Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Commons Chamber

Wednesday 19th November 2025

(began 1 hour, 53 minutes ago)

11:35

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Let's Let's say Let's say that Let's say that. Let's say that. Order, Let's say that. Order, order! Let's say that. Order, order! We'll start with questions to the Secretary of State for Northern

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Ireland. Richard Quigley. Question number one, Mr. Speaker. Minister.

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Minister. Mr. speaker, I am proud that this government is investing £1 million into the Connect Fund to strengthen collaboration between communities across the UK. And Mr. communities across the UK. And Mr. Speaker, I know you are a dedicated supporter of our veterans, so will be pleased to hear that I visited the Castle Community Trust recently in Belfast where through this funding, they are bringing together veterans in Belfast and Shrewsbury to overcome social isolation. Whatever part of the United Kingdom you are in.

Will you have our

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support to tackle shared challenges? Richard Quigley. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As an MP representing both an island and a representing both an island and a significant veteran community where 1 in 10 homes on the Isle of Wight West is a home to a veteran, I know West is a home to a veteran, I know how crucial effective community relations funding is. Will the Minister commit to working with Cabinet colleagues to explore Cabinet colleagues to explore adapting successful Northern Ireland GB initiatives, such as the excellent Connect Fund dimensions, excellent Connect Fund dimensions, so that similar tailored support can be delivered on the Isle of Wight to ensure our veterans receive the recognition and

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receive the recognition and assistance they deserve. Minister. I thank my hon. Friend for his question. I am happy to speak to question. I am happy to speak to colleagues about the success of the Connect Fund and how it works. He should know that applications are open to anyone across the United Kingdom, provided they are working with a group in Northern Ireland,

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and I would be delighted to see applications from his constituents if they wish to do that. Claire Hanna collaboration

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Claire Hanna collaboration between groups across the Irish Sea is very welcome. Those relationships will always be

11:37

Matthew Patrick MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office) (Wirral West, Labour)

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cherished. Unfortunately, Brexit really impacted the ability of those groups to serve and support people, and that was a consequence of the failure to plan for the constitutional change of Brexit. Regardless of the minister's own views on Northern Ireland's future, that issue is the subject of increased engagement and debate. The SDLP acknowledges that we are not at a tipping point towards a referendum, but the Secretary of State was wrong to say there is no appetite. Does he acknowledge that it is perfectly possible to work to improve the region in the here and now, while also planning for the constitutional future that is in New Ireland, as the SDLP is doing John Lamont.

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The Secretary of State has been clear that currently there is no evidence that there is a majority in favour of constitutional change. in favour of constitutional change. Of course, we defend the principle of consent and the right of the people in Northern Ireland to determine their constitutional

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determine their constitutional future. It is totally legitimate for people to advocate for the future they want to see. Andrew Murrison.

11:38

Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP (South West Wiltshire, Conservative)

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Andrew Murrison. Mr. speaker. Does the Minister agree that reported attempts to extend reported attempts to extend European Parliament observer status to politicians in Northern Ireland are bound to inflame tensions between communities in Northern Ireland and between communities in Northern Ireland and Great Britain? And will he say that the UK government will have absolutely

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nothing to do with this attempt to break up our United Kingdom? Minister.

11:38

Matthew Patrick MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office) (Wirral West, Labour)

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Minister. Thank you. I thank the hon. Member for his question. I've seen no such proposals, and we have no such proposals, and we have engagements in place with the European Union to ensure there's engagement with Northern Ireland on

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any matters that might impact it. Gavin Robinson Mr. speaker, the Minister of State will be enjoying

11:38

Rt Hon Gavin Robinson MP (Belfast East, Democratic Unionist Party)

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his opportunity to travel across Northern Ireland and see some of the wonderful groups that we have. But he knows the strength of this United Kingdom, and he knows that increasing the bonds across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England are crucially important. He should know that the last government, and supported by his Labour colleagues, agreed that through the East West Council there should be educational collaboration so that our young people can mix with one another and draw upon each other's strengths. Could he indicate how many times he believes East West Council has progressed that matter, and what plans he has to strengthen those bonds?

11:39

Matthew Patrick MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office) (Wirral West, Labour)

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Minister. the East West Council. He'll know. I met with Minister Given to discuss education matters and how we can ensure that those students in Northern Ireland have the best education possible. And I agree with him about the importance of shared bonds, and I hope we can progress that further.

11:39

Rt Hon Gavin Robinson MP (Belfast East, Democratic Unionist Party)

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Gavin Robinson again, drawing upon the bonds of our country, he will know that in Northern Ireland, whilst we have a greater than average growth rate than the rest of the United Kingdom, our productivity gap is still there. And at the back of that, our growth is masked by an overreliance on our public sector. His colleagues agreed in the last Parliament, and I'm sure he does now about cross-fertilisation between the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the Home Civil Service. What plans does he have to increase our ability to draw upon expertise and to encourage secondments across this United Kingdom?

11:40

Matthew Patrick MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office) (Wirral West, Labour)

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Thank you. I thank him for the opportunity to also champion the growth that's taking place in Northern Ireland with very exciting creative industries work also the tech sector. On the opportunities for secondments and shared learning, I made the offer to the executive Ministers I met last month that where we can share best practice, knowledge and learning, we should do so and I'd be happy to take forward other suggestions. He might have.

11:40

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Gregory Campbell number two. Mr. speaker, Secretary of State.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've met with a range of businesses and representative bodies, including the Federation of Small Businesses and the Northern Ireland Business Brexit Working Group, to discuss supply chains and how the supply chains and how the government could improve guidance and support on the Windsor framework. I will continue to take this feedback into account as we respond to the recommendations made by Lord Murphy in his report.

11:41

Mr Gregory Campbell MP (East Londonderry, Democratic Unionist Party)

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by Lord Murphy in his report. Gregory Campbell Mr. speaker, I thank the Secretary for his response. Will he step up his response. Will he step up his efforts to ensure that there is no disadvantage to companies trading within Northern Ireland, and more specifically, further to that, it will be aware of the potential threat Chinese built buses may pose. And given that there are excellent UK made zero emission buses built in Northern Ireland at Wrightbus will liaise with the Department for Transport and Mayors here in GB to ensure that purchases of those buses with no security risk is

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infinitely preferable to those made in China. Yeah. Well, I join the hon. Gentleman

11:41

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Well, I join the hon. Gentleman in drawing attention to the wonderful zero emission buses that are being produced produced at Wrightbus, which I've had the pleasure of visiting, I think 2 or 3 times. They're brilliant. One sees them on the streets in the rest of the United Kingdom, and there's a very good reason to buy UK made buses from Northern Ireland so we could see more people

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travelling on them, and that is an authorities. John Lamont En bloc.

11:42

Tonia Antoniazzi MP (Gower, Labour)

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John Lamont En bloc. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now, the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee has taken evidence from Committee has taken evidence from Lord Murphy regarding his review, and his review of the Windsor framework has made some very important recommendations that could support GB businesses moving goods to Northern Ireland. Can he

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update the House on his considerations of the Murphy review? Well, I am continuing, Mr.

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Well, I am continuing, Mr. Speaker, to give careful consideration both to what Lord

11:42

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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consideration both to what Lord Murphy has said. The independent monitoring panel panel, the FSB and other recommendations. There's a lot of similarity in the points that are made about steps the government could take to provide better, easier to access guidance for businesses to enable them to move goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. And we will set that all out when we formally respond to his review, which we must do early next year.

11:43

Mike Wood MP (Kingswinford and South Staffordshire, Conservative)

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Shadow Minister Mike Wood. Ireland Protocol says that where we experience diversion of trade, than we may take unilateral action. Now, the Secretary of State will be well aware that three reports in the past month have noted significant trade diversion affecting trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. So can he be clear with the House just how much trade diversion is he willing to stomach before he uses the powers he has

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under article 16? I would say to the hon.

11:43

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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I would say to the hon. Gentleman what there are now 15,000 businesses that have registered under the UK Internal Market Scheme. 97% of lorries moving from GB to Northern Ireland do not face any in-person checks at all. The goods are flowing, the goods are moving. It is in the end for businesses to decide to whom they sell and from where they purchase. But the Northern Ireland economy is doing extremely well, which shows that the problems that and there are

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some are not affecting its overall strength. Doctor.

11:44

Q3. What steps he is taking with his counterparts in the Northern Ireland Executive to help increase the number of film and television productions made in Northern Ireland. (906378)

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Question number three, Mr. Speaker. Minister.

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Mr. speaker, Northern Ireland's creative industries are thriving and an important source of growth, a topic I have discussed with Northern Ireland Executive Ministers, whether it is Derry Girls, Game of Thrones, trespassing, Blue Lights or Line of Duty, which has just been renewed and will be filmed in Belfast. Producers choose Northern Ireland for its world Northern Ireland for its world class talent and studios, to coin a phrase. Mr. Speaker, it's a sector that's sucking diesel.

11:44

Dr Marie Tidball MP (Penistone and Stocksbridge, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Disability History Month begins tomorrow, and I'm delighted that the Creative Diversity Network now reports the doubling of disabled people on and off screen since 2018 to 9% across the UK. The phenomenal BBC film An Irish Goodbye is one such example, starring down syndrome ambassador James Martin and filmed in Northern Ireland. What is the Minister doing to ensure a further drive to double disability again on and off screen?

11:45

Matthew Patrick MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office) (Wirral West, Labour)

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My hon. Friend speaks with enormous experience and I know wrote an impactful report employing the change makers. I agree that expanding opportunities for disabled people to take part in creative industries is important. As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for culture, Media and Sport often says, talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. That is why I am pleased with the Creative Industries New Entrants programme, delivered in partnership between screen and I, the BBC and the Northern Ireland Executive is working to broaden access for disabled actors.

11:45

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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Jim Shannon. Minister for that answer? And I also thank him for his energy and interest in Northern Ireland. We hope to have him in Strangford shortly for a visit. Between 2019 and 2022, there was an increase in economic value by 19% for the Northern Ireland film sector. There is potential for much more. The beautiful Ards Peninsula where I live in. Not because I believe, because I live there. It's built before I ever lived there, and my constituency of Strangford there is potential for much more.

How does the Northern Ireland Office and the Minister intend to further work with film and I to promote the high quality and the lower costs that Northern Ireland have? We have lots it.

11:46

Matthew Patrick MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Northern Ireland Office) (Wirral West, Labour)

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Jim Shannon the movie, I think. Come on. to Strangford. I don't see enough of the hon. Member in this house. The creative industries in Northern Ireland are booming, as he says, and they're backed all of the way by this government. We have a modern industrial strategy, a ten year plan to back our strengths and unlock potential. The government has committed to increasing investment in creative industries to £31 billion by 2035. Sam Rushworth before. Mr. Speaker.

11:47

Q4. What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023. (906379)

So stay. will answer questions four and six together. The 2023 Legacy Act was together. The 2023 Legacy Act was rejected by all the major Northern Ireland political parties, as well as by our domestic courts, victims as by our domestic courts, victims and survivors, and by many veterans who saw it as an affront to the rule of law that they sought to protect. The government took a significant step in fulfilling our commitment to repeal and replace the act by introducing the Troubles Bill, which received its Second Reading yesterday.

11:47

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Sam Rushworth.

11:47

Sam Rushworth MP (Bishop Auckland, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. many of whom served in Northern Ireland. Can the Secretary of State tell me who is he engaging with to make sure that the protections for our veterans in the Legacy Act are as strong and effective as possible?

11:48

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Well, we have those protections have been drawn up following extensive consultation with veterans organisations. And I gave the House a commitment yesterday evening that I will continue to talk to veterans, to the Royal British Legion and to the Veterans Commissions and others to make sure

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we get these right. Sarah Hall. Thank you. Mr. Speaker.

11:48

Sarah Hall MP (Warrington South, Labour )

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Mr. Speaker. My constituents, Colin and Wendy Parry, whose 12 year old son Tim, along with three year old Johnathan Ball, were murdered in the 1993 Warrington bombing and they've waited over 30 years for justice. Will the Minister will the Secretary of State ensure that the government acts on the extracts of the Shawcross report and the 2018 Northern Ireland APPG recommendations and work across government to deliver justice for Libyan sponsored IRA terrorism? And will he meet with me to discuss these matters?

11:48

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Secretary of State? again want to express his sympathy to all the families affected by that terrible bombing. The government and predecessor governments have raised this issue with the Libyan authorities. It is a difficult process engaging with them. There are complications to do with the way in which their assets are held. This is a lead for the Foreign and Commonwealth and Development Office, and I will make sure that the appropriate Minister hears the request that my hon. Friend has made Alex Easton.

11:49

Alex Easton MP (North Down, Independent)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Secretary of State isn't it the.

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Reality that this legislation has failed to win the confidence of many who served? And that's what is many who served? And that's what is now needed a clear, robust protections against repeated investigations so that we honour

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investigations so that we honour our veterans in practice and not just in rhetoric. Yeah. Well, I say to the hon.

11:49

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Well, I say to the hon. Gentleman, those protections, including against repeated investigations, are clearly set out investigations, are clearly set out in the bill that the House gave a Second Reading to yesterday. And I hope that as people come to understand that they're there and how they work, they will offer the

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reassurance that he is looking for. Jim Allister.

11:50

Jim Allister KC MP (North Antrim, Traditional Unionist Voice)

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Jim Allister. Yesterday in the Second Reading, the Secretary of State gave an undertaking that he would he would undertaking that he would he would not appoint any paramilitaries to the victims and survivors group. In light of that undertaking, will he now underwrite it by indicating that he will accept an amendment to put into statutory form that there cannot be any paramilitary serving on the victims and survivors group? If he's undertaking is good, then

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let's make it even better by putting in statute. Well, I think from memory, Mr. Speaker, I gave that undertaking

11:50

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Speaker, I gave that undertaking three times at the despatch box yesterday, and I hope that it would provide the hon. Member with the assurance that he is looking for, because I'm quite clear, no one

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with that record is going to be appointed to the Victims and Survivors panel. Perran Moon.

11:51

Perran Moon MP (Camborne and Redruth, Labour)

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Whereas, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, along. With the Veterans Minister, I met with a group of Special Forces met with a group of Special Forces veterans based in Cornwall. The Legacy Acts immunity scheme, which would have enabled immunity for terrorists, and other key provisions were ruled against by our domestic courts. Isn't it the case that any new government would

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Yeah. Well, that. Is indeed the case. My hon.

11:51

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Is indeed the case. My hon. Friend is absolutely right. It was quite wrong to have brought forward quite wrong to have brought forward legislation to seek to give immunity to terrorists, which is what the last Government Legacy Act did. And that is probably the principal reason why it had no support in Northern Ireland, including from victims and survivors, because there is a fundamental principle. We believe in the rule of law and it should apply to everyone. And that is why the government is acting in the legislation to finally and the remedial order to finally lay that failed attempt at immunity to rest.

11:52

Gregory Stafford MP (Farnham and Bordon, Conservative)

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Gregory Stafford. Secretary of State whether was the Irish Deputy Prime Minister, Simon Harris, wrong when he said that there were no new protections for

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veterans in the Troubles bill? No. Well, there clearly are new

11:52

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Well, there clearly are new protections. There clearly are new protections for veterans in the Troubles bill set out throughout the legislation that were never in the previous legislation that the last government passed. And we've laid them out to the House and the veterans community and others can see clearly what they are.

11:52

Alex Burghart MP (Brentwood and Ongar, Conservative)

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Alex Burghart shadow Secretary of State.

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Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. On the. 15th.

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Of August, 1998, in Omagh, the real IRA murdered 29 people, including a woman who was pregnant including a woman who was pregnant with twins. It was the deadliest attack of the Troubles and the most wicked. Following the 2021 recommendation, Mr. Justice Horner, the last conservative government, launched the Omagh inquiry into launched the Omagh inquiry into whether there was anything that UK state authorities could have done to prevent the bombing. But the bombers planned and launched their attack from the Republic of Ireland.

And this was why Mr. Justice Horner also said there needed to be an independent inquiry in the Republic to ask whether Irish state authorities themselves could have authorities themselves could have done anything, given that the UK's inquiry was announced three years ago. Has the Secretary of State ago. Has the Secretary of State raised the question of an inquiry in the South with his counterparts

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in the South with his counterparts on his recent trip to Dublin? Well, I have, in my conversations with the Irish

11:53

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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government, raised that question. It is, of course, for the Irish government to decide whether they wish to hold a public inquiry. But, as the hon. Gentleman will be well aware, the Irish Government has committed to co-operate fully with the inquiry the last government established both through the Memorandum of Understanding on the Provision of Information and the commitment they have made to legislate to allow witnesses to give evidence to it here.

11:54

Alex Burghart MP (Brentwood and Ongar, Conservative)

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Now, look, I thank the Secretary of State for his answer, and I am aware that the Republic is sharing information with our inquiry. But the Secretary of State will be aware that the Omagh inquiry is only capable of answering questions about what UK state authorities did and did not do. But four years ago, Mr. Justice Horner said that there needed to be a parallel inquiry in the South. The victims and families recognise it. Does the Secretary of

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State recognise it? Yes. Well, I recognise both. What the

11:54

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Well, I recognise both. What the judge said in in his judgement four judge said in in his judgement four years ago and, and I strongly support what the last government did to establish a public inquiry. But it is a matter for the Irish government to make that decision. But I hope that with the co-operation, unprecedented co-operation that the Irish Government has undertaken to give to the inquiry, it will provide

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absolutely vital information for the inquiry to get to the bottom of what happened. Paul Kohler, the Liberal

11:55

Mr Paul Kohler MP (Wimbledon, Liberal Democrat)

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Democrat spokesperson. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I hope the Secretary of State knows, my party and I are hugely supportive of his efforts to move beyond the Tories failed Legacy Act to provide the legitimate concerns of our veterans are fully met. Can the Secretary of State specifically, either now or in writing later, with which veteran groups he has consulted on the wording of the bill and and which ones have currently expressed acceptance of the bill as currently drafted.

11:55

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Will gladly, if I may, write to the hon. Gentleman to set out the veterans organisations that the government, myself, the Defence Secretary and the Armed Forces Minister have engaged in in drawing up those protections. And I've already indicated to the House the groups we will continue to talk to

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as we take that work forward. Matt Turmaine question number

11:56

Q5. What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the recent UK-EU agreement on trade from Northern Ireland. (906380)

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five, please, Mr. Speaker. Mark Tami. The government's new partnership

11:56

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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The government's new partnership with the EU aims to deliver a broad range of economic benefits for Northern Ireland, including smoothing flows of trade, smoothing flows of trade, protecting the UK's internal market, reducing costs for businesses and benefiting firms who move agrifood

11:56

Matt Turmaine MP (Watford, Labour)

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and plants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Matt Turmaine. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Secretary of State for his answer. Does he agree with me that aligning safety standards and cutting red tape for checks and paperwork as precisely the kind of support for growth and trade that this government promised to deliver for business when it was elected last year.

11:56

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Well, I do agree with my hon. Friend on that. And that is why the the partnership agreement reached with the EU back in May was so widely welcomed in Northern Ireland, particularly by those in the agri food sector, because as we take that forward and turn it into a full SPS agreement, it will bring enormous benefits to firms that are moving those products across the Irish Sea, from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.

11:57

Robin Swann MP (South Antrim, Ulster Unionist Party)

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Robin Swann much. in Northern Ireland will be reduced by 40%. According to this current suppliers over there. What steps has the government taken to ensure the supply of veterinary medicines into Northern Ireland, which ensure animal health but also have a link into human health as well?

11:57

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Whereas the hon. Gentleman will be aware, we've had the Veterinary Medicines Working Group, we've been working very closely with the industry. We have set out two schemes the Veterinary Medicines Health Situation Scheme and the Veterinary Medicines Internal Market Scheme. Drawing on the cascade, and we are confident that that will ensure the continued supply of veterinary medicines from the 1st of January to vets and farmers and others who need them.

11:58

Q7. What assessment he has made of the potential merits of funding a permanent memorial to people who served in Northern Ireland. (906382)

Jo White.

11:58

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will retain part four of the 2023 Legacy Act, which includes provisions for Memorialisation. I would welcome views and suggestions on how to take this forward, including on whether any new memorials should be established.

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Jo White.

11:58

Jo White MP (Bassetlaw, Labour)

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On the 5th of April, 1979 and I. Sniper fired armoured vehicle as it entered Anders Town RUC station, entered Anders Town RUC station, killing Blues and Royal serviceman Anthony. My constituent. His mother, Kathleen, now aged 94, has never let his memory go. She told me her son is a forgotten soldier. There are monuments for soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq, but nothing for those who served in Northern Ireland. Kathleen is now very frail. I am her voice today asking government to commit to a national memorial service.

11:59

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Well, first of all, can I express on behalf of the whole House, our condolences to her on the loss of her son all those years ago. I would say that the names of those service personnel who died on deployment to Operation Banner are rightly listed on the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum as a lasting record of their sacrifice. And I don't know whether my hon. Friend's constituent has had a chance to visit their. Perhaps it's something she might like to facilitate.

12:00

Rt Hon Sir Edward Leigh MP (Gainsborough, Conservative)

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Further house to Edward Leigh.

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Of our brave troops served in Northern Ireland, and many gave Northern Ireland, and many gave their lives for peace and for our country. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that they

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State agree with me that they deserve a permanent memorial, not some of them to be prosecuted? Yeah.

12:00

Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Leeds South, Labour)

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Yeah. Well, as I indicated in answer to the earlier question, there is to the earlier question, there is that memorial already at the National Memorial Arboretum. There are other places in which the service and sacrifice of those who served the state is recorded, including the RUC Memorial Garden that I have had the opportunity to visit. And it was an extremely moving occasion, as one looks at all of the names and remembers the huge sacrifice that all of those

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people made in defence of freedom in Northern Ireland. Before I come.

12:01

Speaker's Statement Mr Speaker

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Before I come. To Prime Minister's Questions, may I extend a warm welcome to the president of the National Council president of the National Council of the Slovak Republic and his delegation, who are with us in the gallery today. And may I also welcome the new Chief Minister of Saint Helena. We now come to

12:01

Prime Minister's Question Time

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questions to Prime Minister Kit Malthouse number one. Prime Minister. Mr. speaker.

12:01

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Mr. speaker. Let me start by congratulating Scotland. On their magnificent victory

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On their magnificent victory last night, qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since

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1998. I didn't realise you were all Scottish MPs Prime Minister.

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Scottish MPs Prime Minister. Mr. speaker. They qualified with fantastic goals, including a fantastic goals, including a cracker from former Arsenal player Kieran Tierney, who was always a great fan favourite with the fans. Mr. speaker, my thoughts are with the communities across the country affected by severe flooding, particularly in Monmouthshire. I've been liaising with the First Minister of Wales and want to thank all our emergency services for their response. Mr. speaker, my thoughts are also with the family and loved ones of Royal Fleet Auxiliary member James Elliott, who has sadly been lost.

I know the contribution that personnel of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary make, and the risks that they take in the line of duty. My thoughts, and I'm sure the thoughts of the whole house are with those who knew him at this tragic and difficult time for them. Mr. speaker, last Thursday I visited Anglesey to announce the construction of the country's first small modular reactor. That's the biggest investment in North Wales in a generation, creating more than 6000 jobs. On Monday, we introduced the largest overhaul of the asylum policy in modern times restoring control, fairness and creating safe and legal routes.

And today, I'm pleased to announce that inflation is coming down. There's more to do, but it's an important step. Mr. speaker, this morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House. I shall have further such meetings later today.

12:03

Rt Hon Kit Malthouse MP (North West Hampshire, Conservative)

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Mr. speaker.

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Or procedural. Manoeuvres outside. Of this House. May be used to prevent Parliament reaching a decision on

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Parliament reaching a decision on the Terminally Ill Adults Bill. Now the government. Is. Neutral on the bill itself, but

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Neutral on the bill itself, but I presume it's not neutral on the issue of democracy or the primacy of this chamber. So could the Prime of this chamber. So could the Prime Minister please reassure the House that the decision of elected members, and indeed the wishes and members, and indeed the wishes and hopes of the vast majority of the people we serve, will not be frustrated in this way?

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Prime Minister. Can I thank him for his question? I know he feels strongly about this

12:03

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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I know he feels strongly about this issue. As he says, the government is neutral on the passage of the bill. It is a matter of conscience and there are different and respected views across Parliament, and it is for Parliament to decide in the end on any changes in this chamber. Scrutiny of the Bill in the Lords is a matter for the Lords, but the government does have a responsibility to make sure that any legislation which passes through Parliament is workable, is enforceable.

12:04

Jon Trickett MP (Normanton and Hemsworth, Labour)

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Jon Trickett.

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Mr. Speaker. And the. Party. Opposite in government said that they would level up the country, but in fact, they left a country divided. In half. Austerity, in divided. In half. Austerity, in deindustrialisation, stagnant wages all took the heart, ripped the heart out of mining communities

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heart out of mining communities like the ones I represent. Yeah. Everywhere you can see the legacy which the party opposite legacy which the party opposite left. And how can it be right that the hard working, loyal people in the hard working, loyal people in my constituency earned £400 a week, or £20,000 a year, less than people or £20,000 a year, less than people who live in Kensington? So will the Prime Minister now declare that it is the government's moral purpose to eliminate economic injustice, starting with the budget next week starting with the budget next week announcing massive investment in the North, wherever else, poverty

12:05

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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and low pay. Rachel Blake. Yeah. Well. Can I thank him for raising this important issue? Because they laugh. But working people paid a very heavy price for 14 years of economic failure. Austerity damaged the economy and decimated public services. A botched Brexit deal stifled growth, and the reckless borrowing of the mini budget saw mortgages at the cost of living soar. He's right to raise this issue. We determined to tackle inequality. He'll be pleased to know that under this government, wages are up.

But we need to do more. We've had a pay increase for the 3.5 million lowest paid, and

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the Chancellor will deliver a budget based on Labour values. Kemi Badenoch. Leader of the

12:06

Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)

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Kemi Badenoch. Leader of the Opposition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And can I associate our side of the House with the remarks the Prime Minister made about James Elliot? Can the Prime Minister tell us why his government is the first government in history to float increasing income tax rates, only to then

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U-turn on it all after the actual budget? Prime Minister? Well, the budget is actually

12:06

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Well, the budget is actually next week rather than after. The budget has only got one week to go, budget has only got one week to go, but I can tell her it will be a Labour budget. Mr. speaker, with Labour values that means we will concentrate on cutting NHS waiting lists, cutting debt and cutting the cost of living. And because of the decisions we've already made, inflation is down. This morning the Bank of England have upgraded growth. We've got a record £230 billion of investment into this country under this government.

12:06

Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)

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Thanks. it in the papers. This is the first budget to unravel before it's even been delivered. The Chancellor's cluelessness, I'm afraid, is damaging the economy. Now, the Prime Minister needs to end this shambles. So can he confirm today that he won't break another promise

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by freezing income tax thresholds? Mr. speaker, the budget is one

12:07

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, the budget is one week today and we will lay out our plans. But what we won't do, Mr. Speaker, I've said what we will do Speaker, I've said what we will do in terms of protecting the NHS and public services. What we won't do is inflict austerity on the country as they did, of course. Huge. What we won't do is inflict a borrowing spree like Liz Truss did, also inflicted huge damage, Mr. Speaker. Have they learnt anything? She's apparently got a goal, a golden, golden economic rule, I think so it's very important rule, this golden rule, this this £47 billion of cuts with no detail.

No wonder the Institute of Government says they're on very shaky foundations. They haven't listened and they haven't learned.

12:08

Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)

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Mr. speaker, it is quite clear that they are going to freeze thresholds. We didn't get a clear answer from them. But this is really important because in her budget speech last year, in her budget speech last year, the Chancellor said, and I quote, I am keeping every single promise on tax that I made in our manifesto. So there will be no extension of the freezing income tax and national insurance thresholds. Why was

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freezing thresholds a breach of the manifesto last year? But it isn't this year. Prime Minister.

12:08

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Prime Minister. Mr. Speaker, every week she comes along and speculates and comes along and speculates and distorts. Nasty. Last year, Mr. Speaker. Last last year, they predicted a recession. And what do we get? The fastest growing economy in the G7 in the first half of the year. They opposed NHS investment. And what do we get? 5 million extra appointments in the first year of a Labour government. They tried growing the economy with millions on NHS waiting lists, with our schools crumbling and holes in our own.

It didn't work. What do they want to do now? Go back to the same failed experiment.

12:09

Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)

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Mr. speaker, he talks about speculation. The only people who've been speculating are his government. Every single day for the last three months. And he mentioned inflation in his in his last answer. Inflation has nearly doubled since they came into office. He wants a round of applause because it's come down a little bit. I will remind him that food inflation is up 4.9%. That is making life miserable for all of those people out there. But let's get back to thresholds, because this is important.

When the Chancellor made that promise to unfreeze the thresholds, it wasn't an off the cuff comment. She said it on the floor of this House in her budget speech. That was a deliberate statement of government policy. So if she breaks such a clear promise, how can the public trust a word that she says next week?

12:10

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, she talks about inflation. It went to 11%, 11% and the country is still paying the price. Inflation is down this morning. Wages are up and we've had five interest rate cuts. And that's because our fiscal rules are ironclad. And the Leader of the Opposition and the party of us have no credibility on the economy. She was Treasury Minister during the worst decline in living standards on record. And she said that Liz Truss got the mini budget 100% right.

Not much room for flexibility there, 100%. That's pretty full marks, Mr. Speaker. She might want to tell us with that

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still her position 100% right for Liz Truss. Mr. speaker, I was Treasury

12:10

Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)

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Mr. speaker, I was Treasury Minister at the height of the pandemic. We cleaned up that mess. Maybe he could clean up some of his Maybe he could clean up some of his own mess. And I'm going to I'm going to repeat what the Chancellor said, because it's quite clear that the whole front bench has forgotten. She said. I have come to the conclusion that extending the threshold freeze would hurt working people. It would take more money out of their payslips. And yet that's what they're planning to do next week.

And all of this speculation is having real world consequences. Just this morning, the UK chair of ExxonMobil said, and I quote, the government needs to understand that the whole industrial base of the UK is at risk unless they wake up and realise the damage their economic policies are doing. Mr. speaker, can the Prime Minister tell us is the loss of UK industry, the price the country has to pay for having a clueless Chancellor?

12:11

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, let me just say about ExxonMobil, it is a difficult time for the workforce there and we must focus on supporting them. We've been meeting the company for over six months and explored every possible reasonable avenue they have been. They've been facing losses for the last five years. It's best to do the detail before you Chunter. And they're currently losing £1 million a week. But she talks. She talks about policy and approach on energy policy. She follows reform on the European Convention.

She follows the man who wants her job. And when her shadow Minister said we should deport people lawfully here to achieve cultural coherence, she pretended that it didn't happen. I could go on. She was the trade secretary that didn't sign any trade deals, cheerleader for the mini budget, cheerleader for open borders. And when there are crashing the economy, botching Brexit and running down the NHS, she was right at the centre. She hasn't got an ounce of credibility in.

12:12

Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)

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Mr Speaker on energy policy. What we are doing is listening to industry. What happened? I had I

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had a round table. John Slinger please, we don't

12:14

Mr Speaker

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John Slinger please, we don't want to have to sling you out. Mr. speaker, just this just this

12:14

Rt Hon Kemi Badenoch MP (North West Essex, Conservative)

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morning we heard from the chair of one of our largest energy companies. Last week, I had a round table with Last week, I had a round table with energy companies and what they had to say about this Prime Minister and his energy secretary is unprintable. They are absolutely furious. Our oil and gas industry is dying. And he's standing there saying he had meetings. People out saying he had meetings. People out there are struggling. Mr. speaker, the budget chaos is causing real anxiety. People aren't buying anxiety.

People aren't buying houses, businesses aren't hiring, and they are cancelling investment and they are cancelling investment decisions. Two weeks ago, the Chancellor called a ridiculous press conference to blame everyone press conference to blame everyone else for her having to raise income tax. Then last week, she U-turned on her own U-turn. Instead, we can on her own U-turn. Instead, we can see they're planning to freeze income tax thresholds, something she said last year would be a breach of their manifesto. They are making it up as they go along.

12:14

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Doesnt the country deserve better than government by guesswork? Mr. speaker, if we renew our

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Mr. speaker, if we renew our country with Labour or we go back to austerity 2.0 with reform of the Tories, they left waiting lists at record highs. Almost a million more children in poverty, and they wrecked our public services. She comes here to talk down the country. We're turning the page. More NHS appointments, free breakfast clubs, free childcare, more homes and better public services. That's what

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we're fighting for. A Britain built for all. Lloyd Hatton. Mr. Speaker.

12:14

Lloyd Hatton MP (South Dorset, Labour)

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Lloyd Hatton. Mr. Speaker. Standing in. The heart of Weymouth, the rectory is an iconic building, formerly a theatre, once a bustling cinema and then a popular pub as well. And yet, for more than a decade, this building has stood empty. We want to turn this building into a thriving centre for arts and culture, hosting exhibitions and celebrating everything that makes Weymouth unique. So will the Prime Minister work with me and all the key players on the ground to revitalise

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the rectory and reopen this fantastic building for our town? Prime Minister. My hon. Friend is a brilliant

12:15

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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My hon. Friend is a brilliant champion for South Dorset and he's right to champion revitalising our high streets. The Minister for heritage would be delighted to discuss how we can get this iconic building reopened as he wants. I'm pleased that Weymouth secured £20 million in Pride in Place funding, giving his community the power and

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resources to make a real difference to people's lives. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal

12:16

Rt Hon Ed Davey MP (Kingston and Surbiton, Liberal Democrat)

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Democrat AA. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I associate myself. With the. Prime Minister's. Opening

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Prime Minister's. Opening remarks? And can I also join me in congratulating Scotland on their amazing. Win against. Denmark.

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Denmark. And wish them well in the World Cup? And can I also say I hope Wales qualifies. To join England

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Wales qualifies. To join England and Scotland? But Mr. Speaker, every year there. Are more than.

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Are more than. 300 suicides related to problem thousands. Of.

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Of. Families, tearing them apart. Meanwhile, online gambling firms Meanwhile, online gambling firms are taking in record revenues of over £7 billion a year. Now, ITV news are reporting that one of them, Sky bet, is moving its headquarters to Malta so it can save tens of millions of pounds in corporation tax. Does the Prime Minister agree

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with me that it's time that we tax them on their UK profits? So these online. Gambling firms don't escape

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Gambling firms don't escape tax? Prime Minister.

12:16

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Can I join him on wishing Wales well and Northern Ireland? I'd like to see all four nations in the finals. But look, he raises the really important issue of suicide and it's mental health day and it is really important. And I think the whole House would want to work together on anything that can prevent suicide. I think if all of us think about individuals, we may know who lost their lives through suicide. It's something that touches almost every one of us and all of our families as well.

We will, of course, look at the link between suicide and gambling and take whatever measures we can to reduce suicide. It's a very important issue.

12:17

Rt Hon Ed Davey MP (Kingston and Surbiton, Liberal Democrat)

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Ed Davey Minister for his reply. We look forward to the government coming forward with action on that. And another domestic matter, Mr. speaker, next to the River Cherwell in Oxfordshire, a field is now covered in an enormous mound of rubbish 150m long and up to 12m high. The water is now lapping against the waste and carrying it into the river. It's just one of many sites Mr Speaker, where organised criminal gangs are illegally dumping their waste onto our countryside and getting away with it.

This is a shocking environmental emergency. So will he instruct the Environment Agency to

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clean it up? Now? Prime Minister. Firstly, these are utterly

12:18

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Firstly, these are utterly appalling scenes, utterly appalling. A criminal investigation, as he knows, is underway and specialist knows, is underway and specialist officers are tracking down those responsible. The environmental agency, in answer to this question, will use all available powers to make sure that the perpetrators cover the cost of the clean up, which must now follow. We have boosted the Environment Agency's budget for tackling waste crime by 50%, given councils new powers to seize and crush fly tippers,

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vehicles and lawbreakers can now face up to five years in jail. Damien Egan. Thank you.

12:18

Damien Egan MP (Bristol North East, Labour)

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Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Immigration is the number one issue on doorsteps of Bristol North East. Most people will ask me about it. They want a firm but also a fair approach, but have been let down over many years, controlling our borders and knowing who comes. It is essential, not least to integration. Mr. speaker, what can the Prime Minister say to my constituents in Bristol North East that will give them assurance that the reforms that the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary are proposing, which I support, will be firm but will also be fair.

12:19

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Prime Minister. an open, tolerant, generous country. To maintain that principle, we must restore order and control, fix the utterly broken system left by the party opposite, and end the division that others seek to exploit. That does include creating safe and legal routes, recognising those who contribute, integrate and strengthen our society, while at the same time reducing illegal arrivals and removing those with no right to be here. That is a fair, progressive system that meets modern challenges.

12:20

Jim Allister KC MP (North Antrim, Traditional Unionist Voice)

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Jim Allister Mr. speaker, the governments of France, Germany and the United States have all extracted from Libya compensation for their citizens who were affected by Gaddafi led terrorism across the world. Why, Prime Minister Is the British government continuing to fail? United Kingdom citizens who suffered to a huge extent through the importation of arms, and in particular the tons of Semtex that Gaddafi supplied to the IRA, giving rise to Enniskillen, to Warrington, to the Baltic Exchange and multiple others.

Why is no compensation being extracted from Libya for our citizens is when it can be done for others? And will the Prime Minister at least meet representatives of the almost forgotten but still campaigning families for those affected by Gaddafi's terrorism?

12:21

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Yeah, well. Prime Minister. this really serious issue and we're working hard on it. I'll absolutely make sure that the meeting he asks for is set up with the relevant Minister, so that we can give the full position and take on board what they have to say.

12:21

Mr Luke Charters MP (York Outer, Labour)

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Luke Charters on International Men's Day. And in the spirit.

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Of Movember, I want to be open about my own past mental health challenges in the hope that it challenges in the hope that it might encourage other men to do the same. And during the traumatic birth of my first son, I nearly lost my wife and a dark cloud lost my wife and a dark cloud settled over me, a cloud lifted through conversation and support and through the safe arrival of my and through the safe arrival of my second son. And bright days lie ahead.

I'm joined in the gallery today by Mike from York Mindfulness, today by Mike from York Mindfulness, a fantastic charity giving men a place to talk. So will the Prime place to talk. So will the Prime Minister, as a dad himself, agree with me that strength as a man means being open about our emotions, means being open about our emotions, and that we should never face into challenges on our own here.

12:22

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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challenges on our own here. Can I thank him for his honesty?

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Can I thank him for his honesty? It's never easy to stand up and say what he's just said, and I hope he what he's just said, and I hope he understands just how important that is for others who will be suffering, who will be inspired to be able to talk openly about their experiences and importantly, get the help that they need. I'm really proud to publish the first ever Men's Health Strategy today, to tackle challenges that disproportionately affect men, including certain cancers and suicide, which is tragically the biggest killer of those men under 50.

So we will invest millions in helping more men access mental health, support, better care for former miners and rolling out at home blood tests to tackle prostate cancer. But I do thank him for speaking out. I think it's so important. It's so brave. It's been done across the house. This isn't a party political issue, but it's always very powerful when it's done and it's a model for all of us.

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Wimbledon thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given the government's desire to improve educational outcomes and

12:23

improve educational outcomes and the wellbeing of our children, it is ignoring the elephant in the room. This morning I hosted a really powerful roundtable with three secondary head teachers who spoke about the transformational. Effect that a complete ban on smartphones in their schools had had improved behaviour, increased had improved behaviour, increased focus, fewer, far fewer safeguarding issues, and most importantly, happier children. But importantly, happier children. But for them, it has been really hard won and it's sunk a huge amount of time.

So will the Prime Minister time. So will the Prime Minister tell me, and the thousands of head teachers out there who are crying out for this change, why his government won't back them with a ban on smartphones in schools?

12:23

Caroline Voaden MP (South Devon, Liberal Democrat)

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Prime Minister.

12:23

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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I thank her for a question. It's a really important question. I've got teenage children in secondary school, and I know it's an issue of concern to parents and teachers. The reality, the statistics are that the vast majority of schools already ban smartphones. They they allow children to bring their phones to schools, but they they ban them in school time. In lessons, of course, we'll always keep this. We will always keep this under review. We've got to take steps that will be effective.

I agree with the sentiment of what she's

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putting to me. We need to deal with it effectively. Andrew Pakes thank you.

12:24

Andrew Pakes MP (Peterborough, Labour )

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Andrew Pakes thank you. Mr. Speaker. One of the worst legacies of the last conservative government was the collapse in apprenticeships for young people in places such as Peterborough, shutting a generation out of opportunity. Mr. speaker, my city is determined to turn that around with places like Peterborough College, like many of our colleges leading the charge. Whilst I welcome the government's reform, I still speak to too many young people who can't access the training they need to rebuild Britain.

Will the Prime Minister set out what more we can do together to ensure Peterborough

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young people get good jobs and apprenticeships they deserve? Prime Minister.

12:25

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Prime Minister. His dedicated campaign means Peterborough has one of the first youth guarantee pilots in the youth guarantee pilots in the country. Mr. speaker, we inherited an awful situation where almost 1 million young people were not earning or learning. We refuse to accept that. That's why we're delivering the new Youth Guarantee, investing a record £3 billion into apprenticeships and increasing the national minimum wage for 16 to 20 year olds. The reform of the Tories say the minimum wage is too high.

They're totally wrong. We're going

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to focus on every young person to give them the chance to succeed. Lee Anderson thank you, Mr.

12:25

Lee Anderson MP (Ashfield, Reform UK)

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Speaker. Whilst the Labour frontbench continue to peddle their own form of dog whistle politics reform UK.

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Don't. The expert and. Reform UK.

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Reform UK. Are cracking on with the day job. Our reform led council are reformed to just say you might say it's the way he tells them, but it might be way he tells them, but it might be worse. It's the way I tell them. Lee Anderson thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our reform led councils have Our reform led councils have already identified savings of over £330 million in the first six months £330 million in the first six months and the Prime Minister may shake his head, propped up by these gullible backbenchers.

But here's the challenge. Will he guarantee, the challenge. Will he guarantee, will he ensure, that all the council elections from this year and the proposed local elections and the proposed local elections for next year will go ahead in May 2026? Go on, be a man. Good.

12:26

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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2026? Go on, be a man. Good. I didn't realise this. Quite so good at stand up comedy, Mr. Speaker. He talks about dog whistle. Last week his leader said he didn't have time, didn't have time to condemn the racist comments of his fellow MP for Runcorn. He also said he didn't have time to condemn his party, made the calling children in care evil. He didn't have time. I wonder if he could ask his leader next door to him whether he's got time for his explanation for the stories in today's papers.

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Julie Minns. Mr. speaker, over.

12:27

Ms Julie Minns MP (Carlisle, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, over. The summer. Large quantities of illegal cigarettes were seized in shops in my Carlisle constituency. However, many of those shops were reopened the very next day. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that we have to make it easier for these shops to be closed down permanently? So

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we put out of business forever these criminal networks. The Prime Minister.

12:27

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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The Prime Minister. Can I thank her for raising this? Because there's been a surge in response to illegal shops selling response to illegal shops selling products they shouldn't be selling and not paying their taxes. It's very important. Raised in October, Mr. Speaker saw over 900 arrests. Almost £11 million of criminal profits were seized and almost £3 million of illegal gear was destroyed. We need to go further to protect our high streets. That's why we're giving councils powers to prevent certain shops from even opening, supporting them to deal with unwanted shops and through the

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tobacco and vape bill, cracking down on rogue retailers who break the law. Josh Newbury.

12:28

Josh Babarinde MP (Eastbourne, Liberal Democrat)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Eastbourne resident Pam was given a Eastbourne resident Pam was given a cheque for £125,000 by her terminally ill partner, which she went on to cash in. But an error by the bank Barclays, meant that only £125 was deposited. Barclays admitted the error and then said

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that they will compensate her for £250 for the inconvenience caused. Wow!

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Wow! Will the Prime Minister work with me to ensure that Barclays Bank pays Pam the compensation that Bank pays Pam the compensation that she needs and deserves? And while we're here, will he commit to we're here, will he commit to imposing a windfall tax on the banks like Barclays, on their excess profits to bring bills down

12:29

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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excess profits to bring bills down for residents struggling. Prime Minister? The case of his constituent, Pam,

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The case of his constituent, Pam, is staggeringly bad, absolutely terrible. If he could provide me terrible. If he could provide me with the full details of it, I will make sure that the government joins him in doing whatever we can in relation to his constituents. And before I sit down, may I take a moment to send my warmest congratulations to the hon. Member on getting engaged. I think on Thursday the proposal, I think, was right here in Parliament. You never know what you might find in this despatch box, but on behalf of my party and actually, I'm sure the whole house can.

I wish him and Connor a lifetime of happiness.

12:29

Connor Naismith MP (Crewe and Nantwich, Labour)

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Connor Naismith.

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Station is the gateway. To the North. And indeed, the. Shop window for. My constituency.

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My constituency. With an average annual footfall of 4.5 million. People. I am working with Cheshire East

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I am working with Cheshire East Council on ambitious plans for Crewe 360, to deliver much needed investment into the station and into the land around the station, and we want to adopt the railway industry Associations station investment zone proposals, which could deliver much needed could deliver much needed improvements in transport, housing, regeneration and economic growth. Does the Prime Minister agree with Does the Prime Minister agree with me that Crewe would make a perfect pilot for these proposals, and will pilot for these proposals, and will he agree to work with me to bring government departments around the table so that we can make these plans a reality?

12:30

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Mr. Well, I thank him for his question because of our actions. Mr. speaker, house building near Mr. speaker, house building near stations like Crewe will now be a default. Yes. That means tens of thousands of homes delivered far sooner for families with great transport links as standard. I'll make sure that he meets the relevant Ministers to drive forward growth. Every step we've taken to deliver more homes has been opposed

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by the parties opposite. They're the blockers. Labour are the builders. James McMurdock.

12:31

James McMurdock MP (South Basildon and East Thurrock, Independent)

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Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Mr. speaker. It is an open secret. That the gig economy.

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That the gig economy. Is a. Magnet for organised. Crime and illegal workers. As Christmas.

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illegal workers. As Christmas. Approaches and. Demand increases, so do the associated risks. Will the Prime Minister. Please explain.

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Please explain. Why enforcement in this area is so low, and what he will do to restore order? Thank you.

12:31

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Well. We're delivering a record crackdown on illegal working in the crackdown on illegal working in the gig economy, expanding the right to work and facial recognition checks, which are really important. We're also introducing a new criminal offence of trespassing with intent to commit a crime through the

12:31

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Police and crime Bill. Jessica Toale. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Based on the reaction, To.

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To. Care or remember that every. Day I see. The cost to my constituents in Bournemouth West of years of cuts

12:31

Jessica Toale MP (Bournemouth West, Labour)

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Bournemouth West of years of cuts to public services, youth services gone, neighbourhood policing decimated, no NHS dentist appointments. So can the Prime Minister confirm there will be no return to austerity under this

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Labour government? I certainly can, but the

12:32

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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I certainly can, but the austerity that they imposed on the country destroyed our public services and we're still paying the services and we're still paying the price. We will be cutting waiting lists, cutting the debt and cutting the cost of living. Fair choices to secure Britain's future. Not a return to the failure of the party opposite.

12:32

Jack Rankin MP (Windsor, Conservative)

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Jo White Jack Rankin. sincere regret for appointing David Colgan to the independent football regulator. Will he now put on record the full amount Mr. Colgan has donated to his leadership campaign and his party? Any

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hospitality received and whether he declared these interests before appointing him. Prime Minister.

12:33

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Prime Minister. They were all declared properly. Not the amount. Mr. speaker. This.

12:33

Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP (Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North, Labour)

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This. Friday we commemorate. The 51st. Anniversary of the. Birmingham pub bombings. In which 21.

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In which 21. People lost their lives. In what is. Still the largest unsolved. Murder in our history. The families do not.

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families do not. Believe that the approach set out by the. Government will. Discover the truth. And that only.

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And that only. A public inquiry. Will do. Can we now have the meetings. In order to hear the family's. Concerns.

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Concerns. Direct and agree an approach that will command not just confidence, but will find the truth of who bombed Birmingham.

12:33

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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of who bombed Birmingham. Prime Minister. Well. Can I extend my deepest

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Can I extend my deepest sympathies to remain with the bereaved and survivors of the horrific bombing in Birmingham in 1974? We do believe the most appropriate route is through the independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery. But hon. Friend has raised this issue directly with me. And of course, I'll make sure that the relevant meeting is set up so

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that he and the families can put consider. Mr. Mr Speaker.

12:34

Jamie Stone MP (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, Liberal Democrat)

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Mr Speaker. You and. The chamber will be. Well aware that I represent the biggest and most remote biggest and most remote constituency in the UK. And I'm bound to say, Mr. Speaker, that in it, bank branches are becoming rarer than sightings of the Loch Ness Monster. We have no banks at all in the huge county of Sutherland. Now we have legislation that provides for access to cash, but what we don't have is legislation that provides for face to face banking services.

So I am deeply grateful. If the Prime Minister would ask the Treasury to meet with me to discuss how we might update the Financial Services and Markets Act, to include some form of access to cash provision that would preserve face to face banking for my constituents and other remote areas.

12:34

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, I know how important face to face banking is to local communities. As he knows we're rolling out banking hubs. Decisions over location are taken independently, but they should be rolled out wherever there is a need for one. And of course, there's more to come. I will, in answer to the question, make sure that he gets the meeting that he requests proposal.

12:35

Afzal Khan MP (Manchester Rusholme, Labour)

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Afzal Khan thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Prime Minister is aware, November marks Islamophobia Awareness Month. This Labour government has shown a steadfast commitment to supporting Muslim communities, particularly through consulting on the definition of Islamophobia. Given anti-Muslim hate is at a record levels in the UK. Can the Prime Minister outline the steps this government will take to tackle the rising level of racism xenophobia against the Muslims in Britain?

12:35

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Minister. important issue? He's always been a strong champion on this. Anti-Muslim hatred is abhorrent, Mr. Speaker, and has no place in our society. And the increase in incidence must be addressed. It's why we're increasing funding to protect mosques and Muslim faith schools across the country. It's why we've announced a new fund to monitor anti-Muslim hatred and support victims. And we continue to work on the definition of anti-Muslim hatred.

12:36

Mike Wood MP (Kingswinford and South Staffordshire, Conservative)

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Well, yes. who cares about media independence and freedom will be relieved that that Redbird have recognised that they cannot run the Telegraph. But there are serious concerns that they will burden the paper with unsustainable debt if the title is sold for less than half £1 billion. So will the Prime Minister step in to prevent this from happening and enable a sale at a lower at a lower price if necessary? Without this

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toxic debt burden? Prime Minister?

12:37

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Prime Minister? Well, it raises a serious issue. I'm not quite sure what he's asking the government to do to step in and

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the government to do to step in and nationalise, I don't think would be the right thing. Perran Moon. Whereas. Mr. Speaker. On the.

12:37

Perran Moon MP (Camborne and Redruth, Labour)

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On the. 5th of March, at the despatch box, the Prime Minister said these words. We do. Recognise Cornish national.

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Recognise Cornish national. Minority status, not just the proud language, the history and the culture of Cornwall, but its bright

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culture of Cornwall, but its bright future. Since then, I've repeatedly asked Ministers for Cornwall's. recognised. Through devolution.

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Through devolution. When the devolution Bill comes back to the House next week. Will the Prime Minister. Help me.

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Help me. Explicitly enshrine Cornish devolution and Cornish national minority status in that bill?

12:37

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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minority status in that bill? Prime Minister. Can I thank him for his question? Of course, he has raised this issue Of course, he has raised this issue with me on a number of occasions already. He's a great champion for Cornwall. We will ensure that Cornwall's national minority status is safeguarded in any future devolution arrangements. We have provided half £1 million to support distinctive Cornish culture, including the Cornish language. Minister.

12:38

Rt Hon David Davis MP (Goole and Pocklington, Conservative)

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Knows that last. Week nine four star generals made.

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Northern Ireland Bill is. Doing harm to the. British Army. Already most.

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British Army. Already most. Acute damage is being. Felt by the Special. Air Service. It's already. retention.

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retention. Their morale and their operational effectiveness. As a result, lawyers acting for the SAS result, lawyers acting for the SAS Regimental Association has sent a letter before action to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. I know of no precedent for this in the entire history of the British Army, and it's because it's so important, it reflects how so important, it reflects how important it is. So I kind of make a plea to the Prime Minister. Will he involve himself personally to he involve himself personally to make sure that 60, 70, 80 year old soldiers who have carried out soldiers who have carried out actions which most of us would view as heroic, are not persecuted in the coming in the coming years

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the coming in the coming years because now it's a matter not of national security, but of national honour. Yes, Minister.

12:39

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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Yes, Minister. Can I thank him for his question and reassure him on the protections that he seeks for veterans? Because that he seeks for veterans? Because it is a very important issue and he's continually and rightly raised it. There will be protection from repeat investigations. So the Commission doesn't go over old ground without compelling reasons. There will be protection from cold calling and protection in old age. So the elderly veterans are respected, and those who do contribute to the legacy process will have a right to anonymity, a right to stay at home, to give evidence remotely, and a right to be heard through the commission.

That is the work that we're doing, and I'm happy to discuss it further with him.

12:39

Torcuil Crichton MP (Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Labour)

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To end on a subject no doubt we can expect to Scotland Secretary total Christchurch.

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Prime Minister next meets with. The. President of the United. States. Can he.

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Can he. Ask him if he knows any reasonably priced hotels near the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey? Where the World Cup finals to be Where the World Cup finals to be held? And as we are about to provide the biggest boost to whisky

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provide the biggest boost to whisky exports since our trade deal was. Signed. Can he ask the Chancellor to gently consider excise duties next gently consider excise duties next week so we Scots can continue celebrating at reasonable prices?

12:40

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP, The Prime Minister (Holborn and St Pancras, Labour)

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celebrating at reasonable prices? Prime Minister. I thank him for his question on the question of whisky. It is important that we do everything we can to support whisky. I'm really pleased with the progress we're making with the United States and of course with India as well. Under the trade deal, I continue to discuss what more we can do with him. Right. Right. We Right. We now Right. We now come Right. We now come to Right.

We now come to the Right. We now come to the Urgent Question Mims Davies. Question Mims Davies.

12:41

Urgent question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if she will make a statement on the aftermath of the recent severe flooding impacting Monmouthshire and what support will be made available for those affected

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, to ask the Secretary of State for Wales if she will make a statement on the aftermath of the recent severe flooding impacting Monmouthshire

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and what support will be made available for those affected. Thank you sir.

12:42

Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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Thank you sir. Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My first

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My first thoughts are and those of the Secretary of State are with all of those people, those businesses those people, those businesses affected by the flooding over the weekend. The impact in Monmouthshire has been devastating for local residents and traders, and I know that hon. Members across the House will be thinking of them as they recover from this dreadful storm. I'm here because the Secretary of State is in Monmouthshire to thank first responders, to meet the community and thank them for their efforts.

She's there with the local member for Monmouthshire, who I know has been supporting her community since the flooding right across the weekend. I also want to pay tribute to the emergency responders, local residents who've rallied together and also to thank the mayor of Monmouth, Jackie Atkin, who's raised a substantial sum of money for the community. As the house will be aware, flooding is a devolved matter. However, the Prime Minister spoke to the First Minister over the weekend and offered the UK government support.

With the Welsh Government's response. I know that my ministerial colleague who's here with me today has been also been in touch with the Deputy First Minister. The Environment Agency has offered support locally, including any mutual aid that may be requested by Natural Resources Wales, who operates in the area. And we know as we see these events increasing that it demonstrates why our climate response on flooding is so important. Today, the Flood Mobile was sponsored by flood Re is in Monmouth.

There is a mobile demonstration unit which showcases dozens of property flood resilience measures and techniques which can help keep homes and other buildings safer during a flood. That's reaching out to the community. And I would also bring hon. Member's attention to what we're doing to support people to access insurance through our partnership with flood, a joint initiative between the government, the insurance industry that ensures households at the highest risk of flooding can access affordable insurance in the financial year 2425 alone, Flood Re provided cover for over 340 500,000 household policies.

Whilst government officials have met with Monmouthshire Council over the weekend to discuss emerging emergency funding, the Deputy First Minister was also there over the weekend to meet first responders and the community, and opportunities are being made available through Emergency Financial Assistance Scheme. The Welsh Government has made a as been working very closely with the council and all the emergency services, and has been ensuring that they have committed over £370 million to reduce risks to communities right across Wales.

But I know that Welsh Government is working, doing everything they can at this very difficult time for the

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community and for businesses in Monmouthshire. Justice Secretary Prime Minister.

12:45

Mims Davies MP (East Grinstead and Uckfield, Conservative)

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Justice Secretary Prime Minister. Mr. Speaker, this weekend tragic and heart wrenching floods affected families and their loved ones, families and their loved ones, meaning evacuation from their properties in Monmouth after the River Maldon mono burst its banks. This in turn blighting businesses with devastating consequences. This horrific experience also hit hard nearby areas including Abergavenny and Skenfrith village. Now there are desperate families and business owners across Monmouthshire who've lost their homes, their livelihoods.

They've literally lost everything. With Christmas looming, a key time also for hospitality. I'd like to also thank the emergency services, all volunteers, many local councillors and the Ms. Peter Fox. They've done fantastic work around the clock to assist, safeguard and do what they can to help and support those impacted. It is now instrumental without any delay and the necessary vital support reaches every single person who's been affected by these devastating floods so that their longer term needs are also met.

Local people report that they don't have any clarity and answers and insight on what to expect beyond the initial rescue and this community kindness. They've been told discussions are ongoing. The First Minister outlined this week in the Senate some support, and the PM also offered support to Monmouthshire. So can the Minister provide details on what exactly practically this means on the ground in the coming weeks? Can the Minister also outline a timeframe for when support will reach the people of Monmouthshire, and what precisely it will entail? It's reported some insurance companies won't pay as they only meet storm damage, not flood damage.

Locals want urgent resources, not endless form filling to the Senate. They need urgent help now and for it to be fast tracked. They say via the council. And finally, does the Minister agree with me? Time is of the essence in answering these vital questions to ensure residents and businesses anxieties do not worsen.

12:47

Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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I thank the member opposite, and absolutely she is right. Time is of the essence and my heart absolutely goes out to all those impacted by this storm over the weekend. It is a dreadful thing to have to go through or see those hard, hard, that hard work that you've put in perhaps all your life and see the business flooded, your home flooded. I can't imagine the trauma and the difficulty that those people are going through. As I said, the Minister spoke to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister reached out over the weekend to look at how. Support can be offered following the flooding. The First Minister has also been very clear in looking at how funding can be provided for those impacted in the least bureaucratic way possible. Look, the nature of that support. You know, we're a few days after that event. The nature of that support will come clear as as the this clean up continues as we see the the days go on with we'll be working with emergency services.

We'll be working with those impacted. The Welsh Government has emergency financial assistance schemes for just these very scenarios, and they have been kicked in and they are being used. Proposals for support are being prepared. Local government finance officials are there on the ground. The Secretary of State is there on the ground. Today we are doing all we can, working hand in hand with the Welsh Government, with the council, with the mayors and making sure that those impacted get the support they need as quickly as possible.

12:49

Jessica Morden MP (Newport East, Labour)

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Jessica Morden. Monmouthshire, is as the very diligent representative she is, and as we speak in Abergavenny, and will join the Secretary of State in Monmouthshire shortly. Meeting and listening to those affected by these devastating floods which hit Monmouth, Abergavenny, Skenfrith and the villages, she's asked me to say a very big, heartfelt thank you to the emergency services, all the authorities, all those who've helped and to thank the incredible community effort and many kindnesses shown over the last few days, including offers of beds, homes, donations and more.

Hundreds and hundreds of businesses and homes will be affected and it will take many months to clear up. I know she's having liaising with the Prime Minister, with departments, with the Welsh Government and it is devolved, a devolved issue and will have many ask. But can I ask on her behalf that we continue to offer support in the many ways that will be needed in the period? And I'm also mindful of other areas impacted by flooding, including my own Minister.

12:50

Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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I thank my hon. Friend. She she makes an excellent point. And the Member for Monmouthshire has been so, so diligent. I've been on the. I was on the phone with her over the weekend. I know that she's been speaking to Welsh Government. I myself was on the phone to the Deputy First Minister over the weekend and with in contact with Natural Resources Wales and local community groups. She has been out there in her wellies helping, helping that clean up and I know she feels it as deeply as some of those impacted.

The support will be there. We will continue to work together. This what's important here despite the, you know, yes, flooding is devolved, but this matter reaches right across and wherever we can help, we will. And we are working together to ensure that we at pace, resolve and help the people that need it. spokesperson.

12:51

David Chadwick MP (Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, Liberal Democrat)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The recent floods in Monmouthshire have been devastating for local communities and our thoughts are with everyone affected as they try to return to some sense of normality. And I'd also like to pay tribute to the emergency services and everyone who worked so tirelessly to keep residents safe throughout this event. Last year we saw attempts by multiple fire and rescue authorities in Wales to close small fire stations, which often house the equipment needed to respond to major floods like the ones we've just seen.

With two of the proposed closures in my own constituency in Knighton and Crickhowell, Crickhowell Crickhowell being just a stone's throw away from Monmouthshire, and the services that are based there often go over the border just to help them. Could she clarify? Could the Secretary of State clarify what engagements they've had with fire services in Wales on potential closures, and whether she agrees with me that it's vital we keep those small stations open to protect residents in rural Wales

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from devastating events, such as the ones we've just seen. Minister. I thank the Member for his

12:52

Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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I thank the Member for his question. I also want to pay huge tribute to the first responders to tribute to the first responders to the emergency units, the to the Fire Rescue Service, who absolutely did an outstanding job and continue to do that outstanding job over the weekend and now and into the future. But right across Wales. And it is important that we protect those putting themselves in danger and supporting people in need. I'll I'm happy to write to the hon.

Member about the details of the closures.

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I, I'm happy to get back to him on that. Nick Smith. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Blaenau Gwent and

12:53

Nick Smith MP (Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, Labour)

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Speaker. Blaenau Gwent and neighbours, Monmouthshire. Last winter we experienced coal tip slipping because of heavy rain, then people experiencing flooding deserve all our support. So can the Minister please explain and tell us more about the support available to residents claiming insurance or emergency financial help to get them get through to help them get through this really difficult time? Minister.

12:53

Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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I thank the member and he's been a really strong advocate in this area, so I thank him for that. We have pledged 143 million from the UK government for coal tip safety in this Parliament, and I know that this is a big issue that needs to be continually monitored. I know that coal tips were being monitored over the weekend during throughout Storm Claudia, and they will continue to be. But this government takes this very seriously and is investing in their safety.

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So Julian Lewis. Could I appeal to. The Minister to help us in one

12:54

Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith MP (Skipton and Ripon, Conservative)

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The Minister to help us in one way, because although this is a devolved matter, it is possible in the internet age very easily to make charitable donations. So could she perhaps investigate whether there is a reliable local charity to which people across the country can make donations and perhaps circulate the details of that? After the end of this question?

12:54

Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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Wrexham Minister. I will absolutely take that back, because, look, there's been a lot of money raised locally. I mentioned the local mayor who has raised a significant amount of funds, which is fantastic, but I know that a lot of people will want to absolutely take that back. Thank you.

12:54

Mr Alex Barros-Curtis MP (Cardiff West, Labour)

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Thank you. responders and to my hon. Friend the Monmouthshire, for the tireless effort she's put in since this happened. I'm grateful to the Minister for what she said and what the Prime Minister said earlier about the conversations and constant interaction between ourselves, the UK government and the Welsh Government and the First Minister. That collaboration between both our governments when there are civil emergencies like this is integral. So will she assure me that those collaboration will continue, and that the people of Monmouthshire will have everything they need from us, and we will push the Welsh Government to do everything they can in order to ensure that those affected get through this crisis.

12:55

Adjournment: Accessibility at Northwich railway station Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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I thank my hon. Friend for raising that important point. And yes, collaboration is key. And in situations like that, like this, where speed is of the essence, it is important that we work together quickly, seamlessly. I know my hon. Friend, the Minister for Flood and Water has been in touch with the Deputy First Minister and also with the Member for Monmouthshire, and we will all continue to work together to resolve this, to make sure that those impacted get the

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support and help as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Ben Lake I also associate myself

12:56

Ben Lake MP (Ceredigion Preseli, Plaid Cymru)

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Ben Lake I also associate myself with the comments and that the Minister for the Wales Office mentioned, and my thoughts are very much with the people of much with the people of Monmouthshire as they try to get their lives back on track. She she mentioned, quite rightly, that the severe weather events are increasing in frequency, and I wonder further to the very wise words of the hon. Member for Cardiff West. In addition to the collaboration between the two governments, in light of the increasing frequency of these severe weather events, I wonder whether it's also time for us to consider some sort of Central Resilience Fund to help provide that additional emergency support, which, sadly, is becoming far too routine.

12:56

Anna McMorrin MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Cardiff North, Labour)

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I thank the hon. Member, and he quite rightly points out that important link between climate change and increased flooding, which I mentioned earlier, and it is very important to note that we do need that resilience. We do need to build that into communities, to housing. And I know that there is a fund that exists with putting that funding in. This government takes it very, very seriously in terms of investing in that, whether that's new builds, whether that's existing builds, whether that's communities at risk, businesses at risk, infrastructure at risk, we absolutely need to ensure with with changing weather patterns, increased rainfall and further flooding, we need to make sure our

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