returns to you, Mr Speaker. It is Carers Week, so I take this opportunity to thank all the young carers and young adult carers in my constituency of Harlow for all that they do, all year round. As a former teacher, I spend a lot of time talking to students, parents and teachers in Harlow about the dangers of social media. They are very concerned that the big tech companies are not taking their responsibilities seriously, so can I ask the Prime Minister what he is doing to hold big tech firms to account, to ensure that our young people are safe online?
I thank my hon. Friend for his great work supporting young carers for decades. We have given tech companies a deadline: introduce the device-level controls that already exist to prevent children from sending and receiving sexually explicit images or we will change the law, with fines for companies or even criminal liability for bosses who fail to comply. When it comes to the safety of our children, standing by is not an option, and further steps will follow.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q22 Partial Answer
Adrian Ramsay Green
Waveney Valley
Context
The MP mentioned two suppressed government reports predicting catastrophic failure in the UK's food and water systems by 2030 due to lack of transformational change. He urged for collaborative action.
A suppressed Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs report has concluded that without transformational change, our food and water systems are at risk of catastrophic failure from 2030. Another suppressed Joint Intelligence Committee report concluded that there is a “high likelihood” of ecosystem collapse, putting food production at risk. Does the Prime Minister recognise that many of us across this House are ready to work collaboratively to address these urgent challenges, and will he commit to publishing those two reports in full?
I agree that we must act to protect ecosystems that underpin our food supply and our way of life, and I am really proud that, under this Government, the UK is back playing a leading part on climate change and restoring nature.
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to publish reports
Under Consideration
Response accuracy
Q23 Partial Answer
Alison Taylor Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire North
Context
The MP highlighted the conviction of Peter Murrell for embezzling over £400,000 from Scottish National Party members' funds. He mentioned luxury items purchased and concerns raised but silenced.
Peter Murrell pleaded guilty to embezzling over £400,000 of Scottish National party members' funds. Thousands of pounds were spent on luxury items ranging from a salt and pepper grinder to a new Jaguar and a luxury motorhome. When party figures raised concerns, and even resigned, they were silenced and ostracised by those at the very top of the SNP. Does my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister agree that a full investigation into this national scandal needs to be held as a matter of urgency?
These are clearly serious legitimate questions that deserve answers and scrutiny—answers and scrutiny that they are not getting. I do think the Scottish Parliament should look at them closely, and I hope that it will listen to the concerns of this House.
Assessment & feedback
Under Consideration
Response accuracy
Q24 Partial Answer
Context
The MP discussed her experience running a business and mentioned dealing with the difficulty of high business taxes. She supports the “VAT's the Problem” campaign aiming to reduce VAT rates.
Running a business as a plumber, I was well used to dealing with dirty grubbiness, and there is still plenty of that dirty grubbiness behind me. Running a business is tough, so will the Prime Minister join me in backing the “VAT's the Problem” campaign to cut VAT rates in hospitality? He did not answer the question last week, so will he tell us today: yes or no?
I am very glad that we are cutting VAT over the summer with our summer savings programme, which I hope the hon. Lady will support.
Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q25 Partial Answer
Paul Foster Lab
South Ribble
Context
The MP raised concerns about integrated care boards not fully funding essential medicine and pharmacy provision for specialist end-of-life care at hospices. He mentioned his private Member's Bill, St Catherine's law.
Mr Speaker, integrated care boards have a statutory obligation to fully fund all essential medicines and pharmacy provision for the delivery of specialist end-of-life and palliative care at our wonderful hospices, such as St Catherine's and Derian House, serving our respective constituencies of South Ribble and Chorley. However, this is not happening, with ICBs claiming that the costs are covered by the hospices' core grant. Will the Prime Minister support my private Member's Bill—St Catherine's law—which seeks to place an explicit obligation on every ICB to fund all essential medicine and pharmacy provision for all our hospices, separately from any core grant they receive from the NHS?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this. As he knows, integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning palliative care and end-of-life services, including hospices, to meet the needs of their area, and that includes decisions on how services are funded, including medicines and pharmacy provision. I am happy to talk to him further about it.
Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q26 Direct Answer
Freddie Van Mierlo Lib Dem
Henley and Thame
Context
The MP highlighted Judy Washington's repeated flooding of raw sewage on her driveway and garden. He noted Thames Water's refusal to look into the situation until 2027.
Every time there is heavy rain, Judy Washington's driveway and garden are flooded with raw sewage. The same happens to her neighbour, and it happened again last week. Thames Water told my office that it will not even look at the situation until the end of winter 2027. It is unacceptable that a lady in her retirement is shovelling sewage from her drive and waiting for human waste to decompose in her garden. Will the Prime Minister write to Thames Water on behalf of Judy and her neighbour to compel it to sort this out?
I thank the hon. Member for raising this case—it is obviously awful. If he shares further details with my office, I will ensure that the Water Minister picks it up and acts as quickly as possible.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q27 Partial Answer
Tan Dhesi Lab
Slough
Context
The House of Commons Defence Committee has called for a 3% GDP spend on defence. NATO needs to be ready for an attack from Russia by 2030, and the current leadership in Russia is described as belligerent and expansionist.
Last week, the Prime Minister warned that NATO needs to be ready for an attack from Russia by 2030. Indeed, we have an increasingly belligerent, expansionist and imperialist Russian leadership to our east and a Donald Trump US leadership to our west, for whom Ukraine and European security are not a priority, so we need to meet the moment. To his credit, the Prime Minister has increased defence spending since taking power, but the House of Commons Defence Committee is adamant that we need to spend 3% of GDP on defence. When the Prime Minister signs off on decisions in the defence investment plan, which I hope—touch wood—will be published imminently, will he agree to that 3% GDP spend on defence?
My hon. Friend is right to raise the concerns that we have. We have increased defence spending, and the defence investment plan is going to be set out very soon and before the NATO summit, which is in just a few weeks' time.
Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to 3% GDP spend on defence was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q28 Partial Answer
Alicia Kearns Con
Rutland and Stamford
Context
Lindsay Foreman and her husband Craig are being held hostage by the Iranian government. They have not eaten for a total of 55 days combined.
Lindsay Foreman and her husband Craig have not eaten in 32 and 23 days respectively. They are being held hostage by the terrorist Government of Iran, but this Government's weak words have abandoned them, so will the Prime Minister stop raising their case and start fighting for them? He can do that by declaring today in this House that they are being arbitrarily detained—something he has refused to do—and by referring their case to the International Court of Justice, so we get them home.
I thank the hon. Member for raising this important case and give her and the House the assurance that this is raised regularly by us. The Foreign Secretary has raised it very recently. We raise it every time we can; we do everything we can in relation to this case. We are doing everything that we can, as she would expect and as the Conservatives would have done in office, but she is right to raise the case.
Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to declare detention as arbitrary or refer the case to the International Court of Justice was not addressed.
Response accuracy