Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Dave Robertson and Andy Burnham

Wednesday 28th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I thank the hon. Member for his kind wishes at the start. I completely share the deep concern about that attack, and the distressing effect that it will have had on parents, teachers and children. Obviously, there is a live and serious police investigation. I cannot comment on that, but I can tell him that the National Cyber Security Centre is providing direct expert help to the schools affected. I can be categorical with him—and I will work with him on this—that those found to be responsible will face the full force of the law.

[Dave Robertson (Lichfield) (Lab)]

Q6. Hon. and right hon. Members will all know that Royal Mail has a serious problem. Part of it is that the parcel companies that Royal Mail competes against use bogus self-employed models for their employees, and too many pay a pittance for an unmanageable workload, where drivers cannot provide a quality service as they race to complete routes. The public purse loses too: Royal Mail pays £650 million in national insurance, while many of its competitor firms pay next to nothing. The Government’s consultation on employment status is a great start. Will the Prime Minister commit to using that review to truly level the playing field and secure the long-term future of Royal Mail, ensuring that my constituents in Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages get the service they deserve?

[The Prime Minister]

I can absolutely give my hon. Friend that assurance.

Direction of Government

Debate between Dave Robertson and Andy Burnham

Tuesday 1st September 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dave Robertson (Lichfield) (Lab)]

I commend the Prime Minister for his commitment to building good growth in every postcode. Throughout Lichfield, Burntwood and the Villages, my constituents will say that there is a real opportunity to look at High Speed 2. There have been almost endless delays and disruption from roadworks and road closures on the stretch that would have linked Birmingham to Crewe and Manchester. There has been nothing but pain, and nothing but an anchor on our growth—and for all that pain we will see no gain. No station is planned anywhere in Staffordshire, and no new services are planned anywhere in the county. Will the Prime Minister meet me to discuss how we can make this project work for every postcode along the line?

[The Prime Minister]

I think there is a need for a resolution on what will happen from Handsacre to Manchester via Crewe, and a solution for the communities in between. This cannot be left where it is indefinitely. I understand the points that my hon. Friend has made, but given my past role, I hope he will be assured that this is something that I know a lot about.