0:00:19 > 0:00:22Order.
0:00:22 > 0:00:23Questions to the Prime Minister
0:00:23 > 0:00:24Mr Gareth Thomas.
0:00:24 > 0:00:25Number one, Mr Speaker.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Thank you.
0:00:27 > 0:00:32This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues
0:00:32 > 0:00:35and others and in addition to my duties in this
0:00:35 > 0:00:37House I will have further stch meetings later today.
0:00:37 > 0:00:38Gareth Thomas.
0:00:38 > 0:00:42If you have worked hard for a company and helped it succeed,
0:00:42 > 0:00:45surely you should be allowed to benefit a little from thd profits
0:00:45 > 0:00:46that that company makes.
0:00:46 > 0:00:52Does the Prime Minister think it is time for companies
0:00:52 > 0:00:55like Sports Direct to follow the example of the best bushnesses
0:00:55 > 0:00:58and benefit from a small percentage of the profits?
0:00:58 > 0:01:00We have encouraged companies to have profit-sharing arrangements
0:01:00 > 0:01:05and we took action in previous budgets to do that,
0:01:05 > 0:01:09but we are going further th`n that to make sure there is for the first
0:01:09 > 0:01:12time in our country a national living wage, which will comd
0:01:12 > 0:01:13in in April this year.
0:01:13 > 0:01:20That means, for the lowest paid people in this country
0:01:20 > 0:01:23on the minimum wage it will be a 7.5% pay rise in April under
0:01:23 > 0:01:28a Conservative government.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Mr Speaker, with mounting global economic uncertainty,
0:01:31 > 0:01:33it was comforting to see thhs morning's figures showing
0:01:33 > 0:01:37record UK employment.
0:01:37 > 0:01:39In this new age of kinder
0:01:39 > 0:01:41consensual politics does my Right Honourable friend agrde
0:01:41 > 0:01:44that
0:01:44 > 0:01:46every member of this House welcome the news
0:01:46 > 0:01:47that
0:01:47 > 0:01:48from North Yorkshire to North London Britain
0:01:48 > 0:01:52is back in work?
0:01:52 > 0:01:58My honourable friend is absolutely right.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Over the last year, we've actually seen more people in work in every
0:02:01 > 0:02:03region in our country.
0:02:03 > 0:02:05That is something that is wdlcome.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08The unemployment figures thhs morning, which the House might not
0:02:08 > 0:02:10have had time to see, are very welcome.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13The unemployment rate is now the lowest rate in nearly
0:02:13 > 0:02:21a decade at 5.1%.
0:02:21 > 0:02:27The unemployment rate is now lower than it was at the start
0:02:27 > 0:02:28of the recession.
0:02:28 > 0:02:30The latest figures show unelployment falling by another 99,000.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33And we have today in our cotntry the record number of people in work
0:02:33 > 0:02:36ever in our history and a rdcord number of women in work.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39Since I've become Prime Minhster 2.3 million more people in work,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42and I'm sure that is somethhng the whole house can welcome.
0:02:42 > 0:02:44Jeremy Corbyn.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Thank you, Mr Speaker, it's nice to get such
0:02:46 > 0:02:49a warm welcome.
0:02:49 > 0:02:58HECKLING.
0:02:58 > 0:03:05If you will allow me for ond moment.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Can the Prime Minister tell the House where in his election
0:03:08 > 0:03:16manifesto he put his plan to abolish maintenance grants for all students?
0:03:16 > 0:03:19First of all, people will rdcognise no welcome for the thousands
0:03:19 > 0:03:22of people who found work in our country,
0:03:22 > 0:03:28what a depressing spectacle.
0:03:28 > 0:03:30In our manifesto we said we would cut the deficit
0:03:30 > 0:03:34and we would uncap student numbers, and we've done both.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Jeremy Corbyn.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41There is not such joy in Port Talbot and other pl`ces
0:03:41 > 0:03:43that have lost steel jobs and they want a Government
0:03:43 > 0:03:51to support their industries.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54The Prime Minister has form in terms of student maintenance grants
0:03:54 > 0:03:58because the Conservative manifesto there was no mention either...
0:03:58 > 0:04:04Are you done?
0:04:04 > 0:04:06Let me very gently say to the dedicated Prime Minister s
0:04:06 > 0:04:14Parliamentary Private Secretary ..
0:04:14 > 0:04:20Calm yourself, man.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25Being a statesman does not include chuntering.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30Jeremy Corbyn.
0:04:30 > 0:04:31Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:04:31 > 0:04:32As I was saying,
0:04:32 > 0:04:36the Prime Minister has form here because there was no mdntion
0:04:36 > 0:04:42of tax credit cuts in the manifesto either.
0:04:42 > 0:04:47This proposal will affect 500,0 0 students, not in his manifesto.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50I have a question from a sttdent by the name of Liam,
0:04:50 > 0:04:55who says: I'm training to bd a mathematics teacher and whll now
0:04:55 > 0:04:59come out at the end of my course to debts in excess of ?50,000,
0:04:59 > 0:05:03which is roughly twice as mtch as what his annual income would be.
0:05:03 > 0:05:08Why is Liam being put into such debt?
0:05:08 > 0:05:11What I would say to Liam is he is now in a country
0:05:11 > 0:05:14where the university system has more people going to university than ever
0:05:14 > 0:05:18before, and more people from low-income backgrounds
0:05:18 > 0:05:21going to university than ever before.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23In addition, what I'd say to Liam, and I wish him well,
0:05:23 > 0:05:26is he will not pay back a penny of his loan
0:05:26 > 0:05:31until he's earning ?21,000.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35He will not start paying back in full until he's earning ?35, 00.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38And our policy is actually going to put more money in the hands
0:05:38 > 0:05:43of students like Liam, which is why we are doing it.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46By contrast, the Labour polhcy, which is to scrap the loans
0:05:46 > 0:05:49and scrap the fees, which would cost ?10 billion,
0:05:49 > 0:05:53would mean going back to a situation where people went out,
0:05:53 > 0:05:58worked hard, paid their taxds for the elite to go to univdrsity.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02We are uncapping aspiration and he wants to put a cap on it
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Jeremy Corbyn.
0:06:05 > 0:06:10I'm pleased to say Liam is trying to be a maths teacher which might be
0:06:10 > 0:06:13able to help the Prime Minister because he did say he was e`rning
0:06:13 > 0:06:16?25,000, which is more than ?21,000, if that is a help
0:06:16 > 0:06:24In 2010 his Government...
0:06:24 > 0:06:31in 2010, Mr Speaker,
0:06:31 > 0:06:34the Prime Minister's Governlent trebled tuition fees to ?9,000,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37defending it by saying they would be increasing maintenance grants
0:06:37 > 0:06:39for students from less well-off backgrounds.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42They are now scrapping thosd very same grants they used to bo`st
0:06:42 > 0:06:46about being increased.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48Where is the sense in doing this?
0:06:48 > 0:06:53Why are they abolishing those maintenance grants?
0:06:53 > 0:06:59The sense in doing this is we want to uncap univershty
0:06:59 > 0:07:02places, so as many young people in our country who want to go
0:07:02 > 0:07:03to university can go to university.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05And that's what we are doing.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09Before too much shouting from the party opposite,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11when they were in government it was Labour that introducdd
0:07:11 > 0:07:17the fees and loans system.
0:07:17 > 0:07:24Given this is the week we are meant to be learning the lessons
0:07:24 > 0:07:27of the last election, let me read a lesson from someone,
0:07:27 > 0:07:30frankly, I rather miss, Mr Dd Balls, who wrote this this week
0:07:30 > 0:07:36in the Times Higher Education Supplement.
0:07:36 > 0:07:38He said this: We clearly didn't find a sustainable way forward
0:07:38 > 0:07:40for the financing of higher education.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43If the electorate think you have the answers for thd future
0:07:43 > 0:07:47they will support you.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50When they were in Government they supported fees and loans,
0:07:50 > 0:07:55when we were in opposition we made the mistake that they did.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59If you want to be on the side of aspiration, if you want to be
0:07:59 > 0:08:02on the side of more univershty students and help people make
0:08:02 > 0:08:04the most of their lives, the system we've got is one
0:08:04 > 0:08:08that is working and the numbers prove it.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Jeremy Corbyn.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Mr Speaker, that is from thd very same Prime Minister who is taking
0:08:13 > 0:08:16away the grants that are designed to help the poorest
0:08:16 > 0:08:17within our society
0:08:17 > 0:08:20and give them access to higher education.
0:08:20 > 0:08:24I want to ask him about one particular group that
0:08:24 > 0:08:31are being targeted by this Government, student nurses.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34Not mentioned in the manifesto, the repayments that student nurses
0:08:34 > 0:08:37will have to pay when they pualify amount to an effective pay cut
0:08:37 > 0:08:39of ?900 for each nurse.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41Why is he punishing them when we need these nurses
0:08:41 > 0:08:47within the NHS?
0:08:47 > 0:08:55First of all there are 6,700 more nurses than when I became
0:08:55 > 0:08:58Prime Minister, but the facts are these: The Labour Party does not
0:08:58 > 0:09:01want to face up to difficult decisions but let me give hhm
0:09:01 > 0:09:02this one statistic.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05Today, two out of three people who want to become a nurse can't
0:09:05 > 0:09:07become a nurse because of the bursary system.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10So, by introducing the loans, nurses will get more money,
0:09:10 > 0:09:12we will train more nurses and bring in fewer from overseas.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15It's good for nurses, it's good for the NHS and good
0:09:15 > 0:09:18for our country, and it's only a Labour Party
0:09:18 > 0:09:20that is so short-sighted and anti-aspiration
0:09:20 > 0:09:22that can't see it.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Jeremy Corbyn!
0:09:25 > 0:09:31The Prime Minister and I wotld probably agree that we need to be
0:09:31 > 0:09:34spending more and directing more resources in dealing with the mental
0:09:34 > 0:09:36health crisis in this country.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39I've got a question from solebody who wants to help us get
0:09:39 > 0:09:43through this crisis by becoling a mental health nurse.
0:09:43 > 0:09:48It's a woman called Vicky from York, and she has a very real problem
0:09:48 > 0:09:52I wouldn't have been able to or chosen to study to be a mental
0:09:52 > 0:09:54health nurse without a burs`ry for the following reasons: H'm
0:09:54 > 0:09:57a single mum, I need support for childcare costs and havd debts
0:09:57 > 0:09:58from a previous degree.
0:09:58 > 0:10:04I'm a mature student of 33
0:10:04 > 0:10:06and wouldn't take on further debts which would be impossible for me
0:10:06 > 0:10:09to pay back and be fair on my daughter.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11She is somebody who we need in our NHS.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13We need her as a mental health nurse.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15We are losing her skill, her dedication, her aspirathon
0:10:15 > 0:10:23to help the entire communitx.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27Two out of three Vickys that turn up who want to be nurses are ttrned
0:10:27 > 0:10:30away by the current system, so we are bringing people
0:10:30 > 0:10:33in from Bulgaria or Romania, or the other side of the world,
0:10:33 > 0:10:39to do nursing jobs we should be training British people to do.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42The British people want to train as nurses, the NHS wants those
0:10:42 > 0:10:44nurses, this Government will fund those nurses,
0:10:44 > 0:10:49so let's halp them train and improve our health servhce.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Jeremy Corbyn.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56The problem is, you are expdcting Vicky and others like her to fund
0:10:56 > 0:10:59themselves by paying back a debt, or paying back from their w`ges
0:10:59 > 0:11:01in the future.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05I don't think she has been very reassured by the Prime Minister s
0:11:05 > 0:11:10answers today, unconvincing to her.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12However, he wasn't very good at convincing the honourabld member
0:11:12 > 0:11:18for Lewes, a nurse herself, who said, I would have struggled
0:11:18 > 0:11:23to undertake my training given the changes to the bursary scheme.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28Nine out of ten hospitals ctrrently have a nurse shortage.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Isn't what he is proposing for the nurse bursary schemd
0:11:31 > 0:11:34going to exacerbate the crisis, make it worse for everybody
0:11:35 > 0:11:37and make our NHS
0:11:37 > 0:11:38less effective than more effective?
0:11:38 > 0:11:44What is his answer to that point?
0:11:44 > 0:11:47I will give him a direct answer which is we're going to see 10, 00
0:11:47 > 0:11:50extra nurse degree places because of this policy.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Because we are effectively uncapping the numbers that can
0:11:52 > 0:11:56go into nursing.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00I have to say, Mr Speaker, this week has all been of a piece,
0:12:00 > 0:12:02a retreat of the Labour Party into the past.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04We've seen it with wanting to bring back secondary picketing,
0:12:04 > 0:12:09wanting to bring back flying pickets, we've seen it with the idea
0:12:09 > 0:12:12of stopping businesses paying dividends and with the absurd idea
0:12:12 > 0:12:16that nuclear submarines shotld go to sea without their missilds.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Anyone watching this Labour Party, and it's not just the leader,
0:12:19 > 0:12:23it's the whole party, they are a risk to national
0:12:23 > 0:12:26security, a risk to economic security, a risk to our health
0:12:26 > 0:12:36service and to the security of every family in our country.
0:12:38 > 0:12:44Leicestershire and the East Midlands continue to be a powerhouse of jobs
0:12:44 > 0:12:46and growth attracting investment from the UK
0:12:46 > 0:12:49and beyond and we are rightly proud of the success of our local
0:12:49 > 0:12:54businesses in Charnwood.
0:12:54 > 0:13:00Is their continued ability to attract foreign investment helped
0:13:00 > 0:13:09or hindered if secondary picketing were reintroduced?
0:13:09 > 0:13:12The East Midlands is a powerhouse of our economy and we've sedn
0:13:12 > 0:13:16employment in the East Midlands go up by 17,000.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18When businesses look at whether to invest in Britain
0:13:18 > 0:13:22whether they're overseas businesses, or indeed British businesses,
0:13:22 > 0:13:25they want to know we are gohng to have good labour relations
0:13:25 > 0:13:27and not a return to the 1970s of secondary strikes
0:13:27 > 0:13:31and flying pickets.
0:13:31 > 0:13:34It is extraordinary for a p`rty that spent so long trying to cast off
0:13:34 > 0:13:37that image of being in favotr of these appalling industri`l
0:13:37 > 0:13:40practices has now elected a leader and is backing a leader
0:13:40 > 0:13:43who would take us right back to the 1970s.
0:13:43 > 0:13:45Angus Robertson.
0:13:45 > 0:13:51Thank you very much, Mr Spe`ker
0:13:51 > 0:13:56World attention on the conflict in the Middle East is focusdd
0:13:56 > 0:14:00on Syria and Iraq, and much less so on the catastrophe in Yelen
0:14:00 > 0:14:03which has caused thousands of people to lose their lives and millions
0:14:03 > 0:14:06of people to lose their homds.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Can the Prime Minster tell the House what the UK Government is doing
0:14:09 > 0:14:12to support peace in Yemen?
0:14:12 > 0:14:16We are doing all we can with the people taking part in this
0:14:16 > 0:14:20conflict to encourage them to get round a negotiating table,
0:14:20 > 0:14:23as they have done recently hn order to bring about what's necessary
0:14:23 > 0:14:28in Yemen, a government that can represent all of the people.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31You've got to make sure that both Sunni and Shia are properly
0:14:31 > 0:14:35represented in that country and that's the only way we can
0:14:35 > 0:14:38meet our national interest which is to back a government
0:14:38 > 0:14:44in Yemen that will drive the terrorists, including Al-Qaeda
0:14:44 > 0:14:48in the Arabian Peninsula, APAP, out of Yemen, because they have been
0:14:48 > 0:14:50and are a direct threat to the citizens of Britain.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52Angus Robertson.
0:14:52 > 0:14:58Thousands of civilians have been killed in Yemen including a large
0:14:58 > 0:15:03number by the Saudi air force using British built planes
0:15:03 > 0:15:09with pilots trained by Brithsh instructors dropping British made
0:15:09 > 0:15:11bombs and are co-ordinated by the Saudis in the presence
0:15:11 > 0:15:16of British military advisers.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Isn't it time for the Prime Minister to admit that Britain is effectively
0:15:20 > 0:15:23taking part in a war in Yemdn that is costing thousands
0:15:23 > 0:15:26of civilian lives, and he h`s not sought Parliamentary approv`l
0:15:26 > 0:15:35to do this?
0:15:35 > 0:15:38I think the right honourabld gentleman started in a serious place
0:15:38 > 0:15:40but then seriously wandered off
0:15:40 > 0:15:44It is in our interests that we back the legitimate government of Yemen
0:15:47 > 0:15:50I think the right honourabld gentleman started in a serious place
0:15:50 > 0:15:52but then seriously wandered off
0:15:52 > 0:15:55It is in our interests that we back the legitimate government of Yemen
0:15:55 > 0:15:56and it's right to do that.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59We have some of the most stringent arms control measures of anx country
0:15:59 > 0:16:02anywhere in the world but to be absolutely clear,
0:16:02 > 0:16:04we are not a member of the Saudi-led coalition.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06British military personnel `re not directly involved in the co`lition
0:16:06 > 0:16:08operations, personnel are not involved in carrying out strikes,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11directing or conducting operations in Yemen or selecting targets
0:16:11 > 0:16:13and are not involved in the Saudi targeting decision making process.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17But, yes, do we provide trahning and advice and help in order to make
0:16:17 > 0:16:19sure countries do obey the norms of humanitarian law?
0:16:19 > 0:16:20Yes, we do.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22Thank you.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26The recent floods in the North of England have caused untold misery
0:16:26 > 0:16:31to people, householders, farmers, livestock and also what we need
0:16:31 > 0:16:35is a long-term strategy for floods, and I know the Prime Ministdr has
0:16:35 > 0:16:39done a lot of work across the country.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42Some rivers need to be dredged, some need to be slowed down
0:16:42 > 0:16:46and we need to manage the floodwaters in a better way
0:16:46 > 0:16:49Along with our long-term economic plan, can have a long-term
0:16:49 > 0:16:52plan on floods?
0:16:52 > 0:16:56We absolutely can do and th`t's exactly what the Environment
0:16:56 > 0:17:01and Agriculture secretaries are doing.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05We have an unprecedented six-year commitment of ?2.3 billion
0:17:05 > 0:17:08but as important as the mondy, is making sure we have a johned up
0:17:08 > 0:17:11approach to dredging in somd places, building flood barriers in others,
0:17:11 > 0:17:15managing the water in landscapes, including farming practices
0:17:15 > 0:17:18in a holistic way to use all the resources we have to reduce
0:17:18 > 0:17:22the likelihoods of floods.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27There is concern on all sidds about the recent rather patchwork
0:17:28 > 0:17:30approach to constitutional reform.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34We need a new act of union, one which sets out the rules
0:17:34 > 0:17:39and responsibilities so that the process of devolution
0:17:39 > 0:17:42max by consent will be both fairer and more comprehensible.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46Will the Prime Minister agrded to meet with me and other mdmbers
0:17:46 > 0:17:50of the constitutional reforl group to discuss any act of the union
0:17:50 > 0:17:53We come from all the major political parties, including experts such
0:17:53 > 0:17:56as Lord Lisvane, better known to this House as the former clerk
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Robert Rogers.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03I'm very happy to meet with the honourable lady.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06There is great expertise in this area.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10What I believe and I think where there would be common interest
0:18:10 > 0:18:13in this, what we are trying to do, as the government, is find
0:18:13 > 0:18:15a devolution settlement that works for all of the devolved nathons
0:18:15 > 0:18:20of the United Kingdom, incltding, importantly for England as well
0:18:20 > 0:18:24And I think we have made very good progress with the further ddvolution
0:18:24 > 0:18:27measures we have had in Scotland and in Wales,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30with the maintenance of the devolved assembly Northern Ireland.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33If there are further measures we can take,
0:18:33 > 0:18:34I am very happy to see them.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38But I don't necessarily belheve that simply writing things down hn one
0:18:38 > 0:18:40place will solve the problel.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43But I am happy to meet with the honourable lady.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48Does my right honourable frhend agree with me that our nucldar
0:18:48 > 0:18:51deterrent only works against our nation's enemies
0:18:51 > 0:18:54if our nuclear submarines at actually equipped
0:18:54 > 0:19:02with nuclear missiles?
0:19:02 > 0:19:05ANd those who do not believd this, they have a defence policy hnspired
0:19:05 > 0:19:08by the Beatles yellow submarine and shows that while the melbers
0:19:08 > 0:19:09opposite may twist and shout, their current leader
0:19:10 > 0:19:14certainly needs help.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17Well, I congratulate my honourable friend on his ingenious question.
0:19:17 > 0:19:23If there is a comic element to sending submarines to sed
0:19:23 > 0:19:26without missiles in, but in fact, it is absolutely serious
0:19:26 > 0:19:30because deterrent the has bden, on a cross-party basis,
0:19:30 > 0:19:35and absolute key part of our defence and making sure we've got
0:19:35 > 0:19:39the ultimate insurance policy, which we support on this side
0:19:39 > 0:19:42and we should vote on in thhs House.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46All I can say, when it comes to Beatles songs, I suspect
0:19:46 > 0:19:50that the Leader of the Opposition prefers back in the USSR.
0:19:52 > 0:20:00Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04Just under two weeks ago, a 16-year-old boy was murdered in
0:20:04 > 0:20:07a knife attack in my constituency.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11I'm sure the whole House want to join me in sending our ddepest
0:20:11 > 0:20:15condolences to his friends and family.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Given that knife crime in London rose last year and that the number
0:20:18 > 0:20:22of teenage deaths as a result has peaked to the highest level in seven
0:20:22 > 0:20:24years, what action will the government take to make sure
0:20:24 > 0:20:27that we don't return to the days when knife crime in London `ffecting
0:20:27 > 0:20:31particularly young people is merely a fact of life?
0:20:31 > 0:20:34The honourable member speaks for the whole House and I al sure
0:20:34 > 0:20:37the whole House will want to be in spirit with the family
0:20:37 > 0:20:41and friends of Charlie Kutuxampo who lost his life in this attack.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45There is nothing anyone can say here that will give them thd comfort
0:20:45 > 0:20:47that they seek.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51What I will say is that the law in terms of knife crime and offences
0:20:51 > 0:20:54and the level of cost or du`l sentences people are getting,
0:20:54 > 0:20:58for those crimes, I think the police have done a huge amount to hs trying
0:20:58 > 0:21:01crackdown on knife crime and that is why over all,
0:21:01 > 0:21:06it has fallen by 17% since 2010
0:21:06 > 0:21:09I think there is still more, in terms of educating children
0:21:09 > 0:21:11and young people about the dangers of carrying a knife.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15In so many of these cases, the carrier of the knife ends up
0:21:15 > 0:21:18the victim of the knife att`ck and so, as well as tough penalties,
0:21:18 > 0:21:20strong policing, we also need better education.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24Does the Prime Minister agrde with me that encouraging people
0:21:24 > 0:21:29in this country to learn thd English language has a unifying effdct?
0:21:29 > 0:21:35It aids integration and helps to create national identity
0:21:35 > 0:21:39and social cohesion and therefore should be promoted?
0:21:39 > 0:21:42My honourable friend is absolutely right.
0:21:42 > 0:21:46I think the most important thing in our country is we make stre that
0:21:46 > 0:21:49everybody can take advantagds of the opportunities in our country,
0:21:49 > 0:21:52to work, to get training, to go to university.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54This is an opportunity country.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57But there is no opportunity for people if you don't
0:21:57 > 0:21:58speak the language.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02And that is why we are going to be targeting money and those pdople,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06very often women, who have been stuck at home, sometimes by the men
0:22:06 > 0:22:09in the House, and make sure they can get the English-language skhlls
0:22:09 > 0:22:11that they need.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13Let me just make one other additional point.
0:22:13 > 0:22:15I think this is so important.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19When I was sat in a mosque hn Leeds this week, one of the young people
0:22:19 > 0:22:22there said how important it is that imams speak Englhsh
0:22:22 > 0:22:26because if you've got young people, sometimes you speak English
0:22:26 > 0:22:29themselves but not Urdu and not Arabic, they need someone to guide
0:22:29 > 0:22:32them away from Isil and the poisonous rhetoric
0:22:32 > 0:22:36so speaking English is important for all, imams included.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40Over the past few months, young people in Southampton have
0:22:40 > 0:22:44seen themselves frozen out of the living wage and houshng
0:22:44 > 0:22:50benefit, faced the downgradhng of closure of the F E colleges
0:22:50 > 0:22:53and sixth form colleges that many of them get their qualifications
0:22:53 > 0:22:57from and now we see the endhng of maintenance grants for those
0:22:57 > 0:22:59young people who want to go to university.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02What is it the Prime Ministdr has got against young people trxing
0:23:02 > 0:23:04to make their way in life?
0:23:04 > 0:23:07I'll tell you what we are doing for young people.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Record numbers going to university, record numbers who are taking
0:23:10 > 0:23:12on apprenticeships.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15Record numbers in work.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Actually, the today, the guideline figures show ` record
0:23:17 > 0:23:22low in the implement rate alongst those people who have left school.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26I say to the honourable gentleman, one of the reasons why a Labour MP
0:23:26 > 0:23:31in the south of England is `s rare as hen's teeth is because they talk
0:23:31 > 0:23:35down our country and they t`lked down opportunity in it.
0:23:35 > 0:23:41I would like to thank the Prime Minister for launching
0:23:41 > 0:23:45the delivery board on Mondax evening at Number Ten, these men and women
0:23:45 > 7:37:46who are experts in their sectors, together to deliver the 3 mhllion 17:38:31,696 --> 24:16:12,825 apprenticeships starts by 2020. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 thing if when students across our country log onto the UCAS 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 website, they are informed about the opportunities of degree 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 apprenticeships as well as the more traditional degrees? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I think my honourable friend is making a very important point 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 for two reasons. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 One is that if you become an apprentice, that is not blocking 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 out the chance of doing a ddgree later in your career. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Indeed, the opportunities for learning and learning 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 are getting greater in our country. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 The secondaries and is in otr schools, of course all our teachers 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 are very well to tell peopld about degree opportunities 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 because that is the route they have taken, A-levels, 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 UCAS form and suchlike. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 But we need to improve the information in our schools 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 though that people can see the upper tuna teas for apprenticeships, 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 in some cases then leading onto degrees. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 My 24-year-old constituent Lara is in urgent need 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 of the stem cell donor. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Her family's campaign - Match4Lara Is attracting global 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 support and on Saturday, the O2 Centre in my constittency 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 will be running a drive to get as many people as possible 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 on the bone marrow register. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Will the Prime Minister join me in this event on Saturday 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 and will he sentd a message of support to those working 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 to keep Lara alive? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I certainly will join the honourable lady in supporting Lara's c`mpaign. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I have had meeting with the bone marrow organisations in number ten 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Downing St to support the m`tching campaign and I am sure 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 by her raising it at Question Time in this way, many others 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 will want to come to this event on Saturday and support Lar` 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 in the way she suggests. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 The Prime Minister is aware that a number of colleagues 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 and I await his response to our request made in Novelber 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 for a meeting regarding the EU renegotiations to discuss 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 the important issue of this Parliament by itself being `ble 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 to stop any unwanted taxes and directives which goes 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 to the core of the issues, such as control of our borddrs, 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 business regulations, etcetdra. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Will he now meet with us prhor to the next EU meeting? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 As my honourable friend can imagine, I'm having a range of meetings 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 with my colleagues about the European issue. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I am sure I will be covering as many in our parliamentary 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 party as possible. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I have always felt with my honourable friend that he h`s 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 slightly made up his mind already and wants to leave the EU, 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 whatever the results? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I don't want to take up any more of his time than is necessary. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 The UK Government is a cheerleader for China to be awarded WTO market 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 economy status because it w`nts the City of London to becomd 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 a major trading centre for the Chinese currency. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 MES for China would make it nigh on impossible to charge tarhffs 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 on Chinese steel, despite its dumping strategx. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Is this not a classic case of once again the Westminster government 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 putting the bankers of London before manufacturing workers in Wales 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 and the rest of the UK? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I think the honourable gentleman is wrong, both on content 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 and on approach. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 The two issues are separate. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 There are market economies that Europe still puts 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 dumping tariffs on. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 We actually did that recently with America. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 And we have done it in the past with Russia. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 So, I think we should take these two issues separately. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 We should continue to pursud robust action against China 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 which is exactly what we ard doing. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 In terms of a closer relationship, trading relationship with China 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I want to help those Welsh businesses, including companies 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 like Airbus to break into Chinese markets and make sure that we get 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 the best for British jobs, British manufacturing, 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 British exports. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 That is what we want in our relationship with Chhna. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Speaking of Airbus, Mr Speaker, the Mersey region which str`ddles 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 the England Wales border is one of the most dynamic industrhal areas 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 of the country. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Will my right honourable frhend welcome the establishment 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 of the all-party Mersey grotp which has been formed to promote 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 the economic success of the region? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 And will he urge his ministdrial colleagues and the Welsh government 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 to cooperate with the group in its work? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 First of all, let me join my honourable friend 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 in welcoming this new group. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I think it is important, when you look at the development 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 of the Welsh economy, very much to think about how 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 North Wales can benefit frol growth in the north-west of our cotntry 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 and the North West and Wales which this group will be ex`mining. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Clearly, HS2 and what happens in Crewe will be a vital part 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 of that process but I am very happy to talk further with him. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Will the Prime Minister reiterate, not just on behalf 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 of the government, but speaking for the whole of the House, 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I believe, the unconditional and unequivocal support 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 of the British people for the people of the Falkland Islands 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 to their right... 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 ..to their inalienable and British-held right 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 to self-determination and that that will not be undermined in any way 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 by some kind of accommodation or some kind of negotiations 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 in which the people of the Falkland islands may have an enormous site 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 but have no veto. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 They should have a right to determine their own future. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 The honourable gentleman has put it better than I ever could. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 The people of the Falkland Hslands have spoken as clearly 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 as they possibly could in that referendum and they want to maintain 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 the Status Quo and as long as they want that, they havd 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 that guarantee from me. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 And I find it quite extraordinary that the Labour Party now 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 want to look at trying to change the status and to give away 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 something people absolutely considered to be there right. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 And that will never happen `s long as I am in Downing Street. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 As a former Cub Scout leader and Queen Scout, 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I'm pleased to say that Scotting is thriving in Harrow. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 This year marks the centenary of the formation and bounding 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 of Cub Scouting across the TK. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Will my right honourable frhend join me in congratulating 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 the 150,000 young people who participate in Cub Scouting 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 every week in the UK, congratulate and thank the leaders 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 who give up their time voluntarily to enable young people 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 to have a sense of adventurd in a safe environment and c`ll 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 on more people to volunteer as leaders as part of 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 the big society movement? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I absolutely agree with my honourable friend. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 The Scouts are a great part of the big society. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 We provided them and other tniformed youth groups with over ?10 lillion 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 of funding since I have become Prime Minister to help them do 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 the excellent work they do. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I have had a letter recentlx from Bear Grylls, the chief scout 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 himself, looking at what we can do to welcome the centenary and give 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 this fantastic organisation a big centenary boost. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 The Prime Minister should bd aware that Sheffield Forgemasters 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 announced this morning the loss of 100 jobs in this crisis hndustry. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Many of those jobs will be in my constituency. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 We have had lots of warm words, pandering, and some crocodile tears, 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 both from the Prime Minister and ministers in this chambdr. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 About the tsunami of job losses across the steel industry. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Can he tell me when he is actually going to do something to actually 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 support world-class companids like Sheffield Forgemasters? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 First of all, we have taken action and including the action on energy 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 bills which will save these industries ?400 million in this 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Parliament. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 The honourable gentleman chose to inject a bit 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 of politics into this. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Well, let me inject some back. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 When the Labour Party were hn power, what happened to employment 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 in the steel industry? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 It was cut by 35,000, cut in half. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 that we put in place? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Where were the rules for making sure that we buy British Steel 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 here when it comes to public procurement, as we will for HS2 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 with the carrier programme? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 And, also, if he is interested in Sheffield Forgemasters, 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 he might want to have a little word with his leader about something 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 called the Trident submarind. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Mr Speaker, we don't yet know who will headline act Glastonbury 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 this summer but we do know that as things stand, 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 they will not have anywhere to do their banking as this 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 world-famous town is to losd all three of its remaining banks 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 within 12 weeks of each othdr. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Will my right honourable frhend join me in encouraging thosd banks 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 to think again and otherwisd to make sure they meet their response 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 that is under the banking protocols? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I will certainly make sure that happens and I will have a mdeting 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 with the Treasury Minister to discuss this issue. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 We are seeing huge challengds, partly because of the growth 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 of internet banking, but it is important in markdt towns 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 like his that we continue to have a physical presence 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 on the high street. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 The Prime Minister may be aware of the tragic case of Julie Pearson, 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 a young Scottish woman who died in Israel in November 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 and was allegedly beat and raped before her death. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I met the family recently and I hope the whole House will join whth me 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 in offering our condolences. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 They are struggling to get `nswers from the Israeli government 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 and authorities, in particular getting help autopsy report. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 Will the Prime Minister meet with me and look at this case to put 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 pressure on the Israeli govdrnment and authorities into Julie's death 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 so the family can get the answers they want and ultimately 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 get justice for Julie? 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 First of all, I'm not aware, directly, of this case, 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 but I will certainly take it up on her behalf with the Isradli 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 authorities because it is ilportant that our constituents get answers 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 on this matter. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 I have is I can arrange with her to have a meeting 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 with the Foreign Office minhster so they can discuss it. 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 We have good relations with Israel, we should use those good relations 24:16:12,825 --> 24:16:12,825 to make sure that when people need answers, they get them.