International Update

Debate between Andy Burnham and Peter Swallow

Monday 12th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I was trying to follow that question, but it was going on. The answer is no, full stop.

[Peter Swallow]

The Prime Minister is right to be honest with the British public. Brexit has made us economically and socially poorer; it has made it harder to tackle illegal immigration; and it is driving a cost of living crisis for my constituents. That is why the Prime Minister is also right to say that the status quo cannot hold. Can I urge him to take a position of maximum pragmatism ahead of the EU summit in November, so that we can make sure we get a closer relationship with Europe and a better deal for the British people?

[The Prime Minister]

I will absolutely do that. The quality of the conversations is already improving, and I am confident that we can steer things to a successful conclusion.

Direction of Government

Debate between Andy Burnham and Peter Swallow

Tuesday 1st September 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I do not think the hon. Lady was in the House at the time, but I did signal a change on Israel and Palestine when I came into office as Prime Minister. A further statement will be made to the House very shortly.

[Peter Swallow (Bracknell) (Lab)]

Happy birthday, Madam Deputy Speaker.

The Prime Minister will know that the commitment he has made on social and council housing will be very welcome in places such as Bracknell, where lots of families are waiting for a home. However, that is undermined when social housing providers sell off their social homes through the disposals process. I know that we are taking steps to address that issue through the Social Housing Bill, but I am concerned that we are not going far enough. It is good to see the Housing Minister in his place. Will the Prime Minister work with him to address this issue and ensure that we can stop disposals?

[The Prime Minister]

The Housing Minister has just assured me that we will look at the very issue my hon. Friend raises, so he may want to pursue that conversation with him.