0:00:00 > 0:00:01everything must suit business. Businesses in Scotland will need to
0:00:01 > 0:00:05continue to export and worked throughout the UK. We also want
0:00:05 > 0:00:13businesses to be able to work within the Scottish market.
0:00:19 > 0:00:24I know that members across the house will have been appalled by last
0:00:24 > 0:00:28night's cowardly terrorist attack in New York. Our thoughts are with all
0:00:28 > 0:00:32of those affected and we stand united with the people of New York.
0:00:32 > 0:00:36Members on both sides have been deeply concerned about allegations
0:00:36 > 0:00:39of harassment and mistreatment in Westminster. This demands a
0:00:39 > 0:00:43response, and that is why the leader of the house has been meeting with
0:00:43 > 0:00:46her counterparts, and we are hopeful all sides can work together quickly
0:00:46 > 0:00:50to resolve this, and I have written to all party leaders inviting them
0:00:50 > 0:00:55to a meeting early next week so we can discuss a common, transparent,
0:00:55 > 0:00:59independent grievance procedure for all of those who work in Parliament.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02We have a duty to ensure that everybody coming here to contribute
0:01:02 > 0:01:07to public life is treated with respect. This morning I had meetings
0:01:07 > 0:01:10with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in
0:01:10 > 0:01:16the house, I will have further such meetings later.Is the Prime
0:01:16 > 0:01:18Minister where there have been some very powerful research that's been
0:01:18 > 0:01:25done on the question of high speed rail? What it says is that, in the
0:01:25 > 0:01:31leafy suburbs of the south, the first 140 miles, 30% of it has been
0:01:31 > 0:01:36dedicated to tunnelling to avoid knocking down houses. Yet, in the
0:01:36 > 0:01:43north, we are now told that the percentage is only 2% for the whole
0:01:43 > 0:01:54of the north. Why? Because HS2 says it's too costly, so knock the houses
0:01:54 > 0:01:57down. Will she arranged for a meeting with people from my area in
0:01:57 > 0:02:04order to avoid another 30 houses being knocked down in Newton, part
0:02:04 > 0:02:08of Bolsover? And isn't it high time that this government stopped
0:02:08 > 0:02:18treating our people like second-class citizens?I say to the
0:02:18 > 0:02:21honourable gentleman that I'm sure the Department for Transport will be
0:02:21 > 0:02:28happy to look into the question that he has raised but, of course, HS2,
0:02:28 > 0:02:35the reason why we are doing HS2 is it is important to increase the
0:02:35 > 0:02:40capacity of the railway lines going through to the north. This will be a
0:02:40 > 0:02:44very important contribution to the UK economy. And I can assure him, if
0:02:44 > 0:02:46he looks at everything this government has done, with the
0:02:46 > 0:02:58Northern Powerhouse, the Midlands engine... Be significant investment
0:02:58 > 0:03:03in infrastructure across all parts of the country, this is a government
0:03:03 > 0:03:07that wants to ensure this is a country that works for everyone.I
0:03:07 > 0:03:15want to join the Prime Minister and add my thoughts are with New
0:03:15 > 0:03:18Yorkers. The shocking scenes in New York will have brought back awful
0:03:18 > 0:03:23memories of terrorist attacks there and, as we degrade and destroyed
0:03:23 > 0:03:28Daesh, at its base, it will exploit its death cult ideology. Will my
0:03:28 > 0:03:32honourable friend urged our international partners to join with
0:03:32 > 0:03:36us in delivering the recent UN resolution to investigate and
0:03:36 > 0:03:41prosecute Daesh terrorists so we can hold them to account for their vile
0:03:41 > 0:03:44part?My honourable friend raises an important point, and it's important
0:03:44 > 0:03:49that we ensure we have a complete response to this issue of the threat
0:03:49 > 0:03:54of terrorism. That involves dealing with the problem at source. It must
0:03:54 > 0:03:57also involve dealing with terrorism wherever it occurs. But our message
0:03:57 > 0:04:01is clear, that our values will prevail, that the terrorists will
0:04:01 > 0:04:05not win. As we do this, we need to ensure that we work with
0:04:05 > 0:04:10international partners. We want to try and make sure that there is in
0:04:10 > 0:04:19Syria Iran, that we develop -- Syria and Iraq. That we develop safe
0:04:19 > 0:04:22spaces as they re-emerge from this terrorist threat, that has been on
0:04:22 > 0:04:25their street but also affected people across the world. Crucially,
0:04:25 > 0:04:30and we have done a lot of work in this, in helping those in situ to be
0:04:30 > 0:04:36able to gain evidence that can be used to ensure that anybody who is
0:04:36 > 0:04:40involved in the horrors of attacks that we see, that anybody involved
0:04:40 > 0:04:50in those attacks can actually be brought to justice.On the question
0:04:50 > 0:04:53of the sex harassment allegations that the Prime Minister quite
0:04:53 > 0:04:56rightly referred to, to put on the record, I am happy to meet with the
0:04:56 > 0:05:01Prime Minister and all party leaders to discuss this. We need better
0:05:01 > 0:05:04protections for all in this house. This house must involve workplace
0:05:04 > 0:05:08trade unions in that, but it is also incumbent on all parties to have
0:05:08 > 0:05:13robust procedures in place to protect and support victims of
0:05:13 > 0:05:19sexual abuse and harassment. I join with the Prime Minister in sending
0:05:19 > 0:05:23our solidarity with the people of New York and then mayor, Bill de
0:05:23 > 0:05:27Blasio, for the appalling terrorist attack yesterday. I hope the whole
0:05:27 > 0:05:32house will join me in paying tribute to two former Labour can -- two
0:05:32 > 0:05:36former Labour colleagues, who passed away this week, candy Atherton, the
0:05:36 > 0:05:40member for Falmouth and Campbell, and Frank Doran, the member for
0:05:40 > 0:05:42Aberdeen North, who both did enormous good work at opposite ends
0:05:42 > 0:05:47of the UK to represent their communities and constituencies would
0:05:47 > 0:05:51they will be missed by all of us, especially in the Labour Party, who
0:05:51 > 0:05:56they served so well for their entire lives. In 2010, the Labour
0:05:56 > 0:06:04government intervened through HMRC to shut down an Isle of Man scheme
0:06:04 > 0:06:10used to import yachts into the EU and thus to avoid tax. A similar
0:06:10 > 0:06:12scheme has recently been exposed relating to the import of business
0:06:12 > 0:06:18jets into the Isle of Man. So can the Prime Minister assure the house
0:06:18 > 0:06:25that HMRC investigates these new allegations diligently?The right
0:06:25 > 0:06:30honourable gentleman has made a number of references in his
0:06:30 > 0:06:34question, and I will address all of them. On the first point, it is
0:06:34 > 0:06:39absolutely essential, and he is right, that we have processes, that
0:06:39 > 0:06:43political parties have processes to deal with allegations of misconduct,
0:06:43 > 0:06:48but also that, obviously, we have the ministerial code and proper
0:06:48 > 0:06:51investigations take place against that, where that is appropriate, but
0:06:51 > 0:06:55I believe it is also crucial for everybody working in this
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Parliament, be they working for a Member of Parliament, for the house
0:06:59 > 0:07:03authorities or a journalist working in this Parliament, that there are
0:07:03 > 0:07:09proper processes in this Parliament for people to be able to report
0:07:09 > 0:07:12misconduct and for that to be dealt with, and I think that is very
0:07:12 > 0:07:18important, and I'm grateful for him saying he will meet with me, and I
0:07:18 > 0:07:21hope other party leaders... I see the leader of the SNP is nodding his
0:07:21 > 0:07:25head. To look at this particular issue. Can I also join him in paying
0:07:25 > 0:07:34tribute to both Frank Duran -- Frank Doran and Candy Atherton. Frank
0:07:34 > 0:07:38Doran was first elected in 1987, serving two separate terms as the MP
0:07:38 > 0:07:40for Aberdeen, chairing the administration committee for five
0:07:40 > 0:07:44years and he was a tireless campaigner for safety in the oil and
0:07:44 > 0:07:48gas industry, and I'm sure everybody will recall his commitment in this
0:07:48 > 0:07:52house and join me in offering condolences to his family and
0:07:52 > 0:07:56friends, and Candy Atherton, first elected in 1997, when I was first
0:07:56 > 0:08:01elected, and she served for eight years as an MP, but she was a strong
0:08:01 > 0:08:04campaigner for women's rights and disability issues and continued to
0:08:04 > 0:08:07champion those causes on Cornwall council after leaving this house,
0:08:07 > 0:08:11and I'm sure that members across this house will join me in offering
0:08:11 > 0:08:14my condolences to her family and friends. The right honourable
0:08:14 > 0:08:18gentleman talks about tax avoidance, and I can assure him that, where
0:08:18 > 0:08:22cases are referred to HMRC in relation to tax avoidance, they take
0:08:22 > 0:08:25those seriously and look into those measures seriously. We have taken
0:08:25 > 0:08:32action collectively as a government over the last few years, since 2010,
0:08:32 > 0:08:38when he first came in, and we have secured over £150 million of
0:08:38 > 0:08:41compliance revenues since 2010 from a number of measures we have taken
0:08:41 > 0:08:48to ensure that we clamp down on tax evasion and avoidance.957 business
0:08:48 > 0:08:53jets in the Isle of Man seems a bit excessive for any island anywhere,
0:08:53 > 0:09:01and I hope it is investigated and you tax is investigated from those
0:09:01 > 0:09:09people trying to avoid it. -- the tax that is due. Allegations of the
0:09:09 > 0:09:14scale of tax docking -- tax dodging involved range up to 119 billion,
0:09:14 > 0:09:17the size of the NHS budget. The Isle of Man VAT avoidance allegations are
0:09:17 > 0:09:25part of a wider link from the Bermuda -based law firm said the a
0:09:25 > 0:09:29similar scale the Panama Papers. Will the Prime Minister commit the
0:09:29 > 0:09:38HMRC to fully investigate all evidence of UK tax avoidance and
0:09:38 > 0:09:45evasion from this league, and prosecute where feasible?I had
0:09:45 > 0:09:48given the right honourable gentleman and assurance in my first answer
0:09:48 > 0:09:53that HMRC does take these issues very seriously, does investigate and
0:09:53 > 0:09:55thus take action and, where appropriate, tax loopholes are
0:09:55 > 0:10:03closed. What is important is that, if we look at the record we have,
0:10:03 > 0:10:07and I mentioned the 160 billion in additional compliance revenues since
0:10:07 > 0:10:102010, we have announced or intimated over 75 measures since 2010 to
0:10:10 > 0:10:14tackle tax avoidance and evasion. The right honourable gentleman
0:10:14 > 0:10:20referred to one that was done by Labour. We have been continuing to
0:10:20 > 0:10:23act on this particular issue, so we will be raising billions of pounds
0:10:23 > 0:10:28more as a result. But I reassured him... I think most people would
0:10:28 > 0:10:34recognise that HMRC actually does rather want to collect tax. That its
0:10:34 > 0:10:39job, and it does look to make sure it can do so as much as possible.
0:10:39 > 0:10:46Well, it's rather strange then that Britain reportedly has blocked a
0:10:46 > 0:10:51French led proposal which would have placed Bermuda on the European Union
0:10:51 > 0:10:54tax haven blacklist. Perhaps the Prime Minister could explain why
0:10:54 > 0:10:58that would be the case? The Panama Papers exposed many wealthy
0:10:58 > 0:11:01individuals and big businesses who avoided tax through offshore trusts.
0:11:01 > 0:11:07Labour backs any necessary changes to toughen our laws against
0:11:07 > 0:11:15aggressive tax avoidance of just yesterday, Mr Speaker, we tried to
0:11:15 > 0:11:20strengthen legislation on beneficial ownership of trusts, with amendments
0:11:20 > 0:11:22we placed to the finance bill why did the government vote against
0:11:22 > 0:11:32them?Can I say to the right honourable gentleman that he raises
0:11:32 > 0:11:36the issue of British Overseas Territories. In fact, this
0:11:36 > 0:11:41government has taken action in relation to those British Overseas
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Territories, action that was not taken by the previous Labour
0:11:43 > 0:11:51government. So, if he says to me that this whole question of tax
0:11:51 > 0:11:54evasion is something that needs to be constantly looked at, and
0:11:54 > 0:11:58government needs to be prepared to act, my answer is, yes, we are and
0:11:58 > 0:12:09we will.There is a strange kind of pattern here, because, in 2015
0:12:09 > 0:12:16alone... In 2015 alone am a Conservative members of the European
0:12:16 > 0:12:21Parliament voted against five reports to introduce methods of
0:12:21 > 0:12:24fighting tax avoidance and evasion. Last week, HMRC admitted that
0:12:24 > 0:12:33multinational companies avoid paying 5.8 billion taxes in 2016. Despite
0:12:33 > 0:12:40this, HMRC is currently cutting another 8000 staff. So can the Prime
0:12:40 > 0:12:48Minister assure the house that, in the upcoming Budget, instead of more
0:12:48 > 0:12:50cuts to HMRC, they will get more resources to tackle the scourge of
0:12:50 > 0:12:57aggressive tax avoidance and evasion?
0:12:57 > 0:13:04I have reassure the Right Honourable gentleman. HMRC is acting since this
0:13:04 > 0:13:08Conservative Party came into Government in 2010 and will continue
0:13:08 > 0:13:15to act but, of course, in asking these questions, he might want to
0:13:15 > 0:13:18reflect on why it was before the dissolution of Parliament earlier
0:13:18 > 0:13:23this year, it was the Labour Party that stopped and refused to support
0:13:23 > 0:13:30a tax avoidance and evasion measures brought forward by this Government.
0:13:30 > 0:13:44His party stopped it.Mr Speaker, my question was why Conservative MPs
0:13:44 > 0:14:02opposed what Labour was proposing yesterday? So, Mr Speaker... Last
0:14:02 > 0:14:04month's European Parliament committee of enquiry set up in the
0:14:04 > 0:14:10wake of the Panama papers, claimed that the UK is obstructing the fight
0:14:10 > 0:14:15against tax dodging and money-laundering. And, just last
0:14:15 > 0:14:19week, the EU's competition Commissioner announced an enquiry
0:14:19 > 0:14:25into UK taxation rules that may have institutionalised tax avoidance by
0:14:25 > 0:14:31multinational corporations. Isn't the Prime Minister concerned that
0:14:31 > 0:14:35vital revenue is being lost to fund schools and hospitals? Will she
0:14:35 > 0:14:42change the rules in the budget?Can I say to the right honourable
0:14:42 > 0:14:51gentleman we have taken an extra £160 billion in additional
0:14:51 > 0:14:56compliance revenue since 2010 and he says measures being proposed this
0:14:56 > 0:15:01week, as I said in my previous answer, we would have had more tax
0:15:01 > 0:15:07evasion measures in place if the Labour Party had not blocked of
0:15:07 > 0:15:15before the last election. This party in Government has not just been
0:15:15 > 0:15:20acting in the UK. We have been working with the Crown dependencies,
0:15:20 > 0:15:28the British Overseas Territories, and leading the world, it was the
0:15:28 > 0:15:32Conservative Prime Minister that put this on the agenda of the G7 anergy
0:15:32 > 0:15:3920 four international action against tax avoidance and evasion.If we are
0:15:39 > 0:15:43leading the world perhaps she can explain how the amount of tax paid
0:15:43 > 0:15:50by the super-rich in income tax has fallen from 4.4 billion down to 3.5
0:15:50 > 0:15:59billion since 2009. Earlier this year, the Public Accounts Committee
0:15:59 > 0:16:02said the HMRC record of getting multimillionaires to pay their taxes
0:16:02 > 0:16:10was dismal and the super-rich were getting help with their tax affairs
0:16:10 > 0:16:16that is not available to other taxpayers. Our schools budget has
0:16:16 > 0:16:24been cut. More people waiting longer for treatment.In the
0:16:28 > 0:16:32order. We do tend to have overexcitement every week but I give
0:16:32 > 0:16:37notice as usual I would like to get to the end of the order paper and
0:16:37 > 0:16:41facilitate backbench enquiries, as well, so members are eating only
0:16:41 > 0:16:46into their own time forth I have got all the time the world.Since
0:16:46 > 0:16:49members to get so excited, I must say it again, our schools budgets
0:16:49 > 0:16:58are being cut, more people waiting longer for treatment on the National
0:16:58 > 0:17:03Health Service. More elderly and disabled not getting the social care
0:17:03 > 0:17:11they need. Does the Prime Minister think it is acceptable that, when it
0:17:11 > 0:17:14comes to paying taxes, there's one rule for the super-rich, and another
0:17:14 > 0:17:25the rest of us?The top 1% of earners in this country are paying
0:17:25 > 0:17:3328% of the tax burden. That is the highest percentage ever under any
0:17:33 > 0:17:42Government. And, once again, he is wrong forth over the next two years,
0:17:42 > 0:17:49£2.5 billion extra is being put into our schools, as a result of
0:17:49 > 0:17:54decisions taken by this Conservative Government. But I will tell him, he
0:17:54 > 0:17:58talks about spending on schools and hospitals. I will tell him where the
0:17:58 > 0:18:02real problem lies full sub today be spent nearly £50 billion in payments
0:18:02 > 0:18:07on interest to those we have borrowed from as a result of the
0:18:07 > 0:18:12legacy of the Labour Party.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23That is more than we spend on the NHS pay bill, it is more than we
0:18:23 > 0:18:26spend on...
0:18:26 > 0:18:29Answer will be heard as I
0:18:29 > 0:18:35Answer will be heard as I indicated. Mr Gates, you are a senior denizen
0:18:35 > 0:18:41of the House. This excessive jester Galatea and is not good for you,
0:18:41 > 0:18:50man. Calm yourself.We spend £50 billion on debt interest every year,
0:18:50 > 0:18:54payments to people we have borrowed from, more than the NHS pay Bill,
0:18:54 > 0:18:59more than our schools budget, more than we spend on defence. That as a
0:18:59 > 0:19:05result of the economy we were left by the Labour Party Government. And
0:19:05 > 0:19:09what does the right honourable gentleman want to do? He wants to
0:19:09 > 0:19:14borrow £500 billion more to make the situation worse and leave even less
0:19:14 > 0:19:24money for schools and hospitals.Tim Lawton.On August 22, 2015 in my
0:19:24 > 0:19:30constituency, 11 men tragically lost their lives in the airshow disaster.
0:19:30 > 0:19:3326 months later, no decision has been taken on criminal charges and
0:19:33 > 0:19:37coroners inquest has been delayed again until November next year. The
0:19:37 > 0:19:41families of the victims have just had their application for
0:19:41 > 0:19:44exceptional case funding rejected by their legal aid agency and they will
0:19:44 > 0:19:49likely be the only persons at the inquest not legally represented.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52Will my right honourable friend agreed to look at this case again
0:19:52 > 0:19:57and to meet the families to ensure that they have proper access to
0:19:57 > 0:20:00justice in this exceptionally tragic case which is a much wider public
0:20:00 > 0:20:06interest for safety at all levels? Can I say he raises a very important
0:20:06 > 0:20:11issue and I can understand the concerns of the families. In
0:20:11 > 0:20:16relation to this. He talks about the timetable for decisions being taken
0:20:16 > 0:20:22for the Department for Transport has accepted the recommendation and they
0:20:22 > 0:20:26are working with the air accident investigation Branch to determine
0:20:26 > 0:20:30the scope of the review. The Civil Aviation Authority has accepted all
0:20:30 > 0:20:34recommendations, so there was considerable work going on to learn
0:20:34 > 0:20:39the lessons from this disaster. But we're also committed ensuring that
0:20:39 > 0:20:44people, where there is a public disaster, people have proper
0:20:44 > 0:20:49representation and this is an issue I will ask the Lord Chancellor to
0:20:49 > 0:20:55look at in relation to the questions raised.Ian Blackford.Thank you,
0:20:55 > 0:20:58can I associate myself with the remarks made by the Prime Minister
0:20:58 > 0:21:03went to talk about the zero tolerance there has to be for bad
0:21:03 > 0:21:06sexual practices and behaviour and I certainly commit my members to work
0:21:06 > 0:21:11with the Government to make sure that we can have a system we can be
0:21:11 > 0:21:14proud of that protects all members of the Houses of Parliament. Can I
0:21:14 > 0:21:19pass on my condolences to the family and friends of Frank Gordon for his
0:21:19 > 0:21:26sad death this week. Can the Prime Minister tell the House how much a
0:21:26 > 0:21:29working single parent can expect to lose because of the roll-out of the
0:21:29 > 0:21:36Universal Credit?Can I first of all say to the honourable gentleman that
0:21:36 > 0:21:39I'm grateful to him for agreeing he wants to work across the House on
0:21:39 > 0:21:43this important issue. If I may just say to him, he referred to sexual
0:21:43 > 0:21:49misconduct, I think what is important is that we list not just
0:21:49 > 0:21:53sexual misconduct and also bullying, as well because that is also
0:21:53 > 0:21:58important. He has raised the role of Universal Credit with me before. The
0:21:58 > 0:22:03reason why we have brought in to replace it is to ensure that when
0:22:03 > 0:22:08people are encouraged into the workplace and in work, they are able
0:22:08 > 0:22:12to keep more of the money they earn. That's an important principle we
0:22:12 > 0:22:19will continue to underpin that.The reality is that new research shows
0:22:19 > 0:22:25that working single parents could lose an average of £1350 a year.
0:22:25 > 0:22:31Because of the cuts to work allowances. Universal Credit is fast
0:22:31 > 0:22:38becoming Theresa May's poll tax. The Prime Minister has a habit of you
0:22:38 > 0:22:42turning. Will see you turn one more time and fix the problems with
0:22:42 > 0:22:48Universal Credit?Can I say to the honourable gentleman, I have
0:22:48 > 0:22:52underlined the principle which lies behind Universal Credit which I
0:22:52 > 0:22:54believe is very important and that is why when we look at the support
0:22:54 > 0:22:57given to people it isn't just about the support they receive in
0:22:57 > 0:23:04financial terms but also about helping them to get onto the work
0:23:04 > 0:23:08ladder, ensuring they can actually meet the requirements of getting
0:23:08 > 0:23:12into the workplace and when they are in work they can keep more of the
0:23:12 > 0:23:16money that they earn. I think that is an important principle and we
0:23:16 > 0:23:19will continue to roll-out Universal Credit looking carefully at the
0:23:19 > 0:23:24fermentation of Universal Credit as we do so, because we are doing this
0:23:24 > 0:23:29in a careful way over a period of time, but the important principle is
0:23:29 > 0:23:32Universal Credit is a simpler system which ensures people keep more as
0:23:32 > 0:23:46they earn more.Mr Speaker, in Amersham we are acutely aware that
0:23:46 > 0:23:50infrastructure is vital for economic success particularly of other parts
0:23:50 > 0:23:53of the country. However, we still have areas that do not have access
0:23:53 > 0:23:58to high-speed broadband, and with the advent of electric vehicles, we
0:23:58 > 0:24:03are going to need to install an extensive charging network. Could
0:24:03 > 0:24:06the Prime Minister tell me what further action the Government can
0:24:06 > 0:24:10take to ensure the timely completion of our broadband infrastructure and
0:24:10 > 0:24:15what it can do to guarantee the rapid roll-out of electric vehicle
0:24:15 > 0:24:19charging points soap Buckinghamshire residents and businesses cannot just
0:24:19 > 0:24:24bear the brunt and the burden of infrastructure development, but can
0:24:24 > 0:24:30take advantage of the opportunities offered by modern technology?She's
0:24:30 > 0:24:34absolutely right that we want to be able to ensure we take the
0:24:34 > 0:24:38advantages offered by modern technology. That's why these are
0:24:38 > 0:24:41issues addressed in our industrial strategy and we will continue to
0:24:41 > 0:24:47address them and we recognise that when we talk about infrastructure in
0:24:47 > 0:24:50this country actually increasingly the IT broadband infrastructure is
0:24:50 > 0:24:52part of that, it's not just the physical roads and rails
0:24:52 > 0:24:56infrastructure. We are investing 790 minute and pound improving
0:24:56 > 0:25:04broadband, our big investment up to 1.7 billion, and we are leading the
0:25:04 > 0:25:09world in the development of electric cars and we need to ensure we have
0:25:09 > 0:25:12those vehicle charging points so we have put in place grants and policy
0:25:12 > 0:25:16measures to ensure that we see those charging points so people can take
0:25:16 > 0:25:22advantage of it.If the Prime Minister is serious about building a
0:25:22 > 0:25:28country that works for everyone, why are under 25 is not included in the
0:25:28 > 0:25:36national mood and wage? And also apprentices, 3.15 hour?It's
0:25:36 > 0:25:40important we have the national living wage. It was this party which
0:25:40 > 0:25:46introduced it. That has happened and has had an important impact on
0:25:46 > 0:25:51people and obviously the national living wage continues to increase.
0:25:51 > 0:25:57Will the Prime Minister join with the local Government ministers
0:25:57 > 0:26:03positive comments this week welcoming family hubs and pushing
0:26:03 > 0:26:06carriage our excellent Conservative councils to be champions of these
0:26:06 > 0:26:11hubs which can so improve the lives of children including the most
0:26:11 > 0:26:15runnable children by strengthening their families?Can I thank her for
0:26:15 > 0:26:21raising this point. I hope we all recognise the value of stable and
0:26:21 > 0:26:26strong families and this is an issue she has championed through her time
0:26:26 > 0:26:31in this House but also outside of this House as well and I am happy to
0:26:31 > 0:26:35join her in welcoming the development of family hubs and I
0:26:35 > 0:26:37would encourage Conservative councils across the country to be
0:26:37 > 0:26:45champions of this.Thank you. Is the Prime Minister aware that my city of
0:26:45 > 0:26:50Dundee has been repeatedly in the news last week. It launched its
0:26:50 > 0:26:55European city of culture bid and is now the world centre for
0:26:55 > 0:26:58pharmaceutical innovation and the Wall Street Journal listed it as one
0:26:58 > 0:27:03of the top ten places to visit on earth, making it Scotland's coolest
0:27:03 > 0:27:07city. Wouldn't it be great if the Prime Minister today can finally
0:27:07 > 0:27:12tell the innovative, the creative and cool people of Dundee and
0:27:12 > 0:27:15surrounding area, what precisely is the UK Government's date for
0:27:15 > 0:27:26delivering its fair share of the deal?I'm sorry, I didn't hear the
0:27:26 > 0:27:29end of it. What is important for the honourable gentleman, he stands up
0:27:29 > 0:27:36and speaks and waxes lyrically about his city of Dundee and I was asked
0:27:36 > 0:27:41about the Dundee city of culture last week and made the point that,
0:27:41 > 0:27:45of course, a number of places across the UK may put in those bits but on
0:27:45 > 0:27:49the creative industries I'm pleased to see that element of the day in
0:27:49 > 0:27:56Dundee, as well and tasted the deal will be an important deal for Dundee
0:27:56 > 0:27:59and the surrounding area is at other city deals in Scotland have been for
0:27:59 > 0:28:07with those have been agreed.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10Cheltenham general's A&E is hugely valued by me and my constituents and
0:28:10 > 0:28:14we want to see it preserved and enhanced. Does my right honourable
0:28:14 > 0:28:19friend agree with me that local NHS managers must listen very carefully
0:28:19 > 0:28:24to the voices of my constituents and others in Gloucestershire and ensure
0:28:24 > 0:28:29that any proposals can truly command local support?My honourable friend
0:28:29 > 0:28:32raises an important issue, because we are very clear that proposals
0:28:32 > 0:28:36should be developed at a local level I local commissions, but taking
0:28:36 > 0:28:42account of and listening to the views of local residents and
0:28:42 > 0:28:46constituents on those particular matters. I think it is important
0:28:46 > 0:28:50that local people are heard and can know that decisions have been taken
0:28:50 > 0:28:53in the light of any concerns they raise, and I understand any
0:28:53 > 0:29:00proposals for urgent care developed by the Gloucestershire authority
0:29:00 > 0:29:03will be subject to proper consultation.The government will
0:29:03 > 0:29:07today published its first report detailing progress towards ratifying
0:29:07 > 0:29:11the Istanbul Convention on violence against women. After five years,
0:29:11 > 0:29:16hopefully today's report signals it won't have to wait long for
0:29:16 > 0:29:21application. But women suffering domestic violence don't have the
0:29:21 > 0:29:26luxury of time, so this is why the Prime Minister is sorting out
0:29:26 > 0:29:30misogyny and harassment in place, will she ensure that all women have
0:29:30 > 0:29:35somewhere safe to go when fleeing violence?I say to the honourable
0:29:35 > 0:29:39gentleman that, over the past few years, but when I was Home Secretary
0:29:39 > 0:29:41and under the current Home Secretary, we have taken steps in
0:29:41 > 0:29:46relation to funding in relation to domestic violence, but that funding
0:29:46 > 0:29:51is ring-fenced over a period of time, so there can be a greater
0:29:51 > 0:29:55certainty for organisations working in this area. There is much for us
0:29:55 > 0:29:58to do because, sadly, we still see domestic violence and abuse taking
0:29:58 > 0:30:03place. One of the other steps we are taking is to bring in new
0:30:03 > 0:30:06legislation in relation to domestic violence, which I hope will clarify
0:30:06 > 0:30:09the situation, but we need to address this across a wide variety
0:30:09 > 0:30:18of action.How we treat our farmed animals is an indication of our
0:30:18 > 0:30:23civility as a nation. And we in this country have a record of which we
0:30:23 > 0:30:29can be rightly proud. Does my right honourable friend share my concern
0:30:29 > 0:30:33that there have been reports that, as a result of leaving the European
0:30:33 > 0:30:38Union, there may be a relaxation of those standards? Can she take this
0:30:38 > 0:30:43opportunity to reassure me that that is not the case, and that in fact we
0:30:43 > 0:30:48will seize the opportunity to improve standards and thereby
0:30:48 > 0:30:52enhance the reputation of British produce?I can assure my honourable
0:30:52 > 0:30:55friend... First of all, I can agree with him that we are proud to have
0:30:55 > 0:30:59some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world, and we want
0:30:59 > 0:31:04to continue to be able to have that reputation as a country where we
0:31:04 > 0:31:06have those high standards. So leaving the EU isn't going to change
0:31:06 > 0:31:11that. We remain committed to high animal welfare standards and, as my
0:31:11 > 0:31:15honourable friend says, that may give an opportunity to enhance those
0:31:15 > 0:31:19standards, so we can further show people the reputation this country
0:31:19 > 0:31:23as is somewhere where they can be safe and secure in the knowledge of
0:31:23 > 0:31:29conditions in which their food has been prepared.The Prime Minister
0:31:29 > 0:31:33will be aware that 4 million children in our country are growing
0:31:33 > 0:31:38up in poverty, and that number has risen. Two thirds of those children
0:31:38 > 0:31:42are from working families. Does she still seriously believe that the
0:31:42 > 0:31:47introduction of Universal Credit will balloon -- will bring that
0:31:47 > 0:31:51number down?The number of children in absolute poverty has actually
0:31:51 > 0:31:58come down under this government. But, of course, we need to be aware
0:31:58 > 0:32:03of the impact of decisions. We are looking carefully at the
0:32:03 > 0:32:06implementation of Universal Credit, but I will repeat the point I made
0:32:06 > 0:32:11in response to the question from the leader of the SNP, which is that the
0:32:11 > 0:32:14point of Universal Credit if it is more straightforward, a simpler
0:32:14 > 0:32:19system, but also it helps people get into the workplace and ensures that
0:32:19 > 0:32:23they keep more of the money that they earn, which I think is
0:32:23 > 0:32:31important.This government's industrial strategy makes the
0:32:31 > 0:32:33historic commitment for a fairer distribution of infrastructure
0:32:33 > 0:32:40spending across the regions, our roads, railways and digital
0:32:40 > 0:32:43networks, and in advance of the White Paper, would my honourable
0:32:43 > 0:32:46friend confirm this commitment and between rebalancing of our economy
0:32:46 > 0:32:55by more investment spending in the regions, not least in Yorkshire?My
0:32:55 > 0:32:59honourable friend stands up well for his county and his constituency on
0:32:59 > 0:33:03this matter, but I am very happy to confirm to him that we will maintain
0:33:03 > 0:33:07that commitment in our forthcoming industrial strategy White Paper,
0:33:07 > 0:33:09because we want to see a fairer distribution of infrastructure
0:33:09 > 0:33:14spending across the country, and we want that because we know that
0:33:14 > 0:33:18infrastructure investment is important to unlocking economic
0:33:18 > 0:33:20opportunities and economic growth and productivity in our towns,
0:33:20 > 0:33:26villages and cities. Of course, we have backed this with ambitious
0:33:26 > 0:33:29commitments to increase spending on infrastructure by 50% over the next
0:33:29 > 0:33:32four years, but I can assure him we will be looking at that spending
0:33:32 > 0:33:38across the whole country.I'd like to thank the Prime Minister for her
0:33:38 > 0:33:43opening words about the horrific revelations this week, but can I say
0:33:43 > 0:33:47to her that, three years ago, I brought evidence to her in this
0:33:47 > 0:33:52house that whips had used information about sexual abuse to
0:33:52 > 0:33:57demand loyalty from MPs. I have brought my information to her in
0:33:57 > 0:34:02this house, and I warned her at the time that, unless real action was
0:34:02 > 0:34:08taken, we risked repeating those injustices again today. On three
0:34:08 > 0:34:11occasions, I asked her to act and, on three occasions, she did not. Can
0:34:11 > 0:34:19I ask her, in this of all weeks, for the fourth time, will she finally
0:34:19 > 0:34:24take concrete action to tackle this? I will, of course, look back at the
0:34:24 > 0:34:27questions that the honourable lady said that she raised with me in this
0:34:27 > 0:34:33house. I issue she raised those with me when I was Home Secretary. I will
0:34:33 > 0:34:39say to her that I am very clear that the whips office, and I hope this
0:34:39 > 0:34:42goes for all whips offices across this house, should make clear to
0:34:42 > 0:34:48people that, where there are any sexual abuse allegations that could
0:34:48 > 0:34:51be the criminal nature, that people should go to the police. It isn't
0:34:51 > 0:34:55appropriate for those to be dealt with by whips offices. Those should
0:34:55 > 0:34:59go to the police. That continues to be the case. I will look at the
0:34:59 > 0:35:02questions she raised with me, but I am very clear that we will take
0:35:02 > 0:35:08action against those, where there are allegations that we see, and the
0:35:08 > 0:35:14evidence is there that there has been misconduct. Can I just say to
0:35:14 > 0:35:17the honourable lady, I hope we will all send a message from this house
0:35:17 > 0:35:22today that we want people in this place to be able to feel confident
0:35:22 > 0:35:30to bring forward cases, and we need to make sure that those cases... No,
0:35:30 > 0:35:36we need to ensure that those cases are dealt with in a way that people
0:35:36 > 0:35:38can have confidence on both sides that they will be properly
0:35:38 > 0:35:45investigated. That means, and I want to see a good process within this
0:35:45 > 0:35:48parliament, so that people feel they don't have to go to a party
0:35:48 > 0:35:53political process in order to have their allegations considered.My
0:35:53 > 0:35:59constituency of Aldershot is the home of the British Army. It is home
0:35:59 > 0:36:03to many thousands of service men and women, are loyal, resolute in stead
0:36:03 > 0:36:08fast in their service to the Crown. Will my right honourable friend
0:36:08 > 0:36:11agree, when her busy schedule allows, to visit the Aldershot
0:36:11 > 0:36:15Garrison to meet with service men and women, and to thank them for
0:36:15 > 0:36:21their service?Can buy first of all assure my honourable friend that we
0:36:21 > 0:36:26recognise that the men and women of our armed services serve with great
0:36:26 > 0:36:29distinction and loyalty, and we are all grateful to them for the service
0:36:29 > 0:36:35they give this country. That is why we are committed to maintaining 10%
0:36:35 > 0:36:40of being spent on defence. He kindly invites me to visit his
0:36:40 > 0:36:46constituency, and I will be happy to do so, if my diary allows.A few
0:36:46 > 0:36:49days ago, the Chancellor told the house that the government could not
0:36:49 > 0:36:55afford to borrow £50 billion to invest in housing, because of the
0:36:55 > 0:36:58burden on the next generation. The Communities Secretary says that the
0:36:58 > 0:37:04government must borrow £50 billion because of the burden on the next
0:37:04 > 0:37:13generation of an affordable. Can she adjudicate?I have to say to the
0:37:13 > 0:37:16honourable gentleman, there is no need to adjudicate on the government
0:37:16 > 0:37:19agrees it is necessary for us to ensure we are building more homes in
0:37:19 > 0:37:22this country. We have already announced to enable that. We have
0:37:22 > 0:37:29put a number of proposals before the house in the White Paper. We were
0:37:29 > 0:37:32pleased to announce the extra £2 billion for affordable housing at
0:37:32 > 0:37:37our party conference, and the extra £10 billion in the cup to buy
0:37:37 > 0:37:39scheme, which genuinely helps people get their first foot on the housing
0:37:39 > 0:37:44ladder. More housings is being built under this element and we will
0:37:44 > 0:37:55continue to see that.Earlier this week, in my constituency, I horrific
0:37:55 > 0:37:58farmhouse claimed the lives of a father and five young children. This
0:37:58 > 0:38:06has had a devastating effect not just on the family but on the
0:38:06 > 0:38:09community around it. Would my honourable friend join me and this
0:38:09 > 0:38:12house in sending our sympathies to the family of the breed and the
0:38:12 > 0:38:24villagers and the town? -- the family of the reef. That is along
0:38:24 > 0:38:30with the emergency services. -- the family of the bereaved.My
0:38:30 > 0:38:34honourable friend has raised what I know is a tragic case, I'm sure that
0:38:34 > 0:38:37everybody across the house would want to join with him in sending
0:38:37 > 0:38:41condolences to the family and friends of those affected by the
0:38:41 > 0:38:45fire. This was a terrible tragedy, and it isn't just the family
0:38:45 > 0:38:49themselves that have been affected but the local community as well and
0:38:49 > 0:38:53I know that the emergency services did sterling work, and I am pleased
0:38:53 > 0:38:55to commend the work that they did and their bravery and
0:38:55 > 0:39:00professionalism. The Secretary of State for Wales has spoken to the
0:39:00 > 0:39:05police, and they will remain in touch over the coming days, but once
0:39:05 > 0:39:08again our emergency services do an amazing job protecting us, and we
0:39:08 > 0:39:13have seen this in so many instances. They never know when they are going
0:39:13 > 0:39:18to be called out to such a tragic incident.With today's news that the
0:39:18 > 0:39:21Electoral Commission is investigating Arron Banks, the main
0:39:21 > 0:39:28financial backer of Brexit, along with the significant British
0:39:28 > 0:39:33connections being uncovered by the American justice department's
0:39:33 > 0:39:37special council, Robert Muller, investigating Russian interference
0:39:37 > 0:39:39in the US presidential election, will she assure me that the UK
0:39:39 > 0:39:44Government and all of its agencies are cooperating fully with the
0:39:44 > 0:39:47Robert Marlow investigation, or that they will do so if asked? -- Robert
0:39:47 > 0:39:56Muller.We take very seriously issues of Russian intervention or
0:39:56 > 0:39:59attempts to intervene in electoral processes, or in the democratic
0:39:59 > 0:40:05processes of any country, and we will do so for any other states
0:40:05 > 0:40:09which were involved in trying to intervene in elections. We work
0:40:09 > 0:40:13closely with our United States partners, and I can assure them, as
0:40:13 > 0:40:16part of that relationship, we cooperate with them when required.
0:40:16 > 0:40:22Last month, I was in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and I referred
0:40:22 > 0:40:26customer declaration of members interests, but I saw people's
0:40:26 > 0:40:34enthusiasm for independence and the fresh dialogue with Baghdad. The
0:40:34 > 0:40:38subsequent statements are wholly unjust and unacceptable. We'll be
0:40:38 > 0:40:44promised except that Depeche Mode and the Kurdistan region, to whom we
0:40:44 > 0:40:48owe so much, both for resisting Daesh and helping keep our own
0:40:48 > 0:40:51streets safe, they remain vital to our security, and can she do all
0:40:51 > 0:40:55that she can to encourage a resolution based on full respect for
0:40:55 > 0:41:03the constitution and the democratic will of the Kurdish people?We are
0:41:03 > 0:41:07working with international partners to defeat Daesh together with the
0:41:07 > 0:41:11global coalition. Daesh is losing territory. The action that has been
0:41:11 > 0:41:16taken is having an impact. It finances have been hit, its
0:41:16 > 0:41:18leadership are being killed and its fighters are demoralised, but we
0:41:18 > 0:41:23want to see political reconciliation in Iraq and a political settlement
0:41:23 > 0:41:27to the Syria conflict to deny Daesh saves space and prevent
0:41:27 > 0:41:31re-emergence. He raises a particular point in relation to Iraq and
0:41:31 > 0:41:35Kurdistan. I say to him that we have always been there as a government
0:41:35 > 0:41:39that any political progress towards independence should be agreed with
0:41:39 > 0:41:42the government of Iraq. We want to see political reconciliation in
0:41:42 > 0:41:46Iraq, but we have urged all parties to promote calm, to pursue dialogue
0:41:46 > 0:41:53and to take this issue forward through dialogue.An hour ago, the
0:41:53 > 0:41:57government published this report, the patronising disposition of
0:41:57 > 0:42:00unaccountable power. It's a report of Right Reverend James Jones, which
0:42:00 > 0:42:04the Prime Minister herself commissioned to ensure that the pain
0:42:04 > 0:42:09and suffering of the Hillsborough families isn't repeated. Given what
0:42:09 > 0:42:13we have heard in this session, and given the events surrounding the
0:42:13 > 0:42:18Grenfell Tower disaster, I think that I worry that the pain and
0:42:18 > 0:42:21suffering of the Hillsborough families is already being repeated.
0:42:21 > 0:42:27So can the Prime Minister commit her government to supporting both a duty
0:42:27 > 0:42:34of candour for all public officials and, as this report requires, an end
0:42:34 > 0:42:39to public bodies spending limitless sums providing themselves with
0:42:39 > 0:42:46representation which surpasses that available to families?
0:42:46 > 0:42:50Obviously the House will appreciate that I have to be careful what I say
0:42:50 > 0:42:51immigration to the Hillsborough issue because of the ongoing
0:42:51 > 0:42:55committal proceedings, but I want to pay tribute to James Jones.
0:42:55 > 0:43:00Throughout the time his work in chairing the panel, the work he did
0:43:00 > 0:43:05as my advisor on this issue and working with the family forums, I
0:43:05 > 0:43:09think he's done an excellent job and once again his report into the
0:43:09 > 0:43:13experiences of the Hillsborough families which is being published
0:43:13 > 0:43:17today is important and Government will need to look very carefully at
0:43:17 > 0:43:21the 25 points of learning which have come out of it and we will want to
0:43:21 > 0:43:25do so because I've always been very clear that the experience of the
0:43:25 > 0:43:30Hillsborough families had should not be repeated. That's why we have
0:43:30 > 0:43:33looked and are committed to the concept of the Public Advocate
0:43:33 > 0:43:37because we want to ensure that people have the support that they
0:43:37 > 0:43:42need and it's important that we learn the lessons from Hillsborough.
0:43:42 > 0:43:45I was involved in making the decision which enabled the
0:43:45 > 0:43:50Hillsborough families to have legal support. On a basis I think is fair
0:43:50 > 0:43:54in relation to other parties involved in that inquest and I can
0:43:54 > 0:44:00assure her that we will not forget the Hillsborough families who have
0:44:00 > 0:44:04been dignified throughout the many years but they have been waiting for
0:44:04 > 0:44:08justice. We will not forget them, we will not forget their experience and
0:44:08 > 0:44:11will ensure we learn from that and learn from that to improve the
0:44:11 > 0:44:18experience of others in the future. Can I cheekily make another diary
0:44:18 > 0:44:22suggestion to the Prime Minister? If she could remain in the chamber for
0:44:22 > 0:44:26just a few moments after questions, she will hear my right honourable
0:44:26 > 0:44:33friend the Newbury introduce his Armed Forces statute of limitations
0:44:33 > 0:44:37Bill which will provide protection to those brave service personnel who
0:44:37 > 0:44:45served in Northern Ireland during the troubles. Like her, I, and the
0:44:45 > 0:44:48whole House, want to see the setting up the Northern Ireland executive.
0:44:48 > 0:44:54Would she agree with me, we can't do that at the price of pandering to
0:44:54 > 0:44:57Sinn Fein and allowing a witchhunt for those people who served so
0:44:57 > 0:45:05bravely for so many years to uphold the rule of law?I'm not sure I'm
0:45:05 > 0:45:09going to be able to satisfy him on the first point he made but I am
0:45:09 > 0:45:16aware of the proposed legislation my right honourable friend for Newbury
0:45:16 > 0:45:21is bringing forward. We all want to see a Northern Ireland executive set
0:45:21 > 0:45:25up, and we recognise that this question of legacy issues is one
0:45:25 > 0:45:30which has been there throughout these discussions and continues in
0:45:30 > 0:45:33Northern Ireland. What I want to ensure is any investigations which
0:45:33 > 0:45:38take place in the future take place in a fair and proportionate way
0:45:38 > 0:45:45because our soldiers did serve bravely in upholding the rule of law
0:45:45 > 0:45:49but what is important is we should never forget all those people who
0:45:49 > 0:45:53lost their lives at the hands of the terrorists in Northern Ireland and
0:45:53 > 0:45:56it is important that any investigation is conducted fairly
0:45:56 > 0:46:06and proportionately.As the Prime Minister will be aware,
0:46:06 > 0:46:09self-employed people are not eligible for shared parental leave.
0:46:09 > 0:46:14This place is a burden of childcare on the mother, denying father 's
0:46:14 > 0:46:18financial support and bonding time with the child. Has the Prime
0:46:18 > 0:46:24Minister seen the demands of the march of the mummies? Can she give
0:46:24 > 0:46:31us assurances she has prioritised this urgent issue?She raises an
0:46:31 > 0:46:35important issue. I'm happy to look at the point which has been made but
0:46:35 > 0:46:40I would simply also remind her of this. The reason we have shared
0:46:40 > 0:46:45parental leave for anybody in this country is because when I was
0:46:45 > 0:46:48Minister for Women and equality I had to ensure that shared parental
0:46:48 > 0:47:01leave was introduced.Thank you. In my constituency, one of the big
0:47:01 > 0:47:06challenges as we leave the EU is uncertainty around the seasonal
0:47:06 > 0:47:10migrant workforce. Angus produces 30% of Scotland's soft fruit and
0:47:10 > 0:47:14welcomes over 4000 seasonal workers every year. Would my right
0:47:14 > 0:47:18honourable friend agree that we need clarity on the new migration free
0:47:18 > 0:47:23work for the benefit of his loyal workers, for the prosperity of the
0:47:23 > 0:47:30British soft fruit industry and to support as our overall UK economy?
0:47:30 > 0:47:33She raises an important point about the importance of supporting the
0:47:33 > 0:47:39ruble economy across the UK. In relation to the seasonal alb and
0:47:39 > 0:47:43cultural workers scheme she has referred to, obviously as we leave
0:47:43 > 0:47:47the EU we will bring forward new immigration rules which will enable
0:47:47 > 0:47:51us to have that control we haven't had in the past for those coming
0:47:51 > 0:47:56from the European Union but we are recognising we need to do that in
0:47:56 > 0:48:00the national interest, look at the labour market and that's why the
0:48:00 > 0:48:03Home Secretary has commissioned the independent migration advisory
0:48:03 > 0:48:10committee to look at the needs of the UK labour market and to further