Oral Answers to Questions

Gareth Bacon Excerpts

Wednesday 4th March 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

The Conservative party left one in eight young people not earning or learning. We are not doing so, and we will tackle it: more apprenticeships, more careers support, a jobs guarantee to provide paid employment, a youth guarantee to get more young people into earning or learning, and over 360 youth hubs to help young people access opportunities. My hon. Friend makes a strong case, which I know my right hon. Friend the Work and Pensions Secretary has heard. I hope there will be good news for her later this year.

[Gareth Bacon (Orpington) (Con)]

Q9.   The United States of America is our most important international strategic ally. Does the Prime Minister believe that his dithering and equivocal response to events in the middle east this week has made that relationship stronger or weaker?

[The Prime Minister]

American planes are operating out of British bases—that is the special relationship in action. British jets are shooting down drones and missiles to protect American lives in the middle east on our joint bases—that is the special relationship in action. Sharing intelligence every day to keep our people safe—that is the special relationship in action. Hanging on to President Trump’s latest words is not the special relationship in action.