Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The chosen site for the new Frimley Park hospital is considered inappropriate by local residents, being environmentally destructive and inaccessible. Evidence suggests that the preferred location was known before the official process began.
I associate myself with the Prime Minister's condolences and his birthday good wishes to the NHS. Everyone in my constituency of Surrey Heath wants a new Frimley Park hospital, but the chosen site is wholly inappropriate. I have received troubling evidence that local political figures openly discussed this site before the official selection process. This project has been compromised from the outset with a predetermined site. Will the Prime Minister step in and commission an urgent independent review?
The hon. Gentleman's NHS trust has identified its preferred site for the new Frimley Park hospital, and detailed technical work can now start. The Tories promised 40 new hospitals with no funding or delivery plan, but thanks to Labour investment, his hospital will be one of the first rebuilt. His approach opposes building it because of golf courses.
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Assessment & feedback
Commissioning an independent review into the site selection process for Frimley Park Hospital
Redirecting To Opposition'S Record
Personal Attack
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Under the Labour Government, councils delivered the highest number of social and affordable homes since 1991. Constituents are concerned about accessing council homes at social rent.
A good, safe and secure home is the foundation of everything, and access to a council home at social rent continues to be the biggest issue that my constituents get in touch with me about. Under this Labour Government, councils delivered the highest annual number of social and affordable homes since 1991-92. Does the Prime Minister agree that we must build on this achievement and accelerate progress on council house building?
This Government are delivering the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation with £39 billion, unleashing the biggest surge in council house building in more than 30 years. That includes a thousand new social and affordable homes in Luton and Bedfordshire. Our Social Housing Bill will reform right to buy to deliver even more social houses.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The Chief of the Defence Staff stated that the armed forces need a minimum of £28 billion more to defend the country.
Can I associate myself and those on the Opposition Benches with the Prime Minister's comments about Venezuela, and also about the Lib Dems? But seriously, the Chief of the Defence Staff made it known that the armed forces needed a minimum of £28 billion more to defend the country. Can the Prime Minister tell us why he thinks half that amount is enough?
This Labour Government have delivered two major funding increases in just two years, taking us to £300 billion over the next four years. This investment will strengthen our nuclear capability, upgrade naval bases and confirm commitment to fighter jets.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Defence Secretary resigned over forced decisions that increased risk to personnel. Spending has only increased by 0.01% since then.
The Prime Minister did not say it was enough, and that was a very long list of things he is not yet paying for. It is not right and fair to our troops who put their lives on the line every day. Since the Defence Secretary resigned, only 0.01% increase in spending has occurred. How can he stand there and say this is enough?
This is the most significant upgrade in defence spending since the 1980s, funded by Labour to £300 billion and rising. It contrasts with Conservatives' record of cutting defence spending and missing recruitment targets.
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Assessment & feedback
Addressing concerns about insufficient funding increase after Defence Secretary's resignation
Redirecting To Opposition'S Record
Contrasting With Previous Government
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Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Chief of the Defence Staff noted that Britain's defence funding has not kept up with rising threats, with Poland increasing its funding to 4.8% and Germany to 3.7%. Russia is set to spend 10% of GDP on defence in 2023.
The Chief of the Defence Staff noted that Britain's defence funding has not kept up with rising threats, with Poland increasing its funding to 4.8% and Germany to 3.7%. Russia is set to spend 10% of GDP on defence in 2023. The plan announced by the Prime Minister for defence spending lacks £5 billion. Can he confirm that the right hon. Member for Makerfield has agreed to fund this shortfall?
When I became Prime Minister two years ago, this country spent £54 billion a year on defence. Because of the decisions we have taken, that will rise to £80 billion a year by 2029. That is a real-terms increase of 27%, transforming our armed forces.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm if Andy Burnham has committed to the £5 billion shortfall, instead focusing on overall increases in defence spending over time.
Focus On Overall Increases
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Q6
Partial Answer
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The Prime Minister announced a £15 billion investment for defence outside the Budget, which is currently short by £5 billion. This announcement was made despite warnings that an attack on NATO could occur as early as 2030.
The Prime Minister's plan has unravelled and it does not deliver until after 2030, when there could be an attack on NATO. The plan relies on £11 billion of unidentified savings and is currently short by £5 billion. Did the right hon. Member for Makerfield know that he was going to have to find £5 billion for this plan?
When I became Prime Minister two years ago, this country spent £54 billion a year on defence. Because of the decisions we have taken, that will rise to £80 billion a year by 2029. That is a real-terms increase of 27%, transforming our armed forces.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether Andy Burnham knew about the shortfall, instead discussing overall increases in defence spending over time.
Focus On Overall Increases
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The plan announced by the Prime Minister is currently short by £5 billion. There are three ways to find this money: increasing borrowing, raising taxes, or cutting welfare.
There are only three ways to find the missing £5 billion: increase borrowing, raise taxes, or cut welfare. Which one will the Prime Minister recommend to the right hon. Member for Makerfield?
We are talking about £1 billion a year over four years. The decisions at the last Budget gave us more than £22 billion in headroom, so we can take the decisions the country needs.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify which method would be used to find the £5 billion shortfall; instead focused on existing budget flexibility and credibility of taking decisions outside of the Budget.
Focus On Budget Flexibility
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Q8
Partial Answer
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The Conservative MP criticises the current government's defence policy, claiming it is weak and inadequate.
Labour Members are laughing and pretending, but if he was doing such a fabulous job, why did he resign? Defence of the realm is the first duty of Government. Britain is facing a moment of danger unlike anything in our lifetimes and unlike anything that we saw in government. We need a plan to fund our armed forces that meets this moment.
It is just all talk. What did the Conservatives actually do? They cut defence, from 2.5% to 2.3%, in their 14 long years. And what did they do on welfare? They put the bill up by £88 billion, so we will take no lectures from them.
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Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent lost a baby at the same funeral director that treated other babies poorly, highlighting a need for better regulation in this area.
Two of my constituents, Cody and Liam Townend, and another mum from Leeds, Zoe Ward, all lost babies in different tragic circumstances, but they all went to the same funeral director, who did not treat their babies' bodies with the dignity, care or respect that they deserved. I will not repeat the shocking details here—the BBC, for its part, published what it could last year—but more shocking still is the fact that the police found nothing actionable in either case, because there is no regulation of the funeral industry.
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this case; he has been a committed campaigner on this issue. I have seen the details of that particular case, and he is right not to repeat them in this Chamber—they are horrifying. The lack of dignity and compassion is unacceptable, and I simply cannot imagine the pain that Cody, Liam and Zoe experienced and are still experiencing.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about regulation was partially addressed but no commitment to a yes answer on regulation was given.
Will Consider This Issue Closely
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Q10
Partial Answer
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The MP expresses concerns over the UK's vulnerability to missile attacks due to inadequate funding.
Our national security requires the best possible missile defence system, including Royal Navy destroyers, but the funding in the Prime Minister's plan for this falls dangerously short. Yet he has rejected our proposals for defence bonds, which were used in the past to rearm our country. So why has the Prime Minister chosen to leave our country so vulnerable to missile attack?
First, I join the right hon. Member in his comments about the Scotland team and the Scotland fans, and in wishing England well. Our defence investment plan gives our country what we need to fight now and into the future, with the capability that has been assessed through the strategic review.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was completely avoided by changing the subject.
Joined Comments About Sports
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Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted rising racist violence and hate incidents, including threats to people of Indian ancestry. He referenced the divisive rhetoric from some Members.
I have another concern that I think the Prime Minister will share: the rising tide of racist violence and hate that we are seeing in our country, and the way it is being incited and normalised, including, I am afraid, by some Members of this House. Does the Prime Minister agree that racism has no place in our country, and will he join me in condemning anyone who is stoking it?
I thank the right hon. Member for raising this. It is really important, because our politics is becoming more divisive, and racism and intolerance are permeating everywhere. We have to deal with it, because it is tearing our societies apart, it is keeping good people away from politics because they do not want to be involved in it and it should be called out by every single person who is a politician at any level in this country.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the specific ask about condemning those inciting hate, focused on importance of addressing racism broadly
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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The MP mentioned the contest for No. 10 leadership and praised Jude Bellingham from Stourbridge and Morgan Rogers from Halesowen as players on the England national team.
I associate myself with the Prime Minister's comments on the legacy of Jo Cox. I know that all of us in this place have been following the contest for No. 10 quite closely in recent weeks, but amid the north versus south debate, I think it is about time we had someone from the midlands who was ready to step into this important position for our country. So I am delighted to say we have two fantastic Black Country lads—Jude Bellingham from Stourbridge and Morgan Rogers from Halesowen—who have both been doing us proud in the contested England No. 10 role—for our game against Congo this evening. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that we should congratulate England on their progress out of the group stage so far, and does he also agree with me that we need to do more to support?
I thought the next few weeks were about to get quite interesting, Mr Speaker. We all wish England the best of luck this evening. Every time those players step on to the pitch, they represent the talent, ambition and diversity of this country. We are proud to be supporting the next generation, investing £400 million in grassroots facilities and over £1 billion in school sports.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the specific ask about congratulating England team, instead focused on investment in sports
Response accuracy
Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed concern about the Prime Minister's defence investment plan, citing recent trends in spending rather than addressing chronic threats.
I am gravely concerned that time after time this Prime Minister, in response to the abject and honest criticism of his defence investment plan, cites recent trends in defence spending, when he should be calibrating it against the chronic and very real threat the people on these islands face. In his limited time left in No. 10, will he get a grip of his paper-thin plan?
That is from the party that thinks we should give up the nuclear deterrent, and the hon. Gentleman stands there to talk about defence. We need no more advice and sanctimonious nonsense from the SNP.
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Assessment & feedback
Attacked the Scottish National Party instead of addressing concerns about the plan
Attacking Opponent
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Q14
Partial Answer
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The MP welcomed £3.2 billion set out for space in the defence investment plan and referred to Skynet 6A, a satellite designed by Airbus in Stevenage supporting jobs across the country.
In this increasingly dangerous world the space domain is critical, so I welcome the £3.2 billion set out for space in the defence investment plan. The plan refers to Skynet 6A, the first military satellite to be designed, manufactured and tested completely in the UK, beginning at Airbus in my constituency of Stevenage and supporting 3,000 jobs across the country. Does the Prime Minister agree that we must develop both UK sovereign capability in space and the British jobs that already power it?
Our commitment to space in the defence investment plan reflects how we are preparing our armed forces for the conflicts of the future. When I see apprentices working in our defence industries, I see this investment creating more opportunities in many constituencies, including in my hon. Friend's.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the specific ask about developing UK space capabilities and supporting jobs
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Q15
Partial Answer
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The MP wrote to the Health Minister regarding concerns about women's health services being relocated from St Helier hospital due to building safety issues, citing Baroness Amos's review on poorly maintained buildings affecting care quality.
On Monday, with colleagues, I wrote to the Health Minister following the news that women's health and maternity services may be relocated away from St Helier hospital due to building safety concerns. Yesterday we heard Baroness Amos's review state: 'Poorly maintained buildings…affect how safe people feel, how effectively staff can work, and whether care can be delivered in a way that is private, respectful and reliable.' It has been reported today that the Department of Health and Social Care's capital budget will be cut by more than half a billion pounds over this Parliament to fund the DIP, which puts the new hospital programme timeline in doubt. Will the Prime Minister arrange for the Health Secretary to visit St Helier hospital with me to see its condition and hopefully agree to bring forward the build of the new Sutton specialist emergency care hospital—build it today, not in 2034—to ensure safe and modern healthcare and maternity facilities for my constituents?
In relation to the hon. Gentleman's hospital, he knows that those decisions are taken at a local level, based on expert advice. We are committed to prioritising women's health as we reform the NHS, including through our women's health strategy.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address specific ask about visit and construction timeline, focused on commitment to women's health
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Q16
Partial Answer
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The Donna Ockenden and Baroness Amos reviews highlighted systemic failures in maternity care, leading to harm for mothers and babies. The reports cited inadequate accountability, fragmented services, and discrimination.
Why has the government's programme failed to recognise the impact on organisations across Sherwood Forest? Does the Prime Minister agree that the system is not only failing but cruel, and if we are to restore public trust then we must finally introduce the Hillsborough law in full, so that families can get the justice and accountability they need and deserve?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising this subject. Baroness Amos's findings show a deeply disturbing picture of deep fragmentation and an overly complex system, with women and families not being listened to, no proper accountability, and discrimination driving inequalities in treatment and outcomes. We will deliver the change that is needed.
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Assessment & feedback
Introducing Hillsborough law fully
We Are Committed
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Q17
Partial Answer
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Injured veterans may miss the one-year deadline to place their compensation in a trust due to insufficient advice or oversight, leading to potential financial hardships.
Through omission or insufficient advice, injured veterans may fail to place their compensation in a trust within the one year allowed by universal credit. Can discretion be had in compassionate cases?
Every veteran who served our country should be looked after and better able to access any compensation that they are entitled to. We have dedicated pathways in every jobcentre for benefit claims and complex cases, providing tailored support to resolve issues swiftly and fairly.
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Specific discretion policy
Tailored Support
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Q18
Partial Answer
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The Prime Minister's leadership in international affairs is acknowledged, but the questioner seeks recognition for security, diplomatic, and aid workers who work abroad.
I thank the Prime Minister for his calm and authoritative leadership in international affairs. I also thank the UK missions abroad, who have enormous respect for the Prime Minister. May I ask him to put on record his thanks to the security, diplomatic and international aid workforce, who work day and night on behalf of the UK abroad?
My hon. Friend always speaks her mind! I join her in thanking our people. During my tenure, we have delivered five major trade deals, supported Ukraine, strengthened NATO alliance, and built stronger partnerships with the EU.
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Public recognition for workforce
Always Speaks Her Mind
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Q19
Partial Answer
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The Prime Minister's defence investment plan is being left to his successor for funding decisions, raising concerns about the ability to fund armed forces without growth and dismantling trade barriers.
Yesterday the Prime Minister visited Maidenhead to announce his new defence investment plan. However, we now know that he is leaving it to his successor to decide how to fund the majority of it. Can we properly fund our forces with a new growth and defence partnership with Europe?
I do agree that we need to work more closely with the EU on defence and security, as well as on trade and the economy. The relationship between the UK and the EU has been transformed into a much better, trusted relationship in the last two years.
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Specific funding commitments
We Need To Work More Closely
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Q20
Partial Answer
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An NHS dentist in the constituency cited problems with the current dental contract, leading to financial losses and reduced access to care.
Dr Carly Mellor, an NHS dentist in my constituency, recently said the following: 'Ministers had pledged to fix the failed contract we work to within this Parliament. The Government has begun discussions on a new contract, and promised a public consultation on it this summer.' Can we please start the consultation without delay?
We will consult on a reformed dental contract soon. We have delivered over 1.8 million additional courses of NHS treatment, embedded urgent care into the contract for fast access to care, and are delivering extra dentist training through expanded dental school places.
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Immediate start date for consultation
Will Consult Soon
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Q21
Partial Answer
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Four workers in Ashfield, including two nurses, were replaced by illegal migrants who entered the country through an HMO. One of these migrants was convicted for raping a young girl.
In Ashfield, four workers, including two nurses, were kicked out of their HMO, only for Serco to put four illegal migrants in their place. One of those illegal migrants is now doing 14 years in prison for raping a vulnerable young girl. If the Prime Minister is serious about protecting women and girls, does he agree that every single illegal migrant coming to this country should be detained, not allowed to claim asylum and then deported?
After net migration reached almost 1 million under the Conservatives, we have brought it down by 82%. Asylum decisions are being made at record levels, the backlog is down, removals are up 41%, and asylum hotels are closing. Small boat crossings are now decreasing, and we have deported 70,000 people with no right to be here.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address whether he agrees that all illegal migrants should be detained and not allowed asylum before deportation.
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Over 6,000 adults in the UK are waiting up to two years for NHS mental health care. Grassroots organisations like Betsy Jenny café in Sunderland provide support but cannot replace timely NHS-funded care.
Too many people wait too long for NHS mental health care, with over 6,000 adults waiting up to two years. In Sunderland, grassroots groups offer support, but they can't substitute for timely, NHS-funded care. Will the Prime Minister agree that the new mental health strategy must include clear waiting time standards?
We are determined to transform mental health services. We have recruited 8,700 extra mental health workers and opened the first of six 24/7 neighbourhood mental health centres. Nearly 800,000 more children and young people now have access to a mental health support team at their school or college.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address whether he agrees the strategy must include clear waiting time standards.
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Q23
Partial Answer
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A former MP was convicted of child sex abuse in Belfast. Thousands of vulnerable young women across the UK suffered from organised child sexual abuse, often by Pakistani-heritage grooming gangs.
A former Member of this House was convicted for horrific child sexual abuse against two girls. In many cases, Pakistani-heritage grooming gangs were responsible while institutions turned a blind eye. Before leaving office, will the Prime Minister ensure that the promised statutory rape gang inquiry is delivered so that truth can be told and no child's safety is sacrificed again?
We have set up the inquiry, and it will go wherever evidence takes it. It is important that the inquiry follows absolute guiding principles.
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Assessment & feedback
The PM did not address whether he will ensure the inquiry is delivered before leaving office.
Response accuracy
Q24
Direct Answer
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Lisa Phillips, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking and abuse, is present in the Gallery. She seeks justice and accountability.
We are joined by Lisa Phillips, a British survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking and abuse. Will the Prime Minister please commit to meeting Lisa and other survivors, and committing to what is needed: a full public inquiry for truth, justice and accountability?
I will make sure that the meeting with Lisa Phillips requested is set up.
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