Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Prime Minister's recent loss of support among MPs has led to significant political instability. A 'red card' metaphor suggests a leader is being replaced.
Given that the Deputy Prime Minister clearly thinks the Prime Minister has always been match fit, how does he feel now that his own MPs have given the boss the red card and brought on a left winger to get them out of the relegation zone?
That is not bad for someone who represents a premier league side, but two years since the election, the hon. Member still needs to engage with the facts about the Tories' failed period in government. His colleagues now accept that. The former Treasury Minister, the former Communities Secretary, the former Health Minister and the former Immigration Minister—and that is just the right hon. Member for Newark—wrecked the country and helped wreck the Tory party, and now wants to do it all over again with Reform.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific question about leadership changes was not addressed; instead, a critique of former government members was given.
Criticizing Opposition
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Greater Manchester residents are set to vote in three weeks' time for the next mayor. Bev Craig is a strong candidate backed by many locals.
Will the Deputy Prime Minister join me in welcoming Bev's pledge to extend free travel on public transport to all 11 to 18-year-olds, so all our young people in Greater Manchester can have the independence to travel to the work, education and leisure opportunities they deserve?
I agree with my hon. Friend: Bev Craig will be a brilliant mayor for Greater Manchester. I am proud that Labour is putting power over bus services back in the hands of local leaders. This Government have extended franchising powers, capped fares and invested to deliver better services, and we are ensuring that children can enjoy free bus travel this summer.
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Assessment & feedback
The Deputy Prime Minister did not explicitly support Bev's pledge; instead, he focused on their own actions regarding public transport.
Stating General Achievements
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Deputy Prime Minister's decision to release certain prisoners early has been met with criticism, especially from victims' groups.
Will the Deputy Prime Minister apologise to the victims of the rapists, sexual predators and paedophiles that he is planning to release early?
I am delighted to welcome the shadow Housing Secretary to the Dispatch Box. He, of course, could have been doing that job every week if he were better with numbers. He was the Foreign Secretary in the Government who botched Brexit, the Home Secretary in the Government who decimated neighbourhood policing and one of the shortest serving Education Secretaries in our history.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about apologising to victims was not addressed; instead, criticism of previous government members was given.
Criticizing Opposition
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
A victim's testimony highlights the anxiety and fear caused by the Deputy Prime Minister's decision to release prisoners early.
That is the impact his policy is having on victims. He refuses to apologise, but why is he pursuing a policy that he must know is both wrong and dangerous?
This is a very serious issue and the right hon. Gentleman is experienced in this House. He knows that while he was Home Secretary, the Conservative Government had an early release scheme that let out 10,000 offenders—10,000. They had six schemes within a year. They had a scheme that they announced on 6 June 2023, another scheme on 17 October 2023, another scheme on 8 March 2024, another in April, another in May and another in June—all before the election.
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Assessment & feedback
The question about pursuing a dangerous policy was not directly answered; instead, criticism of previous government's actions was given.
Criticizing Opposition
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative Party criticizes Labour's policy of releasing prisoners early, citing the release of 50,000 inmates in two years compared to 10,000 under previous governments.
I am concerned about the Labour Government releasing 50,000 serious criminals including rapists and paedophiles over two years. I know it is wrong for them to release these dangerous individuals early. Will he at least make this guarantee: that not one rapist or paedophile will be released early later on this year?
The right hon. Gentleman has not proposed what the Conservatives would do if they were in office. They released 10,000 under four different schemes, with no impact assessment when they released them, no victim contact when they released them, and no warning. They did it on the sly.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address guaranteeing that rapists or paedophiles will not be released early this year
Changed Subject To Criticize Past Policies
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Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative Party criticizes Labour's policy of releasing prisoners early, citing the release of 50,000 inmates in two years compared to 10,000 under previous governments.
I think the Deputy Prime Minister will look back on this exchange and be shocked by how it is coming across: no apology to the victims; and no guarantee that paedophiles and rapists will not be released early. Will he apologise to the country for his abject failure to keep prisoners in prison, where they belong?
I have got to say, this is rich coming from the right hon. Gentleman. The Conservatives had 14 long years in power; they wrecked neighbourhood policing—he was Home Secretary; prisons were at bursting point—that is why they called the general election; and they let out offenders in secret—and that why we have the Sentencing Act 2026, which passed through this House and the House of Lords.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not apologize or guarantee anything
Criticized Past Government Policies
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative Party criticizes Labour's proposal to change the threshold for trial by jury, arguing it undermines British freedoms and will not clear court backlogs.
Another thing that the country, and indeed this House, knows instinctively is wrong is his personal crusade to scrap trial by jury. We know that it will not clear the backlog, we know that it undermines fundamental British freedoms, and we know that the legal profession is united against it, so will he now admit that it is wrong, and will he commit to reverse his proposals to scrap trial by jury?
Let us be clear: there is no proposal before this House to scrap trial by jury. The right hon. Member needs to do better and get on the detail. There is a threshold change. Margaret Thatcher made a change to jury trials. David Cameron made a change to jury trials.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not admit scrapping trial by jury is wrong or commit to reversal
Clarified No Proposal To Scrap Trial By Jury
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative Party highlights the Labour Government's failure to increase police numbers, while criticizing their international defence stance.
Since Labour taking over, that number has dropped by over 2,000 officers. The Leader of the Opposition highlighted this Government's failure to defend us internationally. Today, I have highlighted the Deputy Prime Minister's failure to defend us domestically. If this Labour Government cannot protect the citizens of this country, either domestically or internationally, then what on earth is the point of them?
The right hon. Gentleman insists on proving that he cannot count. We lost 16,000 police officers when the Conservatives were in power. The British people have not forgotten what they did to our country. After two years of this Labour Government, I will compare our record with theirs every day of the week.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the purpose or failures mentioned
Criticized Past Government Policies
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The Family C official report identified serious failures by Glasgow city council regarding child sexual abuse, including staff treating a victim's cries for help with contempt.
The Family C report identifies serious failures by Glasgow city council and other bodies in dealing with child sexual abuse. A child victim was treated as 'streetwise' when they needed compassion, love, and safety instead of contempt. Does the government agree that robust, independent scrutiny is required?
This case involves horrific offences against vulnerable children. All Members join in paying tribute to the victims' bravery. Glasgow city council must act urgently on review recommendations. The SNP should consider an independent inquiry request with gravity.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The hon. Member for Clacton is resigning to contest a by-election, raising concerns about the transparency of investigations into his behavior.
Will the Deputy Prime Minister join the Liberal Democrats in urging the Chancellor to delay Nigel Farage's resignation until all facts are known? If not, will he support a 'Clacton clause' for ongoing investigations post-resignation?
The Reform leader is trying to distract from serious questions. Labour will not be part of this circus, and people versus establishment dynamics are evident.
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Assessment & feedback
Delaying resignation and supporting a 'Clacton clause'
Distracting From The Issue
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
MI5 defended an openly misogynistic and violent agent, giving false evidence in court. This raises issues about MI5's integrity and the need for a Hillsborough-style Bill.
Will the Deputy Prime Minister offer Beth a full apology on behalf of the Government? Will he bring back a full Hillsborough Bill covering security services before the summer recess?
Beth will meet the Security Minister to discuss the matter. The Hillsborough Bill is expected in the House soon.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
AI-generated fake news, including deepfakes, mislead the public and disrupt democracy. Proposals to label AI-created content are under consideration.
Will the Deputy Prime Minister support amendments to the Representation of the People Bill to force labelling of AI content, stop production of deepfakes of ourselves and colleagues, and protect against foreign interference?
My hon. Friend's protections must keep pace with evolving threats like deepfakes; we will look at the amendments closely and focus on protecting democracy.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q13
Partial Answer
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Context
The current first-past-the-post voting system is failing to deliver stable government, undermining trust in democracy and requiring proportional representation.
Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree with Andy Burnham that proportional representation is an idea whose time has come? Does he also agree that this time is now before the next general election?
The hon. Member raises votes and democracy issues, but mentions a Green councillor's inappropriate language in Lewisham.
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Assessment & feedback
Agreement on proportional representation
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q14
Partial Answer
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Context
This marks the second anniversary of a Labour government that has secured greater worker rights, lifted children out of poverty, invested in communities and shipbuilding.
Two years on, my constituents enjoy greater rights at work due to wage increases. Thousands are better off, children lifted from poverty, and tens of millions in funding have been given to communities. Shipbuilding is secured through Norwegian naval deals. Billions invested in Faslane, new youth hubs set to open.
I commend my hon. Friend's work and achievements, including Pride in Place funding, securing shipbuilding jobs, investing in Faslane, and opening a new youth hub.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q15
Partial Answer
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Context
High-profile cases have raised concerns about two-tier decision making in the police, impacting public trust.
Over the past week, rules and regulations have come understandably under sharp focus, but even more important than rules and regulations is the law. On that topic, I believe there are a number of things that everyone in the House can agree on and feel proud about: phrases such as “without fear or favour” and symbols such as Lady Justice wearing a blindfold. However well-meaning the National Police Chiefs' Council and the College of Policing may be with their programmes such as the race action plan, we have seen some very high-profile cases where faith in police has been shaken by what appears to be two-tier decision making. May Isb ask, in good faith, what the Deputy Prime Minister can do to reassure people that “without fear or favour” will always be maintained?
I say to the hon. Gentleman that everyone is equal before the law. That is the foundation on which the openness, tolerance and generosity of this country rest. Let us be clear: there is no two-tier justice in this country.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about actions to ensure 'without fear or favour' was not addressed
Change Of Subject
Personal Attack
Response accuracy
Q16
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner highlights Cornwall's potential for growth and the need for local control over its strategic destiny.
I am deeply grateful for what the Prime Minister has helped us deliver in Cornwall in the past couple of years, whether that is free breakfast clubs, urgent capital funding for GP surgeries or the Kernow industrial growth fund. However, what has held us back at various points—besides the chuntering from the Opposition side—completely unnecessarily, I would argue, is something to which the answer is patently obvious to all in Cornwall: the question of who should be the masters of Cornwall's strategic destiny. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that the answer to this question must always be Cornwall? Will he make time for the Government to lay the statutory instrument required to make Cornwall once and for all a strategic authority, so that when my right hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield (Andy Burnham) comes in, we can ensure good growth in every postcode and the reindustrialisation of Cornwall?
My hon. Friend is right to champion the huge potential of Cornwall. We are absolutely committed to devolution and putting power in the hands of local leaders. Conversations with local authorities such as Cornwall are ongoing, and we will confirm next steps as soon as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about laying the statutory instrument was not addressed directly
Future Action
Response accuracy
Q17
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights severe sewage pollution in her constituency and the need for water companies to report on volume, concentration, and duration of discharges.
My constituency is the ninth most sewage-polluted constituency in the entire country, with thousands of hours of sewage pouring into the Thames, Avon and Coln, but that metric of hours conceals the truth. It does not convey the actual volume, and clearly a trickle is very different from a gush. Will the Deputy Prime Minister arrange for me to meet the relevant Minister on requiring water companies to report on the volume and concentration of sewage discharges, as well as the number of hours?
The hon. Member is right that we inherited record levels of pollution, and we are determined to tackle that and clean up our waterways. We have acted by banning unfair bonuses, introducing jail time for lawbreaking bosses and unlocking £104 billion of private investment to rebuild vital infrastructure to deliver cleaner waters, and we also have the clean water Bill.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about meeting with minister was not addressed directly
Future Action
Response accuracy
Q18
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP celebrates the historical significance of the Stourbridge shuttle railway line and its potential for community-driven rail projects.
Stourbridge is famous for many things: the glass industry, Jude Bellingham—[ “Hear, hear!”]—Robert Plant and, most importantly, the Stourbridge shuttle, the UK's shortest railway line at just 0.8 miles, or 1.3 km for those who prefer metric. It links Stourbridge Junction with Stourbridge Town. Despite its small size, it achieves an impressive 99.6% reliability compared with the west midlands average of 64.4%. One of my highlights as an MP was unveiling a shuttle car named after local legend George, the Stourbridge station cat, whose global social media following made him a beloved fixture at the junction. Today marks the start of “Shuttle Shorts”, a short film festival celebrating the journey. The shuttle shows how community railway can improve local mobility. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that Pre Metro's ambition to introduce a VLR—very light rail—service between Stourbridge and Brierley Hill is a valuable opportunity for Great British Railways and that local businesses should be supported to do this?
Mr Speaker, I would like to make a statement about the future: it is coming home. I echo my hon. Friend's sentiments on Jude Bellingham.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about supporting rail service was not addressed
Change Of Subject
Personal Accolade
Response accuracy
Q19
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns over the national safety programme's budget, especially in relation to transport funding cuts.
Constituents in western North Shropshire were delighted when road investment strategy 3 was announced, because a roundabout at the desperately dangerous Llynclys crossroads came a step closer as part of the national safety programme. However, with the announcement that the defence investment programme will be funded by cuts to transport programmes, will the Deputy Prime Minister reassure my constituents that the national safety programme will not be cut? Will he consider using the Liberal Democrat idea of defence bonds to fund the defence investment plan so that critical security projects such as those in transport are not put at risk?
We are raising defence spending to keep this country safe in an increasingly volatile world. That does require tough decisions, and the Department for Transport will set out £700 million-worth of savings from roads funding, but we will consult on the next road investment strategy and set out decisions in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about assuring national safety programme funding was not addressed directly
Future Action
Response accuracy
Q20
Direct Answer
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Ruth Ellis, executed in 1955, was the last woman hanged in the UK. Her case is a reminder of historical injustices regarding domestic abuse and coercive control.
Ruth Ellis' case serves as a haunting reminder of the justice system's failure to address domestic abuse. Her family has campaigned for years for a posthumous pardon. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree that their efforts should strengthen the Government's resolve to combat cycles of abuse?
His Majesty the King has accepted our advice to grant Ruth Ellis a conditional pardon, replacing her death sentence with life imprisonment. This acknowledges a profound injustice and seeks to bring peace to Ruth's family after over 70 years of waiting.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q21
Partial Answer
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Northern Ireland's Communities Minister is working to reduce welfare fraud and error, proposing that savings be retained by local departments to invest directly in public services. Proposals were blocked.
Discussions between the Treasury and Northern Ireland Departments proposed allowing retention of savings from reducing welfare fraud and error for direct investment in public services. Will the Deputy Prime Minister ensure the incoming PM looks at this approach again?
The Government prioritises tackling fraud in the welfare system by passing the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025, which enhances DWP's powers to prevent overpayments.
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Assessment & feedback
Retaining savings from reducing welfare fraud for direct investment in public services was not addressed.
Tackling Fraud And Error Is A Priority
Response accuracy
Q22
Partial Answer
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Basingstoke's Nepalese community, including Gurkha veterans, discussed the long-standing issue of Gurkha pensions during a meeting. The MP acknowledges her colleague's work on this matter.
The meeting with Basingstoke's Gurkha veterans highlighted the need to resolve the longstanding pension issues they face due to their service and sacrifice for Britain. Does the Deputy Prime Minister agree it is time to address these concerns?
The Government recognises the debt owed to Gurkhas and has met veterans for discussions on pensions. Ministers are listening to their needs and improving access to healthcare.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific resolution timeline or policy commitment was not provided.
Listening To Community Needs
Continuing Discussions
Response accuracy
Q23
Partial Answer
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Coughlan's Bakery, founded in 1937 and operating for over eight decades, announced the closure of all its stores due to increased employer national insurance and business rates.
Five of Coughlan's Bakery stores are closing down because of recent tax hikes. This family-owned business, which has survived a world war and multiple recessions, is failing under this Labour Government's policies. How many more businesses must go bankrupt before the government understands that higher taxes do not foster economic growth?
The Government backs small businesses with low corporation tax, large crackdowns on late payments, trade deals reducing costs, £365 billion in private investment since election, and over 400k more people employed than last year.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific impact of recent tax hikes was not addressed.
Low Corporation Tax
Large Crackdown On Late Payments
Response accuracy
Q24
Direct Answer
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The Southbank Centre celebrated its 75th anniversary, founded during the festival of Britain in 1951 to foster community identity after WWII. Far-right marches have recently divided communities.
Southbank Centre's 75th anniversary reflects the unity brought by cultural events post-WWII. Unfortunately, recent far-right marches divide communities again. The World Cup shows how sport and culture unite people. Does the Deputy PM agree it's time to invest in initiatives that foster social cohesion?
We stand united against those who seek division through our social cohesion action plan, providing up to £1.7 million to local communities to counter extremism and promote unity.
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Assessment & feedback
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