21/02/2018 Prime Minister's Questions

Irish dropped by his determination

to listen to the views of the

families were affected by this

tragedy and make sure those views

are taken fully into account.

Questions the Prime Minister, Ruth

Cadbury.

Thank you. This morning, I

had meetings with ministerial

colleagues in addition to my

meetings in this house, I should

have further such meetings

This morning the High Court ruled

that the government's air quality

plan is unlawful. What does the

Prime Minister feel is worse, losing

for the third time in the High

Court, or 40,000 unnecessary deaths

and the impact on children's health

of the UK's unsustainable air

quality?

The issue the Honourable lady has

raised is an important one. That is

why we have been taking action to

improve air quality. May I just say

to the honourable lady that the way

she has described the court's

decision this morning, I don't think

properly reflects the decision that

the court has given. If I can just

perhaps... Mr Speaker, explain to

the house, because we... We do

welcome the fact that the court has

dismissed the complaint relating to

five cities with major air quality

problems, has found that we are

taking appropriate action, they have

agreed that the modelling we used to

support the 2017 air quality plan is

sound. They have asked us to go

further in areas with less severe

air quality problems where we

thought a pragmatic approach was

appropriate. We will now formalise

that. But on two of the three camps

they found in the government's

favour. -- to recounts.

We want to

see more police on the streets. I

lobbied the police Minister for

funds to put more police on the

streets. Will the Prime Minister

join me in urging the Labour Police

and Crime Commissioner... To put

more police on the streets instead

of increasing his Budget for back

office staff by £10 million.

CHEERING

My honourable friend raises an

important issue. He is right to

speak up for his constituents in

relation to this. He's also right

because as a Government we've been

keen to ensure police are out there,

not in back office jobs. More money,

more money is going to policing.

Order! Please. The questions and the

answers must be heard. And I make no

apology for repeating that the

discussions here at Prime Minister's

Questions should bear some

resemblance to what the house is

saying in relation to culture. We

have recently had a report on

harassment. Let's try to behave

properly in these sessions. That

means listening to the answers, and

listening to the questions. Both

sides of the house have got to try

to wake up to the reality that huge

numbers of people outside this place

couldn't care less about the press

gallery, huge numbers of people

outside this place disapprove of

this sort of behaviour on both

sides. Stop it! Prime Minister.

Thank you. The funding settlement

for next year provides extra money

for policing, which means that the

West Midlands Police will receive an

increase of £9.5 million. As my

honourable friend says it is up to

the West Midlands Police and Crime

Commissioner, the Labour

commissioner, to decide how he

spends that money. But I know that

police forces can be more effective

and productive. And I'm sure he is

going to make his case very strongly

to the Labour Commissioner.

Jeremy

Corbyn.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. Yesterday the

Brexit secretary assured the country

that Brexit will not plunge Britain

into a mad Max style world road from

dystopian fiction -- borrowed from

dystopian fiction. Doesn't the Prime

Minister think that he could set the

bar a little bit higher?

LAUGHTER

I'll tell you, as the Right

Honourable gentleman knows, we are

clear we are going to ensure that

when we leave the EU we are going to

be able to take back control of our

borders, our money, and our laws.

CHEERING

As I have to say to him, the only

fiction around in relation to the

Brexit and the European Union is the

Labour Party's front bench who

cannot even agree with themselves on

what their policy is.

Jeremy Corbyn.

One of her former Brexit ministers

in the other place warned the Prime

Minister that Britain will be

walking a gangplank into thin air if

she doesn't decide what she actually

wants on leaving the EU. In his

speech the Brexit secretary also

said fears about a deregulatory race

to the bottom were based on nothing.

So, why then did his own

department's exit analysis say there

could be opportunities for Britain

in the regulating areas such as

environment and employment law?

He talks about what we actually want

to achieve when we leave the EU.

I'll tell him what we want to

achieve. We want to ensure this is a

country that can negotiate

free-trade deals around the rest of

the world. We want to ensure we have

a good trade agreement with the

European Union, and that is what we

will start negotiating. We want to

make sure we have a get security

partnership with the EU, as I set

out in detail in my speech in Munich

last week. But what we also want

insurers that this country takes the

opportunities that will be open to

us outside the EU to boost our

economy, to ensure we are developing

the economy of the future, the jobs

of the future, more high-paid, high

skilled jobs, for the people in this

country. We are putting people

first.

Jeremy Corbyn.

Mr Speaker, in December the Foreign

Secretary and the Environment

Secretary were briefing about the

working Time directive would be

scrapped. CBI and the unions are

clear they are not looking for a

bonfire of regulations, quite the

opposite. The only party that wants

to scrap workers regulation issues

are the party opposite. In her

Lancaster house speech a year ago

the PM clearly stated, I also want

tariff free trade with Europe. Now,

a year on, she has downgraded that

aimed to a tariff free -- as tariff

free as possible. Businesses and

workers want tariff free to protect

jobs, so why has the Government

abandoned that and want as tariff

free as possible as to what the

Government has not abandoned its

negotiating position in relation to

this.

We will be ensuring that we get that

good, comrades of trade agreement

new economic partnership with the

European Union.

-- as tariff free as

possible. I have been clear since I

became Prime Minister that this is a

Government that will not only

protect workers' rights, but enhance

workers' rights. Let's look at the

Conservatives' record in Government.

Which Government was a tactic action

on zero-hours contracts? A

Conservative Government, not Labour.

Which Government is it that got

Matthew Taylor to actually report on

the new economy so we insured

workers got the highest rights?

Conservative, not Labour. Which

Government is ensuring that workers

voices are heard on the boards of

companies? A Conservative

Government, not Labour.

I don't know if she has had a chance

to read the Daily Telegraph today,

but 62 of her backbenchers want a

bonfire of regulations, want to

destroy workers right in this

country. When the government's EU

and exit analysis... Mr Speaker,

when the government's EU and exit

analysis was published it said it

does not consider our desired

outcome. Could the Prime Minister

take this opportunity now to tell

the house and the country what is

the government's desired outcome?

A

bespoke economic partnership.

OK,

given the PM ruled out any form of

customs union post Brexit, can she

explain how she expects to avoid a

hard border with Northern Ireland?

This question has been asked

previously. I've already pointed out

that the Government published papers

last summer which showed how we can

deliver exactly that, no hard border

between the Republic of Ireland and

Northern Ireland, they bespoke

economic partnership with the EU.

The Foreign Secretary recently made

a speech about Brexit. He found time

to mention carrots, spam, stag

parties a plague of boils and

V-signs. No mention of Northern

Ireland in his speech.

Calm

yourself. It's only Wednesday, you

have the rest of the week to get

through, this is not good for your

health. You should appreciate my

kindness.

We are halfway through the six

speeches we were told would set out

the Government's negotiating

position. So far all we have had is

a waffle and empty rhetoric...

Businesses need to know. People want

to know. Even her backbenchers are

demanding to know. But it isn't

clear from today's exchanges, this

Government isn't on the road to

Brexit, Mr Speaker, it is on the

road to nowhere.

I think... I think I have mentioned

to the right honourable gentleman

before that his job is to ask a

question, not make... But, you know,

I'm perfectly happy... I'm perfectly

happy to respond to the point that

he made. He said that we have not

set out any detail. Can I suggest to

him that he needs to think very

carefully about the security

partnership that we want with the

European Union when we have left. I

set out in my speech in Munich last

week exactly what we want that

security partnership to cover,

because we believe, we believe in

ensuring that we are maintaining the

security and safety of people here

in the UK, but also of people in

Europe. And we are unconditionally

committed to the safety and security

of Europe. But can I congratulate

the right honourable gentleman,

because normally he stands up every

week and asks me to sign a blank

cheque. And I know he likes Czechs,

but really.

LAUGHTER

My constituent was killed when a car

mounted the pavement with tests done

after the incident saying that the

driver had an undiagnosed medical

condition which would have been

assessed by the DVLA had it been

found up beforehand. What does the

Prime Minister think of the current

restrictions and rules of those

holding driving licences?

It is crucial. We want to ensure

that people who are driving are

actually fit to drive. I know that

the sympathies of not just my

honourable friend but the whole of

this house will be with her family

and friends. The current driving

licence system is designed to

balance the needs of road safety and

with those of the individual. All

drivers must inform the DVLA if they

have a medical condition which would

affect their driving and discuss any

issues with their own medical

professional. We take this seriously

and we are committed to ensuring

that those who are granted a driving

licence are those who are fit to

drive.

At least 194 people have been killed

in the last 48-hours in eastern

Ghouta, can the Prime Minister tell

the House what discussions her

government has had with UN

colleagues on Sunday on enforcing

existing UN resolutions calling for

an end of sieges of civilian areas

and attacks on civilians?

Can I say

he has raised an important issue and

we are appalled by the escalation of

air strikes in Ghouta and are

concerned by the reports of the

deliberate targeting of civilians

and this is in violation of

international law and we as a

Government do call on the regime and

its backers to cease this campaign

of violence and they should respect

international law, protect civilians

and allow rapid humanitarian access.

There is concern that it is

something like 700 people who need

medical evacuation are being refused

that. We will work with the UN and

the the process and finally I would

say that the UN envoy has our full

support in the work he is do Iing to

try to find a -- doing by trying to

find a solution.

The bombing is

relentless. Doctors are treating

pregnant women and babies who have

lost limbs, it is thought over 100

children have been killed since

Sunday. The UN has issued pleas

calling for political intervention,

state nothing words will do justice

to the children killed, their

mothers, their fathers and their

loved ones. Will the Prime Minister

show leadership and join me in

calling for an urgent meeting of the

UN Security Council to address the

horrific genocide unfolding in

Syria?

The UN has called on

governments around the world to call

out the action that has been taken

and to be ready to stand against

thattance. Action. We will be

ensuring that we will be talking to

our colleagues in the UN to ensure

that the best possible approach that

can be taken. But it is not just

about the Syrian government. It is

about the backers of the Syrian

Government as well and we call on

all their backers, including Russia

to ensure that this violence stops

and those in need of help are given

that help.

Thank you Mr Speaker. A

company has been manufacturing in

Britain for a hundred years in my

constituency. They're the only

British company bidding to produce

our new passport, the other two

being French. Will my honourable

friend commit to doing all she can

to support our manufacturers, our

innovators and making our new blue

passports truly British?

Can I say

to my honourable friend I'm sure he

is aware that this will be an open

and fair competition that I can't

comment on individual bids, but I'm

sure he will make his voice heard.

From autumn 2019 we will issue now

passports. That has been the colour

of voice for passports -- choice for

passports and it is right we return

to deciding the colour of passports

we wants and not the EU.

Thank you

Mr Speaker. My constituent Claire,

suffered tragedy when her two

children were murdered by their

father in an arson attack at the

family home. This brave woman has

since dedicated herself to

campaigning for protection of

victims of domestic violence. Can I

ask the Prime Minister when is the

domestic violence bill going to be

published and will it be as

comprehensive as she promised?

Can I

say to the honourable lady that our

thoughts are with Claire after this

terrible tragedy that she has been

through. And we do recognise the

need to ensure that we are providing

support for the victims of domestic

violence. As she said, there are

many aspects to this issue. The Home

Secretary before she brings forward

the legislation will be issuing a

consultation to ensure we listen to

all those who have been affected so

wir dealing with all the aexpects of

this Esh -- we are dealing with all

the aspects this. We are committed

to working to support the victims of

violence and to ensure that we end

violence against women and girls.

Thank you. I visited a memory cafe

in my constituency, the cafe is open

to individuals and their carers and

help to provide support for the

memory loss. I was touched by the

dedication of these volunteers and

will be hosting my own MP's memory

surgery to enable local residents

the opportunity to speak. Will the

Prime Minister take this opportunity

to update what the house what the

Government is doing to help with

those suffering from dementia.

I'm

happy to join my honourable friend

in congratulating the carers looking

after people with dementia. And also

the volunteers who provide services

for people with dementia and for

their carers. We are working with

partners across the health system to

ensure more people with dementia

receive a diagnosis, to raise

awareness and provide the care and

support that they need. I'm also

pleased to say there are 2.3 million

dementia friends across the country.

We are doubling spending on dementia

research and I'm going to make sure

that members of cabinet are given

the dementia friends training.

Last

night I attended a meeting of

resident s who are concerned about

rising levels of crime and

anti-social behaviour. Crime has

increased 18% and we have lost over

500 police officers and suffered £40

million worth of cuts to policing.

Will the Prime Minister commit to

giving back the money for

neighbourhood policing and apologise

to the constituent of the area who

have had to put their hands back in

their pocket to compensate for her

massive cuts?

First, can I say to

the the honourable lady that it is

good to see her back in her place in

this House. As I said earlier, what

we are doing, we are providing extra

funding for police forces. Now, it

is no good Labour members shaking

their heads and saying no you're

not. Because we are providing extra

funding for police forces. And of

course it is then up to the police

and crime commissioners to decide

how that is spent.

Mr Speaker I'm

sure the whole House would join me

in welcoming the delegation of

French MPs watching proceedings

today. The people from across the

European Union have the belief they

can build a life here. So they want

certainty. What reassurances can the

Prime Minister give that speedy low

cost system starting from the

premise they will be staying with

soon be in place to allow them to

get on with their lives and play an

important role in our community and

culture?

Well, can I say to my

honourable friend I'm happy to join

the fact that we are being, have

been joined by a delegation of

French MPs. But he has raised an

important points about citizens

living here. They have made a huge

contribution to our country and we

want them to stay. I'm clear that EU

citizens living in the UK today will

be able to stay. He refers to

process and I can assure him it

won't cost more Nan than a British

passport. It will be a digital

system and ensure that this is as

simple for people as we can provide.

Over a million people are living

with the consequences of acquired

Britain injury and thanks to the

government's new trauma centres, 600

extra lives are being saved each

year. The problem is many of these

people are having their lives saved

but they're not getting the

rehabilitation that get them to live

independent lives again. Miracles

can be done. But have the units have

no rehabilitation consu ant. Will

the get all those together, the MoD,

the justice system, and the

department for work and pensions to

make sure every person with an

acquired brain injury gets the full

rehabilitation that they need?

The

honourable gentleman has raised a

very important point. As he may know

there are two ways in which those

rehabilitation service are

commissioned. NHS England

commissions centres for complex

brain injury. But more routine

rehabilitation is provided,

commissioned locally. But NHS

England sets out guidance to those

commissioners. He has raised a very

important point and I will ask the

Health Secretary to respond to him

and take up the issues that, the

specific question he has raised.

Can

I tell the Prime Minister how

welcome the police minister's

statement was yesterday at the

urgent question that he is going to

help Alfie Digly find a way to get

through the law to access medicinal

cannabis. Will the Prime Minister

join the majority of states of the

EU, of the United States, of British

public opinion and all the

colleagues who raise questions

yesterday to give British citizens

the earliest possible action to the

benefit of medicines derived from

cannabis and for the United Kingdom

to get on the front foot in

licencing these to get the benefits.

I know that the sympathies of the

members across the House are with

Alfie and his family. And of course,

people with chronic pain and

illnesses, we recognise will always

look to alleviate their symptoms. We

do need to ensure that if we are

going to allow medicines are going

to be permitted to use that they

have been through the most rigorous

testing and we apply the most

rigorous standards before they're

used. We believe cannabis should be

subjected to same regulation as

other medicines.

Mr Speaker, I have

highlighted each Tory Scottish MP

costs a lot of money. The Scottish

leader is cheaper because £15,000

you can hire her for a day for a

fund-raising dinner. At that same

dinner the Defence Secretary was on

high for 30,000. 2,000 bought the

international Secretary and 55,000

the Prime Minister. Does she agree

that although they will sell

anything that moves, it is time to

halt the privatisation of Tory MPs.

I was struggling to hear. Before I

ask the Prime Minister to respond, I

need an assurance from tech the

honourable gentleman that he is not

suggesting the presence of a member

of Parliament was bought. If he is

suggesting that, that is out of

order. That is what the honourable

gentleman is saying?

I was referring

to a story in the newspapers.

I'm

afraid that is not good enough. I

have to make instant judgments if

the Prime Minister wishes to issue a

response she is free to do. No.

Twice in the last four weeks the

equalities commission has had cause

to write to the Labour Party

regarding breaches of equality law.

Does my honourable friend agree that

equality law must be applied equally

and they're there to protect all

groups equally?

I'm happy to agree

with my honourable friend on that

point. I was in opposition when the

equality act went through and we

supported that, it is there to

ensure as he said that people are

treated equally.

The Government's

decision to leave and withdraw from

the customs s union could limit our

access to medicines. The CEO...

Let's be clear about this. This

question like every question will be

heard. The honourable lady will not

be shouted down. And that is the end

of the matter. So if some foolish

person is seeking to do so, examine

your behaviour and stop it.

Thank

you.

The CEO of the nuclear Association

points out that if medical isotopes

used to treat cancer are delayed in

reaching the UK, they could be

deemed useless on arrival because of

their short half-life. Will the

Prime Minister explain to the House

how she plans to prevent delays to

treatment due to her hard pursuit of

a hard Brexit?

The honourable lady

is wrong on two counts. First, we

are pursuing a Brexit that will

enable us to have that economic

partnership which views that freedom

of trade across the borders with the

EU, but it is also the case, as we

have made clear previously, that the

availability of medical

radioisotopes will not be impacted

by the UK exit from the rot. The

import or Excel -- export of these

radioisotopes is not subject to

licensing requirements, so our

ability to import them from Europe

and the rest of the world will not

be affected by our withdrawal from

the EU.

I was very pleased to meet him and

to meet my honourable friend the

member for Eastleigh to discuss this

particular issue. And I recognise

there are many individuals whose

lives have been affected by this.

There are very powerful stories of

these individuals. I know this has

been a concern across this house.

And concerns raised by campaign

groups by not just this but other

issues. It has highlighted that

there is an issue with our

regulatory health system and we are

determined to do better. I was

struck by the powerful stories I

heard. We need a faster and more

understanding response to patients.

If my right honourable friend could

be more patient, he will be making a

statement this afternoon, setting

out his plans for review on these

issues.

It is over eight months

since the terrible fire at Grenfell

Tower. But thousands of people are

still living in blocks with

dangerous flammable cladding,

including cityscape in Croydon. This

dangerous cladding was allowed to go

out because of flawed Government

guidance. There is still on average

one fire every month linked to this

cladding. It's clear this is the

governments responsibility. Why is

she running the risk of a second

Grenfell Tower when she could act

and take this dangerous cladding

down? -- Government's

responsibility.

Over the years,

under both Labour and Conservative

governments, building regulation and

enforcement have been looked at. The

arrangement in relation to

enforcement were changed by the last

Labour Government. What we did

immediately following the appalling

fire at Grenfell Tower, what we did

immediately was to ensure that all

those, local authorities and others,

worked with their Fire authorities

to inspect towers, to look at where

the cladding was... And there are

not just issues about the cladding,

but how it is affixed to the

building, as well. Action was taken

by local Fire authorities in those

areas where they felt it was

necessary to do that. That's why we

saw, for example, people in Camden

leaving their tower block while

action was being taken. The Housing

Secretary has put in place that

review of the regulations. It was

urgently put in place. Action is

being taken as a result of that

review.

Yesterday, after months of

ignoring evidence from a wide range

of stakeholders, the SNP agreed to

pause their plans to merge British

Transport Police into police

Scotland. During this pause the

Scottish Government must look at all

options for the future of PTP when

that is devolved from this

Parliament to ensure that we get the

best possible deal rather than these

failed regulation plans. -- BTP when

that is devolved.

This is an

important point. We are committed to

delivering business commission in

full. We are devolving powers over

to the Scottish Government in this

area. But the number one priority

must be the safety of the public as

they travel. We will work with the

Scottish Government to make sure

there is a smooth transfer of the

British Transport Police to their

responsibility. Whether or not the

British Transport Police is merged

with police Scotland is a matter for

the Scottish Government. But the

Scottish Government...

Order! Calm

yourself. You're supposed to be

setting an example to some of your

colleagues. You aspire to be a

statesman. One century or another.

The Prime Minister.

The honourable

gentleman is the right example, I

was going to say. It is a matter for

the Scottish Government as to what

they choose to do. But I would urge

the Scottish Government to ensure

they are putting the safety and

security of people who are

travelling first when they make that

decision.

I would like to ask a

question. Over the course of the

last two months this Government has

butchered Glasgow's job centre

network. Will the Prime Minister

look me in the high-end tell me no

more job centres in Glasgow are due

for closure -- look me in the eye

and tell me.

He is perfectly right to ask me for

questions about which I am

responsible. I have the right, as I

did previously to comment on issues

which we are taking up with the

Scottish Government.

I say to the

honourable gentleman, I will be the

judge of what is in order. And the

honourable gentleman will accept the

ruling. The Prime Minister was in

order and that is, again, the end of

it. Somebody must decide. I have

done so.

Thank you, Mr Speaker. What we are

doing in relation to the job centre

services is ensuring that there is

going to be no decrease in the level

of services that job centres are

offering people in Scotland. In fact

we will increase the number of work

coaches across the country to

provide more support to the people

that need it. These plans are

designed to retain the skills and

experience of the workforce across

the country and to ensure that we

not just protect but enhance the

service offered to people.

Will the Prime Minister tell the

international aid sector that

despite the abuses that have come to

light recently that this Government

is committed to helping the most

vulnerable and poorest people around

the world. But the sector really

does need to get its act in order.

This Government maintains its

commitment to helping the most

vulnerable people around the world.

We maintain our commitment to our

international development Budget.

But we do want to work with

organisations that meet the high

standards we expect. And the

behaviour of Oxfam staff in Haiti

was quite frankly horrific. Far

below those standards. But I am

pleased to say that not only has my

right honourable friend the

International Development Secretary

showed immediate action by demanding

assurances from all our charitable

partners here and abroad about their

safeguarding and protection

policies. And demanded those by the

end of the month. The Charity

commission will hold an emergency

safeguard summit. They will bring in

international charities and expects

to look at what can be used for aid

workers. -- charities and experts.

Then we'll take that into the

international arena. It is crucial

we continue our support of aid for

those most vulnerable. But they also

deserve to be treated by the same

high standards we would expect to be

treated ourselves.

My constituent was refused leave to

remain because of a minor legitimate

correction to his tax return which

the Home Office under section three

to 2.5 under the immigration act is

deemed a threat to national

security. Today there is a protest

outside against the planned policies

in the same nature. My constituent's

home is Glasgow. He has contributed

to society. Why does the Prime

Minister want to force him out?

I won't comment on individual case.

The Home Office looks at the

circumstances of individuals. There

are rules in place and the Home

Office will decisions accordingly.

-- will make decisions accordingly.

We will all be aware of the

excellent work done by the Holocaust

education trust. And the brilliant

efforts from the Auschwitz Project.

At the moment the Polish

Constitutional Court is considering

the idea of diminishing the role --

diminishing its role. Will the Prime

Minister ensure that the families

and victims and survivors' words are

heard, that history cannot be

rewritten by getting in touch with

the Polish Constitutional Court.

The Government has already raised

this issue with them. What we should

be doing is ensuring that nobody

forgets the Holocaust. Nobody

forgets the horrific, inhumanity to

man that was shown through the

actions that were taken by the Nazis

in the Holocaust. The Holocaust

education trust does very important

work. The education centre and

memorial which will be placed here

at Westminster will be a

long-standing memorial to people and

will also do that important job of

educating people of the past so we

make sure we don't see horrific

crimes like this being committed

against.

How would the Prime Minister feel if

somebody stole her car, then it cost

£200 to get it back? That is what is

happening to hundreds of people. Why

doesn't she allow the police to use

proceeds of crime returns to recover

legitimate cost and put an end to

this state sponsored secondary

marking of innocent victims?

A lot of work has been done on what

the proceeds of crime can be spent

on. The Home Secretary has heard the

question he has raised. I will

ensure this is looked into.

Three months ago I rose at the case

of a constituent distressed by the

relationship between his 17-year-old

daughter and her much older driving

instructor. The driving and vehicle

standards agency announced this week

that a consensual sexual

relationship between an approved

driving instructor and a 16 or

17-year-old pupil will now be

considered and exploitation of their

position of trust. Any instructor

involved will likely be struck off

the register. Can I thank the Prime

Minister for her response. The DVS

aphid their action. And does my

right honourable friend agree that

this sets a strong example and which

you ask the Department for Education

to consider adding driving

instructors and other coaches to

their list of those formerly covered

in law by a position of trust. --

bank the DVSA for their action.

From that has a change in attitude

from the DVSA. Hopefully that will

benefit others who may have been put

into that awful situation. I was

certainly off the Department for

Education about it.

£11.1 million projected current

overspend is the highest in

Yorkshire and Humber and the second

highest in England. This is clearly

in correlation with the cuts since

2010. What does the Prime Minister

say to those children who need these

vital council services but may not

be able to access them because the

Conservatives continue to cut

council budgets so savagely.

As I pointed out earlier, in

response to other questions. What we

are doing is ensuring, as we have

done over the settlement period,

that local authorities have more

money to deal with... Particularly

difficult issues they have to deal

with at a local level. We want to

see and ensure that children are

given the best possible start in

life. But it is completely wrong to

suggest that decisions taken at

local level are all the

responsibility of this Government.

It is clear from academics,

behaviourists, charities and

trainers that electrocuting dogs

does not help train them but risks

more long-term consequences for

their welfare. Thank you to all of

the colleagues who came along to the

event yesterday to sign up the

pledge to ban the electric shock dog

collar. As dogs are man's best

friend it's time we showed some of

that loyalty and friendship in

return by banning the use,

distribution, and sale of these

barbaric devices.

I think you are raising this issue.

I know he has been campaigning long

and hard on this particular issue.

We have made clear in the updated

statutory code of practice for the

welfare of dogs that positive

training should be used, any

training that involves injury, pain,

or distress would breach the animal

welfare act of 2006. I understand my

honourable friend will be meeting

the Environment Secretary to discuss

this matter further.

The deputy president of the National

farmers union has said that losing

full access to the European single

market could be absolutely

disastrous for British agriculture.

Does the Prime Minister agree with

her?

My position is we are going to

negotiate an economic partnership, a

new partnership with the EU and I

can assure the honourable lady that

the interests of agriculture will be

one of the considerations we take

into account when we make sure we

are still able to have a good trade

arrangement with the EU as well as

immoved trade with the rest of

world.