Oral Answers to Questions

Jo Gideon Excerpts

Wednesday 8th March 2023 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

Of course my thoughts and condolences go to Jean’s family. It is absolutely right that we continue to make progress on improving performance in urgent emergency care. We outlined plans to do that just the other month, and I am pleased to say that we have been seeing a marked improvement over the last few weeks in comparison with the peak pressures that we saw over the winter, owing to covid and flu, both in waiting times in A&E and in ambulance performance times. Because of the investments that we are making in more ambulances, more doctors and nurses, and more discharges, I am confident that we will continue to make progress towards securing the care that we all expect and need to see.

[Jo Gideon (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Con)]

Q12. Since its release earlier this year, the heartwarming and inspiring story of Dave Fishwick’s journey to set up a community bank has quickly risen to become one of Netflix’s top films. Last week in the Chamber, I called for more initiatives such as the “Bank of Dave” to support local communities across the UK. Does the Prime Minister agree that financial inclusion is an essential part of levelling-up opportunities in our communities, and will he meet Dave and me to discuss how we can replicate his success story in other areas such as Stoke-on-Trent?

[The Prime Minister]

Community focus banks and non-bank lenders such as Burnley Savings and Loans have a vital role to play in ensuring that everyone has access to affordable credit. That is why we have made it quicker and easier for new banks to enter the market. Since the new bank start-up unit was created a few years ago, 30 new banks have been authorised. I will ensure that my hon. Friend has a meeting with the Exchequer Secretary to discuss this issue further.