0:00:00 > 0:00:00England?Mr Speaker, I am sure my colleague, the Secretary of State
0:00:00 > 0:00:05for Health and social care, will have heard my honourable friend's
0:00:05 > 0:00:12comments.Questions to the Prime Minister.Stephen Metcalf. Number
0:00:12 > 0:00:25one, Mr Speaker. Thank you, Mr Speaker. In remembering all those
0:00:25 > 0:00:26who endured such appalling suffering.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others in
0:00:33 > 0:00:37addition to my duties in this house I shall have other such meetings
0:00:37 > 0:00:42later today and later I will travel to Switzerland to attend the World
0:00:42 > 0:00:45Economic Forum and I might even bump into the Shadow Chancellor why I am
0:00:45 > 0:00:48near!
0:00:51 > 0:00:58As you know, last week was the very successful launch of the engineering
0:00:58 > 0:01:01campaign aimed at changing the perception of engineering and
0:01:01 > 0:01:05inspiring the next generation of engineers, I know the Prime Minister
0:01:05 > 0:01:08is personally committed to this campaign so can I invite her to join
0:01:08 > 0:01:13me and 80,000 young people at this year 's Big Bang fair to reinforce
0:01:13 > 0:01:17the message that engineering is a great career and open to anyone
0:01:17 > 0:01:23regardless of background, ethnicity and gender.My honourable friend
0:01:23 > 0:01:28makes an important point, this issue of engineering particularly for more
0:01:28 > 0:01:32women seeing engineering as a career is something I have promoted for
0:01:32 > 0:01:35many years now. Engineers are vital to our economy and that is why we
0:01:35 > 0:01:40want to see everyone and it's not just about gender, it is background
0:01:40 > 0:01:43and ethnicity, everybody whatever their background having the chance
0:01:43 > 0:01:47to build a career in engineering and the year of engineering gives us a
0:01:47 > 0:01:52great opportunity to work with business to do exactly that. If I
0:01:52 > 0:01:56have the opportunity, if my daddy allows, I would be happy to attend
0:01:56 > 0:02:05what he refers to. -- if my diary allies.I join in the Prime Minister
0:02:05 > 0:02:09in commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day, many members will attend the
0:02:09 > 0:02:14events tomorrow, we have to teach all generations that the descent
0:02:14 > 0:02:18into Nazism and the Holocaust must never, ever be repeated. Anywhere on
0:02:18 > 0:02:24this planet. Does the Mr mac agree with the Foreign Secretary that the
0:02:24 > 0:02:36National Health Service needs an extra £5 billion?I think the right
0:02:36 > 0:02:39honourable gentleman, as I recall was here in the chamber for the
0:02:39 > 0:02:43autumn budget given by my right honourable friend the Chancellor of
0:02:43 > 0:02:46the Exchequer where he announced we would be putting £6 billion more
0:02:46 > 0:02:52into the National Health Service. The only problem with that Mr
0:02:52 > 0:02:57Speaker is that it was 2.8 billion spread like thin gruel over two
0:02:57 > 0:03:00years. Two weeks ago the Prime Minister told the house and I quote
0:03:00 > 0:03:04it is indeed the case that the NHS was better prepared this winter than
0:03:04 > 0:03:11ever before. 68 senior accident and emergency doctors have written to
0:03:11 > 0:03:16the Prime Minister about what they describe as serious concerns for the
0:03:16 > 0:03:20safety of our patients, they say patients are being treated in
0:03:20 > 0:03:25corridors and they are dying prematurely. Who should the public
0:03:25 > 0:03:32believe, the Prime Minister or the doctors?It is right that the NHS
0:03:32 > 0:03:37was better prepared for this winter than it ever has been before. We saw
0:03:37 > 0:03:433000 more beds being brought into use over the winter period. We
0:03:43 > 0:03:49sought the use of the one-on-one call system leading to the
0:03:49 > 0:03:55significant reduction in the number of call-outs. We have seen changes
0:03:55 > 0:03:58made in accident and emergency with GP streamlining helping to ensure
0:03:58 > 0:04:04that people who do not need to go into hospital went into hospital.
0:04:04 > 0:04:10Overall, overall we have seen 2.8 million more people last year
0:04:10 > 0:04:16visiting accident and emergency than did so in 2010. Our NHS is indeed
0:04:16 > 0:04:21providing for patients. There are winter pressures, we were prepared
0:04:21 > 0:04:26for those winter pressures and we will ensure, as we have done every
0:04:26 > 0:04:29year under this Conservative government that the NHS receives
0:04:29 > 0:04:38more funding.Mr Speaker since 2010 we have lost 14,000 NHS beds, the
0:04:38 > 0:04:43King 's fund, the health foundation and Nuffield trust all agreed the
0:04:43 > 0:04:48NHS and needs another 4 billion. In December, the month just gone, NHS
0:04:48 > 0:04:52England recorded its worst ever accident and emergency performances
0:04:52 > 0:04:57with more patients than ever waiting over four hours. Now the UK
0:04:57 > 0:05:01Statistics Authority say the numbers might be worse because the figures
0:05:01 > 0:05:06have been fiddled. Can the Prime Minister tell the house when figures
0:05:06 > 0:05:12calculated in line with previous years will be published?I have to
0:05:12 > 0:05:15say to the right honourable gentleman that the NHS is open and
0:05:15 > 0:05:19publishing a whole variety of figures in relation to the targets
0:05:19 > 0:05:26it has. We are putting more money into the NHS every year and we are
0:05:26 > 0:05:28continuing to do that. If he wants to talk about figures and targets
0:05:28 > 0:05:35being missed... Yes the latest figures show that in England 497
0:05:35 > 0:05:40people were waiting more than 12 hours. But the latest figures also
0:05:40 > 0:05:47show that under the label government in Wales -- under the Labour
0:05:47 > 0:05:54government in Wales 3471 people were waiting...The Prime Minister is
0:05:54 > 0:06:01responsible for the underfunding of the Welsh government. And despite
0:06:01 > 0:06:09that, despite that, the overall Welsh Labour health budget has grown
0:06:09 > 0:06:14by 5% in 2016-17. It is Labour Wales with the problem of underfunding
0:06:14 > 0:06:20from a Conservative government based on Westminster. So far Mr Speaker
0:06:20 > 0:06:24this winter 100,000 patients have been forced to wait more than 30
0:06:24 > 0:06:29minutes in the back of an ambulance in NHS England for which is she is
0:06:29 > 0:06:33responsible. Yet still the Prime Minister refuses to give the NHS the
0:06:33 > 0:06:39money it needs. Can she tell us how many more patients will face
0:06:39 > 0:06:45life-threatening weights in the back of ambulances this winter?I say to
0:06:45 > 0:06:48the right honourable gentleman that of course we want to ensure that
0:06:48 > 0:06:52people are not waiting in those ambulances. But the only answer he
0:06:52 > 0:07:02ever comes up with is the question of money. No, no, this is... The
0:07:02 > 0:07:08question... The question is this, the question is this, why are there
0:07:08 > 0:07:12are some hospitals where the percentage of patients waiting more
0:07:12 > 0:07:16than 30 minutes is zero and other hospitals where the percentage of
0:07:16 > 0:07:20patients waiting more than 30 minutes is considerably higher? If
0:07:20 > 0:07:23he wants to talk about funding perhaps we should look at what the
0:07:23 > 0:07:28Labour Party promised that the last general election last year... It's
0:07:28 > 0:07:33all very well shadow ministers shouting about the comparison of
0:07:33 > 0:07:38money, the point is that at the last election the Institute for Fiscal
0:07:38 > 0:07:41Studies said this, Labour and the Conservatives are pretty much on the
0:07:41 > 0:07:45same page. There is not much to choose between them in terms of the
0:07:45 > 0:07:52money they will put into the NHS.A Labour government would not be
0:07:52 > 0:07:56underfunding the NHS, a Labour government would not be privatising
0:07:56 > 0:08:01the NHS, a Labour government would not be underfunding social care, a
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Labour government would be committed to an NHS free at the point of use
0:08:05 > 0:08:13as a human right. Mr Speaker, according to the whistle-blower, as
0:08:13 > 0:08:19many as... Hang on, hang on, according to a whistle-blower, as
0:08:19 > 0:08:23many as 80 patients were harmed or died following significant ambulance
0:08:23 > 0:08:28delays over a three-week period this winter. This is a very serious
0:08:28 > 0:08:32situation and the Prime Minister must be aware of it. What
0:08:32 > 0:08:35investigation is the Department of Health carrying out into these
0:08:35 > 0:08:44deeply alarming reports?When we hear reports of that sort of course
0:08:44 > 0:08:47they are very alarming. That is why the Department of Health does make
0:08:47 > 0:08:50sure that investigations take place. That might be undertaken by the
0:08:50 > 0:08:54Department of Health or by the particular trust involved, the
0:08:54 > 0:08:57ambulance trust or the hospital but these issues are investigated
0:08:57 > 0:09:02because we don't want to see that happening. We want to see people
0:09:02 > 0:09:05properly cared for and if there were lessons to learn to them they will
0:09:05 > 0:09:10be learned because we want to do is that our support for the NHS is
0:09:10 > 0:09:14about providing it with the funding, doctors and nurses, treatment and
0:09:14 > 0:09:18capabilities that it needs in order to deliver for patients. That is why
0:09:18 > 0:09:23we are backing the NHS with more funding, that is why we ensure they
0:09:23 > 0:09:26get the best treatments and survival rates for cancer are higher than
0:09:26 > 0:09:30they have ever been before. It is why we are ensuring better joined up
0:09:30 > 0:09:34services across the NHS and social care so those people who do not need
0:09:34 > 0:09:42to go into hospital are able to be cared for at home and it is why we
0:09:42 > 0:09:45are ensuring we are reducing waste in the NHS so taxpayers money is
0:09:45 > 0:09:49spent as effectively as may be on patient care. That is a plan for the
0:09:49 > 0:09:55NHS but it is a plan which put patients first.Mr Speaker, the
0:09:55 > 0:09:59Prime Minister must be aware of ambulances backed up in hospital car
0:09:59 > 0:10:04parks with nurses treating patients in the back of ambulances, ambulance
0:10:04 > 0:10:07drivers and paramedics desperate to get on to deal with the next patient
0:10:07 > 0:10:10cannot leave because the patient they are dealing with at that moment
0:10:10 > 0:10:15cannot get into the accident and emergency department. It has been
0:10:15 > 0:10:19reported a man froze to death waiting 16 hours for an ambulance.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24Last week a gentleman wrote to me saying my friends 93-year-old father
0:10:24 > 0:10:30waited four hours for an ambulance after a fall. These are not isolated
0:10:30 > 0:10:36cases. These are common parlance all over the country. It needs money, it
0:10:36 > 0:10:42needs support and it needs it now. The Prime Minister is frankly in
0:10:42 > 0:10:47denial about the state of the NHS, even the absent Foreign Secretary
0:10:47 > 0:10:52recognises it by the Prime Minister is not listening. People using the
0:10:52 > 0:10:57NHS can see from their own experience it is being starved of
0:10:57 > 0:11:00resources. People are dying unnecessarily in the back of
0:11:00 > 0:11:07ambulances and in hospital corridors. GP numbers are down.
0:11:07 > 0:11:14Nurses are leaving. The NHS is in crisis. Mr Speaker, Tory MPs might
0:11:14 > 0:11:19not like it but I ask this question of the Prime Minister, when is she
0:11:19 > 0:11:26going to face up to the reality and take action to save the NHS from
0:11:26 > 0:11:34death by a thousand cuts?There is only one part of the NHS which has
0:11:34 > 0:11:39been cut, seen a cut in its funding, it is the NHS in Wales under a
0:11:39 > 0:11:47Labour government. This is a government, this is a government
0:11:47 > 0:11:52that is backing the NHS plan, that is putting more money into the NHS,
0:11:52 > 0:11:55that is recruiting more doctors and nurses, that is seeing new
0:11:55 > 0:11:58treatments come on board which ensure people are getting the best
0:11:58 > 0:12:03treatment that they need. This is a government that recognises the
0:12:03 > 0:12:07priorities of the British people. Priority is to ensure the NHS
0:12:07 > 0:12:13remains a world-class health care system, indeed the best health care
0:12:13 > 0:12:16system in the world. Priority is to build the homes people need, to make
0:12:16 > 0:12:20sure our kids are in good schools. This is a government which is
0:12:20 > 0:12:26building a country which works for everyone, a country in which... A
0:12:26 > 0:12:35country in which people can look to the future with optimism and hope.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38Thank you Mr Speaker, the British people need to be confident in the
0:12:38 > 0:12:43integrity of our voting system. So what is my right honourable friend
0:12:43 > 0:12:46doing to follow up on Sir Eric Pickles report securing the ballot
0:12:46 > 0:12:52to minimise voter fraud, whether this is for referenda, general
0:12:52 > 0:12:56elections or local elections?My honourable friend raises an
0:12:56 > 0:13:01important point, can I congratulate him for a very good council
0:13:01 > 0:13:07by-election result, the Conservatives taking a seat from the
0:13:07 > 0:13:10Labour Party. But he raises an important issue about strengthening
0:13:10 > 0:13:15our process and enhancing the confidence people have in our
0:13:15 > 0:13:18democratic processes. We will shortly be running pilot screams in
0:13:18 > 0:13:25five local authorities to identify voter ID by nationality, and in
0:13:25 > 0:13:30Tower Hamlets and slow and Peterborough they will pilot
0:13:30 > 0:13:33measures to improve the proxy and postal vote process. Democracy
0:13:33 > 0:13:40matters but it's important people have true faith in it.Can I wish
0:13:40 > 0:13:44you a happy Burns day for tomorrow Mr Speaker and can I associate
0:13:44 > 0:13:47myself with the remarks of the Prime Minister for Holocaust Memorial Day,
0:13:47 > 0:13:52we should never forget the horrible tragedy and the price people had to
0:13:52 > 0:13:54pay but we should remember a genocide happening in many
0:13:54 > 0:14:00territories since that time as well and we must work to eradicate that
0:14:00 > 0:14:04scourge our society. Mr Speaker, earlier this week the Royal Bank of
0:14:04 > 0:14:11Scotland chief executive officer admitted in a leaked memo that
0:14:11 > 0:14:16closing 22 local branches would be painful for customers. 13 towns are
0:14:16 > 0:14:21to lose their last bank in Scotland. Prime Minister I will give you one
0:14:21 > 0:14:25other opportunity, as the majority shareholder will you meet with RBS
0:14:25 > 0:14:28and make the case to keep the branches open?
0:14:34 > 0:14:36The right honourable gentleman has asked me this on a number of
0:14:36 > 0:14:43occasions and I have made the point in every answer, and that will not
0:14:43 > 0:14:48change today. We do have a duty as a government and we look at how the
0:14:48 > 0:14:54market is working. That is why we establish the access to banking
0:14:54 > 0:14:58standard that commits banks to carry out a certain number of steps before
0:14:58 > 0:15:02closing a branch and that is why we welcome the post office but welcome
0:15:02 > 0:15:07customers to use Post Office services. 99% of personal customers
0:15:07 > 0:15:11can carry out their day-to-day banking at a post office as a result
0:15:11 > 0:15:17of a new agreement. People are covered by the services they need.I
0:15:17 > 0:15:22would say to the Prime Minister, we owned RBS and it is time you took
0:15:22 > 0:15:27responsibility. By closing these branches and replacing some with a
0:15:27 > 0:15:32mobile banking vans which do not provide disability access, The Royal
0:15:32 > 0:15:38Bank of Scotland appears to be in breach of the UK a quality act. A
0:15:38 > 0:15:46wheelchair user has described using this as degrading. Does the Prime
0:15:46 > 0:15:51Minister agree RBS has the responsibility to deliver services
0:15:51 > 0:15:57to disabled people and will she be held accountable and this issue.We
0:15:57 > 0:16:02all want to be able to see that all customers are able to access the
0:16:02 > 0:16:06services they need. That is customers who are disabled and
0:16:06 > 0:16:11customers who live in remote areas. As I have said, this is a commercial
0:16:11 > 0:16:17decision taken by The Royal Bank of Scotland. Banks are closing
0:16:17 > 0:16:21branches, other banks are closing branches because what they see is
0:16:21 > 0:16:27less use being made of those branches. As the right honourable
0:16:27 > 0:16:31gentleman has been talking about matters financial, I am sorry he
0:16:31 > 0:16:35wasn't able to welcome the fact the trade figures for Scotland showed
0:16:35 > 0:16:40their biggest export market remains the rest of the United Kingdom.
0:16:40 > 0:16:49Damian Green.Thank you. It is easier asking them than answering
0:16:49 > 0:16:54them. It is vital for long-term prosperity the government maintains
0:16:54 > 0:17:01infrastructure investment. With this in mind and especially as proposals
0:17:01 > 0:17:05for new bridges are fashionable, can I ask the Prime Minister to commit
0:17:05 > 0:17:10the government to a practical idea, which is an early start on the lower
0:17:10 > 0:17:14Thames crossing between Kent and Essex which would create 5000 jobs,
0:17:14 > 0:17:18relieve pressure on the motorway network and provide a boost to the
0:17:18 > 0:17:25economy of the whole eastern side of England?Prime Minister.My right
0:17:25 > 0:17:28honourable friend is right in drawing attention to the impact of
0:17:28 > 0:17:33infrastructure when it is developed in various parts of the UK. In terms
0:17:33 > 0:17:39of the Thames crossing it will unlock growth for the region and
0:17:39 > 0:17:45offer new connections and better journeys. It is the best investment
0:17:45 > 0:17:49in the road network in a generation. Highways England have announced the
0:17:49 > 0:17:54preferred route last year. I recognise this has raised concerns
0:17:54 > 0:17:59in effect constituencies, but can I get sure that there will be further
0:17:59 > 0:18:03opportunities for those who both support the proposals and those who
0:18:03 > 0:18:09do not, they can give their views and have their say. But he is right,
0:18:09 > 0:18:13infrastructure developments can make an impact, not just on jobs during
0:18:13 > 0:18:21the infrastructure but on the economy locally and nationally.
0:18:21 > 0:18:26Outside the customs union, many UK businesses would face, complex and
0:18:26 > 0:18:33punitive rules of origin tariffs. Given the Prime Minister's aim of
0:18:33 > 0:18:37frictionless trade post Brexit, can she confirm if it is her intention
0:18:37 > 0:18:42to pursue a customs union with the EU?I have said this on many
0:18:42 > 0:18:47occasions and I am happy to repeat it. Leaving the European Union means
0:18:47 > 0:18:51we will be leaving the single market, we will no longer be members
0:18:51 > 0:18:56of the customs union. We want to sign and implement trade deals with
0:18:56 > 0:19:03other parts of the world as part of an independent trade pussy. But in
0:19:03 > 0:19:06the negotiations we are looking forward to for Abbas but feel, we
0:19:06 > 0:19:12will be looking for a tariff free and frictionless trade agreement as
0:19:12 > 0:19:23possible.Many members on both sides of the House, myself included have
0:19:23 > 0:19:31expressed concern over the Ministry of Defence. The Ministry of -- this
0:19:31 > 0:19:38government will always take longer to protect this country.My
0:19:38 > 0:19:43honourable friend has raised an important subject. In July the
0:19:43 > 0:19:46government initiated the National security capability review, which
0:19:46 > 0:19:51was in support of the implementation, ongoing
0:19:51 > 0:19:58implementation of the 2015 national security review, to ensure we do
0:19:58 > 0:20:01indeed, have the capabilities, the investment in those capabilities we
0:20:01 > 0:20:06need in our national security and that investment, those capabilities
0:20:06 > 0:20:12are as effective and joined up as possible. I have agreed the
0:20:12 > 0:20:15high-level findings with ministers at the National Security Council and
0:20:15 > 0:20:20have directed the work should be finalised with a view to publishing
0:20:20 > 0:20:23a report on this in late spring. It has been significant and it will
0:20:23 > 0:20:27ensure we have the right capabilities. As part of that we
0:20:27 > 0:20:31realise more work was needed on defence to work on modernising
0:20:31 > 0:20:36defence. We want to ensure the defence budget is being spent
0:20:36 > 0:20:39intelligently and efficiently and we are investing in the capabilities we
0:20:39 > 0:20:44need to keep the nation safe. And the Defence Secretary will update
0:20:44 > 0:20:50the House on this in due course.It is a tragedy that in the past year
0:20:50 > 0:20:56knife crime has risen by 26%. The youth of Ireland's commission is
0:20:56 > 0:21:00conducting the first National youth survey to look at their experiences
0:21:00 > 0:21:05of trauma and violence. Will the Prime Minister meet with me to
0:21:05 > 0:21:11discuss the causes of youth violence and how we can find solutions?Can I
0:21:11 > 0:21:15say to the honourable lady, it is an important issue and we need to look
0:21:15 > 0:21:20at this issue. Although she won the crimes that are traditionally
0:21:20 > 0:21:24measured by the National crime survey have dropped over a third
0:21:24 > 0:21:29since 2010, we need to consider these issues of the root causes of
0:21:29 > 0:21:33violence, among young people and these knife crimes we seek among
0:21:33 > 0:21:37young people. It is important we remain adaptable and resilient and
0:21:37 > 0:21:41we need to understand that. I am sure the Home Secretary will be
0:21:41 > 0:21:49happy to meet her to talk about youth violence and the causes.On
0:21:49 > 0:21:53the 28th of December, the East of England Ambulance Service attended
0:21:53 > 0:21:57and addressed in lower soft in which a man was sadly confirmed of having
0:21:57 > 0:22:02died. It followed on from a call from the previous afternoon from the
0:22:02 > 0:22:12police regarding the same person who was left outside in inhospitable
0:22:12 > 0:22:16conditions. I have spoken to the person who made the initial call and
0:22:16 > 0:22:20I have concerns over how the matter was handled by the case only came to
0:22:20 > 0:22:24light in the last few days. I would ask the Prime Minister to endorse
0:22:24 > 0:22:28the request I have made to the east of England Ambulance Service and
0:22:28 > 0:22:33Suffolk police to immediately instigate an independent enquiry to
0:22:33 > 0:22:36establish exactly what happened and to then put in place measures to
0:22:36 > 0:22:42ensure such a tragic event does not happen again?Can I share his
0:22:42 > 0:22:48concerns about this event, about what happens, the tragedy that
0:22:48 > 0:22:53happened here. We should recognise our Ambulance Services, those
0:22:53 > 0:22:57delivering services, work hard and regularly go above and beyond the
0:22:57 > 0:23:01call of duty to ensure our safety. But there have been concerns raised
0:23:01 > 0:23:05about the service in the East of England ambulance trusts, including
0:23:05 > 0:23:09this very, very worrying and tragic case is my honourable friend has
0:23:09 > 0:23:15raised. As I said in response to the Leader of the Opposition earlier, we
0:23:15 > 0:23:20take these cases very seriously. Any claims patient safety has been put
0:23:20 > 0:23:26at risk are taken seriously and the Department of Health and social care
0:23:26 > 0:23:28has received assurances these reports are being investigated by
0:23:28 > 0:23:34the trust as a serious incident. It is an issue that my honourable
0:23:34 > 0:23:40friend, the Minister of the health has discussed with executives of NHS
0:23:40 > 0:23:46England and NHS improvement.3 million people in this country live
0:23:46 > 0:23:50in homes that are unfit, posing a threat to their health and safety.
0:23:50 > 0:23:56It costs the NHS billions. The House gave the secondaries into my housing
0:23:56 > 0:24:03fitness pill which will give tenants new legal rights to act against the
0:24:03 > 0:24:07worst landlords. I was grateful to have the support of the government
0:24:07 > 0:24:14and the backing of these benches. But time the Private member 's'
0:24:14 > 0:24:18bills are limited and tenants cannot wait. Canty ensure this important
0:24:18 > 0:24:24bill will make rapid progress and become law.The honourable lady
0:24:24 > 0:24:29raises an important point. We have seen, over the last six or seven
0:24:29 > 0:24:33years, a significant number of homes now meeting the decent homes
0:24:33 > 0:24:37standard. The condition in which people are living is important and I
0:24:37 > 0:24:41will ask the Leader of the House to look at the issues she has raised
0:24:41 > 0:24:49about her own bill.Trudy Harrison. Cumbria is internationally
0:24:49 > 0:24:52celebrated for its lakes and mountains and known for nuclear
0:24:52 > 0:24:58excellence. This afternoon Parliament is hosting a taste of
0:24:58 > 0:25:03Cumbria, showcasing our final food and rent. Can I extend a warm
0:25:03 > 0:25:07invitation to yourself and the Prime Minister, to come along and sample
0:25:07 > 0:25:15some of our finest fare?Can I say to my honourable friend, I am afraid
0:25:15 > 0:25:19my diary does not permit me to attend that event this afternoon,
0:25:19 > 0:25:24but if I can drop a hint, I understand there was a taste of
0:25:24 > 0:25:30Lincolnshire offend recently and my honourable friend sent me some
0:25:30 > 0:25:35Lincolnshire products after the event. I am not hinting at anything,
0:25:35 > 0:25:47but...I will come along. Sarah Jones.Mr Speaker, this morning,
0:25:47 > 0:25:53thousands of us across the country heard my friend and former boss,
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Baroness Tessa jowl talk for the first time since she was diagnosed
0:25:56 > 0:26:03with a high-grade brain tumour. It was a joy to hear her relentless
0:26:03 > 0:26:08positivity and complete commitment to changing the world. In a speech
0:26:08 > 0:26:12in the other place tomorrow, she will call for improved cancer
0:26:12 > 0:26:16diagnosis and treatment. Will the Prime Minister and the Health
0:26:16 > 0:26:22Secretary meet with Tessa, me and other health experts to talk about
0:26:22 > 0:26:28how we improve outcomes, to meet her goal and ultimately save lives?I
0:26:28 > 0:26:32will say to the honourable lady, I am sure the whole House was saddened
0:26:32 > 0:26:40to hear of the diagnosis of the noble Baroness, the noble lady
0:26:40 > 0:26:45baroness Abbott encouraged by the approach he is taking. I told the
0:26:45 > 0:26:50Home Secretary, and her speech this morning was very moving in this. I
0:26:50 > 0:26:54am sure everybody across this House of Sand heard the very best wishes
0:26:54 > 0:26:58at this time. We do want to make sure cancer treatment is a priority
0:26:58 > 0:27:02and we want to make sure the best treatments are being provided. We
0:27:02 > 0:27:09will consider investing in anything that improves that and we have
0:27:09 > 0:27:12accepted 96 recommendations in the NHS Cancer strategy. We constantly
0:27:12 > 0:27:17need to look at this. My right honourable friend the Health
0:27:17 > 0:27:21Secretary will be happy to meet with the honourable lady and Tessa
0:27:21 > 0:27:28Jowell.Tessa Jowell has been an outstanding public servant. In my 20
0:27:28 > 0:27:32years of this place I have never met a more courteous or gracious member
0:27:32 > 0:27:40of Parliament.
0:27:46 > 0:27:56The Prime Minister will no of the devastation caused by fixed odds
0:27:56 > 0:28:06betting terminals. Far cry from the bingo Hall, the pools coupon. Given
0:28:06 > 0:28:10there is a review, will she meet me and others to discuss how the
0:28:10 > 0:28:18maximum bet on these terminals can be reduced. And to plan how a
0:28:18 > 0:28:22crackdown on the online gambling sites which target young children.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26Mr Speaker, the stakes are too high to gamble with our children's
0:28:26 > 0:28:34futures.We are clear the fixed odds betting terminals stakes will be cut
0:28:34 > 0:28:38to make sure we have a safe and sustainable industry were vulnerable
0:28:38 > 0:28:43people and children are protected. As I suspect, he knows the
0:28:43 > 0:28:47consultation the Department for digital culture media and sports has
0:28:47 > 0:28:50launched on this and a close yesterday so a final decision will
0:28:50 > 0:28:56be made in due course. He will know with regard to the specific point on
0:28:56 > 0:29:00children, there are in place, controls to prevent children and
0:29:00 > 0:29:02young people from accessing online gambling and the gambling commission
0:29:02 > 0:29:07has asked the gambling strategy board to examine the wide
0:29:07 > 0:29:12relationship between children and gambling. It is important we
0:29:12 > 0:29:15recognise the potential threats and dangers but ensure we have the best
0:29:15 > 0:29:22information possible to be able to act.
0:29:22 > 0:29:29My 25-year-old constituent lost her battle with cervical cancer and died
0:29:29 > 0:29:35in January last year. She went to her GP around 30 times with symptoms
0:29:35 > 0:29:39and repeatedly asked for a smear test and was refused. She only got
0:29:39 > 0:29:45the test when she paid to have it done privately. Sadly the cancer had
0:29:45 > 0:29:51spread by that point. We'll be Prime Minister support of the family in
0:29:51 > 0:29:53their campaign to introduce Amber's law which would change the
0:29:53 > 0:29:59regulations so that women under 25 can access a smear test on the
0:29:59 > 0:30:05National Health Service when they are symptomatic?I send my
0:30:05 > 0:30:10condolences and I am sure the whole house does to Amber's family for
0:30:10 > 0:30:14this terrible thing which has happened. The smear test is hugely
0:30:14 > 0:30:20important. Sadly what we see even for those who qualify today to have
0:30:20 > 0:30:27the test is that too many women do not take it up. I know it's not a
0:30:27 > 0:30:33comfortable thing to do. Because I have it as other stew. But it's so
0:30:33 > 0:30:36important for women's health. I first of all want to encourage women
0:30:36 > 0:30:41to actually take the smear test. Secondly she has raised an issue
0:30:41 > 0:30:46about the availability of that test and I will ask my right honourable
0:30:46 > 0:30:50friend the Secretary of State for Health to look at this issue. It has
0:30:50 > 0:30:54been raised before for those under the age of 25. Action has been taken
0:30:54 > 0:31:01in terms of the vaccine which has been introduced for teenagers. There
0:31:01 > 0:31:05have been questions about that, I have had people in my constituency
0:31:05 > 0:31:09raising questions about that. We need to address this issue in every
0:31:09 > 0:31:14way possible so we will look at the question of age qualification and my
0:31:14 > 0:31:18overall message is, please, those called for a smear test, go and have
0:31:18 > 0:31:29it.Would my right honourable friend join me in congratulating Bexley
0:31:29 > 0:31:32rugby club on its 60th anniversary and agree with me that the pursuit
0:31:32 > 0:31:40of sport is good for health and well-being.I can see to my right
0:31:40 > 0:31:43honourable friend that I am very happy to endorse what he has said
0:31:43 > 0:31:47about sport and indeed to enjoy him in congratulating the rugby club on
0:31:47 > 0:31:52a significant anniversary. I am sure over all of those years it has given
0:31:52 > 0:31:56many young people and others an introduction to the joy of sport and
0:31:56 > 0:32:01the way sport can be good for the community and society and also the
0:32:01 > 0:32:07individual. I am happy to endorse that.This week I have been
0:32:07 > 0:32:12approached by a constituent who is a single mother and up until December
0:32:12 > 0:32:18was a teacher. She has been told she will have to wait over six weeks for
0:32:18 > 0:32:21Universal Credit payment and been denied hardship loans. This means
0:32:21 > 0:32:26that she is living on £20 per week child benefit and the charity of
0:32:26 > 0:32:31food banks. Can the Prime Minister tell us that is how Universal Credit
0:32:31 > 0:32:37is supposed to work? And does she regret that my constituent's son now
0:32:37 > 0:32:46joins the nearly 9000 children living in poverty and Batley and
0:32:46 > 0:32:52Spen?We made changes to the Universal Credit which were
0:32:52 > 0:32:57announced in the budget including changes which mean the availability
0:32:57 > 0:33:00of advanced payments has increased. The size of those advanced payments
0:33:00 > 0:33:04has increased but if she would like to send the details, write in with
0:33:04 > 0:33:07the particular details we can look at it and make sure it is properly
0:33:07 > 0:33:15considered.The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics
0:33:15 > 0:33:18show the government is making further progress in reducing the
0:33:18 > 0:33:21deficit. Would my right honourable friend agree it would be reckless to
0:33:21 > 0:33:29change course now in terms of a policy of Reena as localisation --
0:33:29 > 0:33:37of renationalisation?My honourable friend raises an important point, it
0:33:37 > 0:33:41has not been easy to the dues the deficit in the way that we have. We
0:33:41 > 0:33:45had to deal with the biggest deficit in our peacetime history left to us
0:33:45 > 0:33:55by the Labour Party, decisions from the government... Yes. Yes.Order!
0:33:55 > 0:34:00Labour might not like hearing it but it is what happened. It is by the
0:34:00 > 0:34:03hard work of the British people and by decisions the government has
0:34:03 > 0:34:11taken we have been able to produce that deficit. But £170 billion extra
0:34:11 > 0:34:14in order to meet the ideological desires of the Leader of the
0:34:14 > 0:34:18Opposition would saddle people up and down this country with higher
0:34:18 > 0:34:25debt and ordinary people would pay the price.Will she instruct the DWP
0:34:25 > 0:34:29to release the details of benefits claimants with disabilities who have
0:34:29 > 0:34:33taken their own lives after the claims were turned down, stop
0:34:33 > 0:34:41without notice or significantly reduced?The DWP does not give
0:34:41 > 0:34:47details of individuals with whom it deals. That is absolutely right.
0:34:47 > 0:34:53Absolutely right. What it does do is ensure we have a welfare system
0:34:53 > 0:34:57which provides support to those who need it and welfare system that
0:34:57 > 0:35:01increasingly encourages those who can to get into the workplace
0:35:01 > 0:35:07because we continue to believe work is the best route out of other day.
0:35:07 > 0:35:12In her December press release the Bank of England described the UK
0:35:12 > 0:35:17financial system as both a national asset and a global public good. Does
0:35:17 > 0:35:21my right honourable friend think it is reasonable that the UK financial
0:35:21 > 0:35:25services sector which pays billions of pounds in taxes wants to hear the
0:35:25 > 0:35:29government ambitions to ensure the City of London remains a global
0:35:29 > 0:35:34pre-eminent financial settlement in the same way it set out ambitions
0:35:34 > 0:35:39for other sectors in the summer?I have said in this chamber we retain
0:35:39 > 0:35:44that ambition for the City of London to remain a global financial centre,
0:35:44 > 0:35:49I have said it outside this chamber, it is indeed what we are working on.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54I was pleased to welcome a number of senior representatives from the
0:35:54 > 0:35:57financial services sector to number ten Downing St only a matter of
0:35:57 > 0:36:02weeks ago. To sit down and talk to them about how we can ensure that we
0:36:02 > 0:36:07do exactly that. London's place as the financial sector for the world
0:36:07 > 0:36:10is not just to benefit the United Kingdom, it's a benefit to the
0:36:10 > 0:36:16global financial system and the European Union.It's absolutely
0:36:16 > 0:36:22wonderful Mr Speaker that people are top thing about building walls but
0:36:22 > 0:36:29we in Britain are talking about building bridges. But let me
0:36:29 > 0:36:33reassure our American friends that the Mexicans and the French will be
0:36:33 > 0:36:38paying for it because our NHS needs to be properly funded first. Can the
0:36:38 > 0:36:43Prime Minister confirm that rather than building 22 mile long bridges
0:36:43 > 0:36:48over the English Channel or a £50 billion Boris airport in the Thames
0:36:48 > 0:36:55estuary, when will be Western rail link to Heathrow connect in Wales,
0:36:55 > 0:36:59the South and the West directly to Heathrow, when more that finally be
0:36:59 > 0:37:07built and will we be subjected to further studies and consultations?
0:37:07 > 0:37:11Can I say to the honourable gentleman that I believe there is
0:37:11 > 0:37:15very strong cross-party support for the Western rail link for Heathrow.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18The honourable gentleman has expressed his support and my right
0:37:18 > 0:37:21honourable friend the member for Newbury has been supporting this. It
0:37:21 > 0:37:25would reduce journey times for passengers in the south-west and
0:37:25 > 0:37:28good support the Thames Valley economy. It is something I have
0:37:28 > 0:37:33looked into as a Thames Valley MP previously. Development funding has
0:37:33 > 0:37:37been committed for the project and the Department for Transport will
0:37:37 > 0:37:44write further detail in due course. Can I congratulate the Prime
0:37:44 > 0:37:47Minister and the parties in Northern Ireland for the resumption today of
0:37:47 > 0:37:53talks at Stormont. What more can be done to ensure the executive is
0:37:53 > 0:37:58restored and the nightmare of direct rule avoided?My honourable friend
0:37:58 > 0:38:03is absolutely right, the people of Northern Ireland need strong
0:38:03 > 0:38:05devolved government and political leadership and they cannot continue
0:38:05 > 0:38:09to have their public services suffered by lack of an executive
0:38:09 > 0:38:13without ministers making key policy and budget decisions. We are
0:38:13 > 0:38:18determined to re-establish a fully function inclusive devolved
0:38:18 > 0:38:21administration which works for everyone in Northern Ireland. We
0:38:21 > 0:38:26believe that the basis for a deal exists and that is why as my
0:38:26 > 0:38:29honourable friend has said today, the Northern Ireland Secretary
0:38:29 > 0:38:34starting a set of political talks to restore the executive. I would
0:38:34 > 0:38:38encourage, strongly encourage all parties to come together and focus
0:38:38 > 0:38:47on the job of restoring devolved government in Northern Ireland.Over
0:38:47 > 0:38:52Christmas Newcastle United football fans raised over £50,000 for the
0:38:52 > 0:38:57Western food bank in my constituency which you are soon to visit Mr
0:38:57 > 0:39:01Speaker, helping to feed people like John who despite having COPD,
0:39:01 > 0:39:09arthritis, dyspepsia, prose that is, type two diabetes and anxiety and
0:39:09 > 0:39:12depression was sanctioned for not working hard enough to try to find
0:39:12 > 0:39:18work. We'll be Prime Minister congratulate the people of Newcastle
0:39:18 > 0:39:27on their generosity and will she explain why it was necessary?All I
0:39:27 > 0:39:32can say to the honourable lady is that I applaud all those who give
0:39:32 > 0:39:40their time voluntarily, raise money across the board in terms of the
0:39:40 > 0:39:43activities, she has raised a specific example of the work of
0:39:43 > 0:39:50people in Newcastle and I commend people for when they do raise money
0:39:50 > 0:39:55for causes. Can I just say to the honourable lady, I cannot discuss an
0:39:55 > 0:40:00individual case across this dispatch box as she will knows. I think it's
0:40:00 > 0:40:04important, it is important that we do ensure we have a system which
0:40:04 > 0:40:09works, does work properly and fairly and I am sure if she wants to raise
0:40:09 > 0:40:12the individual case with the Secretary of State for Work and
0:40:12 > 0:40:17Pensions it will be looked into.The Prime Minister will now be very
0:40:17 > 0:40:21welcome and introduction of the national minimum wage has created an
0:40:21 > 0:40:27as yet unresolved difficulty for the care sector. Specifically for 24
0:40:27 > 0:40:32hour care for those with significant learning difficulties. The issue is
0:40:32 > 0:40:37commonly referred to as sleeping shifts and owed money to the HMRC.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40Will the Prime Minister meet with me and a number of concerned colleagues
0:40:40 > 0:40:45to discuss the best way forward?My honourable friend raises an
0:40:45 > 0:40:51important issue which is of concern to a number of organisations and to
0:40:51 > 0:40:55others around the house. I am very happy to meet her and looked into
0:40:55 > 0:40:58this particular question. I would say to my honourable friend this is
0:40:58 > 0:41:01a matter the Cabinet Office has been looking at and working with the
0:41:01 > 0:41:08relative Ottoman departments -- government departments to find a
0:41:08 > 0:41:11solution which I know has caused concern. That is why there have been
0:41:11 > 0:41:15the measures taken to defer the abomination of certain aspects of
0:41:15 > 0:41:22this but we continue to work on it and are happy to look into it.
0:41:22 > 0:41:28Nobody has been charged with the death of Poppi Worthington despite
0:41:28 > 0:41:32the 13 month -year-old having been anally penetrated in the hours
0:41:32 > 0:41:37before her death at home. She was not known to social services despite
0:41:37 > 0:41:43a staggeringly troubled family history so will she agreed to a
0:41:43 > 0:41:47public enquiry so we can learn the lessons from this and the children
0:41:47 > 0:41:53safer across the country?I think this is a case which has shocked and
0:41:53 > 0:41:57appalled everybody around the country when they have seen the
0:41:57 > 0:42:03horrific abuse which was carried out and obviously the tragic
0:42:03 > 0:42:08circumstances of the death of Poppi
0:42:08 > 0:42:09and obviously the tragic circumstances of the death of Poppi.
0:42:09 > 0:42:14I'm sure everyone will join me in offering my condolences. As I
0:42:14 > 0:42:16understand that the Crown Prosecution Service has announced it
0:42:16 > 0:42:19is considering the coroner 's decision in the lesion with Cumbria
0:42:19 > 0:42:24Constabulary and I think is right we allow that process to continue to
0:42:24 > 0:42:29take place and await the outcome of it before considering any further
0:42:29 > 0:42:33action being needed. I can assert the honourable gentleman that I
0:42:33 > 0:42:37think everyone across this house is well appraised of the significance
0:42:37 > 0:42:43of this issue and how appalling this tragedy was and the need for us to
0:42:43 > 0:42:45ensure there was indeed Justice but also lessons are learned.