Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Keir Starmer and Amanda Martin

Wednesday 11th September 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

We will work with farmers across the whole of the United Kingdom, as we have made clear, to support them. But here we are, and it is absolutely clear: no contrition and no responsibility for the economic black hole, the broken NHS or the prison crisis—the ruinous legacy of 14 years of failure. We have started rebuilding the country: renters’ reform, house building, GB Energy, the national wealth fund and the border security command—I could go on. While the Opposition try to rewrite history, we are getting on with building a better country for the future.

[Amanda Martin (Portsmouth North) (Lab)]

Q4. I am sure the whole House will join me in paying our respects to Lieutenant Rhodri Leyshon, who tragically passed away last week. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and with the HMS Queen Elizabeth crew during this very difficult time. Housing in Portsmouth is in dire straits, but local residents in Portsmouth North have valid concerns around population density, infrastructure and the environment, so I am glad that this Government are working on delivering affordable housing in the city. Will the Prime Minister ensure that the infrastructure is properly considered, and that communities are involved in the planning process for any new developments?

[The Prime Minister]

Let me start by saying that I am sure that the whole House will join me in sending condolences to the family of Lieutenant Leyshon.

I agree on the desperate need for affordable housing, which is why we will deliver the biggest social and affordable housing uplift in a generation. We will get Britain building again—1.5 million houses—because the dream of home ownership was snuffed out under the last Government.