PMQs in a nutshell, 11 September 2024

Welcome to Sir Keir’s second Question Time of the current session. The in-house video is here (start at 12:01) and the Hansard transcript here. Quentin Letts’ Parliamentary sketch in the Daily Mail noted a despondent air on the Government benches.

The PM welcomed the new statue of the late Queen Elizabeth and wished the Princess of Wales well as she completes her treatment. He heralded that afternoon’s debate introducing the Renter’s Rights Bill and was scheduled to meet President Biden in Washington to discuss foreign policy.

Torsten Bell (L) spoke of the plight of low paid and zero hours workers but was cut short by the Speaker for failing to ask a question. The PM replied that Labour was commtted to economic growth and would ‘deliver for working people.’

Rishi Sunak (C, Opposition Leader) asked the PM whether he would publish the impact assessment of cancelling the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) for 10 million pensioners. Sir Keir referred once again to the ‘£22 billion black hole’ left by the outgoing Conservative administration; pensioners would benefit from ‘ramping up’ pension credit, linking housing benefit to it and receiving pension increases via the ‘triple lock.’ Mr Sunak spoke of the Conservatives’ record on pension benefits and noted that the present Chancellor had said she would prefer it if the WFP policy did not raise any money. The PM repeated the ‘£22 billion black hole’ phrase twice more and quoted shadow ministers saying the WFP was not needed by some and should be means-tested. Mr Sunak reminded the PM of Labour’s previous estimate that withdrawing the WFP would lead to 3,850 deaths; did Labour’s latest impact assessment give higher or lower figures? The PM replied that his Government aimed to ‘stabilise the economy’ and referred again to the ‘triple lock.’ Mr Sunak noted the PM’s refusal to publish the impact assessment.

Mr Sunak then asked whether bearing in mind ‘increasing global volatility’ the PM would ‘be adopting the National Farmers Union’s recent proposal to enshrine a national food security target in law?’ Would the PM consider making the process of assessing farmland quality independent, rather than leaving it to developers who may despoil the countryside with alternative uses such as solar panels? The PM again countered with the previous government’s alleged ‘mess’ and neglect of rural issues. Mr Sunak spoke of Wales’ ‘top-down eco-targets’ that ‘hammered farmers’; would the PM assure English farmers that he would rule out such targets? The PM replied that Labour would ‘work with farmers’ across the UK to ‘support’ them; and ended with a list of other ways in which Labour was ‘building a better country for the future.’

Amanda Martin (L) asked about affordable housing in Portsmouth. Would infrastructure and community consultation be considered? The PM limited himself to restating Labour’s commitment to affordable housing and its target of building 1.5 million new houses.

Ed Davey (LD Leader) asked the PM to guarantee that every cancer patient could start treatment within 62 days. Sir Keir referred to Lord Darzi’s upcoming report on previous Conservative failure in this area and said the timeline mattered; Labour were already putting on more scanners and technology to speed up diagnosis.

Mr Davey said that LibDems had voted against the withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Payment. Would the PM reverse previous Conservative tax cuts for banks instead? Sir Keir said he would not anticipate the Budget but repeated the phrase ‘£22 billion black hole’ and Labour’s plan to make sure everyone was better off.

Patrick Hurley (L) reminded the House of the tragic killings of little girls in Southport and asked the PM to recommit to support for the town and those grieving and affected. The PM expressed his sympathy and support but also referred to ‘far-right thugs’ who had thrown things at police in London.

Nigel Farage (Reform) referred to the previous day’s early release of career criminals to make space in prison for reckless commenters on social media. Did the PM understand public anger at ‘two-tier policing and a two-tier justice system?’ Sir Keir said that the releases were necessary ‘because the last Government broke the prison system’ and had ignored warnings of the crisis.

Rachel Hopkins (L) asked the PM to explain Labour’s railway plan to deliver improvements to rail infrastructure. Sir Keir complied, saying that ‘Great British Railways will unite track and train under a single leadership. That means closer collaboration across the industry and faster, more effective decisions on critical infrastructure.’

Tessa Munt (LD) said the Conservatives had underspent the farming budget by £100 million. Would Labour do the same? She said the LibDem manifesto proposed an increase and to ‘speed up the roll-out of the new environmental land management schemes, and support profitable, sustainable and nature-friendly farming.’ The PM said the issue was important and while not pre-empting the Budget agreed to ‘protect farmers from being undercut in trade deals, make the supply chain work more fairly, and prevent shock rises in bills by switching to GB Energy.’

Luke Murphy (L) asked about overcharging and lack of maintenance by leasehold agents. Sir Keir said Labour would ‘bring the feudal leasehold system to an end’ and increase leaseholders’ rights.

Brendan O’Hara (SNP) asked about the bombing of civilian areas in Gaza and said the Government’s decision to exempt F-35 components from the arms licence suspension re Israel was against international law. Sir Keir denied this and said the priority now was a ceasefire to allow hostage release and aid delivery, and to progress towards a two-state solution.

Graeme Downie (L) asked for the Strategic Defence and Security Review team to visit defence supply sites like Rosyth and ‘ensure that the SDSR supports Britain’s security and local economies.’ The PM agreed that defence mattered in terms of security and also economic growth. The consultation would be wide and include the ‘devolved nations.’ He undertook to have the relevant Minister meet Mr Downie to discuss his local issues.

Dr Neil Hudson (C) asked the PM to confirm the previous government’s commitment to re/building medical facilities in Harlow and Epping. Sir Keir repeated what he had said on another occasion about the Conservatives’ failure to build ‘40 new hospitals’ and agreed to ‘review what we can do and put it on a sustainable, deliverable basis.’

Anneliese Midgley (L) asked Sir Keir to support the introduction of ‘Olivia’s Law,’ a measure to allow serious offenders to be forced to attend sentencing hearings in person. The PM reiterated the Government’s commitment, which was in the King’s Speech.

Blake Stephenson (C) asked Sir Keir how he would choose between heating or eating were he a pensioner on £11,350 p.a. without Winter Fuel Payment. The PM yet again cited the ‘£22 billion black hole’ and Labour’s commitment to ‘triple lock’ pension increases which would more than make up for the loss of WFP. He said the last Conservative government had lost control of inflation and fuel prices, and that Labour would stabilise the economy to prevent a repeat.

Mark Ferguson (L) asked the PM for help to authorise the use of DFMO, a drug to combat neuroblastoma, currently suffered by a child in Mr Ferguson’s constituency. Sir Keir said Labour would see that the manufacturer’s licence application was reviewed as fast as possible, and would ensure that the Health Minister would meet the child’s parents as requested.

Dame Harriett Baldwin (C) said Sir Keir’s version of socialism was to drive the wealthy from the country while allowing elderly pensioners to suffer in cold homes. Would he reverse his decision re the Winter Fuel Allowance? The PM said his choice was to ‘stabilise the economy’ and ‘when a Government lose[s] control of the economy, it is working people who pay the price.’

Paulette Hamilton (L) raised the issue of pancreatic cancer which kills quickly and asked the PM to ‘commit to reviewing the long-term cancer strategy so that we can improve diagnosis and treatment rates in this country.’ Sir Keir agreed and would say more when he dealt with Lord Darzi’s report the next day,

Louie French (C) asked the PM to ‘rule out scrapping concessionary travel fares and council tax discounts’ for pensioners. Sir Keir said he refused to pre-empt the Budget.

Kirith Entwistle (L) conveyed the thanks of the Bolton Council of Mosques for the PM’s support during the summer riots. Did he agree on ‘the importance of supporting inter-faith and community groups?’ Sir Keir concurred and thanked the police for how they dealth with the pubic disorder.

Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru) thanked the Speaker in Welsh and asked the PM why Labour were opposing the Welsh Government’s desire for new power lines to be placed underground. Sir Keir reiterated the policy to transition to renewable energy but said it had to be done in a cost-effective way.

Jessica Morden (L) asked how the Government were safeguarding jobs and securing the future of steelmaking communities in Wales in the drive towards deindustrialisation. Sir Keir acknowledged the importance of British steelmaking and related jobs and communities; the Business Secretary would provide an update to the House that afternoon.

Olly Glover (LD) asked whether the PM supported investment in railways, and whether he would meet Mr Glover to hear the case for a new railway station at Grove and Wantage. Sir Keir said that Great British Railways would work to ensure that rail investment meets the needs of communities; he would ensure that the relevant Minister would meet Mr Glover to discuss the issues in his constituency.

Crossposted from Wolves of Westminster

Starmer and the Winter Fuel Payment

Sir Keir Starmer appears to be neither economically nor politically astute.

Economics: the vote only just passed to abolish the Winter Fuel Payment except to those on Pension Credit may end up as a net cost to the Treasury. John Redwood tweeted beforehand ‘Removing the fuel allowance from many low income pensioners will boost numbers on Pensioner Credit,’ and Starmer has committed to helping more pensioners claim PC anyway. Besides, as Rebecca Paul MP noted in Prime Minister’s Questions last week, ‘those just above the pension credit threshold… will be hardest hit;’ one pound below, you get the allowance and one pound above, you don’t; it’s a can of worms.

Party politics: Quentin Letts’ Parliamentary sketch in the Daily Mail today says ‘Labour’s newbies sat in pools of hand-wringing worry,’ as well they might, bearing in mind that the Winter Fuel Payment was an initiative of Tony Blair’s inaugural term in power. Gordon Brown’s pre-Budget speech announced it (25.11.1997) together with a cut in VAT on fuel. Yesterday Labour won the division 348:228 but seven Government ministers abstained and one Labour MP, Jon Trickett, dared to vote no, despite what Letts perceives as stern Party whipping generally. The PM can scarcely afford to show weakness so early in his premiership, yet a tree that does not bend may snap; he and his Chancellor have chosen an issue where there is no win for them.

Yet the complexities of State pensions could be presented as a magnificent historical achievement. There was a time when so many feared old age and its miserable poverty, with the shadows of the workhouse or infirmary hanging over them; no more.

Another part of our Welfare State’s achievement is to have helped people live longer. In 1974 when Harold Wilson’s Labour government began to link State pension increases to average earnings, there were an estimated 2.3 million men aged 65 and over, and 4.2 million women over 60 (the respective qualifying ages for SP at the time.) Last year those in receipt of a State Pension numbered about 12.6 million, despite recent increases in the qualifying ages, especially for women; the cohort of oldie beneficiaries has doubled. Certainly there are challenges but we must remember to celebrate this success.

Sir Keir and his team lack the wit to persuade rather than simply to command.

Published at the Bruges Group blog.

PMQs in a nutshell, 4 September 2024

Wednesday saw the first Prime Minister’s Question Time of the post-recess session. The in-house video is here and the Hansard transcript here (search page for ‘Engagements’). MailPlus subscribers can read Quentin Letts’ Parliamentary sketch here; other media comment is widely available.

The PM opened with references to the Olympics and Paralympics, the asylum seekers who drowned in the English Channel on Tuesday and the report released today on the Grenfell tower blaze.

He agreed with Bill Esterson (L) that more should be done about mental health and suicide prevention, pledging to recruit more mental health staff and to modernise the Mental Health Act 1983.

The Opposition leader Rishi Sunak tackled the PM on the decision to withdraw the Winter Fuel Allowance (later citing the scrapping of additional cost of living support) while increasing pay for train drivers and some other unionised workers. The PM countered with the ‘£22 billion black hole’ in public finances and ‘absolute chaos’ bequeathed by the outgoing Tories; he promised to help pensioners claim pension credit (which would qualify them for the allowance) and to align housing benefit and pension credit; he said the pensions ‘triple lock’ was projected to increase the State Pension by over £1,000 in the next five years. The two gentlemen sparred over the economic record of the last Government.

Mr Sunak then asked why Labour had suspended 30 licences to export arms to Israel at a time when Hamas still held 101 Israeli hostages and had just murdered six others. The PM said the decision followed legal guidance set down in 2021; while he wished to cooperate with the US they have a differen legal framework. Starmer spoke of the need for a ceasefire as well as the release of hostages; he accepted Israel’s right to self-defence.

Lloyd Hatton (L) welcomed the closure of the Bibby Stockholm barge that had held asylum seekers, and asked the PM to close down other ‘unworkable gimmicks.’ The PM agreed and referred to the recent launch of the border security force and we legislation being prepared to introduce counter-terrorism powers to tackle people-smuggling gangs.

The Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey re-raised the matter of the Winter Fuel Allowance; the PM again cited the £22 billion ‘black hole’ and the need to take tough decisions to restabilise the economy. Starmer supported the LibDem campaign for more urgent action to invest in insulation and renewables to help pensioners battle cold, and repeated the pension measures he had mentioned to Mr Sunak.

Yasmin Qureshi (L) asked about the long-running campaign to review harm done by hormone pregnancy tests. The PM expressed sympathy and said the DHSS was reviewing a publication from Professor Danielsson and the Government would follow the results of that review.

Gavin Robinson (DUP) urged the need to uplift the national security grant afforded to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for the protection of its officers. The PM said it was for the Justice Minister and the Executive to set the PSNI’s budget and the Chief Constable to decide how to allocate resources, but he had been talking to the Chief Constable about possible further support.

Emma Foody (Lab/Co-op) raised the matter of the extortionate resales of Oasis music band tickets; the PM said he was starting a consultation about the practice.

Harriet Cross (C) asked about the impact of proposed windfall tax increases on North Sea energy exploration. The PM referred to the Government’s commitment to transition to renewable energy while recognising that oil and gas would play their part for many years yet, and invited her and other MPs to celebrate that ‘contracts for difference’ had just secured ‘a record 131 new clean energy projects—enough to power 11 million homes—and they are the jobs of the future.’

Luke Charters (L) urged the speeding up of the planning process to get more homes built. The PM agreed and used this opportunity to remind the House of Labour’s plan to build 1.5 million new homes.

Alistair Carmichael (LD) said that a wind farm in Shetland had been paid £2 million not to generate electricity while his constituents suffered from fuel poverty; should there not be an ‘islands tariff’ for their benefit? The PM said he would make sure that a relevant Minister spoke to Mr Carmichael.

Peter Prinsley (L) asked that hospitals affected by ‘reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete’ (RAAC) be prioritised in the Government’s review of the new hospital programme. The PM agreed and said the Secretary of State would update Parliament as soon as possible.

Peter Wishart (SNP) asked why the PM had declined in popularity - was it ‘attacks on the pensioners’, child poverty, Labour cronyism or austerity? The PM noted how few SNP Members were now in the House and said he needed ‘no lectures on popularity and winning elections.’

Ashley Dalton (L) welcomed the scrapping of Ofsted’s single-word judgments on schools. How did the PM envisage a more positive relationship between Ofsted, Government and schools, and improving standards? The PM reaffirmed his commitment to the best education for all children and said that there would be a ‘richer dashboard’ for assessing school performance.

Rebecca Paul (C) also raised the matter of the Winter Fuel Allowance and the pension credit cutoff point, asking whether the PM could broaden eligibility for the allowance. The PM rehearsed points he had made earlier.

Deirdre Costigan raised the problem of crime and street drinking in town centres. The PM replied ‘We will put more police on the streets, have more effective powers to deal with antisocial behaviour, and introduce Young Futures programmes to divert young people who are getting into trouble.’

Sir Ashley Fox (C) urged the priority rebuilding of Haygrove School in Bridgwater and other structurally unsafe schools built by Caledonian Modular. The PM said the Education Minister would visit Haygrove and the Department for Education was pursuing all available avenues for redress.

Shaun Davies (L) described how public services and funding in Telford had dwindled. The PM replied ‘we will have local growth plans, improved public services and investment in transport links.’ He also said ‘we will devolve power to those with skin in the game,’ a reference to Labour’s ‘Change’ scheme for greater local democracy.

Tim Farron (LD) cited fatal accidents on the A66 road in Westmorland and was ‘concerned that the vital A66 northern trans-Pennine project, which would make the roads considerably safer’ was now under review. The PM appreciated the problem there and on other roads but said Labour had inherited a ‘broken economy’ and would report back on that review as soon as possible.

Gurinder Josan (L) asked about young people and knife crime. The PM said Labour’s mission was to halve knife crime and was doing a rapid review of the online sale of knives.

Dame Karen Bradley (C) asked the PM to guarantee that the ‘beautiful’ Staffordshire Moorlands ‘will not be forced into a devolution deal or local government reorganisation against our will?’ The PM said it was very important that local people have a say, but it was ‘equally important that we devolve to those who have skin in the game… those with skin in the game [needed to] take the decisions that are relevant to them and their area.’ [He did not clarify here the distinction between ‘local people’ and those with ‘skin in the game’ (a phrase he used three times in this session.)]

Crossposted from Wolves of Westminster