Prime Minister's Questions: 24 June 2020
- Real Terryo
- Jun 24, 2020
- 3 min read
During PMQs today MPs questioned the Prime Minister about unemployment, the easing of lockdown rules and VAT.
Questions from the Leader of the Opposition
The Leader of the Opposition, Keir Starmer asked:
Why two-thirds of those infected with Covid-19 have not been reached by the track and trace system and asked to provide contact details after the Prime Minister promised a "world beating" system would be in place by 1 June.
What the Government stategy is for reaching those missed by the test and trace system. Mr Starmer said that the Prime Minister "risks making the same mistakes he did at the beginning of the pandemic" by "rushing forward".
When local authorities will get guidance on 'local lockdowns' outlined by the Prime Minister in his statement yesterday. 8 out of 10 councils face bankruptcy and asy they do not have the have powers, resource or guidance to implement lockdowns.
Why the Government are now "downplaying" the necessity of an app to the track and trace system. Mr Starmer noted that it would be difficult for people to name everybody they have been near in a public space and said that "up until last the Government maintained the app was critical".
When the app will be working. The Leader of the Opposition said that the Health Secretary said the app would be ready by mid-May, the Prime Minister said it would be working by 1 June, and now Government ministers are saying it will not be released until the winter.
If the Prime Minister will "correct the record" on his comments on child poverty. At PMQs last week the Prime Minister said that absolute and relative child poverty had declined, but Mr Starmer stated that the Office of the Children's Commissioner ruled that the Prime Minister's claim was "mostly false" and that his statement that there were 4,000 fewer families living in poverty now than in 2010 was "false".
Questions from the Scottish National Party's Westminster Leader
The Scottish National Party's Westminster Leader, Ian Blackford, asked:
If the Prime Minister will welcome efforts in finding a way of economic recovery for Scotland after the pandemic. Mr Blackford noted that measures that risk a second way of the wave of the virus could delay economic recovery in Scotland until 2024.
He said that the Scottish Government's economic advisory group, led by independent business leaders, had published analysis to "secure a strong recovery".
If he supports the findings of the Scottish Advisory Group that recommend a review of the devolved fiscal framework, specifically an increase in Scotland's borrowing powers, to "stimulate an investment-led recovery" in Scotland.
Full list of topics and questioners
Conservative MP, Sarah Atherton (Wrexham) asked if the Prime Minister could list his official engagements for Wednesday 24 June.
Conservative MP, Ms Nusrat Ghani (Wealden) asked about mariners returning home after being stuck on board their ships, after the failure of countries agreeing crew changes.
Conservative MP, Robbie Moore (Keighley) asked about "drug gangs".
Plaid Cymru MP, Liz Saville Roberts (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) asked about sick pay for low paid workers self-isolating.
Conservative MP, Caroline Ansell (Eastbourne) asked about a VAT reduction.
Labour MP, Jessica Morden (Newport East) asked about access to benefits for terminally ill people.
Conservative MP, Aaron Bell (Newcastle-under-Lyme) asked for support for the hospitality sector in the months ahead.
Scottish National Party MP, Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire) asked if the Prime Minister will commit "to protecting vital aerospace jobs and invest in a green aviation recovery".
Conservative MP, Alberto Costa (South Leicestershire) asked if the Prime Minister will help organise a meeting with the relevant minister to discuss a "proposed new waste processing system".
Labour MP, Mohammad Yasin (Bedford) asked about the infection rate in Bedford and the easing of lockdown rules.
Conservative MP, Rob Butler (Aylesbury) asked about unemployment in the months ahead. He asked if the Government will ensure that departments will work together to provide resource and expertise for people to learn new skills.
Labour MP, John Spellar (Warley) asked about the rehabilitation of offenders.
Conservative MP, Ruth Edwards (Rushcliffe) asked if the PM will join her in praising the "fantastic charities and volunteers across Rushcliffe".
Democratic Unionist Party MP, Sammy Wilson (East Antrim) asked the PM to explain "how Northern Ireland can remain a full part of the UK if people coming from the rest of the UK into Northern Ireland have to pass through a border-control post."
Conservative MP, Stephen Crabb (Preseli Pembrokeshire) asked about redundancies after the furlough scheme.
Labour MP, Janet Daby (Lewisham East) asked "what is the Prime Minister's timeframe for implementing" recommendations from racial inequalities reviews and audits.
Conservative MP, Ian Levy (Blyth Valley) asked about investment and support for Blyth Valley.
Labour MP, Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck (South Shields) asked about covid-19 deaths in care homes.
Conservative MP, Mrs Flick Drummond (Meon Valley) asked "what are the implications for British interests of a dispute between a Commonwealth member and the worlds largest democracy on one side, and a state which challenges our nation of democracy on the other".
Labour MP, Matt Rodda (Reading East) asked that the investigation into the recent terror attack receives all the resources it needs.
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