0:00:00 > 0:00:00for the people of Scotland, it is time for the SMB to stop ducking
0:00:00 > 0:00:03their responsibilities and use their considerable powers to do so as
0:00:03 > 0:00:07well. -- SNP.Questions to the Prime Minister.
0:00:24 > 0:00:30Mr Speaker... Mr Speaker. I'm sure all members across the house will
0:00:30 > 0:00:35wish to join me in wishing all of the home nations teams the best of
0:00:35 > 0:00:40luck in the rugby league World Cup starting this week. This morning I
0:00:40 > 0:00:43had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others and in
0:00:43 > 0:00:49addition to my duties in this House I will further meetings today.
0:00:49 > 0:00:55Social care services in England are in crisis. Since 2010 the local
0:00:55 > 0:01:00council in Manchester had its annual social care budget cut by 32
0:01:00 > 0:01:05million. By March the government will have taken 6.3 billion out of
0:01:05 > 0:01:08social care. Why won't the Prime Minister match Labour's commitment
0:01:08 > 0:01:15to invest 8 billion in social care in the budget?As I have said in
0:01:15 > 0:01:20this House we recognise the pressure on social care as we see an ageing
0:01:20 > 0:01:26population. There are short-term and medium term and long-term answers
0:01:26 > 0:01:31and in the short-term we have made extra funding available to local
0:01:31 > 0:01:36authorities and the announcement made in the budget was for an extra
0:01:36 > 0:01:42£2 billion for local authorities and in the medium term we need to ensure
0:01:42 > 0:01:47best practice is observed in local authorities and NHS trusts and in
0:01:47 > 0:01:51some cases delayed discharges are higher than others and in the
0:01:51 > 0:01:55long-term we need a sustainable footing for social care which is why
0:01:55 > 0:02:01we will be publishing an open consultation on ideas and proposals
0:02:01 > 0:02:09to ensure we can have that system in future.The Prime Minister will be
0:02:09 > 0:02:14aware of the roles supported housing plays with many vulnerable people in
0:02:14 > 0:02:17Torbay. What reassurance can she give about the ongoing support the
0:02:17 > 0:02:22government is giving to those vital services?He raises an important
0:02:22 > 0:02:28issue and something we have looked at closely. Since my right
0:02:28 > 0:02:30honourable friend the first Secretary of State commissioned work
0:02:30 > 0:02:35on this when he was Work and Pensions Secretary. I confirmed we
0:02:35 > 0:02:40will publish our response to that consultation on Tuesday, 31st of
0:02:40 > 0:02:45October and it will look at a range of issues, and we need to ensure
0:02:45 > 0:02:49funding is right so all providers are able to access it effectively
0:02:49 > 0:02:56and we need to look at issues such as the increase in service charges,
0:02:56 > 0:03:01making sure we are looking at cost control in the sector. As part of
0:03:01 > 0:03:08our response to the review we will not apply if the cap to supported
0:03:08 > 0:03:14housing and we will not implement it in the wider social rented sectors.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19The details will be made available when we publish our response.
0:03:19 > 0:03:29Jeremy Corbyn.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Mr Speaker, Mr Speaker, I joined the Prime Minister in wishing the rugby
0:03:37 > 0:03:44league team the best in the competition and I hope they win it.
0:03:44 > 0:03:53Last week, the house voted by 299-0 to pause the roll-out of Universal
0:03:53 > 0:04:05Credit. Will the Prime Minister respect the will of the house?As I
0:04:05 > 0:04:09have said we acknowledge that there are concerns people have raised and
0:04:09 > 0:04:13as we have been rolling it out we have listened to those changes have
0:04:13 > 0:04:19been made. Perhaps I could update the house on where we are on the
0:04:19 > 0:04:24roll-out of Universal Credit. Currently, people claiming benefits,
0:04:24 > 0:04:298% are on Universal Credit and by January next year it will rise to
0:04:29 > 0:04:3310%. The roll-out is conducted in three phases and the intention is it
0:04:33 > 0:04:40will complete by 2022. It is being done in a measured way and I am
0:04:40 > 0:04:46pleased to say four out of five people are satisfied or very
0:04:46 > 0:04:57satisfied with the service they are receiving. Universal Credit helps
0:04:57 > 0:05:03people into the workplace and make sure work pays and that's what the
0:05:03 > 0:05:08system should do.I would have thought that if only 8% of the
0:05:08 > 0:05:15roll-out has taken place, and 20% of the people in receipt are
0:05:15 > 0:05:18dissatisfied, that is the cause for thought, maybe a pause in the
0:05:18 > 0:05:24process. Last week only one Conservative MP had the courage of
0:05:24 > 0:05:29their convictions to vote with us on suspending Universal Credit
0:05:29 > 0:05:38roll-out. For... Then, Mr Speaker, a Conservative member of the Welsh
0:05:38 > 0:05:43Assembly, Angela Burns said, and I quote, for the life of me I cannot
0:05:43 > 0:05:50understand why a six week or four week gap is deemed acceptable. She
0:05:50 > 0:05:54called Universal Credit Kallis at best and downright cruel at worst
0:05:54 > 0:05:59and concluded by saying she is ashamed of her government. Can the
0:05:59 > 0:06:03Prime Minister ease her colleague's shame by pausing and fixing
0:06:03 > 0:06:11Universal Credit?We have been making changes to the implementation
0:06:11 > 0:06:18as it has gone through the roll-out. Let's be clear about why we
0:06:18 > 0:06:25introduced Universal Credit. It is a system...Members are getting
0:06:25 > 0:06:33overexcited. The question has been put and the answer will be heard.We
0:06:33 > 0:06:37introduced Universal Credit is a more straightforward system that
0:06:37 > 0:06:42ensures the work pays and helps people into the workplace. Let's
0:06:42 > 0:06:47look at what happened in the system under Labour. Under Labour the low
0:06:47 > 0:06:54paid page tax and had it paid back to them in benefits. Under Labour,
0:06:54 > 0:07:01people were trapped on a life of benefits for years. Under Labour,
0:07:01 > 0:07:09the number of workless households doubled. Labour's benefits system
0:07:09 > 0:07:16cost households extra £3000 a year. What the Conservatives have done is
0:07:16 > 0:07:21give the low paid a pay rise, given the work as a tax cut and ensure we
0:07:21 > 0:07:30have the benefit system that helps people into work.Under Labour, 1
0:07:30 > 0:07:38million children were lifted out of poverty. Under Labour we introduced
0:07:38 > 0:07:43the principle of the national minimum wage, opposed by all Tories
0:07:43 > 0:07:48over there. If the Prime Minister is not prepared to listen to Angela
0:07:48 > 0:07:54Burns, perhaps she could listen to the architect of Universal Credit,
0:07:54 > 0:07:58The Right Honourable member for Chingford, who said one of the
0:07:58 > 0:08:02reasons I resigned from the government was I did not actually
0:08:02 > 0:08:05agree with the additional waiting days. This is something the
0:08:05 > 0:08:11government needs to look at. Does the Prime Minister agree with him?
0:08:11 > 0:08:19This is not just the answer I have given three or four times in this
0:08:19 > 0:08:24PMQs but in previous PMQs. As we look at Universal Credit roll-out we
0:08:24 > 0:08:27look at the way in which we introduce it. He talks about what
0:08:27 > 0:08:31happened under Labour and I am happy to talk about what happened under
0:08:31 > 0:08:43Labour.Order! Too much noise and finger-pointing on both sides of the
0:08:43 > 0:08:50chamber. The responses from the Prime Minister will be heard as more
0:08:50 > 0:08:53questions from the opposition and every other member, without fear or
0:08:53 > 0:08:59favour.Under the Labour Party, The right honourable gentleman is
0:08:59 > 0:09:03talking about rolling out of a new benefit system. Let's think about
0:09:03 > 0:09:08what happened when the Labour Party rushed to introduce tax credits. I
0:09:08 > 0:09:13was not the only member of Parliament who had people in my
0:09:13 > 0:09:18constituency surgery who had filled in the force properly, given their
0:09:18 > 0:09:22information to the authorities, and years later, the government came
0:09:22 > 0:09:28back and landed them with bills for thousands of pounds. That is what
0:09:28 > 0:09:31happens when you rush into a system rather than introducing it properly,
0:09:31 > 0:09:37as we are.I thought we had passed the threshold last week when the
0:09:37 > 0:09:40Prime Minister was going to answer questions but we have not achieved
0:09:40 > 0:09:48that yet. Labour introduced working tax credits to help people on low
0:09:48 > 0:09:56pay out of poverty and it made a very big difference. The sad truth
0:09:56 > 0:10:01is that Universal Credit is in such a mess that councils are forced to
0:10:01 > 0:10:07pick up the Bill. An example, Croydon Council, which piloted the
0:10:07 > 0:10:12scheme, is now spending £3 million of its own budget to prevent tenants
0:10:12 > 0:10:17from being evicted due to rent arrears caused by Universal Credit.
0:10:17 > 0:10:23Does the Prime Minister think it is right or fair that hard-pressed
0:10:23 > 0:10:25local authorities, having their budget cut by central government and
0:10:25 > 0:10:30having to dip in what little they have got left to prevent people
0:10:30 > 0:10:34being evicted when they know it is the responsibility of this
0:10:34 > 0:10:40government and its Universal Credit system that is causing the problem.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Labour introduced working tax credits and then called back
0:10:43 > 0:10:47thousands of pounds from people working hard. He raises the issue of
0:10:47 > 0:10:52rent arrears. Members have concerns over people managing budgets to pay
0:10:52 > 0:11:01their rent. The majority, for the majority, it is not an issue,
0:11:01 > 0:11:06managing their budget and after four months, the number of people on
0:11:06 > 0:11:12Universal Credit in arrears has fallen by one third. We recognise
0:11:12 > 0:11:19the issue so we're working with landlords and have built flexibility
0:11:19 > 0:11:26into the system so landlords can be paid directly. Nobody can be legally
0:11:26 > 0:11:30evicted from social housing due to short-term rent arrears. I think
0:11:30 > 0:11:35that is an important point to get across to people. I come back to the
0:11:35 > 0:11:40essential point about Universal Credit. It is about a welfare system
0:11:40 > 0:11:44that helps people into work and makes work pay and does not trap
0:11:44 > 0:11:51people in benefits for years.I note the Prime Minister could not say
0:11:51 > 0:11:57anything about people being evicted from the private rental sector
0:11:57 > 0:12:00because of Universal Credit problems. The costs are driven by
0:12:00 > 0:12:07low pay and high rents. In 2015 the then Chancellor promised £9 and our
0:12:07 > 0:12:14living wage. In the March budget who was sneaked out the minimum wage
0:12:14 > 0:12:20would only reach £8 75. The welfare state was not created to subsidise
0:12:20 > 0:12:29low-paying employers and overcharging landlords. Will the
0:12:29 > 0:12:38budget in November put the onus back...Order! I expect better of
0:12:38 > 0:12:45you. You were better behaved when you were at Oxford University. What
0:12:45 > 0:12:52has happened to you, man?Calm yourself. My question is this, will
0:12:52 > 0:12:58the budget in November put the onus back on to employers to pay a decent
0:12:58 > 0:13:06wage so that workers can make ends meet?Of course we want to ensure
0:13:06 > 0:13:11there are higher paid jobs, that is why we are investing in the economy
0:13:11 > 0:13:16and why we are investing in infrastructure and in schools for
0:13:16 > 0:13:20young people and why we are introducing a modern industrial
0:13:20 > 0:13:26strategy. He says that he did... The welfare system was not created to
0:13:26 > 0:13:30subsidise employers paying low wages. That is what Labour's working
0:13:30 > 0:13:38tax credit system did!
0:13:39 > 0:13:43The Government's own social mobility commission reported that low pay was
0:13:43 > 0:13:48endemic in the United Kingdom, one in four workers permanently stuck in
0:13:48 > 0:13:55low paid jobs. That's why Labour backs a real living wage of £10 per
0:13:55 > 0:13:59hour to make work pay. This Government doesn't really know
0:13:59 > 0:14:10whether it's coming or going. They say... Mr Speaker, the Conservative
0:14:10 > 0:14:13Party and the Government says they have full confidence in universal
0:14:13 > 0:14:24credit. But won't vote for it. They say they will end the NHS pay cap
0:14:24 > 0:14:29but won't allocate any money to pay for it. The communities Secretary
0:14:29 > 0:14:35backs £50 billion of borrowing on housing, but the Chancellor says
0:14:35 > 0:14:39it's not policy. The Brexit Secretary says they're planning for
0:14:39 > 0:14:47a no deal Brexit. The Chancellor says they're not. Isn't the case, Mr
0:14:47 > 0:14:53Speaker, this Government is weak, incompetent, divided and unable to
0:14:53 > 0:15:00take a decision...Order, order! Order. I said that the responses
0:15:00 > 0:15:07from the Prime Minister would be heard. And the remarks of the right
0:15:07 > 0:15:11honourable gentleman will be heard. You can try to shout him down and
0:15:11 > 0:15:16other members can try to shout the Prime Minister down. It won't work.
0:15:16 > 0:15:23End of. Jeremy Corbyn.Isn't it the case that this Government is weak,
0:15:23 > 0:15:26incompetent and divided and unable to take the essential decisions
0:15:26 > 0:15:35necessary for the good of the people of this country?Now, I will tell
0:15:35 > 0:15:38the right honourable gentleman, of course we want to see people earning
0:15:38 > 0:15:41higher wages. Of course we want, as we are doing, to be able to ensure
0:15:41 > 0:15:44we can invest in our public services. But the way to do that,
0:15:44 > 0:15:48the way to have a higher standard of living, to have higher wages, to
0:15:48 > 0:15:53invest in our public services, to have a better future for people in
0:15:53 > 0:15:56this country, is to build and continue to build that stronger
0:15:56 > 0:16:01economy and you don't build a stronger economy by losing control
0:16:01 > 0:16:04of public finances. You don't build a stronger economy by uncontrolled
0:16:04 > 0:16:09borrowing. You don't build a stronger economy by hitting people
0:16:09 > 0:16:13with the highest taxes in our peacetime history. You don't build a
0:16:13 > 0:16:23stronger economy by voting against progress in our Brexit negotiations.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28And you don't... You don't build a stronger economy by planning for
0:16:28 > 0:16:33capital flight and a run on the pound. That's what Labour would do
0:16:33 > 0:16:43and we will never let it happen. Thank you, MrSpeaker. Some people in
0:16:43 > 0:16:48Plymouth are campaigning by way of a petition to say that lifeboats must
0:16:48 > 0:16:54be launched immediately a fishing vessel is overdue, I believe this is
0:16:54 > 0:16:57irresponsible and puts our valiant lifeboat crews in peril if they
0:16:57 > 0:17:02don't know where they're going. We know this in Cornwall. Would the
0:17:02 > 0:17:05Prime Minister look at making safety grants available so that all fishing
0:17:05 > 0:17:12boats can have an AIS locater beacon on board, this cost well under £4
0:17:12 > 0:17:16million, even if every registered fishing vessel under 15 metres got a
0:17:16 > 0:17:21full grant for covering the whole cost, my late husband had one of
0:17:21 > 0:17:25these aboard his boat.Can I thank my honourable friend for raising
0:17:25 > 0:17:30this issue and as she has just said I know this is an area where she
0:17:30 > 0:17:33tragically has personal experience and I would like to commend her for
0:17:33 > 0:17:36the work she has done in this important area and for championing
0:17:36 > 0:17:39these causes. I think she is right, launching a lifeboat whenever a
0:17:39 > 0:17:43fishing vessel is overdue may be the wrong decision, it could as she says
0:17:43 > 0:17:48be dangerous for the crew involved, that's why the coastguard do take
0:17:48 > 0:17:52time to gather valuable information before deciding how best to respond.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55On the issue she has raised, there are a number of grants available
0:17:55 > 0:17:58from various safety schemes and I would encourage all those involved
0:17:58 > 0:18:05in fishing to make the most of those grants that are available.Thank
0:18:05 > 0:18:11you, MrSpeaker. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that
0:18:11 > 0:18:15migration is key to delivering sustainable economic growth?What I
0:18:15 > 0:18:18think is absolutely key is to ensure that we have controlled migration in
0:18:18 > 0:18:23this country, that's what the people of this country want and that's what
0:18:23 > 0:18:32this Government is delivering.An American couple moved to Scotland
0:18:32 > 0:18:37and invested £400,000 to run an award-winning guesthouse in
0:18:37 > 0:18:44Inverness. They contribute to their community in the local economy. Yet,
0:18:44 > 0:18:50they will be deported because of a retro spective change by how was
0:18:50 > 0:18:56rules. Will the Prime Minister meet with me to discuss this case and the
0:18:56 > 0:19:03systemic problems with UK migration? My right honourable friend, the Home
0:19:03 > 0:19:06Secretary, is happy to meet with the honourable friend in order to
0:19:06 > 0:19:09discuss this specific case he has raised. It's absolutely right is
0:19:09 > 0:19:13that the Home Office does work to ensure that the immigration rules
0:19:13 > 0:19:16are being properly applied and that action is being taken according to
0:19:16 > 0:19:30those rules.Now it is time to hear MrSimon Hoare.Thank you, I have
0:19:30 > 0:19:35composed myself. I was greatly cheered last week as I am sure many
0:19:35 > 0:19:37colleagues were, the German Chancellor say that a final deal
0:19:37 > 0:19:41with regards to protection is going to happen. Does my right honourable
0:19:41 > 0:19:45friend agree with my assessment that we are going to get a good deal,
0:19:45 > 0:19:50that works for our country, for the European Union and possibly more
0:19:50 > 0:19:56importantly, for my conconstitute yepts of North Dorset.I do agree
0:19:56 > 0:20:01with my honourable friend, I believe that we are - our job is to get the
0:20:01 > 0:20:05bes Brexit deal for Britain. I we can. I believe it's a deal that will
0:20:05 > 0:20:07benefit the United Kingdom, that will benefit the United Kingdom
0:20:07 > 0:20:12across all parts of the UK, including his constituency. That we
0:20:12 > 0:20:16maximise the benefits from leaving the EU, while ensuring we maintain
0:20:16 > 0:20:19the greatest possible access to EU markets. That's what we are
0:20:19 > 0:20:23continuing to work on, that's what vision I set out in my Florence
0:20:23 > 0:20:27speech, and the European Union as we know are now preparing their
0:20:27 > 0:20:34response to that.The Prime Minister has previously stated her commitment
0:20:34 > 0:20:39to apprenticeships. However, in my constituency the apprenticeship levy
0:20:39 > 0:20:44has not been helping those for whom it was designed. What steps will she
0:20:44 > 0:20:50take to ensure apprenticeships help those from lower income backgrounds?
0:20:50 > 0:20:54Well, apprenticeships are important. We have already in the Government
0:20:54 > 0:20:57from 2010 to 2015, we saw two million more apprenticeships
0:20:57 > 0:21:02created.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07The important point about apprenticeships is that this is an
0:21:07 > 0:21:12opportunity for young people, not to feel they just have to be -
0:21:12 > 0:21:15encouraged to go down an academic route when that doesn't work for
0:21:15 > 0:21:20them. When I meet apprentices they say, many of them this is the best
0:21:20 > 0:21:25thing they've done and we want to make sure it's available for all
0:21:25 > 0:21:37those who will benefit from it.Can the Prime Minister assure me that
0:21:37 > 0:21:43the right road, school places, post boxes and of course especially
0:21:43 > 0:21:45healthcare provision will be in place to support both my new
0:21:45 > 0:21:51constituents and the up withes I have got at the moment.Well, can I
0:21:51 > 0:21:56first of all congratulate my honourable friend and say that I am
0:21:56 > 0:21:59pleased that the district is doing what we recognise we need to do to
0:21:59 > 0:22:02build, to tackle dysfunctional housing marringet, which is to build
0:22:02 > 0:22:05more homes. She is right, infrastructure is also an important
0:22:05 > 0:22:10part of that. That's why we have committed to £15 billion for road
0:22:10 > 0:22:14investment strategy, over half a trillion will be spent on the NHS in
0:22:14 > 0:22:18England during this parliament. A record £41 billion will be spent on
0:22:18 > 0:22:23core funding for schools this year. That I am pleased to say is the
0:22:23 > 0:22:29record of Conservatives in Government.In 24 hours the people
0:22:29 > 0:22:35of Dundee will wave off the bid for the 2023 European capital of
0:22:35 > 0:22:41culture. A fantastic bid which will generate some 1500 jobs and add 5%
0:22:41 > 0:22:46to local GDP. Can I ask the Prime Minister, notwithstanding her
0:22:46 > 0:22:52current difficulties with Europe, to back this bid, given it comes from
0:22:52 > 0:23:00the most innovative and forward looking city in the whole of the UK.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04Well, can I say to the honourable friend that of course we are always
0:23:04 > 0:23:10willing to back bids from any city in the United Kingdom to become the
0:23:10 > 0:23:14European City of Culture. But I welcome the fact that Dundee has put
0:23:14 > 0:23:19a bid forward. And is part of this. As I say, we want to support all
0:23:19 > 0:23:26cities in the United Kingdom who are doing it.It is a criminal offence
0:23:26 > 0:23:32for those like teachers in a position of trust to have a sexual
0:23:32 > 0:23:36relationship with those young people under 18. But a constituent came to
0:23:36 > 0:23:39me recently distressed about exactly such a relationship between his
0:23:39 > 0:23:4417-year-old daughter and a middle aged driving instructor. Now while
0:23:44 > 0:23:48if consensual it's not illegal, I am concerned that there might be risks
0:23:48 > 0:23:53to young drivers being groomed by a predatory instructor. Does my right
0:23:53 > 0:23:56honourable friend agree that driving instructors are by the nature of
0:23:56 > 0:24:00their work in a position of trust, should be covered by the same rules
0:24:00 > 0:24:06as teachers and if so would she ask the relevant Minister to work with
0:24:06 > 0:24:14me on this?I am concerned to hear the case of of his constituent
0:24:14 > 0:24:16raised and I recognise the position and the role that driving
0:24:16 > 0:24:20instructors play. Can I say to my honourable friend I think it's
0:24:20 > 0:24:22something that I will ask the appropriate department to look at
0:24:22 > 0:24:30and to get in touch with him to get further details of this case.In
0:24:30 > 0:24:33March 2019 the Prime Minister told this house that parliament would be
0:24:33 > 0:24:38given a meaningful vote on the tems of the Article 50 withdrawal bill.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41This morning, in the Brexit Select Committee the Secretary of State
0:24:41 > 0:24:46told us that vote may not take place until after March 2019. Can the
0:24:46 > 0:24:51Prime Minister please explain how it's possible to have a meaningsful
0:24:51 > 0:24:56vote on something that's already taken place?As the honourable
0:24:56 > 0:25:00friend knows we are in negotiations with the European Union but I am
0:25:00 > 0:25:04confident that we will - the timetable under the Lisbon Treaty
0:25:04 > 0:25:07does give time until March 2019 for negotiations to take place. But I am
0:25:07 > 0:25:10confident, because it is in the interests of both sides, it's not
0:25:10 > 0:25:13just this parliament that wants to have a vote on that deal, but
0:25:13 > 0:25:17actually there will be ratification by other parliaments that we will be
0:25:17 > 0:25:20able to achieve that agreement and that negotiation in time for this
0:25:20 > 0:25:28parliament to have the vote that we committed.We enter a week of
0:25:28 > 0:25:32commemorations around the centenary of the balance Ford declaration.
0:25:32 > 0:25:37Would the Prime Minister rededicate us to the pursuit of peace and
0:25:37 > 0:25:42justice for both the Israelis and the Palestinians, but celebrate with
0:25:42 > 0:25:45pride our small national contribution to the creation of a
0:25:45 > 0:25:50democracy in the Middle East, a sanctuary for those who suffered
0:25:50 > 0:25:56from anti-Semitism and fear its rise again and in the state of Israel a
0:25:56 > 0:26:00true friend of the United Kingdom. Well, can I first of all say to my
0:26:00 > 0:26:03honourable friend that we are proud of the role that we played in the
0:26:03 > 0:26:08creation of the state of Israel and we will certainly mark the centenary
0:26:08 > 0:26:12with pride. I am also pleased at the good trade relations and other
0:26:12 > 0:26:16relationships that we have with Israel and that we have are building
0:26:16 > 0:26:21on and enhancing. We also must be conscious of the sensitivitying some
0:26:21 > 0:26:24people do have about the declaration and we recognise that there is more
0:26:24 > 0:26:31work to be done. We remain committed to the two-state solution in
0:26:31 > 0:26:34relation to Israel and the Palestinians. That is an important
0:26:34 > 0:26:39aim. I think it's important that we all recommit to ensuring that we can
0:26:39 > 0:26:44provide security, stability and justice for both Israelis and
0:26:44 > 0:26:53Palestinians through such a lasting peace.Trying to get a decision on
0:26:53 > 0:27:00the Swansea tidal lagoon is becoming like Groundhog Day. Can I ask the
0:27:00 > 0:27:04Prime Minister when she will be ready?I say to the honourable lady
0:27:04 > 0:27:08as she knows this raises a number of complex issues, we are grateful for
0:27:08 > 0:27:12the review that was conducted and the relevant department is still -
0:27:12 > 0:27:16the business department is considering this and we will respond
0:27:16 > 0:27:23in due course.Does the Prime Minister agree that as we leave the
0:27:23 > 0:27:27EU and take control of our land management policy our manifesto
0:27:27 > 0:27:32commitment to planned 11 million trees is a critical part of a
0:27:32 > 0:27:35holistic countryside management framework which we can now build to
0:27:35 > 0:27:39ensure long-term home grown wood for our housing industry alongside
0:27:39 > 0:27:43increasing our natural carbon capture potential and reducing flood
0:27:43 > 0:27:47risks.Well, my honourable friend is absolutely right, we did commit in
0:27:47 > 0:27:50our manifesto to plant 11 million trees. We are putting that at the
0:27:50 > 0:27:53heart of our work to protect the environment for future generations.
0:27:53 > 0:27:58I am pleased to say that since April 2015 we have planted just over two
0:27:58 > 0:28:02million trees. But we do have much more to do and we will be continuing
0:28:02 > 0:28:05to work with landowners and stakeholders on this particular
0:28:05 > 0:28:16issue. But it is also about the role that trees play in reducing flood
0:28:16 > 0:28:23risks and helping to hold carbon dioxide.
0:28:23 > 0:28:29The banister has spoken on mental health.Can I thank her for that?
0:28:29 > 0:28:33When she was Home Secretary she outlawed police cells used for those
0:28:33 > 0:28:39in mental health crisis but today parts of the system are in crisis.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44In my constituency, children, young people and families, weighted two
0:28:44 > 0:28:51years for autism assessments. The Secretary of State agrees it is not
0:28:51 > 0:28:56acceptable. Can I ask the Prime Minister if she will turn her
0:28:56 > 0:29:00well-intentioned statements into action?We are taking a number of
0:29:00 > 0:29:05courses of action and he has raised the issue of the autism diagnosis
0:29:05 > 0:29:10and the length of time it takes. I know my right honourable friend the
0:29:10 > 0:29:14Health Secretary has looked into this and will do so because we are
0:29:14 > 0:29:18clear we want to insure adults and children should not have to face too
0:29:18 > 0:29:22long for period of diagnosis to take place. The Department of Health is
0:29:22 > 0:29:34working with partners to address these issues. And the clinical
0:29:34 > 0:29:38guidance sets out assessment should begin within three months of
0:29:38 > 0:29:41referral. It is within the Department of Health to work in
0:29:41 > 0:29:48those areas to make sure it is possible to achieve.Tomorrow at
0:29:48 > 0:29:52Cornwall airport the bloodhound will carry out its first test run in the
0:29:52 > 0:29:56next step on its quest to achieve the land speed record. Will the
0:29:56 > 0:30:02Prime Minister join me in wishing the team, especially the driver Andy
0:30:02 > 0:30:06Greene a successful test run and does she agreed these projects show
0:30:06 > 0:30:11the UK continues to lead the world in innovation in science and
0:30:11 > 0:30:17engineering?I am very happy to join him in wishing the team well and I
0:30:17 > 0:30:22have met some of the members of the team. I agree with the point he
0:30:22 > 0:30:28makes that this continues to show what a world leader in science and
0:30:28 > 0:30:33innovation UK ears. We have some of the best universities with four in
0:30:33 > 0:30:38the world top ten and more Nobel prizewinners than any country
0:30:38 > 0:30:42outside of the United States. I am sure we will all be proud of the
0:30:42 > 0:30:52Bloodhound team.Does the Prime Minister agree that as a result of
0:30:52 > 0:30:57the potential downgrading of Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, 479
0:30:57 > 0:31:03professionals lost, over 300 hospital beds cut and a 90 minute
0:31:03 > 0:31:06journey to the nearest A&E are not in the best interests of
0:31:06 > 0:31:11constituents? And will she meets to discuss the detrimental impact this
0:31:11 > 0:31:19will have on the area?The principle we want to base their decisions on
0:31:19 > 0:31:26is service changes should be based on clear evidence and led by
0:31:26 > 0:31:30clinicians who best understand what the local needs are. I understand
0:31:30 > 0:31:34that councils have referred the changes to the Health Secretary and
0:31:34 > 0:31:38I know he will consider those issues carefully and come to a decision in
0:31:38 > 0:31:46due course.Next year sees the centenary of the first woman member
0:31:46 > 0:31:50of Parliament. Would my right honourable friend tell us what
0:31:50 > 0:31:54leadership and encouragement to the women and girls in his constituency
0:31:54 > 0:31:59to take part in public life is a member for Sheffield Herm has shown
0:31:59 > 0:32:09in his remarks?Can I say -- Sheffield Hallam. It is important we
0:32:09 > 0:32:15mark the centenary and recognise the role women have played in this House
0:32:15 > 0:32:21and in public life. I want to see young women and women able to see
0:32:21 > 0:32:26this House is the place they want to come to, they want to contribute to
0:32:26 > 0:32:29their society, want to respond to needs of local constituents and make
0:32:29 > 0:32:35a difference to people'slives. That is what I am in it for and why I
0:32:35 > 0:32:39encouraged women to come into this House and I'm pleased to say we have
0:32:39 > 0:32:50more women on our benches ever before. Finally, all of us in this
0:32:50 > 0:32:54House should have due care and attention to the way in which we
0:32:54 > 0:33:00refer to other people. And should show women in public life the
0:33:00 > 0:33:13respect they deserve.Yesterday the Scottish Parliament voted by 91-28
0:33:13 > 0:33:20to ban fracking in Scotland. Could I ask why the Prime Minister would not
0:33:20 > 0:33:24consider following Scotland's lead and introducing a moratorium on the
0:33:24 > 0:33:30rest of the UK in order that there can be an evaluation of the health
0:33:30 > 0:33:33and environmental consequences of this controversial technology and in
0:33:33 > 0:33:40order of the public can be consulted?This is an issue on which
0:33:40 > 0:33:45he and I will disagree because I think shale gas has the potential to
0:33:45 > 0:33:49power economic growth and it will support thousands of jobs in the oil
0:33:49 > 0:33:54and gas industry and other sectors and it will provide a new domestic
0:33:54 > 0:33:59energy source. We have more than 50 years of drilling experience and one
0:33:59 > 0:34:03of the best records for economic development while protecting the
0:34:03 > 0:34:12environment. Shell wealth funds will provide additional resources and
0:34:12 > 0:34:17local councils will be able to retain hundred per cent collected
0:34:17 > 0:34:21from shale gas developments. We will bring in further proposals but this
0:34:21 > 0:34:28is a potential new source of energy and it is right we use this and take
0:34:28 > 0:34:37the benefits for the economy and people'sfutures.I'm sure the Prime
0:34:37 > 0:34:41Minister is aware of the terrifying incident on Sunday where a gunman
0:34:41 > 0:34:46held hostages at a bowling alley in my neighbouring constituency
0:34:46 > 0:34:53Nuneaton, a facility enjoyed by my constituents. Will she join me in
0:34:53 > 0:34:58praising the excellent work in Warwickshire Police and West
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Midlands ambulance did in ensuring the situation was brought to a swift
0:35:01 > 0:35:07conclusion without casualties?Can I say of course we were concerned to
0:35:07 > 0:35:14hear of the incident and I am happy to join him and the honourable
0:35:14 > 0:35:17member for Nuneaton in commending the professionalism and bravery of
0:35:17 > 0:35:22Warwickshire Police in bringing this to a swift conclusion and to the
0:35:22 > 0:35:26Ambulance Service in ensuring there were no injuries. The emergency
0:35:26 > 0:35:30services do an amazing job and this is the sort of incident when they do
0:35:30 > 0:35:34not know whether this is the sort of thing they will have to be called to
0:35:34 > 0:35:39and I was pleased to welcome emergency services personnel to a
0:35:39 > 0:35:43reception in Downing Street on Monday, and what they all say and
0:35:43 > 0:35:47always say is they were just doing their job but my goodness me, what a
0:35:47 > 0:35:56job they do.On the 29th of March, I asked the Prime Minister if she
0:35:56 > 0:36:00would help the people of new ferry after the huge explosion that
0:36:00 > 0:36:03devastated the town centre. She said she was happy to help and they would
0:36:03 > 0:36:09be support offered to the community. Two weeks later she called a general
0:36:09 > 0:36:13election and her government seems to have forgotten about the people in
0:36:13 > 0:36:19new ferry. While she may have forgotten, my constituents have not.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23I ask again, precisely when will Heard government put their hands in
0:36:23 > 0:36:28their pockets so the people in new ferry can rebuild their town and
0:36:28 > 0:36:33lives?The government has not forgotten about the issue and I
0:36:33 > 0:36:37understand that we are waiting for the local council to produce
0:36:37 > 0:36:43proposals and a business case and we will look at those seriously.In
0:36:43 > 0:36:48acknowledging the hard work of the men and women at RAF Benson in my
0:36:48 > 0:36:52constituency for the work they did in the Caribbean, will she
0:36:52 > 0:36:57acknowledged the Puma to helicopter was ready and available for work in
0:36:57 > 0:37:02the Caribbean within a couple of hours of having arrived?I am very
0:37:02 > 0:37:07happy to commend the work of those at RAF Benson and those in the
0:37:07 > 0:37:12military and volunteers who provided support after the devastating
0:37:12 > 0:37:17hurricanes that took place and I am also happy to agree with him that
0:37:17 > 0:37:25contrary to some stories put about, we were there, on time, and able to
0:37:25 > 0:37:32act quickly in getting people support.We can all agree no one
0:37:32 > 0:37:38should ever be persecuted on account of their sexuality. Last week at the
0:37:38 > 0:37:43Pink News awards, the Prime Minister said we had come a long way on LGBT
0:37:43 > 0:37:50rights that there is more to do. Can I ask to start that work today by
0:37:50 > 0:37:55promising that never again will the Home Office deport LGBT asylum
0:37:55 > 0:38:01seekers to countries where they are unlikely to be persecuted with the
0:38:01 > 0:38:07instruction that they pretend to be straight?Can I say to the
0:38:07 > 0:38:12honourable lady this is an issue that we take seriously. I think I'm
0:38:12 > 0:38:16right in saying the Conservative government changed the rules on
0:38:16 > 0:38:20asylum seeking to introduce the category of those who could face
0:38:20 > 0:38:25persecution in their home of origin because of their sexuality. I am
0:38:25 > 0:38:29pleased that was done and I am sure the Home Office treats all cases
0:38:29 > 0:38:39with a sensitivity that is appropriate.As of 2016, 17% of the
0:38:39 > 0:38:44premises in Scotland were without superfast broadband compared to 11%
0:38:44 > 0:38:50for the UK as a whole. Will she join me in calling on the Scottish
0:38:50 > 0:38:55Government to do more and constructively engage with
0:38:55 > 0:38:58departments in Westminster to deliver this crucial service in
0:38:58 > 0:39:12communities in Scotland?Can I say...Can I say? Order! All sorts
0:39:12 > 0:39:17of curious hand and finger gestures are being deployed, each trying to
0:39:17 > 0:39:22outdo the other in terms of eccentricity but I am interested in
0:39:22 > 0:39:29hearing the Prime Minister's reply. Can I say that we all recognise the
0:39:29 > 0:39:33importance of broadband and fast broadband being available to people
0:39:33 > 0:39:38but he is right, the members of the Scottish Nationalist party come to
0:39:38 > 0:39:48Westminster. They spend a lot of time talking about Powell is for the
0:39:48 > 0:39:52Scottish Government. It is time the Scottish Government got on with
0:39:52 > 0:40:01using its powers for the benefit of people in Scotland.Mr Speaker, in
0:40:01 > 0:40:04the past fortnight we have heard the announcement of the loss of many
0:40:04 > 0:40:11hundreds of jobs in Lancashire at BAE Systems sites which is a hammer
0:40:11 > 0:40:16blow to workers and families. Today I want to raise a proposed closure
0:40:16 > 0:40:22impressed and that will mean the loss of another 180 jobs. We keep
0:40:22 > 0:40:27hearing the hype about the Northern Powerhouse. Why are aerospace and
0:40:27 > 0:40:33trade manufacturers in the North shedding jobs by hundreds?I
0:40:33 > 0:40:38recognise this is a worrying time for workers involved. Obviously, we
0:40:38 > 0:40:42will ensure through the Department for Work and Pensions they have
0:40:42 > 0:40:46support to look for new jobs which includes the rapid response service
0:40:46 > 0:40:52which gives particular support to people in these areas. In relation
0:40:52 > 0:40:59to the decision by BAE Systems, I assure the house we will continue to
0:40:59 > 0:41:03promote this industry and I hope all Labour members will continue to
0:41:03 > 0:41:13promote the defence industry. I am glad that last month we signed a
0:41:13 > 0:41:18statement of intent with Qatar and last year the Ministry of Defence
0:41:18 > 0:41:24spent £3.7 billion with Bae and are working with them to maximise export
0:41:24 > 0:41:32opportunities for Typhoons in Hawks to retain jobs in the UK.When it
0:41:32 > 0:41:37comes to tackling homelessness, prevention is better than cure, so I
0:41:37 > 0:41:41am delighted the government backed my Homelessness Reduction Act. One
0:41:41 > 0:41:47of the obstacles to people is putting together a deposit for rent
0:41:47 > 0:41:51and help with the rent. Will my right honourable friend look at a
0:41:51 > 0:41:56scheme that will provide 32,000 people a year the opportunity to
0:41:56 > 0:42:02rent for an investment of £3.1 million per year, and not only that,
0:42:02 > 0:42:10to save the public purse up to £1.8 billion over a three-year period?I
0:42:10 > 0:42:14thank him for the issue he has campaigned on, the issue of
0:42:14 > 0:42:18homelessness and preventing homelessness and I am pleased we
0:42:18 > 0:42:21supported his Homelessness Reduction Act and I think that will be an
0:42:21 > 0:42:27important contribution. I understand on the specific issue he has raised,
0:42:27 > 0:42:33he has made a representation to the Chancellor and I am sure he will
0:42:33 > 0:42:36look at that representation carefully. On the general issue of
0:42:36 > 0:42:41helping people to buy and helping with deposits, I'm pleased to
0:42:41 > 0:42:45announce the extra £10 million of the to buy scheme, which makes a to
0:42:45 > 0:42:56people to get into homes.The workforce, the unions and management
0:42:56 > 0:42:58at Bombardier in Belfast deserve credit for the way they responded to
0:42:58 > 0:43:05the threats coming from the United States and Boeing, which is a threat
0:43:05 > 0:43:11to their jobs. Can the Prime Minister given assurance she will
0:43:11 > 0:43:15continue building on the good work that has happened through herself
0:43:15 > 0:43:18the Secretary of State for business and also the Northern Ireland
0:43:18 > 0:43:22Secretary and work with the unions and management to ensure the threat
0:43:22 > 0:43:28of tariffs is removed. The C series is a success story and thousands of
0:43:28 > 0:43:33jobs in Belfast are protected and across the United Kingdom, as well?
0:43:33 > 0:43:38I am very happy to give that commitment. A lot of work has been
0:43:38 > 0:43:43done in relation to this by myself and by the Business Secretary and
0:43:43 > 0:43:48Chancellor and other ministers with their opposite numbers in America
0:43:48 > 0:43:54and Canada. We will continue to do that work. Most recent announcement
0:43:54 > 0:43:59made in relation to Airbus and the C series is important, but we want to
0:43:59 > 0:44:03ensure those jobs stay in Northern Ireland because we recognise the
0:44:03 > 0:44:06importance of the jobs for the economy of Northern Ireland and for
0:44:06 > 0:44:08the people and their families. Order.