Oral Answers to Questions

Jo White Excerpts

Wednesday 15th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I have made it very clear that I think our national interest lies in close relations with the EU on defence, security, energy and the economy. I was very pleased that at last year’s summit we did negotiate an agreement on e-gates, and we are pushing hard on that. We have another summit this year, where I intend not just to make good on what we have already agreed, but to go closer to the EU in the relations that we have.

[Jo White (Bassetlaw) (Lab)]

Q5. At a previous session of Prime Minister’s questions, I was promised a meeting with the Prime Minister for me and Arsenal hero Michael Thomas. We are still waiting, and I cannot back down. Not only have working-class footballers and others lost hundreds of millions to financial mis-selling, but the members of the V11 group are still being pursued by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs for tax on money that they have never had. Action has been taken on the Post Office injustice and other injustices; why has it not been taken on the V11?

[The Prime Minister]

I thank my hon. Friend for her dedicated campaigning on this important issue. I have met Michael Thomas and heard his experiences, and I share her concern about young, predominantly working-class people being exploited. I do want to make progress as quickly as possible: I have asked the Chief Secretary to meet the V11 group to discuss what further steps the Government can take to support those affected, and I will ensure that that is reported back to my hon. Friend so that she is fully updated on what is going on.