Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Keir Starmer and Darren Paffey

Wednesday 9th July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Darren Paffey (Southampton Itchen) (Lab)]

Q1. If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 9 July.

[The Prime Minister (Keir Starmer)]

On Monday, we marked the 20th anniversary of the despicable terrorist attacks on 7/7. The painful memories of that dark day are deeply ingrained: 52 people were murdered and many more were injured. We thank our emergency services who ran towards danger with true bravery, and send our deepest condolences to the victims, the survivors and bereaved, and all those forever affected by that appalling day.

May I also extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Lord Tebbit? We remember his profound courage in the face of terrorism and a fierce devotion to his wife, Margaret. May he rest in peace.

We also mark the 30th anniversary of the genocide at Srebrenica. We remember those lost, and redouble our efforts to fight hatred and intolerance wherever it exists.

I am delighted to welcome President Macron to the United Kingdom. Our relationship has never been stronger and we are focused on tough new tactics to tackle illegal migration, on major economic investment to create jobs, and on leading our allies to support Ukraine.

This morning, I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall have further such meetings later today.

[Darren Paffey]

May I associate myself with the Prime Minister’s remarks?

At a recent coffee morning, residents in Southampton Itchen told me how much they still miss the Bitterne NHS walk-in centre, which was shut down a decade ago under the Conservatives. May I begin by welcoming this Government’s 10-year plan and its commitment to neighbourhood health services? Does the Prime Minister agree that, as we put this plan for change into action for my local residents, Bitterne is an excellent location for the first new neighbourhood health centre?

[The Prime Minister]

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for making the case for his constituents. I know the Health Secretary will give it every consideration. The 10-year plan will establish neighbourhood health centres in every community and will make a massive difference, starting in the places where the need is greatest and life expectancy is at its lowest. I am proud that we promised 2 million extra NHS appointments in the first year of a Labour Government and we have now delivered 4 million. We should not forget that the record investment in the Budget, which made that possible, was opposed by all the Opposition parties.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Keir Starmer and Darren Paffey

Wednesday 11th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I thank the hon. Member for championing this really important issue. My late mother had diabetes, so I know at first hand just what a struggle it can be and how important this is. Type 1 diabetes is not preventable, as she knows, but the sooner we can reach people, the sooner we can care for them. We have a screening programme in the UK available to families across the country, and over 20,000 children have already taken part. It is really important that we continue to deliver that, but I thank her for continuing to champion this and to raise her voice on this very important issue.

[Darren Paffey (Southampton Itchen) (Lab)]

Q10. It is crystal clear how social media and smartphones are harming our young people, with cyber-bullying, addiction and exploitation rife. Governments elsewhere are taking bold action. I understand that Ministers are considering a two-hour limit, but that is per app rather than per day. I know the Prime Minister takes this seriously, so can he update the House on what he wants to see happen and what action this Government will take to protect our children?

[The Prime Minister]

It is important that we take action to protect our children. From July, tough new rules will mean platforms must protect children in the UK from seeing harmful and violent content. We do need to look at what other measures are needed to create safer online experiences for young people and we will not hesitate to take further steps.

UK-EU Summit

Debate between Keir Starmer and Darren Paffey

Tuesday 20th May 2025 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I have set out the position in relation to how the rules will be applied. We are already aligned, but we do not get the benefit. This deal allows us to get the benefit, which is why businesses are so in favour of it. Every trade deal requires agreement on both sides as to the way forward, and this agreement is no different.

[Darren Paffey (Southampton Itchen) (Lab)]

I congratulate the Prime Minister on this common-sense reset. Does he agree that the Conservatives slammed the door of opportunity in the faces of younger generations with their useless Brexit deal, and that this youth mobility scheme opens up life-changing experiences for young people from Southampton? Will he also say how schools and universities can have input into shaping the best scheme possible?

[The Prime Minister]

The scheme does provide great opportunity, and we will make sure that all those interested are able to help us in the design of it.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Keir Starmer and Darren Paffey

Wednesday 22nd January 2025 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

We will work with the US and with other countries, but we will never lower our standards.

[Darren Paffey (Southampton Itchen) (Lab)]

Q5. Thousands of my constituents have had to put up with years of misery because of unsafe fire protection in their homes, developers dragging their feet and leaseholders having to foot the bill for mistakes that they did not make. Does the Prime Minister agree that enough is enough, and it is time for developers to make all homes safe? Will he reassure leaseholders, who bought their homes in good faith, that this Government have their back?

[The Prime Minister]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this important issue. Too many buildings are still unsafe, and the speed of delivery has been far too slow. Our action plan sets out measures to identify buildings at risk and fix them faster. My message is clear: the funding is there to fix this, and there is no excuse not to deliver for residents.