Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Keir Starmer and Lee Pitcher

Wednesday 29th April 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

Let me reassure the House that the work of the international law unit has not ended. It will simply be done by a different team under a restructure. We will, of course, continue to monitor international humanitarian law in Gaza and elsewhere, and invest in conflict prevention and resolution.

[Lee Pitcher (Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme) (Lab)]

Q12. This Labour Government have backed the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield airport from the very start. It means jobs, investment, growth and opportunity, not just for Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, but for the whole region. Reform councillors in Doncaster are considering reversing their decision to support the investment that would currently facilitate the airport’s reopening. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that the airport remains a huge priority for the area, and will he continue to work with us to find a way forward to make sure that we get our airport back open?

[The Prime Minister]

My hon. Friend is a champion for this crucial local project, and I thank him for his work. I know from visiting Doncaster just how vital reopening the airport is for local residents. It will be a huge boost for South Yorkshire and unlock thousands of jobs. I am deeply concerned by reports that decisions by Reform in Doncaster could put the reopening in jeopardy. Labour put the plan in place; Reform should honour its promises, stop playing games and get the airport open.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Keir Starmer and Lee Pitcher

Wednesday 5th March 2025 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

We put a record amount into farming in the Budget—£5 billion. We have set out our road map for farming, which has been welcomed by the National Farmers Union. As the right hon. Lady knows, the vast majority of farms will not be affected by the provisions that we are putting in place.

[Lee Pitcher (Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme) (Lab)]

For months, my constituents in Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme have been telling me how fed up they are with not being able to get an appointment because of the 8 am scramble. The last thing they need when they are ill is to have to pick up the phone and wait, and fight again to be first. It is great news that the Government’s new GP contract will start to resolve that, but can the Prime Minister reassure my constituents who cannot use technology that they will still be able to book an appointment?

[The Prime Minister]

Last week, for the first time in four years, the British Medical Association agreed the GP contract with the Government, worth an extra £889 million. Patients will be able to request appointments online from October, but I absolutely reassure my hon. Friend and others that that will free up the phones for those who need them most, and help end the 8 am scramble.