Live Debate: Commons Chamber

Q3. What steps she is taking to ensure the provision of safe spaces for transgender people, in the context of the draft Code of Practice issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. (906820)

Jayne Kirkham. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> Question three. >> Jo Stevens.

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is important that everyone, including trans people, can access services that meet their needs and I take that meet their needs and I take that seriously. We are absolutely committed to upholding the Equality Acts protections that allow trans people to live free from discrimination and harassment. We are carefully and carefully considering the draft updated code and ensuring that the proper processes are followed.

11:42

Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities (Houghton and Sunderland South, Labour)

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Jayne Kirkham thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Secretary of State for that answer. I have very vulnerable constituents who have raised concerns about the draft EHRC guidance on transgender people. Many are scared and feel fear, Many are scared and feel fear, rising transphobia and discrimination. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that we protect the rights and dignity of protect the rights and dignity of everyone in society, and support those groups who work with those vulnerable trans people? vulnerable trans people?

11:43

Jayne Kirkham MP (Truro and Falmouth, Labour )

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I'm deeply sorry to hear about my hon. Friend's constituents. On the wider issue she raises, it is, of course, vital that everyone, including trans people, can live free from harassment and discrimination and can access appropriate services. That is why we are carefully considering the Ehrcs draft updated code, making Ehrcs draft updated code, making sure the proper processes are followed. And of course, the Equality Act upholds safeguards for trans people and we are committed to it.

11:43

Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities (Houghton and Sunderland South, Labour)

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Christine Jardine. Mr. speaker, I appreciate the. The Secretary of State's clarification, but with organisations like Girlguiding UK and Women's Institute now saying that they have been forced to exclude the trans community against their will, how soon can we expect this guidance, which the Secretary of State says is being considered?

11:43

Christine Jardine MP (Edinburgh West, Liberal Democrat)

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Mr. speaker, as I've said many times in this House, I welcome the clarity of the Supreme Court ruling. Providers should follow it. The EHRC have given me a draft code of practice. We're working through it. It is a lengthy document and we will take take this further as soon as we can. Speaker.

11:44

Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities (Houghton and Sunderland South, Labour)

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Minister.

11:44

Q4. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help tackle violence against women and girls. (906821)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With your permission, I will answer questions. halve violence against women and girls in the course of a decade started the day that we entered government. Already we have already announced a series of cross-government measures to tackle these crimes, including launching our domestic abuse protection orders, which have already orders, which have already protected over 1000 victims of domestic abuse since they were launched last November. Our transformative cross-government transformative cross-government approach will be underpinned by a new strategy, which we will publish as soon as possible.

as soon as possible.

11:44

Alex Davies-Jones MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Pontypridd, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner is working hard to deliver government mission

11:44

Mohammad Yasin MP (Bedford, Labour)

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to halve violence against women and girls, tackling complex domestic abuse cases and driving a 250% abuse cases and driving a 250% increase in Chris Law disclosures. Yet women and girls face serious online harms, including violent online harms, including violent pornography highlighted by banners, Burton and Ofcom. Given the link Burton and Ofcom. Given the link between online misogyny and real world violence, what action will the government take to ensure tech the government take to ensure tech companies properly, properly protect women and girls from serious online harms? Yeah.

11:45

Alex Davies-Jones MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Pontypridd, Labour)

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Well, I thank my hon. Friend for that really important question. Making the online environment a safer place for women and girls is safer place for women and girls is a priority for this government, and it is this government that is outlawing depictions of strangulation in pornography. Is this government taking action to this government taking action to tackle violence against women and girls in all its places? The Online Safety Act has placed a requirement on tech platforms to proactively tackle the most harmful illegal content, much of which disproportionately affects women and girls, including from harassment and intimate image abuse.

Ofcom have recently published guidance outlining further steps that services can take to make platforms safer for women and girls, but we are also developing a wider strategy in order to tackle this further.

11:45

Jessica Toale MP (Bournemouth West, Labour)

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Jessica Toale. >> Jessica Toale. down. >> As an organisation set up by two teachers at Winton and Glenmoor academies in my Bournemouth West constituency, it aims to prepare teachers for the tough conversation and work with male pupils to tackle misogyny and promote positive masculinity and healthy relationships. So can the Minister tell me what more she and her department can do to support projects like this and tackle the culture of violence against women and girls at the earliest possible stages?

11:46

Alex Davies-Jones MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Pontypridd, Labour)

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I thank my hon. Friend for that question. Shut it down and organisations like it are a brilliant tool. Schools should be a place where everyone feels safe and valued, and we want to counter misogynistic views by schools, by teaching boys about respect, empathy and equality. Mr. speaker, we will support teachers on how to deliver the revised statutory guidance on relationships, sex and health education, which strengthens consent on healthy relationships with free resources available. And we will be piloting a teacher training grant in 2026.

11:46

Sarah Olney MP (Richmond Park, Liberal Democrat)

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So thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today marks the final day of the United Nations 16 Days of of the United Nations 16 Days of activism against gender based violence, which focussed primarily on ending violence against women on ending violence against women and girls. The domestic abuse charity refuge has experienced a 62% increase in referrals of technologically facilitated abuse from last year. This abuse can take the form of stalking via tracking devices, non-consensual sharing of intimate images and recording devices being used by abusers to monitor victims.

So will the Minister confirm what steps she is taking with the Home Secretary to help tackle violence against violence against women and girls, with specific reference to technologically facilitated abuse? The hon. Lady.

11:47

Alex Davies-Jones MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Pontypridd, Labour)

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Is Right and Refuge do brilliant >> Is Right and Refuge do brilliant work in supporting victims of tech based abuse. I've been there to their offices. I've seen their team working really hard on this. This government is determined to have a cross-government approach to this. I'm working really closely with the Home Office DSIT looking at how we Home Office DSIT looking at how we can really get to grips with this. We'll be publishing our cross-government Vawg strategy imminently, and there will be a specific reference to tech abuse in that strategy.

11:47

Rebecca Smith MP (South West Devon, Conservative)

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Rebecca Smith. >> Mr. dithering on grooming gangs has gone on for so long that it's now unlikely that any report into what's happened will be published what's happened will be published before the next general election. So does the Minister think that this is acceptable, and will she commit to publishing interim findings before the next general election?

11:47

Alex Davies-Jones MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Pontypridd, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> The grooming gang scandal was one of the darkest moments in this country's history, with vulnerable young people being failed time and young people being failed time and time again. The Prime Minister, the Home Secretary and I are determined to finally get victims and survivors the answers that they need. And it was he, the Prime Minister, who brought the first ever major prosecution on the Asian grooming gangs. It was this government that implemented the statutory inquiry recommendations, and it is this government that has issued a national inquiry, and we will get on with supporting victims and girls.

spokesperson.

11:48

Marie Goldman MP (Chelmsford, Liberal Democrat)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. speaker, I'm sure the whole House agrees that women's safety is of agrees that women's safety is of paramount importance. In my constituency of Chelmsford, the City Council has helped to develop a women's safety charter, with local premises pledging their commitment to a range of training of staff to consider and prioritise women's safety as standard. The evidence shows that overwhelming perpetrators of violence against women and girls are not strangers, as some may have us believe, but they are men already known to their victims.

So would the Minister agree with me that women's safety will be addressed best not through stoking division and fear, but instead supporting and funding initiatives like Chelmsford City Council's, where the real work to protect women and girls is done.

11:49

Alex Davies-Jones MP, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Pontypridd, Labour)

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Thank you. I totally agree with the hon. Lady and can I commend Chelmsford Council's work in this Chelmsford Council's work in this regard, if we're really going to halve the levels of violence against women and girls over the course of a decade, this isn't just course of a decade, this isn't just going to be for government departments and Whitehall to tackle. This needs everyone across the country taking action. Local initiatives like the one in Chelmsford doing great work, and I encourage all local councils and local businesses to get involved, to change that culture, to really drive forward what we need in order to tackle this abuse.

11:49

Q5. If she will monitor the protected characteristics of people judged to have been unfairly dismissed in the first six months of employment. (906822)

Question five Mr. Speaker. >> Minister. >> Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm grateful to my hon. Speaker. I'm grateful to my hon. Friend and data about tribunal cases will continue to be collected in the usual way. We know that

11:49

Seema Malhotra MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities) (Feltham and Heston, Labour )

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disabled people are more likely to be impacted by unfair dismissals. Employees already have day one protections against discrimination and recent developments in the Employment Rights Bill do not Employment Rights Bill do not change that protection. This government is absolutely committed to supporting disabled people to thrive at work, including by introducing disability pay gap reporting and stronger flexible working rights. Thank you, Mr.

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working rights. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, the Equality Act applies. We know. That workers are.

11:50

Rachael Maskell MP (York Central, Labour )

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Often made. Unfairly dismissed as a result of the limit coming in as a result of the limit coming in at two years. Currently one year under the last Labour government, and we know we're reducing it to six months. But the risk of disabled workers, ethnic minority workers and young workers being dismissed still holds. So will the government monitor unfairly dismiss

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workers under six months to ensure that they're protected? Characteristics are not a feature for dismissal. Yeah.

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Yeah. I thank I thank my hon. Friend for her tireless campaigning on this important issue. It is right this important issue. It is right that we ensure disabled people are protected at work. She may also wish to approach the Ministry of

11:51

Seema Malhotra MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities) (Feltham and Heston, Labour )

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wish to approach the Ministry of Justice as the department, which collects data on protected characteristics across employment tribunals. >> Jim Shannon.

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Jim Shannon. Mr. speaker, I thank the Minister for that answer. Minister. Many ladies, when they're dismissed unfairly, feel that they've been dismissed unfairly, whereas men would not find themselves in that position. When it comes to equality, it's really important that ladies feel they get the same opportunity and the same fairness within the law. How can the Minister ensure that that happens for ladies as that that happens for ladies as against the present system, which seems to be unfairly dismissed towards them?

11:51

Jim Shannon MP (Strangford, Democratic Unionist Party)

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I thank the hon. Gentleman for his question and he is absolutely right. Everybody should be able to feel able to work without fear of discrimination. And he is right that we must make sure and we do make sure that the law protects all.

11:51

Seema Malhotra MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities) (Feltham and Heston, Labour )

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Gloucester Lauren Sullivan.

11:52

Q6. What steps she is taking to support women’s economic empowerment. (906823)

Mr. speaker, with your permission, I will answer question six and 13 together. Gender six and 13 together. Gender equality isn't just the right thing to do. It is imperative to unlock growth. A 5% increase in female employment could boost the economy by up to £125 billion every year. That's why we're backing women in work and those starting businesses by supporting the Invest in Women by supporting the Invest in Women code, expanding access to flexible working, funding childcare for working families and ensuring employers have a plan to reduce their gender pay gap.

11:52

Seema Malhotra MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities) (Feltham and Heston, Labour )

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To Lauren Sullivan.

11:52

Dr Lauren Sullivan MP (Gravesham, Labour)

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Fantastic small businesses led by women across a diverse sector of businesses such as House of Leyla, businesses such as House of Leyla, Nel's, Caffe Moore Care Services, Enbridge Consulting and Girlings, alongside many more in Gravesham. Will the Minister recognise the importance of women led businesses to the local economy and economic empowerment, and set out how this government is going to support women? Leaders thrive here?

11:53

Seema Malhotra MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities) (Feltham and Heston, Labour )

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Mr. speaker, I'm very happy to join my hon. Friend in recognising the fantastic women led businesses the fantastic women led businesses in Gravesham and the impact that women led businesses have on our communities and our economy. Dht's communities and our economy. Dht's venture capital unit has recently launched its second female founder cohort, and government backed initiatives such as the Women's Business Council, FTSE Women Leaders and the Invest in Women's Taskforce, whose first anniversary I was proud to join the Chancellor in marking yesterday are making a difference to make sure that Britain is the best place for women to start or grow their businesses.

11:53

Mike Reader MP (Northampton South, Labour)

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Reader thank you, Mr. Speaker. launched the Women's Charter, which brings together employers, community groups and the public sector to create safer workspaces for women across my constituency. Will the Minister join me in commending Danielle's work and set out what the government can do to encourage more partnerships like this across the UK?

11:53

Seema Malhotra MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities) (Feltham and Heston, Labour )

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Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Mr. speaker, I thank my hon. Friend for sharing the work of the Northamptonshire Women's Charter Northamptonshire Women's Charter and his commitment as well to tackling violence against women and tackling violence against women and girls. All employers have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, and we're further strengthening this through the Employment Rights Bill. But statutory compliance on its own is not enough. And that's why we're engaging businesses, trade unions and civil society on improving workplace culture.

Local initiatives like the Northamptonshire Charter are

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exactly the kind of partnership we want to see. Carla Lockhart. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the Minister not agree that women would be more empowered in the workspace or on the sports page if they're

11:54

Carla Lockhart MP (Upper Bann, Democratic Unionist Party)

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changing space, or their toilets males? >> Yeah, that's that.

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Yeah, that's that. She will be aware of the Supreme Court judgement which gave clarity on this. And we do expect that all providers will follow that ruling. Speaker.

11:55

Seema Malhotra MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities) (Feltham and Heston, Labour )

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As the Minister considered using all the government's levers in female dominated low paid sectors, including uprating the minimum wage and strengthening fair work standards in social care. Early standards in social care. Early years and the cleaning industry. years and the cleaning industry.

11:55

Alex Easton MP (North Down, Independent)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The hon. Member will be aware of the work that we are doing to make sure that we do support women in all ways that we can.

11:55

Seema Malhotra MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities) (Feltham and Heston, Labour )

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Calum Miller government to stop Manuela Perteghella.

11:55

Topical questions: Women and Equalities

Your number one, Mr. Speaker. commitment to championing the rights of disabled people. This month, we celebrate Disability History Month and we mark the International Day of Persons with disabilities last week. And this year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act. We will Discrimination Act. We will continue our work to boost opportunities for disabled people, including through developing our plan for disability, which will outline our priorities for removing barriers for disabled people.

11:55

Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities (Houghton and Sunderland South, Labour)

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Manuela Perteghella.

11:56

Manuela Perteghella MP (Stratford-on-Avon, Liberal Democrat)

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Mr. speaker, women in rural areas often have to travel long distances to reach a refuge, a distances to reach a refuge, a police station or basic support services. What assessment has the services. What assessment has the Minister made of the impact these distances have on safety of victims of domestic abuse? And what action

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is being taken to close the rural support gap? I do recognise the challenge

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I do recognise the challenge that the hon. Lady presents. That's why, through the development of our Violence against women and Girls strategy, we've heard from victims in rural areas to understand what more is needed, to make sure that they can access the services and

11:56

Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities (Houghton and Sunderland South, Labour)

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they can access the services and the support that they need. >> Torcuil Crichton thank. >> You, Mr. Speaker. Western Ireland's Women's Aid in my Ireland's Women's Aid in my constituency helped 180 women last year. The refuge is working at capacity, yet their funding is

11:56

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

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uncertain. That's why my fundraiser on Friday will raise one will raise funds for the organisation. Mr. funds for the organisation. Mr. speaker, over 1800 women reported domestic abuse in the Highlands ten years ago. Last year, the figure years ago. Last year, the figure was closer to 2800. Does the Minister agree that in rural and island communities, it takes a lot island communities, it takes a lot of courage for women to report domestic abuse, even though we can see the figures say there is no

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see the figures say there is no less incidence of domestic abuse. South Down I do agree with my hon. Friend, it does take enormous courage to come forward, and there are additional barriers that women in rural communities can often experience. I do commend him for his fundraising efforts. Alongside that, we're investing more in support services for victims, and I support services for victims, and I hope that he will see when we publish our Violence Against Women and Girls strategy that we've heard directly from those living in rural communities, to understand what communities, to understand what more is needed to put in place the support they require.

Coutinho. Coutinho.

11:57

Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities (Houghton and Sunderland South, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Jennifer Millet, a black nurse with a faultless record, was racially

11:57

Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP (East Surrey, Conservative)

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abused by a convicted paedophile for correctly referring to his biological sex in a medical context. biological sex in a medical context. She was called the n word multiple times in her workplace, and yet she was the one who was punished by her was the one who was punished by her NHS trust and the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and she is still suspended from the job she loves 18 months later. Does the Secretary of State agree that the dedicated State agree that the dedicated nurses, who are being punished for asserting that biological sex is real, are facing a gross injustice? And will she meet with Jennifer to hear her story?

11:58

Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities (Houghton and Sunderland South, Labour)

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Yes, I'm. >> I'm grateful to the right hon. Lady. No one should face racist abuse or violence in any workplace, abuse or violence in any workplace, and that includes within the NHS. As we've also seen with the Sandy Peggy case, coming to these decisions in a timely matter is incredibly important. I hope this matter can be resolved as swiftly as possible, and I would, of course, be happy to meet with Jennifer to hear her experiences.

11:58

Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP (East Surrey, Conservative)

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Claire Coutinho. appreciate the Secretary of State doing that. Now, does the Secretary of State believe that an eight year old child with autism can consent to a medical pathway that will leave them infertile and without sexual function for the rest of their life? If not, will she tell the health secretary herself to stop this puberty blocker experiment, which will biologically castrate children?

11:59

Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities (Houghton and Sunderland South, Labour)

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Mr. speaker, we are. Mr Speaker. >> Mr. speaker, we are. Mr Speaker. We are implementing all of the recommendations of the Cass Review that also included establishing a that also included establishing a clinical trial with through the Pathways Trial Research Protocol, which has undergone a thorough independent review, has received all regulatory and ethical approvals. This was a recommendation that Baroness Cass brought forward, along with many others, and it's one that we are taking forward.

11:59

Sarah Russell MP (Congleton, Labour)

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Russell Sarah Russell. >> Russell Sarah Russell. >> Question number. >> Five, Mr. Speaker.

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Five, Mr. Speaker. There is a massive. Problem with childcare for mothers doing PhDs. Even if you are mothers doing PhDs. Even if you are fully funded for your university research, essentially by the government, you will not be eligible for free childcare hours. This affects both parents. The average PhD stipend is just £15,000 a year, but the average nursery place is 12,500 pounds a year. Will

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the Minister look into this? Mr. speaker, I'd. Be happy to discuss. This further with my hon. Friend, we are committed to reviewing we are committed to reviewing childcare support and making sure it is accessible and simple for families. Of course, PhD students are not eligible for some elements are not eligible for some elements of support, but depending on income may be eligible for certain hours. may be eligible for certain hours. But also, student parents are eligible for the universal 15 hours of early free education, and this is available also to all three and

12:00

Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP, Minister for Women and Equalities (Houghton and Sunderland South, Labour)

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is available also to all three and four year olds, regardless of family circumstances. >> We now come to Prime Minister's Questions. Sarah Olney.

12:00

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

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Question number one, Mr. >> Prime Minister. >> Mr. speaker, the.

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Whole House will join me in sending our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and loved condolences to the family and loved ones of Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment, who died yesterday in Ukraine. Lance Corporal Hooley was injured in a tragic accident away from the front lines while observing Ukrainian forces testing a new defensive capability. His life was full of courage and determination. He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of the small number of British personnel in Ukraine.

Mr. speaker, I place his name on record today to express our gratitude and respect and to affirm that his service will never be forgotten. Mr. speaker, on Monday I hosted President Zelenskyy, President Macron and Chancellor Mertz in Downing Street. We must redouble our efforts. The UK, Europe and our allies will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. Stand up to Putins aggression and work to deliver a just and lasting peace. Mr. speaker, this morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others.

In addition to my duties in this House. I shall today.

12:02

Sarah Olney MP (Richmond Park, Liberal Democrat)

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So all day. >> So all day. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A couple in my constituency fled persecution from the Egyptian authorities, who accused him of being traitors and accused him of being traitors and terrorists due to their work as professional journalists. They gained refugee status here in 2021, and are now three months away from being eligible for indefinite leave to remain. The UK is their home, but their stability and family life are being threatened by changes in government policy. I am concerned that the government has lost sight of the real life impact that these changes will have on working families living here legally, and with details of transitional arrangements still under consultation.

Can the Prime Minister provide clarity regarding the transitional support available to families already on the pathway to indefinite leave to remain?

12:02

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

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Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Well, can I say this country will always be compassionate in relation to refugees and comply with our obligations under the various conventions. It is various conventions. It is important that we address some of the challenges we face at the moment, but we mustn't lose sight that we've always been a compassionate country that welcomes refugees to our shores.

12:03

Rachael Maskell MP (York Central, Labour )

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Rachael Maskell. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, the last government was indifferent to child poverty. This government driving mission must be to eradicate child poverty. And the strategy as a first step on that path. Over the first 1001 critical days in pregnancy and early years, poverty contributes to malnourished babies, developmental delay, hypothermia and poor life outcomes. This is unacceptable. So will the Prime Minister live pregnant women and babies out of poverty in York and across the the country in this Parliament, and ensure that we relieve poverty over the first 1001 critical days?

12:04

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

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Can I thank her for raising this? And I'm proud that babies born today will have a better start in today will have a better start in life thanks to our decisions. Mr. speaker, I am particularly concerned by maternity services, concerned by maternity services, and that's why we've commissioned a review. So every mother is heard, gets proper care at what should be a special time. And currently too many are failed. We're funding healthy babies services in 75 of the most deprived areas, and we've taken action to save parents up to £500 a year on infant formula.

It is a moral mission of this government to lift children out of poverty, and we intend to do so. The Leader of the Opposition thinks that maternity pay is excessive, and will go back to the failure that puts hundreds of thousands of children into poverty.

12:04

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

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Kemi Badenoch the Leader of the Opposition. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And can I echo the sentiments of the Prime Minister? The thoughts of the whole House will rightly be with the House will rightly be with the family of Lance Corporal Hooley, who tragically died supporting Ukraine in her fight for freedom. Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House? Why are his own MPs describing him as a caretaker Prime Minister?

12:05

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

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Mr. speaker, my own MPs are very proud. We've just passed a Budget proud. We've just passed a Budget which protected our public services and our NHS. No austerity, which and our NHS. No austerity, which brought our NHS to the ground. We've created the conditions for economic stability with the headroom we need on Mr Speaker, we're concentrating on the single most important issue for families up and down the country, which is the cost of living, by taking £150 off their energy bills. That's in addition to the £150 for the 6 million of the poorest households.

We're concentrating on what matters to the country. She's trying to save her job.

12:05

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

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Kemi Badenoch Mr. speaker, let me answer the question for the me answer the question for the Prime Minister. He's being called a caretaker because everyone can see that he's lost control of his party. And this lot, this lot. They're all so busy trying to replace him.

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Order! Order! Order! Sorry. Can I just say the same people are making the same noises they made last week. I did say last week it wasn't the right time. I wouldn't wasn't the right time. I wouldn't do it this week. So please, let's not carry on with the way we left it last week, can we not?

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it last week, can we not? Mr. speaker? They can make as much noise as they like. We all know that this lot are so busy know that this lot are so busy trying to replace him that they've taken their eyes off the ball. Let's start, let's start, Mr. Speaker. Wait for it, wait for it, wait for it. Let's start with the Energy Secretary, who wants to recycle himself as leader. He said he'd cut family's energy bills by £300. Can the Prime Minister tell the House how much have energy bills fallen by since the election?

12:06

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

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Prime Minister. >> Prime Minister. >> I'm very pleased to say we're taking £150 off energy bills. I can also tell her I can also tell her that that's on top of the £150 we've that that's on top of the £150 we've taken off last year for the 3 million poorest families, now for 6 million poorest families. Mr. speaker, she talks about leaving

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the problem first. Last week, three x. Mr. I've told this side I'll now tell this side we don't need the

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tell this side we don't need the pantomime auditions anymore. Please. Mr.

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Mr. Mr. speaker, last week I pointed out that three of her ex-mps went to reform that included the former deputy chairman, Jonathan Gullace. He likes to think of himself as a He likes to think of himself as a straight talker. He said they're finished and they've lost the trust of the British people. In total, Mr Speaker 21 ex Tory MPs have now left for reform. The real the real question, Mr. Speaker, is the real question is who's next? We can all see the shadow justice secretary twitching after his after his come and get me plea from a member of Clacton.

Mr. speaker, we need no lessons from them.

12:08

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

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We did not. >> Mr. speaker, I asked him about energy bills. He could power the national grid on all of that hot air. He promised to cut energy air. He promised to cut energy bills by £300. Energy bills have risen by £187. But let's look at someone else who's making a mess. Let's look at the Education secretary. Oh, there she is. Labour pledge to recruit 6500 more teachers. So can the Prime Minister tell the House how many extra teachers are there since she became education secretary?

12:08

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

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More than when they left office? >> More than when they left office? Very proud to say so. With an upward trajectory of. Mr. Speaker. upward trajectory of. Mr. Speaker. Mr. speaker, they they left our health service on its knees. They left our schools in a mess. They left our economy absolutely broken. They should be utterly ashamed of their record in service.

12:09

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

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They're not. >> Wrong. >> Mr. Speaker. Mr. speaker, there

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Mr. Speaker. Mr. speaker, there are now 400 fewer teachers since since she came into office. She's since she came into office. She's shaking her head. It's on the DfE website. Does she not check it once in a while? I can understand that the right hon. Lady is angry. We're all angry at the mess she's making. The Prime Minister doesn't know what's going on in energy. He doesn't know what's going on in education. Does he know anything about what's going on in the Home Office? Last year, the Prime Minister promised to recruit 13,000 more police officers.

How's that going.

12:09

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

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Prime Minister? >> 3000 more by the end of March. And we're rising on police numbers. Mr. speaker, they left. They left the Home Office. The criminal the Home Office. The criminal justice system is utterly broken. Sir Brian Leveson has said on that they lost control of our borders. They lost control of every single department. And she's obviously spent the morning rehearsing for the Liz Truss show. She's probably going to be the guest star next week. Both of them talk about how Liz Truss was 100% right, but what Liz Truss said was the Conservatives need to take.

No, they don't want to hear it. The Conservatives need to take responsibility. The Conservatives need to take responsibility for their 14 years of failure. That was Liz Truss, their former leader. So perhaps she'll heed that. Get up and say sorry.

12:10

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

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Wrong again. I asked him how many police officers there are now many police officers there are now 1300 fewer officers than at the election. So, Mr. Speaker, I don't know if the Home Secretary wants his job, but I do read that she's having conversations with Tony Blair because he's already given up on the Prime Minister. Why don't we talk about the health secretary? Let's see how he's doing. We do we do know he definitely wants the job. He said he'd end the doctor's strikes.

So can the Prime Minister tell the House how many appointments have been lost to strike action since last July?

12:11

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

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Mr. speaker, they left the NHS an absolute mess. An absolute mess an absolute mess. An absolute mess with the highest waiting lists on record and the lowest confidence in the NHS ever. The health secretary the NHS ever. The health secretary said he would do 2 million extra appointments. He hasn't done two or 3 or 4. He's done 5 million extra appointments. That is because we invested in the NHS. What did they do? Having broken it, they voted against that investment. They should hang their heads in shame.

12:11

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

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They're not. many appointments have been lost to strike action. He doesn't know. Let me tell him. We have lost 93,000 appointments to strikes since the appointments to strikes since the health secretary gave doctors a massive pay rise. It is, it is. It's the truth. I know they wouldn't know the truth if it punched them in the face, but I'm telling them the truth. It is no wonder that we read this morning that the former deputy Prime Minister has said about the health secretary, she'd rather stick pins in her eyes than be on his golden ticket.

And, Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister congratulates himself on 5

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million extra appointments. Yeah. In our last year of office, we

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In our last year of office, we delivered 6.5. Million. Extra appointments under Labour.

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Extra appointments under Labour. Mr. speaker, everything is getting worse. Jobs, bills, police numbers, teacher numbers, everything is getting worse. The Cabinet should be doing their own jobs. What are be doing their own jobs. What are they doing? They're trying to compete for the caretaker's job. The only person who doesn't want the Prime Minister's job is the Chancellor. She's just trying to cling on to her own. Isn't it time, Mr. Speaker, that the Prime working?

12:13

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

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Mr. speaker, she's living proof. You can say whatever you like when You can say whatever you like when nobody is listening to anything you have to say. There's absolutely no substance. She's no credibility on the economy. She still believes that Liz Truss was 100% right. She wants to go back to austerity with £47 billion of cuts, thinks the minimum wage should be frozen too high. It's got no credibility on foreign policy. She complains about trade deals she tried to get and we got.

She says that we should stay at home and not attend NATO or the G7. On issue after issue. She's clinging on to reform. That's not leadership, it's weakness. No wonder so many are leaving her party. They know there's absolutely no reason to stay.

12:13

Andrew Cooper MP (Mid Cheshire, Labour)

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Andrew Cooper. >> Andrew Cooper. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> Thousands of families are moving into new estates only to discover into new estates only to discover that basic infrastructure roads, drains and sewers remain in limbo. drains and sewers remain in limbo. Unadopted by public authorities. In Mid Cheshire alone, 4700 households, more than 12% of all properties in the constituency face this uncertainty, with no guarantee of a maintenance, safety and future costs, often years after developers have walked away.

Can the Prime Minister say what steps he will take to make adoption timely and enforceable, so homeowners are not left carrying the burden of unfinished infrastructure? Yeah.

12:14

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

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Well, I thank him for raising this serious issue for his this serious issue for his constituents and constituents. And over 1.7 million homeowners across the country who are left at the the country who are left at the mercy of unfair costs and poor management. I can confirm we are consulting on reforming the system to reduce private management of these estates and to protect more homeowners from unfair charges. That's a vital part of our leasehold reforms, to protect homeowners from high cost and make sure everyone has the amenities that they need.

12:15

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

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Sir Ed Davey, leader of the >> Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I join the Prime Minister in offering join the Prime Minister in offering our condolences to the family and friends of Lance Corporal George Hooley, who died on duty in Ukraine. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. Can I congratulate Glastonburys Lando Norris on becoming the 11th British driver to win the Formula One World Championship, and also everyone at McLaren's in Woking who powered him to the title Mr Speaker.

President Trump's new national security strategy is a deeply alarming document, quite apart from the irony of President Trump accusing others of trampling on basic principles of democracy, it repeats far right tropes of civilizational erasure and threatens that the US government will cultivate resistance in Europe. No wonder Vladimir Putin has welcomed that strategy. So, will the Prime Minister pick up the phone and make it clear to President Trump that any attempts to interfere with our

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democracy are totally unacceptable? The.

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Can I join him in congratulating Lando for the incredible win? And I Lando for the incredible win? And I went down to a Woking on Monday to see some of the team at McLaren, and they're all wearing the pride and they're all wearing the pride that that brought with them. On the question of Europe and President

12:16

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

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question of Europe and President Trump's comments. What I see is a strong Europe, united behind Ukraine and united behind our long standing values of freedom and democracy. And I will always stand up for those values and those freedoms.

12:16

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

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And, David. >> Mr. Speaker, I didn't hear about standing up to President Trump. And if we're going to stand up to President Trump, we do need to strengthen our ties with Europe, strengthen our ties with Europe, not just on defence, but on the economy, too. And the truth is, this government will not succeed unless it gets our economy growing strongly again. And the best way to do that is a customs union with Europe. The prime minister's chief economic adviser knows it.

The deputy Prime Minister knows it. And yesterday the Labour chair of the Treasury Select committee showed she knows it too. When she backed our bill. Does the Prime Minister fear that if he keeps opposing a customs union in 12 months time, he will not be standing there?

12:17

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

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Well, Mr. Speaker, we have got a >> Well, Mr. Speaker, we have got a close relationship with the through our reset earlier this year. And yes, I do want a closer relationship than the one we've got at the moment. We are moving towards that. We do have manifesto commitments on issues such as single market, customs, union and freedom of movement. But I would gently point this out that having now done significant trade deals with other countries, including the US and India, which are hugely important to the JLR workforce and on pharma, it is not now sensible to unravel what is effectively the best deal with the US that any country has got Sojan Joseph.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

12:18

Sojan Joseph MP (Ashford, Labour)

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Working in NHS, I saw the consequences of Tory under-investment in our health under-investment in our health service. I welcome the progress under this Labour government falling waiting list, higher patient satisfaction with general practice and the roll out of neighbourhood health centres announced in the Budget. I thank the front line staff, including in mental health and community services, for all their hard work, and I am especially grateful to all the staff at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, who turned up to work during the last BMA led resident doctors strike and ensured that so many planned appointments went ahead with rising hospital admissions because of flu and increased demand on A&E services.

Does the Prime Minister agree that the BMA should call off their next planned strike, and instead work with the government to find a solution? Well, Mr.

12:19

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

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Speaker, it's right. Waiting >> Speaker, it's right. Waiting lists are falling. With over 5 million extra appointments, more people are being seen within 18 people are being seen within 18 weeks, and we've hired 2600 new GPS. That's real progress. Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff backed by our record investment. I do think the strikes are unjustified and they threaten that hard won progress and the focus should always be on patients.

12:19

Rt Hon Liz Saville Roberts MP (Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Plaid Cymru)

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Liz Saville-Roberts he just. >> Liz Saville-Roberts he just. >> Said the Prime Minister's, he wanted a closer relationship with Europe, but then referenced the Europe, but then referenced the Labour Party manifesto. Wales has been hardest hit by Brexit. Exports are down by a third. When will he admit that the only solution to the chaos imposed by Brexit is to rejoin the customs union and the single market? Or is he too afraid of what his party might say? Yes, Mr.

speaker, I went to Solihull to see the JLR workforce before we got the deal with President Trump. They

12:20

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

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were worried sick that they were going to lose their jobs, and that will be a loss for them, their families and their communities. I families and their communities. I took the call from President Trump when we got the deal in Solihull and JLR. So the first people I and JLR. So the first people I could tell were the workforce, who knew very well that that meant their jobs were safeguarded. We've also just done a deal on pharma, which is the first of its kind in the world and the best of its kind the world and the best of its kind in the world.

It is not sensible or fair to JLR workforce or to the pharma sector to say, having achieved those things now, we should unravel them by discussion about a customs union. I just don't think it's a sensible way to take our country forward.

12:21

Josh Dean MP (Hertford and Stortford, Labour)

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Josh Dean. >> Josh Dean. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Of the almost a million young people not in education, employment or in education, employment or training, hundreds of thousands are disconnected from the system entirely. Youth workers have a entirely. Youth workers have a unique ability to bring young people into support. I wouldn't be stood here today if I hadn't been supported by a youth worker called Russell when I dropped out of school. So will the Prime Minister use the National Youth Strategy to deliver a shared long term vision for young people's outcomes? With good work as a central pillar and youth workers and trusted adults at its heart?

12:21

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

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Well, thank him for his question. The party opposite presided over a lost decade for our young people. I'm determined to support every young person to reach their young person to reach their potential. That's why we're delivering the first national youth strategy for 15 years to transform youth services, backed by over £500 million. Mr. speaker, that means more youth workers, more youth centres and a network of 50 young future hubs. That's on top of our youth job guarantee and our plan to create 50,000 more apprenticeships.

We're building a Britain for the next generation Saqib Bhatti.

12:22

Saqib Bhatti MP (Meriden and Solihull East, Conservative)

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Mr. speaker, over the coming >> Mr. speaker, over the coming weeks, millions of people from across the country will be visiting their local church. Churches are the custodians of our history and do enormous good. But in January, the government announced a £19 million cut to the listed places of worship grants, as well as putting a cap on the repair costs. This cuts cut puts thousands of local churches at risk. And I say to the Prime Minister, if we lose our churches, we lose the very soul and essence of our community.

So as we go into Christmas, will the Prime Minister do the right thing? He has

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ten at risk in his own constituency. Will he reconsider this policy so that we can save our churches? Yes.

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Yes. Mr. Speaker, we do support our churches and the work that those within our churches do, particularly in the lead up to Christmas. And I've got a reception for them in Downing Street this very afternoon.

12:23

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

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>> Jim Dickson. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before May's election reform in Kent May's election reform in Kent promised that they would improve services and cut taxes. Instead, vital services to older people and those with a mental health condition provided by great organisations like Imago and involve, is to be cut and taxes are going up.

12:23

Jim Dickson MP (Dartford, Labour)

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Disgraceful. with me on two things that, given the additional money for the county through the Fair Funding review, it's beyond belief that Kent are cutting services that vulnerable people rely on and that their so-called dosage unit that we were told would eliminate waste actually stands for deluded, overconfident, gormless and embarrassing.

12:23

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

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Well, it sums up very well how his community have been utterly let his community have been utterly let down by reform. Whilst the Member for Clacton is making excuses about his behaviour at school. Look at his behaviour at school. Look at what his party are doing across the country. Chaos in Kent, in Hampshire. There, their mayoral candidate says the deputy Prime Minister, a black British man born in this country, should go back to the Caribbean. In Staffordshire. Reform's leader has been exposed as a white supremacist.

It's not a coincidence, Mr. Speaker, because Chaos and Division is a member of Clacton's life work.

12:24

Wera Hobhouse MP (Bath, Liberal Democrat)

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Yes. >> Yes. >> We're a Hobhouse. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In Bath, parents of children with special educational needs, often very complex needs, are crying out for complex needs, are crying out for special school places funding to build a brand new special school at that site in Bath was secured. But the government has frozen the funding for almost 18 months without any explanation, leaving many families in the lurch. How much longer do families and children with special educational needs have to wait for this vital new school?

12:25

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

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Yes. we are working closely with local authorities on plans for special and alternative provision free schools. We are keen to progress schools. We are keen to progress this and I'll make sure that Ministers update her in her particular case. But we are particular case. But we are determined to fix the system that fails parents and fails children, and that's why we've launched a national conversation to put families at the heart of the lasting reform. We've already put money into extra new places, a language support and best start family hubs being rolled out across every area from April Kirsteen Sullivan.

12:25

Kirsteen Sullivan MP (Bathgate and Linlithgow, Labour )

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Thank you. Blackburn. Blackburn. >> West Lothian. >> Saint Kentigern's Academy was demolished due to wrack and is demolished due to wrack and is being rebuilt, costing £35 million. West Lothian Council found £20 million from its own Budget but despite repeated pleas to the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for education, who called it the most deserving case, funding has not been delivered. Will the Prime Minister back my call for the Scottish Government to urgently fund the £15 million shortfall and raise it with the First Minister in their next meeting?

12:26

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

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Well, can I thank her because >> Well, can I thank her because she's fought for her constituents on this issue for for years. And meanwhile, decades of SNP cuts and meanwhile, decades of SNP cuts and broken promises have left schools crumbling. Mr. speaker, what a contrast. By the end of this Parliament, every school in England will either be rac free or we will rebuild them entirely. We delivered the largest settlement for the Scottish Government in the history of devolution. So the question for the SNP is, after decades of decline, what is their excuse.

12:26

Dr Luke Evans MP (Hinckley and Bosworth, Conservative)

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Not to Luke Evans the. >> Mr. speaker, I feel for the Prime Minister. It must be tough wherever he goes in the UK because of his policies. A pub, higher taxes, a restaurant, higher taxes, a cafe, higher taxes, a farm, higher taxes, a GP, higher taxes, a care home, higher taxes, a hospice, higher taxes. So, Mr. Speaker, is this the reason the Prime Minister chooses to spend so much time out of this country?

12:27

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

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Matt Vickers what a load of nonsense, Mr. Speaker. Mr. speaker, we are at a critical stage in progress in Ukraine that will progress in Ukraine that will affect Ukraine's sovereignty, the whole of Europe and the values that we hold dear. We are part of one of the leading countries to strengthen NATO and to vital time for defence and security in Europe. And we've secured trade deals that they tried for years to achieve but never did because of our international engagement.

And we've got better relations with the EU, all of which is good for our country. Ridiculous question. Chris Murray.

12:27

Chris Murray MP (Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, Labour)

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Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The video games company Rockstar in my constituency last month fired 31 employees without providing evidence or union representation. The I alleges union busting. Having met Rockstar, they fail to reassure me that they are following employment law and I share concerns about union busting. Given this, government is responsible for the biggest increase in workers rights in a generation. Does the Prime Minister agree all companies, regardless of size, must follow UK employment law and all workers have the right to join a union.

12:28

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

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They. >> They. >> Well, it's a deeply concerning case. Every work has the right to join a trade union, and we're join a trade union, and we're determined to strengthen workers rights and ensure they do not face unfair consequences for being part of a union. Ministers will look into the particular case that he raises and keep him updated. Blake Stephenson yeah.

12:29

Blake Stephenson MP (Mid Bedfordshire, Conservative)

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Mr Speaker digital ID is intrusive and fundamentally unfair. >> The government has no mandate for it. No sensible person believes it will tackle illegal immigration or illegal working. It's an attack on our open society and a staggering waste of taxpayers money,

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isn't it? Yeah. Spirituality has has huge

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Spirituality has has huge benefits, as many countries in Europe are already demonstrating and where they failed on our

12:29

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

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borders. We're taking control of our borders and I'm proud that we're doing so. >> Jenny Riddell-Carpenter. >> Yeah.

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Speaker. Mr. speaker, the Prime Minister will know that centres in crisis across the country, but it's in

12:29

Jenny Riddell-Carpenter MP (Suffolk Coastal, Labour)

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across the country, but it's in particular crisis in Suffolk, where the county council is in special special measures for its failings. I'm delighted that the government has listened to one of my asks, which is to have a national conversation about send. So parents, young people and their advocates can have their voices heard. Will the Prime Minister back my call to make sure that we deliver the funding for the former Saxmundham School in Saxmundham that closed its doors for the last time in 2024?

12:30

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

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Yeah. dedicated campaigner on this issue and I'll make sure Ministers update her on the latest progress in her constituency. Our ambition is to make sure all children with send have access to the right support. That's why we're working closely with local authorities to deliver places where they're needed most.

12:30

Sarah Bool MP (South Northamptonshire, Conservative)

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Sarah Bool. >> Yes. >> Thank you, Mr. Speaker. >> This government is always talking about the fair choices that talking about the fair choices that it has made. But is it a fair choice to balloon the benefits bill? Is it a fair choice to introduce an unfunded and unwanted digital ID that will cost the public billions? And is it a fair choice to increase taxes on working people when the promise was not to? The answer, Mr. Speaker, is no.

So can I ask the Prime Minister to consider one final? So can I ask the Prime Minister to answer, to give one final fair choice thinking of food security and to avoid devastation for families across the country and reverse the family farm tax.

12:31

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

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Mr. speaker. Welfare ballooned on their watch when the when the shadow Chancellor was responsible shadow Chancellor was responsible for welfare, it ballooned by £33 billion. They left a £22 billion black hole. The OBR refused and said the added 16 billion to that

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