Oral Answers to Questions

Caroline Dinenage Excerpts

Wednesday 11th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

This is one for the Mayor of Greater Manchester rather than for me, but I am aware that a proposal was developed that would bring a tram-train service through Bolton North East. As I said before, I did favour that option in my previous job; I favour it in this job. We will see if we can make a business case to bring it forward.

[Dame Caroline Dinenage (Gosport) (Con)]

Q6. Recent small boat crossings in the direction of the Solent have been spectacularly mishandled. The Government’s failure to communicate with Gosport residents bred misinformation and led to violent protests. It also sent a clear message to the gangs that this is a viable new route. What message does the Prime Minister have for Gosport businesses and properties that were damaged, for residents trapped in their homes in fear, for Hampshire police and for taxpayers left with a bill for over £800,000? Recent events have shown that Gosport is not a suitable place to disembark these boats. Can he reassure my constituents that it will not be used again?

[The Prime Minister]

The hon. Lady asks me what message I have for her constituents. The message is that we will work with their Member of Parliament to hold to account those who caused the damage to those properties and businesses, but also to provide the support they need in the situation they are in. I understand she is meeting the Border Security Minister later today to discuss those issues further. Because the Government have been successful in stopping small boat crossings, the gangs are changing their tactics, but we will continue to chase them down. As we do, we will ensure that we learn from what happened and improve the arrangements going forward.