0:00:30 > 0:00:30Questions
0:00:30 > 0:00:32Questions to
0:00:32 > 0:00:32Questions to the
0:00:32 > 0:00:32Questions to the Prime
0:00:32 > 0:00:36Questions to the Prime Minister.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38This morning, I had meetings with ministerial colleagues
0:00:38 > 0:00:39and others in addition
0:00:39 > 0:00:40to my duties in this House.
0:00:40 > 0:00:41I shall have further such
0:00:41 > 0:00:43meetings later today.
0:00:43 > 0:00:49Mr Speaker, can I take the opportunity to wish you
0:00:49 > 0:00:53and all members of the House a merry Christmas and a happy new year?
0:00:53 > 0:01:03Mr Speaker, in the light of the Foreign Secretary's
0:01:05 > 0:01:08Mr Speaker, in the light of the Foreign Secretary's
0:01:08 > 0:01:09display of chronic foot in mouth disease,
0:01:09 > 0:01:10when deciding on cabinet positions,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13does the Prime Minister now regret that pencilling FO
0:01:13 > 0:01:14against his name should
0:01:14 > 0:01:16have been an instruction, not a job offer?
0:01:16 > 0:01:16LAUGHTER
0:01:16 > 0:01:21Mr...
0:01:21 > 0:01:24LAUGHTER
0:01:24 > 0:01:25Order!
0:01:25 > 0:01:27There's far too much noise in the chamber.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32We've heard the question, but I want to hear the Prime Minister's answer.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36First of all, I join the honourable gentleman in wishing
0:01:36 > 0:01:42everybody happy Christmas.
0:01:42 > 0:01:46I will, of course, have an opportunity to do that
0:01:46 > 0:01:49on Monday, when I'm sure the House will be as full for the
0:01:49 > 0:01:56statement on the European council meeting.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59Funny that the yes comes from this side, not from the Labour side.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02I have to say that the Foreign Secretary is doing
0:02:02 > 0:02:03an absolutely excellent job.
0:02:03 > 0:02:10He is, in short, an FFS, a Fine Foreign Secretary.
0:02:10 > 0:02:13Amanda Milling!
0:02:13 > 0:02:17Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Rugeley has a really bright future ahead...
0:02:20 > 0:02:25I want to hear the voice of Cannock Chase!
0:02:25 > 0:02:27Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29Rugeley has a really bright future ahead,
0:02:29 > 0:02:33but only if we're ambitious, bold and visionary in our
0:02:33 > 0:02:35redevelopment plans.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40Will my right honourable friend outline how the Government's
0:02:40 > 0:02:43industrial strategy can create the conditions which will help us
0:02:43 > 0:02:47build a sustainable local economy and highly skilled jobs
0:02:47 > 0:02:51for future generations?
0:02:51 > 0:02:54My honourable friend is absolutely right that
0:02:54 > 0:02:57communities across this country
0:02:57 > 0:03:01have a bright future ahead of them, but we need to ensure that we create
0:03:01 > 0:03:02the conditions for that future.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05That's why we will be producing a modern industrial strategy that
0:03:05 > 0:03:10will show how we can encourage the strategic strengths of the UK,
0:03:10 > 0:03:12deal with our underlying weaknesses.
0:03:12 > 0:03:19It will enable companies to grow, to invest in the UK,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22to provide those jobs for the future, but we also need
0:03:22 > 0:03:26to make sure that that prosperity is spread across the whole of the UK
0:03:26 > 0:03:27and is prosperity for everyone.
0:03:27 > 0:03:28Jeremy Corbyn.
0:03:28 > 0:03:38Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Could I start by wishing yourself, Mr Speaker, and all members
0:03:41 > 0:03:44of the House and everyone who works in the House a very happy Christmas
0:03:44 > 0:03:46and a prosperous New Year.
0:03:46 > 0:03:48Sadly, Mr Speaker, our late colleague Jo Cox will not be
0:03:48 > 0:03:50celebrating Christmas this year with her family.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53She was murdered and taken from us.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56So I hope the Prime Minister - I'm sure she will -
0:03:56 > 0:03:58join me in encouraging people to download the song which many
0:03:58 > 0:04:01members helped to create as a tribute to Jo's life and work
0:04:01 > 0:04:06and in everlasting memory of her.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09The right honourable gentleman is absolutely right
0:04:09 > 0:04:16to raise this issue.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18I'm sure everybody in this House, we should send
0:04:18 > 0:04:19a very clear message -
0:04:19 > 0:04:21download this single for the Jo Cox Foundation.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24It's a very important cause and we all recognise that Jo Cox
0:04:24 > 0:04:27was a fine member of this House and would have carried
0:04:27 > 0:04:29on contributing significantly to this House and to this country,
0:04:29 > 0:04:32had she not been brutally murdered.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36I think the Chancellor is waiving the VAT on this single.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Everybody involved in it gave their services for free.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41I'm having a photograph with MP4 later this afternoon.
0:04:41 > 0:04:49LAUGHTER
0:04:49 > 0:04:51And, once again, let's just encourage everybody
0:04:51 > 0:04:56to download the single.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58The Prime Minister was of course referring, for the benefit
0:04:58 > 0:05:01of those observing the proceedings outside, to the outstanding
0:05:01 > 0:05:05parliamentary rock band MP4.
0:05:05 > 0:05:10Mr Speaker, I applaud the work of MP4, but for
0:05:10 > 0:05:11the benefit of their quality,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14I'm not a member of it!
0:05:14 > 0:05:20I thank her for that answer.
0:05:20 > 0:05:29Mr Speaker, social care is crucial.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34It provides support for people to live with dignity.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37Yet Age UK research has found that 1.2 million older people
0:05:37 > 0:05:39are currently not receiving the care that they need.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Will the Prime Minister accept there is a crisis in social care?
0:05:42 > 0:05:44I have consistently said in this House that we
0:05:44 > 0:05:45recognise the pressures
0:05:45 > 0:05:52on social care, so it might be helpful if I set out
0:05:52 > 0:05:54what the Government is doing in social care.
0:05:54 > 0:05:55We recognise the pressures.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58That is why the Government is putting more money into social
0:05:58 > 0:06:01care through the Better Care Fund, and by the end of this
0:06:01 > 0:06:02Parliament, that will be
0:06:02 > 0:06:03billions of pounds extra.
0:06:03 > 0:06:09It's why we have enabled the social care precept for local authorities.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11We recognise that there are immediate pressures on social care.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14That's why this will be addressed by my right honourable friend,
0:06:14 > 0:06:18the Secretary of State for communities and local government
0:06:18 > 0:06:20in the local government finance settlement tomorrow.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23But we also recognise that this is not just about money,
0:06:23 > 0:06:24it is about delivery.
0:06:24 > 0:06:32There is a difference in delivery across the country.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35We need to make sure reform takes place so that we see
0:06:35 > 0:06:36best practice in terms
0:06:36 > 0:06:39of integration of health and social care across the country, but we also
0:06:39 > 0:06:43need to ensure that we have a longer term solution to give people
0:06:43 > 0:06:45the reassurance for the future that there is a sustainable
0:06:45 > 0:06:47system which will ensure that they are receiving the social
0:06:47 > 0:06:51care that they need in old age, and that is what the Government
0:06:51 > 0:06:56is working on.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58There's a short-term issue, there's a medium-term need to make
0:06:58 > 0:07:00local authorities and health services are delivering
0:07:00 > 0:07:01consistently, and there is a long-term solution
0:07:01 > 0:07:02we need to find.
0:07:02 > 0:07:03Jeremy Corbyn.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06Mr Speaker, the Care Quality Commission warned as recently
0:07:06 > 0:07:07as October that evidence
0:07:07 > 0:07:09suggests we have approached a tipping point, so instead
0:07:09 > 0:07:11of passing the buck on to local government, shouldn't the Government
0:07:11 > 0:07:15take responsibility itself for the crisis?
0:07:15 > 0:07:18Could the Prime Minister take this opportunity to inform the House
0:07:18 > 0:07:20exactly how much was cut from the social care budget
0:07:20 > 0:07:25in the last Parliament?
0:07:25 > 0:07:27We have been putting more money into social care and health.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35We have been putting more money into social care and health.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38We recognise the pressures that exist, and that's why we will be
0:07:38 > 0:07:40looking at the short-term pressures that exist in relation
0:07:40 > 0:07:44to social care.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47But you cannot look at this question as simply being an issue
0:07:47 > 0:07:51of money in the short term.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53It is about delivery, it is about reform,
0:07:53 > 0:07:56it is about the social care system working with the health system.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59That's why this is an issue that is being addressed not just
0:07:59 > 0:08:02by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government,
0:08:02 > 0:08:05but also the Secretary of State for Health.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08But if we are going to give people the reassurance that they need
0:08:08 > 0:08:13in the longer term that their social care needs will be met,
0:08:13 > 0:08:15this isn't just about looking for a short-term solution,
0:08:15 > 0:08:18it's about finding a way forward that can give a sustainable
0:08:18 > 0:08:22system of social care for the future.
0:08:23 > 0:08:24Jeremy Corbyn.
0:08:24 > 0:08:25Mr Speaker, the Prime Minister doesn't seem
0:08:25 > 0:08:28to be aware that 4.6 billion was cut from the social care budget
0:08:28 > 0:08:29in the last Parliament,
0:08:29 > 0:08:33and that her talk of putting it on to local government ought to be
0:08:33 > 0:08:35taken for what it is, a con.
0:08:35 > 0:08:402% of council tax is clearly a nonsense.
0:08:40 > 0:08:4295% of councils use this social care precept,
0:08:42 > 0:08:44and it raised less than 3%
0:08:44 > 0:08:51of the money they planned to spend on adult social care.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Billions seem to be available for tax giveaways to corporations,
0:08:53 > 0:08:55not mentioned in the Autumn Statement, underfunded,
0:08:55 > 0:08:57and many elderly people left isolated and in crisis
0:08:57 > 0:09:07because of the lack of government funding of social care.
0:09:12 > 0:09:15We see many councils around the country that have taken
0:09:15 > 0:09:18the benefit of the social care precept and have, as a result,
0:09:18 > 0:09:20seen more people being able to access social care
0:09:20 > 0:09:26and needs being met.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28Sadly, there are also some councils across the country,
0:09:28 > 0:09:30some Labour councils, who haven't taken that opportunity,
0:09:30 > 0:09:33where we do see a worse performance in relation to social care.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35But the right honourable gentleman once again refers
0:09:35 > 0:09:36to the issue of money.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38I might remind him that at the last election,
0:09:38 > 0:09:42the then Shadow Chancellor said that if Labour were in government,
0:09:42 > 0:09:45there would be not a penny more for local authorities, and also that
0:09:45 > 0:09:49when recently asked about spending more money on social care,
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Labour's Shadow Health Secretary said when he was asked
0:09:52 > 0:09:55where the money would come from, "Ooh, well, we're going to have
0:09:55 > 0:10:03to come up with a plan for that".
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Mr Speaker, this Government has cut social care and she well knows
0:10:05 > 0:10:15it and she well knows the effect of that.
0:10:18 > 0:10:20She also well knows that raising council tax has a different outcome
0:10:20 > 0:10:23in different parts of the country.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25For example, if you raise the council tax in Windsor
0:10:25 > 0:10:28and Maidenhead, you get quite a lot of money.
0:10:28 > 0:10:30If you raise a council tax precept in Liverpool or Newcastle,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34you get a lot less.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36Is she saying that older people, frail, elderly, vulnerable people
0:10:36 > 0:10:39are less valuable in our big cities than they are in wealthier
0:10:39 > 0:10:47parts of the country?
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Mr Speaker, this crisis is a crisis for many elderly people
0:10:49 > 0:10:52who are living in a very difficult situation because of this.
0:10:52 > 0:10:57It is also a crisis for the National Health Service.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59Those people who are in hospital cannot be discharged
0:10:59 > 0:11:06because there is nowhere for them to go to, so I'll ask her again -
0:11:06 > 0:11:09the crisis affects individuals, families and it affects the National
0:11:09 > 0:11:11Health Service, so why doesn't she do something really bold -
0:11:11 > 0:11:14cancel the corporation tax cut and put the money into
0:11:14 > 0:11:22social care instead?
0:11:22 > 0:11:24The right honourable gentleman has quoted Newcastle council
0:11:24 > 0:11:30in the list that he set there.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33I have to say, Newcastle council is one of the councils where we saw
0:11:33 > 0:11:35in September virtually no delayed discharges, so elderly people
0:11:35 > 0:11:40were not being held up in hospital and they didn't need to be
0:11:40 > 0:11:42and when they didn't want to be, so what this shows
0:11:42 > 0:11:50is that it is possible for councils to deliver on the ground.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52So you see councils like Newcastle and Torbay doing that,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55and you see councils like Ealing not using the social care
0:11:55 > 0:11:56precept and a different result.
0:11:56 > 0:11:57The difference between the worst
0:11:57 > 0:11:59performing council in relation to delayed discharges and the best
0:11:59 > 0:12:01is a twentyfold difference.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03That is not about the difference of funding, but about
0:12:03 > 0:12:12the difference of delivery.
0:12:12 > 0:12:13Corbyn!
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Mr Speaker, councils work very hard to try to cope with a 40% cut
0:12:16 > 0:12:19in their budgets across the whole country, and the people that
0:12:19 > 0:12:21pay the price are those who are stuck in hospital
0:12:21 > 0:12:24who should be allowed to go home, and those that aren't getting
0:12:24 > 0:12:26the care and support they need.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29This is a social care system that's deep in crisis.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33The crisis is made in Downing Street by this Government.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35The former chair of the health select committee,
0:12:35 > 0:12:36Stephen Dorrell, says
0:12:36 > 0:12:40the system is inadequately funded.
0:12:40 > 0:12:42The current chair of the health select committee says
0:12:42 > 0:12:45"The issue can't be ducked any longer because of the impact it's
0:12:45 > 0:12:49having not just on vulnerable people, but also on the NHS".
0:12:49 > 0:12:51Why can't the Prime Minister listen to those in local
0:12:51 > 0:12:55government, to the King's Fund, the NHS Confederation,
0:12:55 > 0:12:59her own council leaders, and recognise that this social care
0:12:59 > 0:13:05crisis forces people to give up work to care for loved ones
0:13:05 > 0:13:08because there isn't a system to do it, makes people stay in hospital
0:13:08 > 0:13:10longer than they should and leads people into a horrible,
0:13:10 > 0:13:13isolated life when they should be cared for by all of us
0:13:13 > 0:13:15through a properly funded social care system?
0:13:15 > 0:13:25Get a grip and fund it properly, please.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31The issue of social care is indeed one that has been ducked
0:13:31 > 0:13:34by governments for too long.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37That is why it is this government, it is this government
0:13:37 > 0:13:44that will provide a long-term, sustainable system for social care
0:13:44 > 0:13:45that gives reassurance to people.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49But when he talks about governments ducking social care,
0:13:49 > 0:13:56let's look at about 13 years of Labour in government.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59They said in 1997 that they would sort it in their manifesto.
0:13:59 > 0:14:02They had a royal commission in 1999, a green paper in 2005,
0:14:02 > 0:14:08the Wanless Report in 2006.
0:14:08 > 0:14:13In 2007, they said they'd sort it.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15In 2009, they had another green paper.
0:14:15 > 0:14:2313 years, and no action whatsoever.
0:14:23 > 0:14:31Order!
0:14:31 > 0:14:34Mr Speaker, today a constituent of mine from Shoreham will struggle
0:14:34 > 0:14:36to get to University College Hospital in
0:14:36 > 0:14:37London for life-saving cancer drug trials.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40Across Sussex, thousands of others will be unable to get
0:14:40 > 0:14:46to work, school and college because
0:14:46 > 0:14:50Aslef object to their drivers on Southern operating the doors.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52Yet today, Aslef drivers will be driving Thameslink
0:14:52 > 0:14:54trains on the same rails, operating the doors
0:14:54 > 0:14:56on the London to Brighton line.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Can the Prime Minister give her assurance that everything
0:14:59 > 0:15:02will be done at the ACAS talks today to end this nonsense of a strike,
0:15:02 > 0:15:04address any residual safety issues and give our constituents
0:15:04 > 0:15:06their lives back?
0:15:06 > 0:15:09My honourable friend is right to raise this issue.
0:15:09 > 0:15:10This is an appalling strike.
0:15:10 > 0:15:19He's right to raise the discrepancy in attitude of Aslef.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21We've seen driver-only operated trains on rail networks
0:15:21 > 0:15:22in the UK for decades.
0:15:22 > 0:15:28They are on the Thameslink train.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31I hope that the talks at Acas are going to lead
0:15:31 > 0:15:34to an end to this strike, but, actually, I've got a suggestion
0:15:34 > 0:15:41for the Leader of the Opposition.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44I think the Leader of the Opposition could do something to help
0:15:44 > 0:15:45members of the public.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47The Labour Party is funded by Aslef.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Why doesn't he get on the phone and tell them to call
0:15:50 > 0:15:53the strike off immediately?
0:15:53 > 0:16:01Angus Robertson.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03We join with the leader of the Labour Party
0:16:03 > 0:16:05and with the Prime Minister in wishing great success
0:16:05 > 0:16:09to the Jo Cox single that's available for download on Friday.
0:16:09 > 0:16:16I'm sure we're all going to download it.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19Mr Speaker, civilians have suffered grievously with the bombing
0:16:19 > 0:16:20of hospitals, of schools, of markets.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22The United Nations believes that 60% of civilian casualties
0:16:22 > 0:16:28are caused by air strikes.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31In the last 24 hours, the United States has stopped
0:16:31 > 0:16:32the supply of guided munitions to Saudi
0:16:32 > 0:16:33Arabia to bomb Yemen.
0:16:33 > 0:16:41When will the UK follow suit?
0:16:41 > 0:16:44As the right honourable gentleman knows, we do have a very strict
0:16:44 > 0:16:46regime of export licences in relation to weapons
0:16:46 > 0:16:51here in the UK.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54We exercise that very carefully and in recent years,
0:16:54 > 0:16:56we have indeed refused export licences in relation
0:16:56 > 0:17:05to arms, including to Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08The US government has just said, and I quote, "Systematic,
0:17:08 > 0:17:10endemic problems in Saudi Arabia's targeting drove the US decision
0:17:10 > 0:17:12to halt a future weapons sale involving precision-guided
0:17:12 > 0:17:18munitions".
0:17:18 > 0:17:19The Saudis have UK-supplied precision-guided
0:17:19 > 0:17:20Paveway IV missiles.
0:17:20 > 0:17:26They're made in Scotland.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29The UK has licensed ?3.3 billion of arms to Saudi Arabia
0:17:29 > 0:17:30since the beginning of the bombing campaign.
0:17:30 > 0:17:33What will it take for the UK to adopt an ethical foreign policy
0:17:33 > 0:17:41when it comes to Yemen?
0:17:41 > 0:17:43As the right honourable gentleman knows, the intervention in Yemen
0:17:43 > 0:17:48is a UN-backed intervention.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50As I've said previously, where there are allegations
0:17:50 > 0:17:52of breaches of international humanitarian law, we require those
0:17:52 > 0:17:56to be properly investigated.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00We do have a relationship with Saudi Arabia.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03The security of the Gulf is important to us and I would
0:18:03 > 0:18:05simply also remind the right honourable gentleman that,
0:18:05 > 0:18:07actually, Saudi intelligence, the counterterrorism links we have
0:18:07 > 0:18:09with Saudi Arabia, the intelligence we get from Saudi Arabia,
0:18:09 > 0:18:18has saved potentially hundreds of lives here in the UK.
0:18:18 > 0:18:19Dr Sarah Wollaston.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Mr Speaker, one of my constituents has just had to move to residential
0:18:22 > 0:18:25care because no carers could be found to support her
0:18:25 > 0:18:30in her own home.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34She's at the sharp end of a crisis in social care that is as much
0:18:34 > 0:18:37about inadequate funding as it is about a shortfall in our
0:18:37 > 0:18:41very valued social care workforce.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43I'm looking forward to hearing what immediate further support
0:18:43 > 0:18:46will be provided for social care, but isn't it time that rather
0:18:46 > 0:18:48than having confrontational dialogues about social care funding,
0:18:48 > 0:18:50all parties work together across this House to look
0:18:50 > 0:18:53for a sustainable, long-term solution for funding of both
0:18:53 > 0:19:02integrated health and social care?
0:19:03 > 0:19:05My honourable friend is right to raise the issue of looking
0:19:05 > 0:19:08at a sustainable way in which we can support integrated health and social
0:19:08 > 0:19:11care and a sustainable way for people to know that
0:19:11 > 0:19:14in the future, they are going to be able to have the social
0:19:14 > 0:19:17care they require.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20As I said earlier in response to the Leader of the Opposition,
0:19:20 > 0:19:24we recognise the short-term pressures on the system, but I think
0:19:24 > 0:19:27it is important for us to look at those medium and longer term
0:19:27 > 0:19:30solutions if we are going to be able to address this
0:19:30 > 0:19:31issue, and I was very
0:19:31 > 0:19:35pleased to be able to have a meeting with my honourable friend to discuss
0:19:35 > 0:19:37this last week and I look forward to further such meetings.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41Mark Durkan.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43Can I tell the Prime Minister that the cross-party delegation
0:19:43 > 0:19:46led by the right honourable member for Cynon Valley will meet
0:19:46 > 0:19:48the Russian ambassador tomorrow morning on Aleppo,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51and we will reflect and amplify, in precisely the sort of terms
0:19:51 > 0:19:59that she and the Foreign Secretary have used, about Russia,
0:19:59 > 0:20:02the Assad regime and Iran, not least because we want to protect
0:20:02 > 0:20:05those who have heroically struggled to save lives in that city
0:20:05 > 0:20:08who are now going to be at particular risk because of
0:20:08 > 0:20:09the witness they can give.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13But does she accept that many of us believe that those sort of messages
0:20:13 > 0:20:16are more cogent when we are equally unequivocal about the primacy
0:20:16 > 0:20:18of human rights and international humanitarian law when we meet
0:20:18 > 0:20:23the Gulf states?
0:20:23 > 0:20:26We do raise the issues of human rights when we meet the Gulf States,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29but he's absolutely right in relation to the role that Russia
0:20:29 > 0:20:31is playing in Syria.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34There's a very simple message to President Putin.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38He has it within his own hands to be able to actually say to the Assad
0:20:38 > 0:20:40regime that enough is enough in Aleppo, we need to ensure that
0:20:40 > 0:20:43humanitarian aid is there for people and the people who have,
0:20:43 > 0:20:45as he says, been heroically saving the lives of others,
0:20:45 > 0:20:54ensure that they have their security ensured.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57I'm sure that is a message he and others will be giving
0:20:57 > 0:20:58to the Russian ambassador.
0:20:58 > 0:20:59It's in President Putin's hands.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03He can do it - why doesn't he?
0:21:03 > 0:21:05Will the Prime Minister thank me in joining the many
0:21:05 > 0:21:11people from this House who took part in Sing for Syrians.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15It was created in order to pay the salaries
0:21:15 > 0:21:19of the medical staff in Aleppo.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23Since our hospital was shut two weeks ago, bombed two weeks ago,
0:21:23 > 0:21:27we have been buying prosthetic limbs with all of our money.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31We have a waiting list of 30,000 people.
0:21:31 > 0:21:38What can we do to target our humanitarian aid it make sure it
0:21:38 > 0:21:44gets to the most vulnerable people in Syria, the old,
0:21:44 > 0:21:47very young and people who are too injured to move?
0:21:47 > 0:21:49Well, first of all, I absolutely join my honourable friend
0:21:49 > 0:21:52in congratulating everyone who took part in Sing for Syrians.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54I'm sure the whole House would welcome the work that that
0:21:54 > 0:21:57group is doing and the money that is being put to extremely good
0:21:57 > 0:21:59use, that is being raised.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01She raises, I think, the House was struck by the number
0:22:01 > 0:22:04of people she referred to being on the waiting list
0:22:04 > 0:22:05for prosthetic limbs.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08Of course, in terms of our humanitarian aid support for Syria,
0:22:08 > 0:22:13which is the biggest humanitarian effort that the United Kingdom has
0:22:13 > 0:22:18made, of course we are giving money to the refugees who have fled
0:22:18 > 0:22:22from Syria, we're also, of course, working diplomatically
0:22:22 > 0:22:26to try to reduce the suffering, to try to make sure that we can see
0:22:26 > 0:22:29the sort of aid and medical support she is talking about,
0:22:29 > 0:22:32getting through to the citizens of Aleppo.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35But we will continue to ensure that our humanitarian aid
0:22:35 > 0:22:38is being put to good use, helping those who are vulnerable
0:22:38 > 0:22:42but also helping those who need the education and support to be
0:22:42 > 0:22:44able, in due course, to rebuild Syria when we see
0:22:44 > 0:22:46a stable and secure Syria.
0:22:46 > 0:22:53Mr Speaker, rip-off interest rates on household goods are wrong.
0:22:53 > 0:22:59Companies like Brighthouse exploit families who have no other way
0:22:59 > 0:23:01to furnish their homes.
0:23:01 > 0:23:05So, will the Prime Minister look at capping these interest
0:23:05 > 0:23:08rates, to help those who are just about managing?
0:23:08 > 0:23:14Well, the honourable gentleman raises an important issue
0:23:14 > 0:23:18and I recognise there are many people who are just about managing,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21who are struggling to get by, who did find themselves actually
0:23:21 > 0:23:29having to revert to support from companies who do, sadly,
0:23:29 > 0:23:31as we see, charge the sort of interest rates
0:23:31 > 0:23:35he is talking about.
0:23:35 > 0:23:38Of course, action has been taken in relation to some of these
0:23:38 > 0:23:39activities in the past.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41But I will look at the issue he raised.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46Across the country, and particularly in Kent,
0:23:46 > 0:23:50lorry fly parking something a blight.
0:23:50 > 0:23:51It's antisocial and dangerous.
0:23:51 > 0:23:53Will my right honourable friend, the Prime Minister,
0:23:53 > 0:23:59support my campaign for more lorry parking spaces, more effective
0:23:59 > 0:24:03enforcement and ultimately, a ban on lorries parking
0:24:03 > 0:24:06in unauthorised places?
0:24:06 > 0:24:09Well, I recognise the concern my honourable friend has raised.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13This is one I think is shared by many Kent MPs, who see this
0:24:13 > 0:24:16problem only too closely in their own constituencies.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19Can I assure her that the Government shares the desire to ensure
0:24:19 > 0:24:23that we don't see this fly parking of lorries across Kent,
0:24:23 > 0:24:28that we do provide suitable lorry parking facilities in Kent.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31I know that my right honourable friend, the minister for roads,
0:24:31 > 0:24:39is looking at this issue very carefully indeed.
0:24:39 > 0:24:41I recognise it from my time as the Home Secretary,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44the pressure at particular times that can be put on the roads
0:24:44 > 0:24:46and villages and towns in Kent, in relation to this.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48It is something that Government is working
0:24:48 > 0:24:50on and we will find a solution.
0:24:50 > 0:24:51Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Now we know, courtesy of the Government's own
0:24:54 > 0:24:57infrastructure watchdog, that mobile coverage in the UK
0:24:57 > 0:25:00is worse than Romania, will the Prime Minister take steps
0:25:00 > 0:25:03to introduce a universal service obligation.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05In the Highlands,
0:25:05 > 0:25:09it is fair typical to get the message, no signal.
0:25:09 > 0:25:15It would often be better to use carrier pigeons.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17Will the Prime Minister recognise this is not acceptable
0:25:17 > 0:25:19and will she take responsibility?
0:25:19 > 0:25:22It's time to connect the Highlands to the rest of the world.
0:25:22 > 0:25:29Well, I can assure the honourable gentleman that the issue of decent
0:25:29 > 0:25:34mobile coverage isn't one that only affects the Highlands.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36There are some other parts of England, Wales
0:25:36 > 0:25:39and Northern Ireland that also get affected by it, but the Government
0:25:39 > 0:25:42has very strong commitments in relation to this.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44We have very strong commitments in relation to broadband
0:25:44 > 0:25:46and my right honourable friend, the Culture Secretary,
0:25:46 > 0:25:49will be delivering on those.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56Mr Speaker, money cannot compensate somebody who has been
0:25:56 > 0:26:01accused of a very criminal offence and then finds the details
0:26:01 > 0:26:08of that are in the press, along with their name.
0:26:08 > 0:26:14Nothing can restore, in truth, their reputation,
0:26:14 > 0:26:16after it has been trashed in those circumstances.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19In 2011, I tried it change the law in a private member's bill.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21Today, Sir Bernard Hogan Howe said now is the time
0:26:21 > 0:26:23to introduce new legislation.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25Would the Prime Minister, agree to at least consider changing
0:26:25 > 0:26:28the law, so that everyone, with a few exceptions,
0:26:28 > 0:26:33should have a right to anonymity if they are a suspect in criminal
0:26:33 > 0:26:36proceedings, until such time as they are charged?
0:26:36 > 0:26:37Quite right.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46I recognise the interest that my honourable friend has taken
0:26:46 > 0:26:47in this particular issue.
0:26:47 > 0:26:50As she will know, it is one that has been debated on a number
0:26:50 > 0:26:52of occasions in this House.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55The general assumption is that somebody should not be named
0:26:55 > 0:26:59before the point of charge but there is an allowance
0:26:59 > 0:27:02for the police to be be able to raise somebody's name
0:27:02 > 0:27:06if it is a case where they believe that doing that will help,
0:27:06 > 0:27:10perhaps, to find other victims coming forward.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13This has been particularly of concern where it is matters
0:27:13 > 0:27:17of sexual violence, of rape, for example, or where they believe
0:27:17 > 0:27:19the naming of the individual will help
0:27:19 > 0:27:21in the detection of the crime.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24But this is a delicate issue.
0:27:24 > 0:27:33I recognise the concern my honourable friend has shown.
0:27:33 > 0:27:41The College of Policing is looking at this issue very carefully.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43They are going to deliver new guidance in the new year
0:27:43 > 0:27:46in relation to this issue to the media.
0:27:46 > 0:27:47The heartbreaking humanitarian crisis and genocide in Syria,
0:27:47 > 0:27:50continues to take place as the world watches on impotently,
0:27:50 > 0:27:56yet there is still no end in sight.
0:27:56 > 0:27:58Does the Prime Minister agree with the right
0:27:58 > 0:28:01honourable member for Tatton, that what is happening in Syria
0:28:01 > 0:28:04is a failure of Western leadership and does she agree with me,
0:28:04 > 0:28:13that what is now urgently required, is what our dear friend,
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Jo Cox called for, nearly a year ago, and that is - a UK-led strategy
0:28:16 > 0:28:22to protect civilians.
0:28:22 > 0:28:23Whether it is those fleeing persecution.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26Whether it is those surrendering themselves or those that
0:28:26 > 0:28:27are still besieged?
0:28:27 > 0:28:29We must all take responsibility for decisions we have taken,
0:28:29 > 0:28:31whether we take those decisions sitting around National Security
0:28:31 > 0:28:34Council table or indeed this House, in taking the decision that it
0:28:34 > 0:28:41did in 2013.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45The honourable lady raises the question of a UK-led
0:28:45 > 0:28:47action in relation to the protection of civilians.
0:28:47 > 0:28:50It is the UK that has been pressing for action
0:28:50 > 0:28:52inside the United Nations' Security Council, working
0:28:52 > 0:28:56with the French, the two most recent emergency UN Security Council
0:28:56 > 0:28:59meetings were those that we called for.
0:28:59 > 0:29:02The most recent of those took place yesterday.
0:29:02 > 0:29:05As I'm sure the honourable lady will know, there have been six UN
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Security Council resolutions which have been vetoed by Russia.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10The most recent also vetoed by China.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14We are continuing to work with the United Nations,
0:29:14 > 0:29:17but if we are to get a solution that works on the ground,
0:29:17 > 0:29:22then it has to be a solution that is actually bought
0:29:22 > 0:29:25into by other countries and it has to be a solution that
0:29:25 > 0:29:28Russia is going to buy into as well as the regime.
0:29:28 > 0:29:29Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:29:29 > 0:29:34I have received a message from Nick from Grantham.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Actually, it was a text message from our honourable
0:29:37 > 0:29:42friend the member for Grantham and Stamford.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45For the avoidance of doubt, this is one text message he is willing
0:29:45 > 0:29:47to be read in public.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51Mr Speaker, other than getting rid of his tumour and making a swift
0:29:51 > 0:29:53return to this place and nothing matters more to him than that,
0:29:53 > 0:30:03than ensuring round-the-clock emergency services are restored
0:30:05 > 0:30:08had his local hospital in Grantham.
0:30:08 > 0:30:13Will my right honourable friend the Prime Minister,
0:30:13 > 0:30:15receive the petition he has organised, ensure that
0:30:15 > 0:30:17the passionate views of his constituents are heard and,
0:30:17 > 0:30:19above all, reassure people, in this rural area,
0:30:19 > 0:30:25that they will always have access to safe, emergency care
0:30:25 > 0:30:27for them and their families?
0:30:27 > 0:30:30Well, can I first of all, I'm sure that the thoughts of the whole House
0:30:30 > 0:30:33are our honourable friend, the member for Grantham and Sandford
0:30:33 > 0:30:40and can I wish him the very best for his recovery as he goes
0:30:40 > 0:30:41through this illness.
0:30:41 > 0:30:44And I recognise the strength of feeling that he has
0:30:44 > 0:30:46about the emergency services in his local hospital.
0:30:46 > 0:30:49I believe that there are also concerns that are shared by ou
0:30:49 > 0:30:57new honourable friend, the member for Sleaford and I can
0:30:57 > 0:31:07assure my honourable friend the member for Grantham
0:31:08 > 0:31:10and Stamford, that the process that is taking place in looking
0:31:10 > 0:31:16at the development of local services, is about listening
0:31:16 > 0:31:19to local people, hearing the local voice and about ensuring
0:31:19 > 0:31:22that the services available to local people in their area are the right
0:31:22 > 0:31:24services for that area and that can be delivered safely
0:31:24 > 0:31:25and securely for local people.
0:31:25 > 0:31:26Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:31:26 > 0:31:28At the last election, the Conservative Party manifesto
0:31:28 > 0:31:34said, "We will help local authorities keep council tax low
0:31:34 > 0:31:37"for hard-working tax payers and ensure residents can continue
0:31:37 > 0:31:39"to veto high rises."
0:31:39 > 0:31:41Taxpayers in my area face paying more with no
0:31:41 > 0:31:45veto because of the account of Government's failure to tackle
0:31:45 > 0:31:52the social care crisis, so will the Prime Minister now
0:31:52 > 0:31:55admit her party's pledge on council tax has been bane donned.
0:31:55 > 0:32:04I have to say obviously we put the social care precept in place,
0:32:04 > 0:32:08in recognition of the pressures on social care but I'm pleased
0:32:08 > 0:32:10to say we have seen many examples over the country,
0:32:10 > 0:32:12of good local authorities, actually ensuring they were keeping
0:32:12 > 0:32:15council tax down, including may I say the Royal Borough
0:32:15 > 0:32:19of Windsor and Maidenhead which cut council tax,
0:32:19 > 0:32:20for six years running.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23Mr Speaker, on 14th August, my constituents George Lowe
0:32:23 > 0:32:25and Ben Barker were the victims of a vicious knife
0:32:25 > 0:32:26attack in Ayia Napa.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28George Lowe sadly died later that day from his injuries.
0:32:28 > 0:32:31The two culprits fled to northern Cyprus where they were actually
0:32:31 > 0:32:32arrested in unrelated matters.
0:32:32 > 0:32:38Despite representations made by the Foreign Office,
0:32:38 > 0:32:41one of these men was recently able to simply walk free
0:32:41 > 0:32:43and it is feared the second man will follow shortly.
0:32:43 > 0:32:47Will the Prime Minister do all she can to help bring justice
0:32:47 > 0:32:50for George Lowe and Ben Barker for what was an horrific,
0:32:50 > 0:32:54a vicious attack that was completely without provocation and has been
0:32:54 > 0:33:01devastating for both of their families?
0:33:01 > 0:33:04I'm sure all of us across the House would want to send our deepest
0:33:04 > 0:33:07sympathies to the family of George Lowe and our best wishes
0:33:07 > 0:33:10for a full recovery for Ben Barker from the terrible injuries
0:33:10 > 0:33:13that he suffered as a result from what my honourable
0:33:13 > 0:33:15friend said was a violent and unprovoked attack.
0:33:15 > 0:33:20The previous time this case was raised by the relevant Government
0:33:20 > 0:33:24was during by the Foreign Secretary during his visit to Cyprus
0:33:24 > 0:33:28and he clearly set out his desire to see those guilty
0:33:28 > 0:33:30brought to justice.
0:33:30 > 0:33:37The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will continue to offer support
0:33:37 > 0:33:39to both families.
0:33:39 > 0:33:40We'll continue to raise this issue and I'm
0:33:40 > 0:33:43sure the Foreign Office will keep my honourable friend
0:33:43 > 0:33:47informed of any developments.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51Many food and drink projects have benefited from a European scheme.
0:33:51 > 0:34:01What guarantees can the Prime Minister give
0:34:03 > 0:34:05What guarantees can the Prime Minister give
0:34:05 > 0:34:07us that we'll continue to get that protection,
0:34:07 > 0:34:08should we end up leaving the EU?
0:34:08 > 0:34:11Well, first of all, of course, issues like that are ones
0:34:11 > 0:34:14that we will be needing to address as we look at the arrangement
0:34:14 > 0:34:19that will be in place, following the EU.
0:34:19 > 0:34:21I'm sure everybody would recognise the significant
0:34:21 > 0:34:24of the Arbroath smokey and, indeed other products around the UK.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26But, can I just say to the honourable gentleman,
0:34:26 > 0:34:29at the end there, he said "should we leave the EU."
0:34:29 > 0:34:32I can tell him we will be leaving the EU.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36Thank you, Mr Spearer, on December 19th, 35 years ago,
0:34:36 > 0:34:4416 people lost their lives in ferocious storms off
0:34:44 > 0:34:46the coast of West Cornwall.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50Eight lives were men who launched their lifeboat
0:34:50 > 0:34:59to rescue the crew of the Union Star.
0:34:59 > 0:35:0835 years later, this tragedy still haunts the village and many
0:35:08 > 0:35:10people mark the anniversary every year.
0:35:10 > 0:35:12Would the Prime Minister join with me in marking this day,
0:35:12 > 0:35:15and pay credit to those men and women who risk their lives
0:35:15 > 0:35:17for those in peril on the sea.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20I thank my honourable friend for raising this issue.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22I absolutely join him in marking the 35th anniversary
0:35:22 > 0:35:25of the Penlee lifeboat tragedy and sending our sympathies
0:35:25 > 0:35:30to all those families affected but also to the local communities
0:35:30 > 0:35:32who were affected, as he has set out.
0:35:32 > 0:35:35Finally, I'm sure everybody in this House would want to pay
0:35:35 > 0:35:36tribute to the RNLI,
0:35:36 > 0:35:37the tireless work they do.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39As an island,
0:35:39 > 0:35:41it is important we have that security and safety
0:35:41 > 0:35:43around our shores.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46The RNLI work tirelessly to protect people, who,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49as my honourable friend say are in peril on the sea
0:35:49 > 0:35:51and we pay tribute to them.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54The Prime Minister knows that I and colleagues from all parties
0:35:54 > 0:35:58across this House are keen to guarantee the rights
0:35:58 > 0:36:01of some three million EU and EA citizens in this country.
0:36:01 > 0:36:09This will be the largest administrative task the Home Office
0:36:09 > 0:36:10has ever undertaken.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13Could I encourage her to look at the report producedes
0:36:13 > 0:36:18by British Futures which suggests practical suggestions on how
0:36:18 > 0:36:20the Home Office can implement this and possibly encourage
0:36:20 > 0:36:23the Home Secretary to update us on any progress made?
0:36:23 > 0:36:26Well, I say to the honourable lady I'm keen to ensure we can protect
0:36:26 > 0:36:29the rights of EU citizens living here but I'm also keen that UK
0:36:29 > 0:36:32citizens' rights for those living in the EU are protected.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35The Home Secretary I think is aware of the proposals that have been put
0:36:35 > 0:36:39forward and is looking at them very carefully.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42Thank you very much, Mr Speaker.
0:36:42 > 0:36:52In October, hundreds of people from across European attended a neo-Nazi
0:36:59 > 0:37:00rally in a small village in my constituency.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03What steps is the Prime Minister taking about this?
0:37:03 > 0:37:12Can we make it clear there is no allowance for racial hatred.
0:37:17 > 0:37:19Earlier this week my right honourable friend,
0:37:19 > 0:37:29the Home Secretary, proscribed the Right Wing Organisation National
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Action, which means being a member of or inviting support for that
0:37:32 > 0:37:33organisation will be a criminal efence.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37I think it is important we take every step we can to stop racial
0:37:37 > 0:37:39hatred in this country.
0:37:39 > 0:37:42I was pleased to announce on Monday that Britain will be the first
0:37:42 > 0:37:44country in Europe to adopt the International Holocaust
0:37:44 > 0:37:46Remembrance Alliance's definition of anti-Semitism.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49Yesterday, I met with the CEO of Providence Financial,
0:37:49 > 0:37:53one of two FTSE 100 companies in Bradford, yes, outside
0:37:53 > 0:37:58of London, right in the heart of the North and being
0:37:58 > 0:38:05in my condition constituencicy.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08We agreed that for Bradford to fulfil the potential of its young
0:38:08 > 0:38:09people, we need better educational outcomes and transport.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12Having been overlooked for so long, can I invite the Prime Minister
0:38:12 > 0:38:15to come and meet the leaders of my great city and pave
0:38:15 > 0:38:17the way for long overdue investment in Bradford.
0:38:17 > 0:38:24The honourable lady is right to talk about what is needed that's why I'm
0:38:24 > 0:38:27pleased the say there has been an increase of 16,000 people
0:38:27 > 0:38:36in Bradford who are at good or outstanding schools since 2010.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46We are taking action to ensure the quality education
0:38:46 > 0:38:49pleased the say there has been an increase of 16,000 children
0:38:49 > 0:38:51in Bradford who are at good or outstanding schools since 2010.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54We are taking action to ensure the quality education
0:38:54 > 0:38:55but I want it make sure
0:38:55 > 0:38:58there are enough good school places for children across the council
0:38:58 > 0:39:00and this is what our education consultation is about.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02I came to PMQs today from an incredibly moving
0:39:02 > 0:39:04and powerful private session with the DWP Select Committee,
0:39:04 > 0:39:06talking and listening to four victims
0:39:06 > 0:39:08of modern slavery who are living in safe houses.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10I don't think I will ever forget it in my life.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14Please would the Prime Minister take her passion
0:39:14 > 0:39:16and work with the Secretary of State for Pensions.
0:39:16 > 0:39:21These people are vulnerable.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23When they come to job centres their background
0:39:23 > 0:39:25cases are not understood.
0:39:25 > 0:39:28The same as women and survivors of domestic violence they need to be
0:39:28 > 0:39:29fast-tracked.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32They need the state to step up and support
0:39:32 > 0:39:33them, please can we do more?
0:39:33 > 0:39:34My honourable friend is absolutely right.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37I think nothing brings home to one more than anything else,
0:39:37 > 0:39:44the absolute horrific nature of the crime of modern slavery,
0:39:44 > 0:39:49than actually sitting down hearing the testimony of a victim.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51These people have gone through the horrendous,
0:39:51 > 0:39:53dehumanising experiences very often and it is absolutely right
0:39:53 > 0:39:56that the Government brought forward the Modern Slavery Act.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58It is right that we have been looking at how Victim Support
0:39:58 > 0:40:01is provided and the international referral member you nichl
0:40:01 > 0:40:10and a number of steps and we'll work with the DWP.
0:40:17 > 0:40:19and a number of steps and we'll work with the DWP.
0:40:19 > 0:40:21My honourable friend refers to job centres but it
0:40:21 > 0:40:22isn't just job centres.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25We need to ensure that those in authority who come into contact
0:40:25 > 0:40:28with people who have been the victims of modern slavery
0:40:28 > 0:40:31are able it recognise those signs and are able to treat it in the way
0:40:31 > 0:40:35and deal with people, sensitively and sympathetically
0:40:35 > 0:40:36in an appropriate way.
0:40:36 > 0:40:37Thank you.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40I don't think the Prime Minister has any idea
0:40:40 > 0:40:42of the level of suffering and pain that rail passengers
0:40:42 > 0:40:44and businesses in Brighton and beyond are suffering.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46And it is not just on strike days.
0:40:46 > 0:40:48This has been going on for well over 18 months.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51So, given the failure of her passive Transport Secretary who apparently
0:40:51 > 0:40:53has no intention of acting to deal with this utterly incompetent
0:40:53 > 0:40:58company, will she sack him, strip DCR of the franchise
0:40:58 > 0:41:04and freeze fares for long-suffering passengers?
0:41:04 > 0:41:07Well, first of all my right honourable friend
0:41:07 > 0:41:13the Transport Secretary has been taking steps in relation
0:41:13 > 0:41:16to the general performance of Southern Railway.
0:41:16 > 0:41:18We've stepped in to invest ?20 million to specifically tackle
0:41:18 > 0:41:20the issue and bring a rapid improvement to services.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23We announced the delay repay 15 from 11th December for whole
0:41:23 > 0:41:25of Southern which will make it easier for passengers
0:41:25 > 0:41:27to complam exceptcation.
0:41:27 > 0:41:36We've announced a refund for a month's travel.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39So we have been looking at that wider issue.
0:41:39 > 0:41:47But the honourable lady raises the question of the current
0:41:47 > 0:41:48strike.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50There is only one body responsible for the
0:41:50 > 0:41:51current strike, ASLEF.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55This is a strike from the trade union and she should be standing up
0:41:55 > 0:41:57and condemning that strike because it is passengers who suffer.
0:41:57 > 0:41:58Thank you, Mr Speaker.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00The ?1.5 billion additional funding
0:42:00 > 0:42:06for the Better Care Fund is both needed and welcome.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08But, the problem is, that this money is not
0:42:08 > 0:42:09available until 2019.
0:42:09 > 0:42:15Will my right honourable friend look at seeing whether some of this
0:42:15 > 0:42:18funding can be drawn down earlier than, that in order to alleviate
0:42:18 > 0:42:23the pressure on social care in areas such as Devon,
0:42:23 > 0:42:25where there is a very high level of elderly people?
0:42:25 > 0:42:30Well, my right honourable friend raises an important point bht
0:42:30 > 0:42:36the short-term pressures there are on social care.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38That's why the Government has been looking at what measures can
0:42:38 > 0:42:40be taken to alleviate the short-term pressures.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42My right honourable friend the Communities' Secretary will be
0:42:42 > 0:42:44making the statement on the local government finance
0:42:44 > 0:42:45settlement tomorrow.
0:42:45 > 0:42:51We need to look at the medium-term delivering issues and longer term
0:42:51 > 0:42:54reassurance we can provide to people in order to ensure we have
0:42:54 > 0:42:57a sustainable system of care that gives people the comfort of knowing
0:42:57 > 0:42:59they will be cared for in their old age.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02Can I join colleagues who have earlier on urged people in this
0:43:02 > 0:43:06house and beyond to go out and buy the Jo Cox Foundation single
0:43:06 > 0:43:11by the excellent MP4 not just available in download but in hard
0:43:11 > 0:43:18copy for those of us who prefer that kind of thing.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21Every day, Mr Speaker, since Brexit result on 23rd June,
0:43:21 > 0:43:23seems to have been a good day to bury bad news.
0:43:23 > 0:43:28The worst news is in our social care and health system.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31The daily wave of tragedies indignatory tis and near posts,
0:43:31 > 0:43:40the short fall in social care funding and thousands ofp hospital
0:43:40 > 0:43:49advice its cancelled.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56the shortfall in social care funding and thousands of hospital
0:43:56 > 0:43:57appointments cancelled.
0:43:57 > 0:44:00Yesterday, the NHS and Social Care said they needed more money
0:44:00 > 0:44:03and the Chancellor of the Exchequer did not offer a single extra money
0:44:03 > 0:44:05for health or social care within the Autumn Statement.
0:44:05 > 0:44:07Which of the two does she agree with?
0:44:07 > 0:44:10Will she take this opportunity to provide health and social care,
0:44:10 > 0:44:12give it the money it needs this side of Christmas?
0:44:12 > 0:44:15The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
0:44:15 > 0:44:17will be making a statement tomorrow on the local Government
0:44:17 > 0:44:18finance settlement.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21I suggest the right honourable gentleman wait for that statement.
0:44:21 > 0:44:26Back in 2010, the overseas aid budget was around ?7 billion a year.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29By 2020, it will have more than doubled to over
0:44:30 > 0:44:32?15 million a year.
0:44:32 > 0:44:35The shortfall in social care funding by 2020 is estimated
0:44:36 > 0:44:39at about ?2.5 billion.
0:44:39 > 0:44:43Surely, the Government priority should be to look after the elderly,
0:44:43 > 0:44:46vulnerable and disabled people in our own country, before we hand
0:44:46 > 0:44:47money over to other countries?
0:44:47 > 0:44:49Will the Prime Minister take some of that money,
0:44:49 > 0:44:53a small amount of that increase from the overseas aid budget
0:44:53 > 0:44:55and spend it on elderly, vulnerable and disabled people
0:44:55 > 0:44:57in our own country?
0:44:57 > 0:44:59Surely charity begins at home?
0:44:59 > 0:45:02I think it is absolutely right that the Government is taking steps
0:45:02 > 0:45:06in relation to the pressures on social care here in
0:45:06 > 0:45:09the United Kingdom but I would say to my honourable friend,
0:45:09 > 0:45:12I think it is also important for us that we do take consideration
0:45:12 > 0:45:16of those who are in different circumstances across the world.
0:45:16 > 0:45:22I think that the record that this Government has of ensuring that 0.7%
0:45:22 > 0:45:25of our GDP is spent over overseas aid is a record second to none.
0:45:25 > 0:45:33I think we should all be proud of the help and support
0:45:33 > 0:45:36we are giving to people around the world who are living off an
0:45:36 > 0:45:37incredibly difficult circumstance.
0:45:37 > 0:45:40So we look after old people here in the UK, we also take that
0:45:40 > 0:45:44moral responsibility for people around the world seriously as well.