18/01/2017 Prime Minister's Questions

This morning I had meetings. In addition, we'll have further such

meetings later today. Alcohol is a primary factor. Does

the Prime Minister recognise the problems and will she instruct her

Government to now address these problems effectively and a a matter

of urgency? Alcohol is a primary factor in

domestic violence attacks on women. Does the primers to recognise

the seriousness of the country's alcohol problems and the billions

of pounds of cost to the public purse and will she instructor

government to address these problems effectively and as

a matter of urgency? I can certainly say that I recognise

the problem is that alcohol causes. That's why when I was Home Secretary

we produced an alcohol strategy, we worked on the issue

and the government continues to recognise the importance of this

issue and to work on it. Will the Prime Minister join me

in paying tribute to the NHS staff who provide us with such magnificent

treatment day in, day out? Will she also agree with me that

people who miss NHS appointments without cancelling them cost the NHS

a great deal of money and also take up slots which would otherwise be

used by other patients? Will she consider how she might

let those people know of the inconvenience

they are causing? My honourable friend makes

two important points. I'm pleased to join with him

in paying tribute to the dedication and hard work of all those who work

in our NHS. Secondly, he is right to point out

that if somebody misses an appointment it is a cost

on the NHS. There are a number of ways

in which this is being dealt with, including in some hospitals sending

out text messages reminding people of appointments and telling

them how much it costs Mr Speaker, yesterday

the Prime Minister snubbed Parliament, and snubbed the Brexit

committee's recommendations to bring forward a white paper,

while at the same time describing the referendum as a vote to restore

our Parliamentary democracy. This is about our jobs, living

standards and future prosperity. Why will it not be

scrutinised by this House? I say to the right honourable

gentleman that what I did yesterday was set out a plan for a global

Britain. I set out a plan that

will put the divisions of last year behind us,

that will show a vision... That shows a vision for a stronger,

fairer, more united, more outward looking,

prosperous, tolerant and It was a vision which will

shape a stronger future Restoring democracy whilst

sidelining Parliament. It's not so much the Iron Lady

as the irony lady! Yesterday, Mr Speaker,

the Prime Minister finally Can I urge her to stop her threat

of a bargain basement Brexit, a low pay tax haven

on the shores of Europe. It won't necessarily damage the EU,

but it would certainly Businesses, jobs

and public services. She demeans herself and her office,

and her country's standing, What I set out yesterday was a plan

for a global Britain bringing prosperity to this country,

and jobs to people, and spreading But actually yesterday,

we'll so learned more of the right honourable gentleman's thinking

on this issue. "She Has said will leave the single

market but at the same time says she wants to have access

to the single market. I'm not sure how that's

going to go down in Europe. I think we have to have a deal

that ensures we have I've got a plan, he

doesn't have a clue! She was the one he made the threat

about slashing corporation tax. If you reduce corporation tax

to the lowest common denominator, this country loses ?120

billion in revenue. How, then, do you fund public

services as a result of that? Last year, the Prime Minister said

leaving the single market would make And, while we could certainly

negotiate our own trade agreements, there would be no guarantee

that they would be on terms as good But yesterday, the Prime Minister

only offered as vague guarantees. Can I ask her, does she now

disagree with herself? The right honourable

gentleman might also have noticed that when I spoke

in the Remain Campaign, I said if we voted to leave

the European Union, the sky Look at what has happened, actually,

to our economic situation, I say he talks about the future

of this economy, I want us to be an outward looking nation,

trading around the world, bringing The one thing that would be

bad for the economy is the answer is that the right

honourable gentleman has. He wants a cap on wages,

no control on immigration, That wouldn't lead to prosperity,

that would lead to no jobs, The Chancellor said

after the referendum that to lose single market access

would be catastrophic. A few days later the Health

Secretary said, the first part of the plan must be clarity

that we will remain The Prime Minister said something

about frictionless access to the single market and a bespoke

customs union deal. Could the Prime Minister give us

a little bit of certainty Has she ruled out paying any kind

of access to what she describes Has she ruled out paying any kind

of access fee to what she describes I can say to the right honourable

gentleman that access to the single market is exactly what I was talking

about yesterday in my speech. One of the key principles,

key objectives, is that we negotiate a free trade agreement

with the European Union that gives us the widest possible access

for trading with and operating And he talks about frictionless

access, actually this was a separate point,

which is about frictionless borders A very important issue

in relation to our relationship between Northern Ireland

and the Republic of Ireland. The Taoiseach and I and all parties

are absolutely on a single page on this, we want to ensure

we have the best possible arrangement that doesn't lead

to a Borders of the past in Northern The question was, would

we have to pay for access The Prime Minister hasn't

given an answer on that. Yesterday she set out

a wish list on immigration referring to skills shortages

and high skilled migration. Does she now disagree

with the Secretary of State rural affairs, who told an employer 's

conference, don't worry, you can still have cheap EU labour

after we leave the European Union? The Right honourable

gentleman talks about access. Yes, the whole point

is that we will negotiate a free trade agreement

with the European Union, but it's about the best possible

access for British business to operate in the European Union

member states and for European businesses to operate

here in the United Kingdom. It's about sitting down

and negotiating the best possible That's what I'm committed

to and that's what this government My question was about how much

we are going to have to pay to have Yesterday she talked

about the pressure put on public Can I just remind her,

as one of her honourable friends did earlier,

but at the moment there are 55,000 EU citizens working in our NHS,

helping to treat all of the people There are 80,000 care

workers helping our, There are 5000 teachers,

educating our children. The real pressure on public services

comes from a government that slashed billions from the social care

budget, that is cutting the schools budget, that is closing A

departments and walk-in centres Instead of threatening to turn

Britain into an offshore tax haven, let's welcome those who contribute

to our public services and fund our public services properly,

so that we do have the fully functioning NHS that we

all need and deserve! I made clear yesterday,

we value those who have come to the UK and contribute

to our economy and our society, and there will still be

people coming to the UK from the European Union,

when we leave the EU. The crucial issue is that it is this

government that will be making decisions about our immigration

system for people from But yet again, I say

to the right honourable gentleman, there is indeed

a difference between us. It's very simple, when I look

at the issue of Brexit, or indeed at any other issue

like the National Health Service or social care, I consider

the issue, I set out my plan, It's called leadership,

he should try it sometime! Yesterday was a day for being bold

and ambitious and I'm sure that she noted Lincoln

city football club... Qualify to the fourth

round of the FA Cup. I noted her recent comments

about white working-class In ten years half a million

fewer males have gone Exam results are

lower at all levels. I ask my right honourable friend,

when can we expect to see practical action on closing

the gender education gap? Can I join my honourable friend

in congratulating Lincoln city on their victory last night and say

I think it was a fitting tribute to Graham Taylor

that they won that match. I have highlighted the issue

particularly of white working-class boys who are the group in society

least likely to go to university. We are committed to making sure that

every child gets the opportunity to fulfil their potential,

that is about ensuring apprenticeships are as accessible

as possible and I'm pleased to say that the number of apprenticeships

started by males have increased Also, universities expect to spend

?800 million this year in improving access and success

for disadvantaged students. We want everybody to

achieve their potential, whatever their background

and whatever their gender. Shortly after the Prime Minister

confirmed she wants to take the UK out of the single European market,

the Scottish Parliament voted by a large cross-party majority

to remain in the single European market, just as a large majority

of people in Scotland voted The Prime Minister has said that

Scotland is an equal partner Does she still believe this is true,

or is she just stringing the people I might refer the right honourable

gentleman to my speech yesterday where I reiterated my commitment to

be working with the devolved administrations to ensure their

voice is heard of, their interests are taken into account as we proceed

along this path negotiating our exit I specifically references

the Scotland plan. I understand the Welsh Government

will produce a plan for Wales That Scotland plan will be

considered by the JMC on European negotiations tomorrow,

I believe. We'll look at it seriously,

working with the Scottish Government Scotland's leading

economic forecaster says, Tories jeering and cheering

when the forecast for people's income is as likely to drop

by ?2,000 and that 80,000, Mr Speaker, that 80,000 people may

lose their jobs in Scotland as a result of the hard Tory Brexit

plan of the Prime Minister. Does the Prime Minister believe

that this is a price worth paying We'll work to ensure we get the best

possible deal in terms of access to the single market and continuing

to cooperate in part are inship to the single market and continuing

to cooperate in partnership with the 28 remaining member states

of the European Union. The right honourable gentleman once

again talks about the possibility of a negative impact on Scotland

if Scotland were not part His party is dedicated to taking

Scotland out of the single market Mr Speaker, this week directors

of our larger companies have been told by investors to rein in senior

executive pay which is too often distorted by long-term incentive

plans which are too complex to manage and too excessive

in their rewards. Will my right honourable friend look

the such schemes as part I'm pleased to say this Government's

taken action on executive pay already giving shareholders

the power to veto pay policies and force companies

to Disclose their board's pay. We've pubbish Hirsched a Green Paper

on how to strengthen shareholders' influence over executive pay

and have greater transparency. Will a commitment be made today that

no part of Great Repel Bill will be subject to English votes

for English laws? The honourable lady might recognise

the Great Repel Bill will have a number of complex issues

it will be dealing with. It will be ensuring at its heart

will be the European One of the issues we'll need to look

at looking at that bill and negotiating our way out

of the European Union is the issue of reserve matters

and devolved matters. Members of the Scottish National

Party led by the right honourable gentleman on the front bench who's

supposed to be a statesman-like figure should demonstrate some calm

and reserve while being answered by the the Prime Minister

who was questioned. The honourable lady will know full

well that any legislation brought before this House,

if any part of it only applies to England then it will be subject

to the English votes May I congratulate the Prime

Minister on her delivery yesterday of an historic,

definitive, pragmatic, outward looking speech which saw

the pound rise to its highest level Would she agree with me

a strong and prosperous UK as she has planned,

would be a nightmare for the Leader of the Opposition

and the EU ruling class? I agree with my honourable friend,

a strong and prosperous Britain is what we want to build as we leave

the European Union. It is only a pitty it seems

the Labour Party aren't interested in doing that and want to do

the opposite and bring Quite an answer as to

whether she'll visit the Rhondda. I'm happy

to accommodate her. More importantly, I could

take her to see the best brass band in the world -

the Cory Band. Or I could take her to the local

food bank which is based in the closed down Conservative

Club. What's happening at the moment

is since 2010, the Government's closed the local courts,

it's closed the local tax office, the DWP office

and the driving centre. Now the Government's intending

to close all the tax offices in Wales and centralise

them in Cardiff. We feel in the valleys as if we're

just ignored by the Government. Can I just beg her to change

direction and start putting Government offices in the small

towns, villages, and Can I say to the right

honourable gentleman, the last time I looked,

Cardiff was actually in Wales. He says we're going to take offices

away from Wales but we'll I think he might find the whole

point about what the HMRC is doing moving from outdated offices

to large, modern, regional centres. That will make it possible for them

to modernise their ways of working, it will make tax collection more

efficient and improve I welcome my right honourable

friend's speech setting out a plan It shows this side of the House

is listening to the British people. Would my right honourable friend

commend this approach to the council leaders

considering the Greater Manchester framework consultation responses

as they need to listen to the people, give us

better infrastructure I thank my honourable

friend for his comments The consultation closed

earlier this week. There has been a huge amount

of interest from local people. I echo his comment saying

local leaders should take In the UK, we have 14

regional markets for Highlanders and Islanders

are facing higher prices Electricity distribution charges

for the north of Scotland are an eye watering 84% higher

than distribution The Prime Minister

talks about fairness. Will she introduce a universal

market for electricity pricing and stop penalising

Highlanders and Islanders? Those of us who live in the coldest

windiest places are discriminated against by her Government

and it must end. The honourable gentleman draws

attention to the fact that of course geography has an impact

on these matters. He talks about living

in the coldest and windiest place. One of the issues that's interesting

to look at in relation to Scotland is the whole question of renewables

and the opportunities for renewables I can tell him we are

looking at the impact... We are looking at making sure that

energy markets in the UK I'm very pleased the Prime Minister

has said she will take the necessary action on air quality to deal

with the 40,000 premature deaths it causes across our

country every year. As I know she believes in her

Government leading by example, will she make sure that all diesel

cars are removed from the Government My honourable friend is right,

improving air quality is a priority We are determined to

cut harmful emissions. We've committed money since 2011

to supporting the take-up The Government car service

is working to remove diesel It has replaced a quarter

of its vehicles with petrol hybrid cars and this work continues

to remove diesel vehicles. Is the Prime Minister aware

that I totally agree We in this House have a real

responsibility for our children and grandchildren

to have a bright future. But is she aware there are dark

clouds looming on the horizon in terms of intolerance,

racism across Europe and the foundering and flux

of many of our great institutions that have kept peace and prosperity

since the last world war? I speak here of the UN,

Nato and indeed the European Union. Are we fit for purpose

in keeping this country safe, I recognise the important issue

that the right honourable gentleman It is precisely as we move out

of the European Union, We want to ensure we continue

play our part in the United Nations, that the United Nations itself

is able to do the job that Nato has been the most

important bulwark in terms of maintaining safety and security

across the European continent. That's why we're continuing

to support Nato. British forces in Poland,

Romania, continuing to show The thrust of my speech yesterday

was we want a strong, strategic partnership

with the European Union. We want access to the single market,

that free trade agreement but to continue to work with them

on justice and security matters. Now is not a time to cooperate less,

it's a time to cooperate more. Some of us were delighted

about the third round replay where But the pressing issue is to be

able to get into work Does the Prime Minister welcome

the talks between Aslef and Southern to finding a solution

for hard-pressed commuters? As a former Wimbledon councillor,

I am not sure I share the enthusiasm But on the point he raised

about train strikes, yes, I do. I hope those sitting around

the table will enensure we see an agreement reached which enables

passengers to get on with their lives, their jobs and not

suffer the misery brought about by the strike

in the first place. Can I agree with the Prime Minister

and disagree with the last member about the reference to last night's

meeting and AFC's results. If the Prime Minister really

believes that GP surgeries should be open seven days a week,

12 hours a day, would she be my guest at a resident's meeting

against Department of Health diktat which will close a 6,000 strong

Mitcham Wilson surgery. Even better, could she just

tell her Government to stop cuts to GP services which force thousands

to attend hard-pressed A's like St George's and St Helier

or is she happy to see the possible I might remind the honourable lady,

she and I sat on a council together where we tried to keep Wimbledon

playing in Wimbledon or at least GPs are part of the solution

in terms of the NHS for the future. We've seen more GPs

coming into the NHS. There are something like 5,000

more GPs being trained But what we do want to ensure

is that GPs are open and providing the services at times

when the patients Mr Speaker, it was quite clear

from the Prime Minister's speech yesterday that she seeks to build

a Brexit consensus and to bring our To that end, and indeed

to strengthen the Prime Minister's negotiating hand, before Article 50

is triggered, would she please consider at least publishing

all those 12 objectives in a White Paper so that we can

debate them here in this place I absolutely understand the point

she raised about Parliament's desire to be able to debate those

objectives which I set out very One of the objectives,

one of the principles I set It continues to be the Government's

intention that we will provide clarity whenever it is possible

and we will ensure that at appropriate times both the public

and Parliament are kept informed and are able to consider and

properly scrutinise these issues. While dedicated and talented staff

at the Royal Liverpool Hospital's A department struggle to find beds

for sick people, around 135 patients are unable to be discharged solely

because of Government cuts When will the Government

recognise its responsibilities and not try to blame GPs

for a problem of the I have accepted that

and recognised that in this House. That's why the Government's

recognised it and put improved funding through the Better Care Fund

and Social Care Precept. Liverpool raced ?8 million

and they'll receive ?48 million from It is ensuring we have a sustainable

social care system for the future. That's what the

Government's working on. Could I commend my right honourable

friend for her remarks yesterday, not least the constructive terms

to the future of the EU in marked difference

from others over the years. Would she confirm that constructive

tone will remain as the best base for getting an agreement

between ourselves and the EU for mutual interest and the default

position of no deal will remain a default position and not

the Government's preferred position? We want to get that good deal

and expect to be able It is right that it is through

goodwill and a positive approach on both sides of these negotiations

we will achieve that. I'm clear the UK wants to see

a continuing strong European Union We want to have a strong,

strategic partnership with that Europon and continue to work

bilaterally with individual states. I made this point to a number

of European leaders yesterday when I spoke to them after my speech

that we do want to approach this in I believe a deal that is good

for the UK, will be a deal This week, the National Auditor

revealed the abject failures in the Concentrix fiasco

which resulted in thousands of people wrongly denied

their tax credits. This was not one rogue contractor

but a system designed by Government to pursue and chase down

claimants for profit. So, does the Prime Minister agree

with the Chief Executive of HMRC that payment by result has no place

in our welfare system? Will she review this model

or will she wait for the next I recognise many people

received a poor service. It is not the first time this has

been highlighted in this chamber, I apologise for the worry

and stress caused for people. We have been clear about that

service operated by Concentrix. HMRC will learn the lessons

from that contract. And they remain committed

to providing a high quality service. And it will not use a private sector

service to undertakes tax Further to the question

from my honourable friend, the Prime Minister did yesterday

confirm her commitment Therefore, I assume she accepts

the long-standing convention that the executive,

the Government, is continuously accountable to this

House for the policies Could she clarify whether or not

she intends to make any further statements of policy intentions

to this House and whether she anticipates this House having

an opportunity to vote its approval for those policies earlier than two

years away when the whole My right honourable friend

raises a matter that not only our honourable friend

the member for Broxtowe has Yesterday, my right honourable,

the Secretary of State for exiting the European Union came

here and answered There is a further general debate

on exiting the European Union There have been a number of these

debates already looking at the issues which are part

of the objectives we have set. We will have to consider

the result of the decision of the Supreme Court which may,

if it goes against the Government, require legislation to be

brought before this House. There will be an opportunity

in the Great Repeal Bill to look at issues around the exiting

the exit of the EU. We can't vote on the deal

until we know what the deal is. Parliament will have a vote

when we know what that deal is. The Prime Minister's passing

reference to the interests of Spanish fishermen in her speech

yesterday let the cat out of the bag that our fishing opportunities

are already on the table as a bargaining tool before

the Brexit negotiations What does the Prime Minister

want to offer the Spanish fishermen? I made a very simple point yesterday

which is that this negotiation There will be others

in the European Union who will be looking for ensuring the deal

we get is good for the UK I have to say to the honourable

lady, if she thinks that continued membership of the Common Fisheries

Policy is not the case and one The people of Staffordshire

and Stoke-on-Trent are being confronted

with the possible loss of emergency services in Stafford or Burton

when our acute hospitals Would the Prime Minister agree

with me and others that closing A is no way to deal with increased,

real, not imagined, need? I would say to my honourable friend,

the important issue is the level of service available for people

in a local area. That's why the sustainability

and transformation plans that are being published are taken

into account and are being considered at a local level

for local clinicians and local people to agree what is best

in their particular area. Mr Speaker, last Friday I went

to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where the number of people waiting

12 hours or more in A Trust managers said the biggest

factor is discharging people. Government cuts eroded

support for them. Will she stop waffling

about her shared society, listen to her own budget watchdog

saying we'll need ?30 billion from older people in the next ten

years and put that money into local Well, just looking at the figures

for what has happened in health in his particular area,

there are more doctors and significantly more nurses

in his NHS Foundation Trust. I know what the honourable

gentleman is talking about But the honourable lady

who is shouting from a sedentary position might have recognised

that he started talking about the NHS which is what I'm

also commenting on. I'm not having an exchange

across the dispatch box. The Prime Minister

was asked a question. I require no help from

the honourable gentleman The Prime Minister will answer

and she will be heard with courtesy, including

by the honourable gentleman. The honourable

gentleman asked me about pressures We are seeing more doctors

and nurses in his hospitals Foundation Trust and health

funding in the honourable gentleman's area will be ?3 billion

this year rising with a further In terms of the issue

of social care, as I said in this House before,

we are putting extra money into social care,

we're giving local authorities the opportunity to raise more money

and spend it on social care. It's about ensuring best practise

is spread throughout the country. About a long-term solution

to sustainable social An issue ducked by Governments,

including a Labour On Friday, the east coast of England

faced threat of a tidal surge that endangered tens of thousands of

homes and thousands of lives. A simple change in the weather meant

flooding was averted. Will the Prime Minister join me

in praising the response of the emergency services planning

ahead, involving the army coastguard, the Fire Service

and the ambulance and police to make sure the best possible plans

were made and will she further join with me in making sure the public

know these warnings, in future, My honourable friend

raises an important point. I'm happy to commend

the action of all those in the emergency service,

Armed Forces, and local authorities who worked so hard

to make sure this problem, a change in weather took place,

but it is absolutely crucial that when these warnings are given,

people recognise they are given for a very good reason,

because there is a concern about the danger that

could take place. The efforts put in protected tens

of thousands of properties. I'm pleased to see the work we have

learned from previous flooding incidents, the work

between emergency services, local services and the Armed Forces

was much better coordinated We've been able to learn

from flooding in the past. Mr Speaker, in response to

the honourable member for Broxtowe the Prime Minister talked

about her desire to give clarity Many of my constituency

yentas are paying taxes. What assurances can she give

them about their future. Particularly if they change

their employer or are freelancers? What I said yesterday

is about the guaranteeing of rights for EU citizens living

here in the UK. I want to see the rights of UK

citizens living in the 27 member states being given

guarantees as well. I encourage others across Europe

to agree this is an issue we should look at at an early stage

and as early a stage as possible in order to give people

the confidence and reassurance Supporting my right honourable

gentlemen in social care and the Health Service,

can she endorse the confidence in our hospitals in market

towns across the country. They provide a vital piece

of the jigsaw in our NHS such as the Westminster memorial

in stats brie? I'm sure as my honourable friend

says, the Westminster memorial in Shaftesbury is providing good

services for local people. What the structure of the local

services should be is a matter It is crucial local clinicians agree

and others agree we have a safe and secure service

for people and that they are provided within the NHS

services they need at I accept very often we think only

of major District General Hospitals and acute hospitals but the NHS

is made up of different parts. Patients need to be treated

at the most appropriate How can abandoning membership

of the customs union that thaws 68% of Wales' exports,

crucially 90% of our food and drink exports and supports 200,000

jobs cause any other What we will be doing is negotiating

a free trade agreement with the European Union to get

the best possible access for trade. We also want to be able to negotiate

trade agreements with other A number of countries have already

expressed interest in doing that. We want to open up, see new export

markets being delivered for businesses here in the UK,

including for the sort of trade that In the customs aspect

with the European Union, we want to have an arrangement

with them to have as frictionless