Deputy PMQs | David Lammy stands in for Starmer in the House of Commons

Key Concepts

• Holocaust Memorial Day: Remembrance of the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust.
• Waste Management/Fly-tipping: Issues surrounding uncontrolled waste dumps and illegal dumping, particularly the Simmonswood site.
• Economic Support for Businesses: Government measures to support retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors, including business rate cuts and a £4 billion package.
• National Health Service (NHS): Discussions on waiting lists, funding, and privatization concerns.
• China Relations: The Prime Minister’s visit to China, trade deals, espionage concerns, and the potential for cooperation.
• Asylum System Reforms: Proposed changes to the UK’s asylum policy, focusing on control, contribution, and fairness.
• Defense Spending & Supply Chains: Investment in defense, the UK’s nuclear deterrent, and reliance on US supply chains.
• Uganda Political Situation: Concerns about the recent election, the persecution of opposition leader Bobby Wine, and the safety of British citizens.
• Anti-Semitism: Rising anti-Semitic incidents and calls for concrete action to combat hatred.
• Steel Industry: Government support for the British steel industry and concerns about contracts going overseas.

Questions to the Deputy Prime Minister & Responses – A Detailed Summary

This transcript details a session of Questions to the Deputy Prime Minister in the UK Parliament. The session covered a wide range of topics, from solemn remembrance to pressing domestic and international issues.

I. Commemorations and Condolences

The session began with the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) leading tributes on two significant occasions. Firstly, he marked Holocaust Memorial Day, emphasizing the importance of remembering the six million Jewish people murdered and committing to the construction of a National Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre next to Parliament to preserve survivor testimonies. He recounted a moving experience visiting the Madinet concentration camp in Poland. Secondly, condolences were expressed for Captain Philip Gilbert Maldoni of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, who died on Sunday, acknowledging the bravery and sacrifice of British servicemen and women. Condolences were also extended to the family of Lord Flight, a former MP.

II. Domestic Issues – Waste Management & Local Concerns

The first substantive question came from an MP regarding the “national disgrace” of out-of-control waste dumps, specifically referencing the situation in Kirby, where constituents suffer from breathing difficulties and school closures due to the Simmonswood stink. The DPM acknowledged the unacceptable situation and assured the MP that the government would work with her, stating the Environment Agency is taking action and receiving increased powers and resources to combat fly-tipping.

III. Economic Policy & Business Support

A significant portion of the questioning focused on the government’s economic policies, particularly support for businesses. The Shadow Business Secretary criticized the Chancellor’s recent U-turn, claiming that over 90% of retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses would receive no benefit. The DPM defended the government’s £4 billion support package, highlighting a 15% cut in business rates for pubs and music venues and a review of pub valuations. He contrasted this with Labour’s record, claiming 7,000 pubs closed under their previous government. Further debate centered on the cost of hiring young people, with accusations that the government’s measures were “too little, too late.” The DPM emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting small businesses through initiatives like creating hospitality zones and tackling late payments. He also pointed to a rise in wages under the current government.

IV. NHS & Public Services

The NHS was a recurring theme. An MP raised concerns about the impact of government policies on the NHS, particularly in Wales, where waiting lists have reportedly fallen. The DPM highlighted the government’s efforts to improve NHS performance, citing a reduction in waiting lists by over 300,000 since the election, increased appointments (5.2 million extra), slashed ambulance response times, and the recruitment of 3,000 more GPs. Concerns were also raised about potential privatization of the NHS, with the DPM firmly rejecting such proposals.

V. Northern Ireland Protocol & Trade

The MP raised concerns about the ongoing issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol, citing a veterinary medicine border, a ban on new GB cars being sold in Northern Ireland, and a proposed €3 charge on small parcels entering Northern Ireland from the EU. The DPM stated that the government has provided guidance and support to businesses and that HMRC is ready to assist with any difficulties.

VI. Regional Funding & Infrastructure

An MP requested a meeting with the DFB minister to discuss securing funding for a youth zone and recreational sports activities in Elely and Caira, highlighting the need for additional school facilities and accommodation for vulnerable young people in County Durham. The DPM agreed to facilitate the meeting and highlighted the government’s investment in SEN (Special Educational Needs) provision, including £200 million for teacher training and £100 million for Durham County Council.

VII. International Affairs – China, Syria, & Uganda

The DPM faced scrutiny over the Prime Minister’s visit to China, with concerns raised about the Chinese regime’s human rights record, espionage activities, and the detention of British citizen Jimmy Lie. The DPM defended the engagement as necessary, stating that ignoring China would be a “dereliction of duty” and emphasizing a strategy of cooperation where possible and challenge where necessary.

The situation in Syria, particularly the escalating violence in northeast Syria and the plight of the Kurdish communities, was also raised. The DPM expressed concern and stated the UK is using “every diplomatic lever” to urge all parties to stop the violence and ensure humanitarian access.

Concerns were also voiced about the political situation in Uganda, specifically the sham election and the persecution of opposition leader Bobby Wine. The DPM stated he had previously met with Bobby Wine and called for a peaceful and legal resolution to the dispute.

VIII. Anti-Semitism & Domestic Security

A particularly impassioned exchange focused on the rise of anti-Semitism in the UK. The MP highlighted protests targeting Jewish businesses and the need for concrete action to combat hatred, referencing the tragic events of the past. The DPM acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and pledged to work with the Home Secretary to drive anti-Semitism out of the country.

IX. Defense & Nuclear Deterrence

The UK’s nuclear deterrence and reliance on US supply chains were discussed. The DPM reassured the House that the government is investing £270 billion in defense and is working to ensure the resilience of the supply chain.

X. Closing Remarks & Further Concerns

The session concluded with MPs raising further localized concerns, including the impact of government policies on steel manufacturing, the need for fair access to a new drug for motor neurone disease (tofin), and the plight of veterans experiencing homelessness.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

This session of Questions to the Deputy Prime Minister showcased the breadth of challenges facing the government. The DPM responded to questions spanning domestic policy (economic support, NHS, waste management), international relations (China, Syria, Uganda), and pressing social issues (anti-Semitism). While defending the government’s record and outlining future plans, the DPM faced robust scrutiny from opposition MPs, highlighting areas of concern and demanding greater action. The session underscored the complex interplay between political strategy, economic realities, and the urgent need to address the concerns of constituents.