Unnamed: 0
int64
0
821k
transcript_id
stringlengths
36
36
speech_id
stringlengths
37
45
content
stringlengths
1
32.8k
speaker
stringlengths
1
165
speech_type
stringclasses
17 values
person_id
stringlengths
7
30
oralheading
stringlengths
3
162
majorheading
stringlengths
2
147
minorheading
stringlengths
3
985
speech
stringlengths
1
32.8k
score
float64
0.08
0.63
800
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.261.4
Will the Minister update us on the timing of the publication of the Chilcot report?
Adam Holloway
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
CABINET OFFICE
Topical Questions
Will the Minister update us on the timing of the publication of the Chilcot report?
0.301895
801
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.261.5
I cannot really add to what Sir John Chilcot has said. That independent inquiry is under the control of the inquiry members. I can say that we have responded to every request for extra resources; none has been turned down. I would just add that if the previous Government had launched the inquiry at the time it was requ...
Francis Maude
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
CABINET OFFICE
Topical Questions
I cannot really add to what Sir John Chilcot has said. That independent inquiry is under the control of the inquiry members. I can say that we have responded to every request for extra resources; none has been turned down. I would just add that if the previous Government had launched the inquiry at the time it was requ...
0.28348
802
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.261.6
In the debate on food banks just before Christmas, the Minister for Civil Society kept saying that the reasons for food bank use were complex and overlapping. He would not go beyond that. Will he join me in condemning the Tory councillor who said that the only people who use food banks are those with drug, alcohol and ...
Kerry McCarthy
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
CABINET OFFICE
Topical Questions
In the debate on food banks just before Christmas, the Minister for Civil Society kept saying that the reasons for food bank use were complex and overlapping. He would not go beyond that. Will he join me in condemning the Tory councillor who said that the only people who use food banks are those with drug, alcohol and ...
0.282326
803
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.261.7
I think the thing to say about food banks is that I and Government Members commend Britain’s very strong tradition of volunteering and community action, which sees people coming together to support those in need. Food banks are just one example that I come across on a daily basis.
Rob Wilson
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
CABINET OFFICE
Topical Questions
I think the thing to say about food banks is that I and Government Members commend Britain’s very strong tradition of volunteering and community action, which sees people coming together to support those in need. Food banks are just one example that I come across on a daily basis.
0.246291
804
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.261.9
The Prime Minister was asked—
null
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Topical Questions
The Prime Minister was asked—
0.209696
805
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.261.11
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 7 January.
Martin Horwood
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
If he will list his official engagements for Wednesday 7 January.
0.245787
806
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.262.0
I am sure the whole House will want to join me in condemning the barbaric attack this morning on an office of a magazine in Paris, in which it is reported that 10 or more people may have been killed. While details are still unclear, I know that this House and this country stand united with the French people in our oppo...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I am sure the whole House will want to join me in condemning the barbaric attack this morning on an office of a magazine in Paris, in which it is reported that 10 or more people may have been killed. While details are still unclear, I know that this House and this country stand united with the French people in our oppo...
0.257675
807
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.262.1
I saw the problems at Gloucestershire hospitals last week at first hand after an elderly relative phoned 111 and we ended up waiting more than four hours for her to see a doctor in Cheltenham A and E. Then she was promptly discharged. The local trust seems to be blaming patients for making bad choices, but will the Pri...
Martin Horwood
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I saw the problems at Gloucestershire hospitals last week at first hand after an elderly relative phoned 111 and we ended up waiting more than four hours for her to see a doctor in Cheltenham A and E. Then she was promptly discharged. The local trust seems to be blaming patients for making bad choices, but will the Pri...
0.24611
808
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.262.2
My hon. Friend makes an important point. In the last quarter, the NHS has faced some unprecedented challenges. There have been more than 5.5 million people going to accident and emergency units, which is an increase of a quarter of a million on the previous year. Gloucestershire has had £3.6 million of the £700 million...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
My hon. Friend makes an important point. In the last quarter, the NHS has faced some unprecedented challenges. There have been more than 5.5 million people going to accident and emergency units, which is an increase of a quarter of a million on the previous year. Gloucestershire has had £3.6 million of the £700 million...
0.27424
809
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.262.3
I join the Prime Minister in expressing horror and outrage about the unfolding events in Paris. We stand in solidarity with the people of France against this evil terrorist attack by people intent on attacking our democratic way of life and freedom of speech. We are united in our determination to defeat them. Doctors, ...
Edward Miliband
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I join the Prime Minister in expressing horror and outrage about the unfolding events in Paris. We stand in solidarity with the people of France against this evil terrorist attack by people intent on attacking our democratic way of life and freedom of speech. We are united in our determination to defeat them. Doctors, ...
0.270312
810
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.262.4
Our NHS is facing huge pressure this winter, particularly on its A and E units, but the point that it is important to make is this: the NHS is facing this winter with more doctors, more nurses and more money than it has ever had in its history. What is important is that we recognise the pressures that are there and put...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Our NHS is facing huge pressure this winter, particularly on its A and E units, but the point that it is important to make is this: the NHS is facing this winter with more doctors, more nurses and more money than it has ever had in its history. What is important is that we recognise the pressures that are there and put...
0.277193
811
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.263.0
In June 2011, this was the Prime Minister’s solemn promise: “I refuse to go back to the days when people had to wait for hours on end to be seen in A&E…So let me be absolutely clear: we won’t.” Will he now apologise to patients across the country for having broken that promise?
Edward Miliband
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
In June 2011, this was the Prime Minister’s solemn promise: “I refuse to go back to the days when people had to wait for hours on end to be seen in A&E…So let me be absolutely clear: we won’t.” Will he now apologise to patients across the country for having broken that promise?
0.253214
812
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.263.1
I deeply regret it when any patient does not get a good service, but let us be absolutely clear about the numbers of people accessing A and E. Today, compared with four years ago, over 2,500 more patients are seen within four years—within four hours compared with four years ago. That is what is happening. We knew there...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I deeply regret it when any patient does not get a good service, but let us be absolutely clear about the numbers of people accessing A and E. Today, compared with four years ago, over 2,500 more patients are seen within four years—within four hours compared with four years ago. That is what is happening. We knew there...
0.264211
813
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.263.2
As far as I can see, the Prime Minister is not apologising to patients; he is blaming the patients. The pressures on A and E are not just happening on his watch, but are a direct result of decisions he has taken. When he decided to close almost a quarter of walk-in centres, was it not blindingly obvious that if people ...
Edward Miliband
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
As far as I can see, the Prime Minister is not apologising to patients; he is blaming the patients. The pressures on A and E are not just happening on his watch, but are a direct result of decisions he has taken. When he decided to close almost a quarter of walk-in centres, was it not blindingly obvious that if people ...
0.24602
814
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.263.3
We have 1,000 more doctors in A and E, and we are spending £13 billion more on the NHS, when four years ago the shadow Health Secretary said that it would be irresponsible to spend more money. What is interesting is that here we are, question No. 3 on the NHS, and the Leader of the Opposition has no solutions to put fo...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
We have 1,000 more doctors in A and E, and we are spending £13 billion more on the NHS, when four years ago the shadow Health Secretary said that it would be irresponsible to spend more money. What is interesting is that here we are, question No. 3 on the NHS, and the Leader of the Opposition has no solutions to put fo...
0.260608
815
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.263.4
This is about politics—it is the Prime Minister’s politics, and they have failed. No answer on walk-in centres, so let us try him on another decision he has made that has been a cause of the crisis. When he decided to reduce the availability of social care services, so that 300,000 fewer older people are getting the he...
Edward Miliband
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
This is about politics—it is the Prime Minister’s politics, and they have failed. No answer on walk-in centres, so let us try him on another decision he has made that has been a cause of the crisis. When he decided to reduce the availability of social care services, so that 300,000 fewer older people are getting the he...
0.282044
816
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.263.5
Again, absolutely no solutions—presumably, if the right hon. Gentleman had any solutions, he would have implemented them in Wales. He raises the importance of social care, and I agree. That is why from 1 April we are putting £5 billion more into social care via the better care fund. Up until now, the Labour party has t...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Again, absolutely no solutions—presumably, if the right hon. Gentleman had any solutions, he would have implemented them in Wales. He raises the importance of social care, and I agree. That is why from 1 April we are putting £5 billion more into social care via the better care fund. Up until now, the Labour party has t...
0.277381
817
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.264.0
There is one very simple solution: get rid of this useless Prime Minister. No answer on care for the elderly, so let us consider the next thing he did. When he decided to ignore the pleas of doctors, nurses and patients, and plough ahead with his damaging top-down reorganisation, was it not blindingly obvious that if £...
Edward Miliband
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
There is one very simple solution: get rid of this useless Prime Minister. No answer on care for the elderly, so let us consider the next thing he did. When he decided to ignore the pleas of doctors, nurses and patients, and plough ahead with his damaging top-down reorganisation, was it not blindingly obvious that if £...
0.255502
818
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.264.1
Our changes have cut bureaucracy and saved £4.9 billion. That is why there are 9,000 more doctors, 3,000 more nurses, and 6 million more people getting in-patient appointments—[Interruption.]
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Our changes have cut bureaucracy and saved £4.9 billion. That is why there are 9,000 more doctors, 3,000 more nurses, and 6 million more people getting in-patient appointments—[Interruption.]
0.267869
819
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.264.2
Order. There is too much noise in the Chamber from both sides of the House. The Prime Minister’s answers must be heard.
Mr Speaker
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Order. There is too much noise in the Chamber from both sides of the House. The Prime Minister’s answers must be heard.
0.214535
820
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.264.3
You can see this as plain as you like: the Leader of the Opposition apparently said to the political editor of the BBC, “I want to weaponise the NHS.” That is what he said, and I think that is disgraceful. The NHS is not a weapon, it is a way we care for our families, it is a way we care for the elderly, it is a way we...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
You can see this as plain as you like: the Leader of the Opposition apparently said to the political editor of the BBC, “I want to weaponise the NHS.” That is what he said, and I think that is disgraceful. The NHS is not a weapon, it is a way we care for our families, it is a way we care for the elderly, it is a way we...
0.256094
821
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.264.4
I will tell the Prime Minister what is disgusting—[Interruption.]
Edward Miliband
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I will tell the Prime Minister what is disgusting—[Interruption.]
0.221459
822
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.264.5
Order. I said a moment ago that the Prime Minister’s answers must be heard. The Leader of the Opposition’s questions must be heard as well. It is very simple.
Mr Speaker
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Order. I said a moment ago that the Prime Minister’s answers must be heard. The Leader of the Opposition’s questions must be heard as well. It is very simple.
0.256537
823
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.264.6
I will tell him what is disgusting—a Prime Minister who said that people could put their trust in him on the NHS. He has betrayed that trust. He is in denial about the crisis in the NHS. This is a crisis on his watch as a result of his decisions. That is why people know that if they want to get rid of the crisis in the...
Edward Miliband
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I will tell him what is disgusting—a Prime Minister who said that people could put their trust in him on the NHS. He has betrayed that trust. He is in denial about the crisis in the NHS. This is a crisis on his watch as a result of his decisions. That is why people know that if they want to get rid of the crisis in the...
0.217698
824
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.264.7
If ever we wanted proof that they want to use this issue as a political football, we have just seen it. If Labour has an answer to the NHS, can it explain why it cut the budget in Wales by 8%? That is where Labour is in charge. All parts of the United Kingdom face a health challenge, but the real risk to the NHS is the...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
If ever we wanted proof that they want to use this issue as a political football, we have just seen it. If Labour has an answer to the NHS, can it explain why it cut the budget in Wales by 8%? That is where Labour is in charge. All parts of the United Kingdom face a health challenge, but the real risk to the NHS is the...
0.262121
825
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.264.8
Does the Prime Minister agree with my constituent, who contacted me at the weekend asking to join us, who said that the only people fit to run our economy are the Prime Minister and the Chancellor? The surprise was that the gentleman was the ex-chairman of Ilford North Labour party.
Lee Scott
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Does the Prime Minister agree with my constituent, who contacted me at the weekend asking to join us, who said that the only people fit to run our economy are the Prime Minister and the Chancellor? The surprise was that the gentleman was the ex-chairman of Ilford North Labour party.
0.238848
826
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.265.0
I am sure that that is the first of 4 million conversations my hon. Friend will be having at the coming election. It sounds like this one is going quite well. There is an important point here: there is no strong NHS without a strong economy. With our economy, we can see the deficit cut in half, 1.75 million more people...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I am sure that that is the first of 4 million conversations my hon. Friend will be having at the coming election. It sounds like this one is going quite well. There is an important point here: there is no strong NHS without a strong economy. With our economy, we can see the deficit cut in half, 1.75 million more people...
0.28738
827
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.265.1
With patients being told to pretend that they are camping, the symbol of the Prime Minister’s NHS is of patients being treated in tents outside accident and emergency. When he promised a bare-knuckle fight against accident and emergency service closures, did he intend to mislead the electorate?
Jamie Reed
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
With patients being told to pretend that they are camping, the symbol of the Prime Minister’s NHS is of patients being treated in tents outside accident and emergency. When he promised a bare-knuckle fight against accident and emergency service closures, did he intend to mislead the electorate?
0.235413
828
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.265.2
All our health services right across the United Kingdom face a challenge. Actually, the English NHS that I am responsible for is performing better than the Welsh NHS, the Scottish NHS and the NHS in Northern Ireland, but the facts are these: compared with four years ago there are 2,500 more people every day seeing a do...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
All our health services right across the United Kingdom face a challenge. Actually, the English NHS that I am responsible for is performing better than the Welsh NHS, the Scottish NHS and the NHS in Northern Ireland, but the facts are these: compared with four years ago there are 2,500 more people every day seeing a do...
0.230002
829
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.265.3
I call Sir David Amess.
Mr Speaker
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I call Sir David Amess.
0.17098
830
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.265.4
Hear, hear.
Hon. Members
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Hear, hear.
0.217993
831
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.265.5
I thank the House for that reception, which more than compensates for my having been made neither a duke nor an earl. Later today, the second edition of the booklet, “The Party of Opportunity” will be launched. Does my right hon. Friend agree with what the former Conservative Prime Minister, Sir John Major, has written...
David Amess
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I thank the House for that reception, which more than compensates for my having been made neither a duke nor an earl. Later today, the second edition of the booklet, “The Party of Opportunity” will be launched. Does my right hon. Friend agree with what the former Conservative Prime Minister, Sir John Major, has written...
0.296331
832
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.265.6
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The first duty of a Government is to produce a stable, strong and growing economy that can fund the defence and the public services we need. On this side of the House, we understand that. On the Opposition Benches, they have learnt absolutely nothing in the past four years. They woul...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The first duty of a Government is to produce a stable, strong and growing economy that can fund the defence and the public services we need. On this side of the House, we understand that. On the Opposition Benches, they have learnt absolutely nothing in the past four years. They woul...
0.273342
833
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.265.7
The one thing that was clear about the referendum in Scotland was the amount of young people getting involved, not just in voting but getting out there campaigning and being part of it. Is it not time that we got the rest of the country on board and got votes for 16 and 17-year-olds?
John Robertson
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
The one thing that was clear about the referendum in Scotland was the amount of young people getting involved, not just in voting but getting out there campaigning and being part of it. Is it not time that we got the rest of the country on board and got votes for 16 and 17-year-olds?
0.27933
834
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.266.0
The referendum campaign in Scotland did switch a whole lot of people on to politics and political issues, because the question being asked was so important. We have said that we should respect the views of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Parliament, and we will devolve powers on voting age. In this House, I am ve...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
The referendum campaign in Scotland did switch a whole lot of people on to politics and political issues, because the question being asked was so important. We have said that we should respect the views of the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Parliament, and we will devolve powers on voting age. In this House, I am ve...
0.291803
835
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.266.1
For more than 50 years, thalidomiders have been campaigning for justice, particularly from the German manufacturers Grünenthal. Now that more than 150 MPs have signed an open letter to the German Chancellor, would the Prime Minister add this to his busy agenda today so that we might get a decent and fair settlement for...
Michael Moore
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
For more than 50 years, thalidomiders have been campaigning for justice, particularly from the German manufacturers Grünenthal. Now that more than 150 MPs have signed an open letter to the German Chancellor, would the Prime Minister add this to his busy agenda today so that we might get a decent and fair settlement for...
0.266034
836
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.266.2
I have raised this issue on behalf of a constituent, not only through the European Parliament but with the German authorities, and I shall certainly reflect on what the right hon. Gentleman says.
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I have raised this issue on behalf of a constituent, not only through the European Parliament but with the German authorities, and I shall certainly reflect on what the right hon. Gentleman says.
0.330185
837
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.266.3
The price of oil has now fallen to $50 a barrel. While this is good news for motorists, it is bad news for Scotland’s oil industry and thousands of workers. It comes just weeks after Nicola Sturgeon said we were on the verge of a second oil boom and after the independence White Paper said the price would be $113 a barr...
Anas Sarwar
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
The price of oil has now fallen to $50 a barrel. While this is good news for motorists, it is bad news for Scotland’s oil industry and thousands of workers. It comes just weeks after Nicola Sturgeon said we were on the verge of a second oil boom and after the independence White Paper said the price would be $113 a barr...
0.355968
838
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.266.4
I absolutely agree with the hon. Gentleman on all three grounds. First, North sea oil is a vital industry for the UK and one of the biggest investors in our country, so we should do everything we can to help it. Secondly, and for that reason, we took steps in the autumn statement to improve the taxation regime for Nort...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I absolutely agree with the hon. Gentleman on all three grounds. First, North sea oil is a vital industry for the UK and one of the biggest investors in our country, so we should do everything we can to help it. Secondly, and for that reason, we took steps in the autumn statement to improve the taxation regime for Nort...
0.361252
839
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.266.5
The latest Office for National Statistics figures show that youth unemployment in Crawley is at its lowest level since records began, but of course we need to do a lot more. What further policies are the Government pursuing to ensure that businesses in Crawley and across the country generate even more employment as par...
Henry Smith
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
The latest Office for National Statistics figures show that youth unemployment in Crawley is at its lowest level since records began, but of course we need to do a lot more. What further policies are the Government pursuing to ensure that businesses in Crawley and across the country generate even more employment as par...
0.289246
840
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.266.6
I am delighted to agree with my hon. Friend. The youth claimant count in Crawley has fallen by 42% in the last year alone, and the long-term youth claimant count—long-term young unemployed people—is down by 71%. He asks what more we can do. We are cutting the jobs tax on small businesses and charities by £2,000; we are...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I am delighted to agree with my hon. Friend. The youth claimant count in Crawley has fallen by 42% in the last year alone, and the long-term youth claimant count—long-term young unemployed people—is down by 71%. He asks what more we can do. We are cutting the jobs tax on small businesses and charities by £2,000; we are...
0.304392
841
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.267.0
Throughout the Christmas period, NHS staff worked tirelessly to see as many patients as they could, but increased waiting times at GP surgeries have forced more and more people to use A and E. Why does the Prime Minister not accept that Labour’s plan to employ 8,000 additional GPs is desperately needed and would make a...
Virendra Sharma
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Throughout the Christmas period, NHS staff worked tirelessly to see as many patients as they could, but increased waiting times at GP surgeries have forced more and more people to use A and E. Why does the Prime Minister not accept that Labour’s plan to employ 8,000 additional GPs is desperately needed and would make a...
0.245674
842
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.267.1
From what I have read over the past 24 hours, Labour’s plan is to tax people in London and spend all the money in Scotland. I look forward to hearing how he explains that to his constituents in Ealing. There is a serious point to the hon. Gentleman’s question. The health service has changed in Ealing: Hammersmith and C...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
From what I have read over the past 24 hours, Labour’s plan is to tax people in London and spend all the money in Scotland. I look forward to hearing how he explains that to his constituents in Ealing. There is a serious point to the hon. Gentleman’s question. The health service has changed in Ealing: Hammersmith and C...
0.289791
843
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.267.2
The Government have repeatedly highlighted the importance of northern Lincolnshire and the wider Humber area to the offshore renewables sector. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the recent announcement of the establishment of a national college for wind energy, a university technical college in Scunthorpe and furthe...
Martin Vickers
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
The Government have repeatedly highlighted the importance of northern Lincolnshire and the wider Humber area to the offshore renewables sector. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the recent announcement of the establishment of a national college for wind energy, a university technical college in Scunthorpe and furthe...
0.446123
844
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.267.3
My hon. Friend is a real champion for north Lincolnshire and for Humberside in general. We are determined that this recovery is going to be different from previous recoveries and that we are going to see growth in jobs and investment right across our country. That is why he and others with me have been working hard to ...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
My hon. Friend is a real champion for north Lincolnshire and for Humberside in general. We are determined that this recovery is going to be different from previous recoveries and that we are going to see growth in jobs and investment right across our country. That is why he and others with me have been working hard to ...
0.308946
845
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.267.4
I am proud of the NHS in the north-east, but not one hospital trust is meeting the Government’s own scaled back targets for treatment in A and E—not one—yet the Prime Minister prefers to focus on a top-down reorganisation of the NHS, breaking it up for the benefit of his buddies and putting competition before care and ...
Chi Onwurah
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I am proud of the NHS in the north-east, but not one hospital trust is meeting the Government’s own scaled back targets for treatment in A and E—not one—yet the Prime Minister prefers to focus on a top-down reorganisation of the NHS, breaking it up for the benefit of his buddies and putting competition before care and ...
0.253043
846
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.268.0
Let me tell the hon. Lady what is actually happening in the NHS in Newcastle. Since 2010, there are 191 more doctors and 698 more nurses. Last week over 3,000 patients went to A and E, and all but 190 were seen within four hours. If getting rid of the bureaucracy in the NHS, which we did in England, was such a bad idea...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Let me tell the hon. Lady what is actually happening in the NHS in Newcastle. Since 2010, there are 191 more doctors and 698 more nurses. Last week over 3,000 patients went to A and E, and all but 190 were seen within four hours. If getting rid of the bureaucracy in the NHS, which we did in England, was such a bad idea...
0.224165
847
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.268.1
The recent final report of the Alderley Park taskforce highlights how around 300 jobs have been brought to the site in the last 18 months, with a healthy pipeline of new businesses looking to locate there. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this helps to highlight why the Government are right to put in extra growth d...
David Rutley
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
The recent final report of the Alderley Park taskforce highlights how around 300 jobs have been brought to the site in the last 18 months, with a healthy pipeline of new businesses looking to locate there. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this helps to highlight why the Government are right to put in extra growth d...
0.293553
848
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.268.2
My hon. Friend has been a real champion for life sciences in general and for life sciences investment in the north-west of England, which is an absolutely crucial part of the improvement and expansion of that part of our country’s economy, and that obviously includes Alderley Park. The local growth deal announced last ...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
My hon. Friend has been a real champion for life sciences in general and for life sciences investment in the north-west of England, which is an absolutely crucial part of the improvement and expansion of that part of our country’s economy, and that obviously includes Alderley Park. The local growth deal announced last ...
0.283861
849
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.268.3
Those of us who opposed the Iraq war, for very good reason, and many, many other people outside this place are very concerned about the inordinate delay in publishing the findings of the Chilcot report. May I please ask the Prime Minister: where did this bizarre notion that if it is not published before the end of Febr...
Elfyn Llwyd
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Those of us who opposed the Iraq war, for very good reason, and many, many other people outside this place are very concerned about the inordinate delay in publishing the findings of the Chilcot report. May I please ask the Prime Minister: where did this bizarre notion that if it is not published before the end of Febr...
0.25722
850
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.268.4
In many ways I share the right hon. Gentleman’s frustration: I would love the report to have come out already. Indeed, he and I voted together against the last Labour Government over and over again, saying, “Please can you get on and set up the independent inquiry that’s needed?” If they had got on and set up the indep...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
In many ways I share the right hon. Gentleman’s frustration: I would love the report to have come out already. Indeed, he and I voted together against the last Labour Government over and over again, saying, “Please can you get on and set up the independent inquiry that’s needed?” If they had got on and set up the indep...
0.292082
851
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.268.5
Youth unemployment in Skipton is down by over 70% since 2010. City growth deal funding for the Skipton flood alleviation scheme will unlock a further 500 jobs. Is there anything the Prime Minister can do to make that happen?
Julian Smith
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Youth unemployment in Skipton is down by over 70% since 2010. City growth deal funding for the Skipton flood alleviation scheme will unlock a further 500 jobs. Is there anything the Prime Minister can do to make that happen?
0.284588
852
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.269.0
I will look very carefully at this, because, as my hon. Friend says, not only the claimant count but the long-term youth claimant count has fallen—it has fallen by 50% in his constituency in the last year alone. I know how much his constituents want to see work on the Skipton flood defence project, which is a very high...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I will look very carefully at this, because, as my hon. Friend says, not only the claimant count but the long-term youth claimant count has fallen—it has fallen by 50% in his constituency in the last year alone. I know how much his constituents want to see work on the Skipton flood defence project, which is a very high...
0.326798
853
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.269.1
In Wigan recently, my local nurses granted a dying grandma’s fairly remarkable last wish when they wheeled her hospital bed into the car park so she could be reunited for one last time with her much loved horse, just hours before she died from cancer. Those brilliant nurses sum up everything that is great about our nat...
Lisa Nandy
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
In Wigan recently, my local nurses granted a dying grandma’s fairly remarkable last wish when they wheeled her hospital bed into the car park so she could be reunited for one last time with her much loved horse, just hours before she died from cancer. Those brilliant nurses sum up everything that is great about our nat...
0.237191
854
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.269.2
I am full of praise for nurses in Wigan. I think they work extremely hard to provide a good service. I particularly applaud the nurse in Wigan who chased the Health Secretary down the corridor and told him a thing or two about how to run the health service. If we are judged on our record, however, there are 9,000 more ...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I am full of praise for nurses in Wigan. I think they work extremely hard to provide a good service. I particularly applaud the nurse in Wigan who chased the Health Secretary down the corridor and told him a thing or two about how to run the health service. If we are judged on our record, however, there are 9,000 more ...
0.211896
855
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.269.3
Will my right hon. Friend join me in supporting the Perpetuus tidal energy centre, a public-private partnership that will, from the Isle of Wight, give the world its first grid-connected tidal array test facility? This will put the UK at the forefront of tidal energy technology, protect existing jobs and create several...
Andrew Turner
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Will my right hon. Friend join me in supporting the Perpetuus tidal energy centre, a public-private partnership that will, from the Isle of Wight, give the world its first grid-connected tidal array test facility? This will put the UK at the forefront of tidal energy technology, protect existing jobs and create several...
0.413299
856
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.269.4
My hon. Friend makes a very good point, because the UK is now the most attractive market in the world for investment in offshore wind and marine renewables. We want to maintain that world-leading position, harness the economic and environmental benefits it brings and see local centres of expertise. From what I can see,...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
My hon. Friend makes a very good point, because the UK is now the most attractive market in the world for investment in offshore wind and marine renewables. We want to maintain that world-leading position, harness the economic and environmental benefits it brings and see local centres of expertise. From what I can see,...
0.411495
857
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.269.5
Nearly half of all London ambulances called out to critical cases do not arrive within their target eight-minute response time. Is that what the Prime Minister had in mind when he told us that the NHS would be “safe in his hands”?
Heidi Alexander
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Nearly half of all London ambulances called out to critical cases do not arrive within their target eight-minute response time. Is that what the Prime Minister had in mind when he told us that the NHS would be “safe in his hands”?
0.219848
858
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.269.6
The NHS would not have been safe if we had followed Labour’s proposal to cut the NHS. We rejected that advice and put more money into it. The London ambulance service has launched a national and international recruitment campaign and has already hired 400 new members of staff. We are providing £15 million of extra mone...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
The NHS would not have been safe if we had followed Labour’s proposal to cut the NHS. We rejected that advice and put more money into it. The London ambulance service has launched a national and international recruitment campaign and has already hired 400 new members of staff. We are providing £15 million of extra mone...
0.221858
859
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.270.0
Reverting to the subject of the Chilcot report, about which I have questioned the Prime Minister in the past, did my right hon. Friend note that our distinguished colleague Lord Hurd said in the House of Lords yesterday said that it was an absolute disgrace that it had not been published—a view that I certainly hold? S...
Peter Tapsell
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Reverting to the subject of the Chilcot report, about which I have questioned the Prime Minister in the past, did my right hon. Friend note that our distinguished colleague Lord Hurd said in the House of Lords yesterday said that it was an absolute disgrace that it had not been published—a view that I certainly hold? S...
0.275828
860
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.270.1
I say to the Father of the House that I understand that the report is largely finished, but with every report such as this there is a process: we have to write to the people who are criticised and give them an opportunity to respond. This is now the process for all these reports, irrespective of which Government they a...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I say to the Father of the House that I understand that the report is largely finished, but with every report such as this there is a process: we have to write to the people who are criticised and give them an opportunity to respond. This is now the process for all these reports, irrespective of which Government they a...
0.340141
861
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.270.2
I ask the Prime Minister once again: will he apologise to all those who have suffered and continue to suffer in A and E departments across the country, due to his mismanagement of the national health service?
Khalid Mahmood
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I ask the Prime Minister once again: will he apologise to all those who have suffered and continue to suffer in A and E departments across the country, due to his mismanagement of the national health service?
0.247782
862
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.270.3
I could not have been clearer. I regret it when every single person who goes to hospital does not get the treatment they deserve, but our responsibility is to put in the money, which we are doing; to provide the extra staff, which is happening; to have a proper plan for joining up health and social care, which we are d...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I could not have been clearer. I regret it when every single person who goes to hospital does not get the treatment they deserve, but our responsibility is to put in the money, which we are doing; to provide the extra staff, which is happening; to have a proper plan for joining up health and social care, which we are d...
0.269884
863
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.270.4
Home care workers do a fantastic job in caring for some of the most frail people in our society, yet more than 200,000 of them are not even paid the national minimum wage. Will the Prime Minister talk to the Chancellor about ensuring that HMRC properly pursues and prosecutes the cowboy care agencies that are exploiting...
Paul Burstow
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Home care workers do a fantastic job in caring for some of the most frail people in our society, yet more than 200,000 of them are not even paid the national minimum wage. Will the Prime Minister talk to the Chancellor about ensuring that HMRC properly pursues and prosecutes the cowboy care agencies that are exploiting...
0.258504
864
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.270.5
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. There is far more that we can do to prosecute and chase down organisations that do not pay their staff properly. That is why we are bringing into the Home Office organisations that can help to make that happen. Whether the organisation concerned is the Gangmasters Licensing Aut...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right. There is far more that we can do to prosecute and chase down organisations that do not pay their staff properly. That is why we are bringing into the Home Office organisations that can help to make that happen. Whether the organisation concerned is the Gangmasters Licensing Aut...
0.278064
865
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.271.0
On Monday I listened to residents of Mendell Court, an extra care facility in Bromborough in my constituency, as they told me of their serious worries about social care. For the good of all who need care and all NHS patients, will the Prime Minister go further to integrate health and social care?
Alison McGovern
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
On Monday I listened to residents of Mendell Court, an extra care facility in Bromborough in my constituency, as they told me of their serious worries about social care. For the good of all who need care and all NHS patients, will the Prime Minister go further to integrate health and social care?
0.250532
866
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.271.1
Through the better care fund we are producing £5 billion, which is money that health authorities and local authorities can spend together. Up to now, the Labour party has opposed that fund and said that it should not be established; but I am afraid it is worse than that. The shadow Secretary of State for Health has bee...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Through the better care fund we are producing £5 billion, which is money that health authorities and local authorities can spend together. Up to now, the Labour party has opposed that fund and said that it should not be established; but I am afraid it is worse than that. The shadow Secretary of State for Health has bee...
0.250093
867
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.272.0
Will the Prime Minister update the House on the future arrangements for the upkeep of the Royal Air Force memorial chapel at Biggin Hill, the iconic former Battle of Britain airfield?
Bob Neill
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Will the Prime Minister update the House on the future arrangements for the upkeep of the Royal Air Force memorial chapel at Biggin Hill, the iconic former Battle of Britain airfield?
0.271296
868
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.272.1
I can absolutely confirm to the House that that chapel will be preserved for future generations, as we have always recognised its importance and its rich heritage. I think it possible that of all the great moments in British history, the Battle of Britain 1940 stands out as one of the most important times that there ha...
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I can absolutely confirm to the House that that chapel will be preserved for future generations, as we have always recognised its importance and its rich heritage. I think it possible that of all the great moments in British history, the Battle of Britain 1940 stands out as one of the most important times that there ha...
0.241099
869
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.272.2
Will the Prime Minister take action immediately to clear up the shambles at the Home Office? A constituent of mine who applied for a fast-track passport before Christmas was promised that it would be delivered to him by courier on new year’s eve, but has still not received it. As a result, he has had to cancel a trip t...
Gerald Kaufman
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
Will the Prime Minister take action immediately to clear up the shambles at the Home Office? A constituent of mine who applied for a fast-track passport before Christmas was promised that it would be delivered to him by courier on new year’s eve, but has still not received it. As a result, he has had to cancel a trip t...
0.262806
870
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.272.3
I shall be happy to look at the individual case that the right hon. Gentleman raises. However, I think that we have made huge strides in dealing with potential passport backlogs, and I think that the Home Secretary is doing a fantastic job.
David Cameron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
Engagements
I shall be happy to look at the individual case that the right hon. Gentleman raises. However, I think that we have made huge strides in dealing with potential passport backlogs, and I think that the Home Secretary is doing a fantastic job.
0.255695
871
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.273.1
(Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the major incidents that have been declared at a number of hospitals and on A and E performance in England.
Andy Burnham
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
(Urgent Question): To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the major incidents that have been declared at a number of hospitals and on A and E performance in England.
0.246719
872
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.273.2
Mr Speaker, I welcome this opportunity to come to the House and make a statement on accident and emergency services. First, we must recognise the context. The NHS always faces significant pressures during the winter months, but, with an ageing population, we now have 350,000 more over-75s than just four years ago. As a...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
Mr Speaker, I welcome this opportunity to come to the House and make a statement on accident and emergency services. First, we must recognise the context. The NHS always faces significant pressures during the winter months, but, with an ageing population, we now have 350,000 more over-75s than just four years ago. As a...
0.291875
873
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.274.0
All over England, the NHS is stretched to the limit—and in places is at breaking point. Staff are working flat-out and we thank each and every one of them for all they are doing, but the situation is now serious and getting worse. Right now, too many vulnerable people are exposed to too much risk, waiting hours for amb...
Andy Burnham
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
All over England, the NHS is stretched to the limit—and in places is at breaking point. Staff are working flat-out and we thank each and every one of them for all they are doing, but the situation is now serious and getting worse. Right now, too many vulnerable people are exposed to too much risk, waiting hours for amb...
0.284779
874
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.275.0
First, let me thank the right hon. Gentleman for this opportunity once again to go through the plans that we have in place to support the NHS and to reiterate the gratitude of the whole House to NHS staff for what they are doing under huge pressure at the moment. Let me start by telling him where I agree with him. I ag...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
First, let me thank the right hon. Gentleman for this opportunity once again to go through the plans that we have in place to support the NHS and to reiterate the gratitude of the whole House to NHS staff for what they are doing under huge pressure at the moment. Let me start by telling him where I agree with him. I ag...
0.292598
875
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.276.0
May I join the Secretary of State in warmly thanking NHS staff, who are stepping up to meet the extraordinary increase in demand for their care and expertise? Will he reassure the House that in meeting this extraordinary, complex challenge, they will not be made to chase targets, as we know that that was distorting cli...
Sarah Wollaston
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
May I join the Secretary of State in warmly thanking NHS staff, who are stepping up to meet the extraordinary increase in demand for their care and expertise? Will he reassure the House that in meeting this extraordinary, complex challenge, they will not be made to chase targets, as we know that that was distorting cli...
0.311342
876
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.276.1
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about that, and it is very important. Targets matter, but not targets at any cost. It is worth remembering that, over the four years we were seeing the tragedy unfold in Mid Staffs, it was meeting its A and E target the majority of the time. So it is very important that patient safety...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right about that, and it is very important. Targets matter, but not targets at any cost. It is worth remembering that, over the four years we were seeing the tragedy unfold in Mid Staffs, it was meeting its A and E target the majority of the time. So it is very important that patient safety...
0.280753
877
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.276.2
Does the Secretary of State accept the truth of the assertions by A and E doctors and nurses that the call handlers working for the 111 service are referring far more patients to A and E than happened when NHS Direct was staffed by nurses, who exercised professional discretion?
Frank Dobson
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
Does the Secretary of State accept the truth of the assertions by A and E doctors and nurses that the call handlers working for the 111 service are referring far more patients to A and E than happened when NHS Direct was staffed by nurses, who exercised professional discretion?
0.254067
878
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.276.3
It is always important to keep the algorithms used by call handlers—111—under review. I say to the right hon. Gentleman that 111 is part of the way we have been able to relieve pressure on A and E departments. Calls to 111 doubled this Christmas, and 27% of the people who called it said that they had been planning to g...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
It is always important to keep the algorithms used by call handlers—111—under review. I say to the right hon. Gentleman that 111 is part of the way we have been able to relieve pressure on A and E departments. Calls to 111 doubled this Christmas, and 27% of the people who called it said that they had been planning to g...
0.269649
879
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.277.0
Does the Secretary of State share my recollection that five years ago no political pundit of any kind predicted that the welcome ageing of the population and the ending of the 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment of general practice would produce the quite extraordinary surge in demand that we now have to cope ...
Kenneth Clarke
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
Does the Secretary of State share my recollection that five years ago no political pundit of any kind predicted that the welcome ageing of the population and the ending of the 24 hours a day, seven days a week commitment of general practice would produce the quite extraordinary surge in demand that we now have to cope ...
0.319235
880
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.277.1
My right hon. and learned Friend speaks with a great deal of wisdom as someone who has occupied this post and he is absolutely right. All Health Secretaries face pressures of the kind we are going through now and face difficult winters. Winter is always a difficult time for the NHS and, as the Prime Minister said, we n...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
My right hon. and learned Friend speaks with a great deal of wisdom as someone who has occupied this post and he is absolutely right. All Health Secretaries face pressures of the kind we are going through now and face difficult winters. Winter is always a difficult time for the NHS and, as the Prime Minister said, we n...
0.301945
881
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.277.2
Bolton Royal hospital is one of the hospitals declaring a major incident. The context is as follows. The Little Hulton walk-in centre was closed, when it saw 2,000 patients a month. Salford city council had £100 million cut out of its budget, so 1,000 people this year are losing care packages. I have an elderly constit...
Barbara Keeley
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
Bolton Royal hospital is one of the hospitals declaring a major incident. The context is as follows. The Little Hulton walk-in centre was closed, when it saw 2,000 patients a month. Salford city council had £100 million cut out of its budget, so 1,000 people this year are losing care packages. I have an elderly constit...
0.224198
882
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.277.3
We take responsibility and I take responsibility for everything that happens in the NHS. Let me tell the hon. Lady what we are actually doing, because there have been some serious bed capacity issues in Bolton. Bolton has had £3 million this winter to help deal with those pressures, which has included £340,000 to spend...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
We take responsibility and I take responsibility for everything that happens in the NHS. Let me tell the hon. Lady what we are actually doing, because there have been some serious bed capacity issues in Bolton. Bolton has had £3 million this winter to help deal with those pressures, which has included £340,000 to spend...
0.268347
883
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.277.4
May I remind the House that the private finance initiative, which expanded hospitals to 100 from zero after 1997, created at least £2 billion to £10 billion, and possibly even £20 billion, of additional costs that could now be used? In Hereford, the hospital is too small because of PFI. I have estimated that £30 millio...
Jesse Norman
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
May I remind the House that the private finance initiative, which expanded hospitals to 100 from zero after 1997, created at least £2 billion to £10 billion, and possibly even £20 billion, of additional costs that could now be used? In Hereford, the hospital is too small because of PFI. I have estimated that £30 millio...
0.268528
884
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.278.0
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I congratulate the doctors and nurses who are working very hard in his local hospital and point out that there are a number of historical problems. The £71 billion of PFI debt is one of those and it means that more than £1 billion every year is diverted from the front line. We have d...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I congratulate the doctors and nurses who are working very hard in his local hospital and point out that there are a number of historical problems. The £71 billion of PFI debt is one of those and it means that more than £1 billion every year is diverted from the front line. We have d...
0.282843
885
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.278.1
On 9 December, a member of my family was admitted to Rotherham hospital through A and E after a fall at home. She was told two days later by a doctor that there was no medical reason she should be in hospital. She spent her 93rd birthday, on 24 December, in Rotherham hospital and was discharged on Monday of this week, ...
Kevin Barron
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
On 9 December, a member of my family was admitted to Rotherham hospital through A and E after a fall at home. She was told two days later by a doctor that there was no medical reason she should be in hospital. She spent her 93rd birthday, on 24 December, in Rotherham hospital and was discharged on Monday of this week, ...
0.259333
886
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.278.2
We need to have much better working between the health and social care systems. If the right hon. Gentleman supports that, he should support the better care programme, which from April of this year will see co-operation between the local NHS and local authorities in 150 local authority areas for the first time. Instead...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
We need to have much better working between the health and social care systems. If the right hon. Gentleman supports that, he should support the better care programme, which from April of this year will see co-operation between the local NHS and local authorities in 150 local authority areas for the first time. Instead...
0.26388
887
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.278.3
Will my right hon. Friend thank the staff of the NHS at Harlow Princess Alexandra hospital for their passion and commitment? Although the Government have invested £5 million in our accident and emergency services, issues in nearby hospitals mean that the pressure on our A and E has been immense. Princess Alexandra hosp...
Robert Halfon
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
Will my right hon. Friend thank the staff of the NHS at Harlow Princess Alexandra hospital for their passion and commitment? Although the Government have invested £5 million in our accident and emergency services, issues in nearby hospitals mean that the pressure on our A and E has been immense. Princess Alexandra hosp...
0.252668
888
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.278.4
I am very happy to do that and I am aware of the significant pressures at the Princess Alexandra. I thank my hon. Friend for the way in which he is supporting staff in his local hospital, getting behind local plans. It is a mistake to say that there is always a new national initiative. Lots of people in the NHS have be...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
I am very happy to do that and I am aware of the significant pressures at the Princess Alexandra. I thank my hon. Friend for the way in which he is supporting staff in his local hospital, getting behind local plans. It is a mistake to say that there is always a new national initiative. Lots of people in the NHS have be...
0.282057
889
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.278.5
On Monday evening, the trust of Salford Royal hospital, which, as the Secretary of State knows, is an excellent hospital, declared a major incident. I am pleased to say that the pressure has been dealt with and it has now been lifted, but it is clear to me that many of the thousands of elderly and frail people in hospi...
Hazel Blears
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
On Monday evening, the trust of Salford Royal hospital, which, as the Secretary of State knows, is an excellent hospital, declared a major incident. I am pleased to say that the pressure has been dealt with and it has now been lifted, but it is clear to me that many of the thousands of elderly and frail people in hospi...
0.248068
890
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.279.0
I agree entirely with the right hon. Lady. The better care fund is a first step, but it is only a first step. It is happening from this April, but we have the NHS England five-year forward view, which is the long-term plan to improve community care. I agree that Salford Royal is an excellent hospital. It had £3.5 milli...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
I agree entirely with the right hon. Lady. The better care fund is a first step, but it is only a first step. It is happening from this April, but we have the NHS England five-year forward view, which is the long-term plan to improve community care. I agree that Salford Royal is an excellent hospital. It had £3.5 milli...
0.269257
891
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.279.1
May I pay tribute to the accident and emergency staff at my local hospital, St Helier, whom I met on Monday? One thing they made clear to me is that although there is no single cause of the pressures on A and E at the moment and there is therefore no single solution, they want certainty about the long-term plans for NH...
Paul Burstow
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
May I pay tribute to the accident and emergency staff at my local hospital, St Helier, whom I met on Monday? One thing they made clear to me is that although there is no single cause of the pressures on A and E at the moment and there is therefore no single solution, they want certainty about the long-term plans for NH...
0.277232
892
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.279.2
When we did the autumn statement last year, we asked Simon Stevens and NHS England how much they needed for their plan next year and they told us it was about £2 billion, so we made that commitment. We also said that that was a down payment on delivering the entire plan, not a one-off payment. I agree about the importa...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
When we did the autumn statement last year, we asked Simon Stevens and NHS England how much they needed for their plan next year and they told us it was about £2 billion, so we made that commitment. We also said that that was a down payment on delivering the entire plan, not a one-off payment. I agree about the importa...
0.254158
893
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.279.3
The Secretary of State and Prime Minister accuse the Labour party of using the NHS as a political football and as a weapon. May I advise the Secretary of State that the NHS is a weapon—a very powerful one—for the treatment of illness and the relief of disease and suffering, and that it is being blunted by this Governme...
Grahame Morris
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
The Secretary of State and Prime Minister accuse the Labour party of using the NHS as a political football and as a weapon. May I advise the Secretary of State that the NHS is a weapon—a very powerful one—for the treatment of illness and the relief of disease and suffering, and that it is being blunted by this Governme...
0.288979
894
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.279.4
I agree that we need more staff, but the hon. Gentleman should welcome the fact that under this Government there are 9,000 more doctors and 3,000 more nurses. Such an increase was made possible by a reorganisation that took money away from bureaucracy and management and put it on to the front line. What is wrong is for...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
I agree that we need more staff, but the hon. Gentleman should welcome the fact that under this Government there are 9,000 more doctors and 3,000 more nurses. Such an increase was made possible by a reorganisation that took money away from bureaucracy and management and put it on to the front line. What is wrong is for...
0.255649
895
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.280.0
Is my right hon. Friend aware that the declaration of a major incident by Addenbrooke’s hospital has caused concern among my constituents whose non-urgent admissions have had to be postponed? Is he also aware that the hospital is currently looking after more than 300 people aged over 85, which is in itself a remarkable...
Alan Haselhurst
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
Is my right hon. Friend aware that the declaration of a major incident by Addenbrooke’s hospital has caused concern among my constituents whose non-urgent admissions have had to be postponed? Is he also aware that the hospital is currently looking after more than 300 people aged over 85, which is in itself a remarkable...
0.264413
896
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.280.1
I am aware of the problems at Addenbrooke’s. Indeed, the main issue, as my hon. Friend rightly says, is delayed discharges relating to care. The chief executive is running the command and control system and working with the local authority to facilitate the discharges that are necessary and to de-escalate the situation...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
I am aware of the problems at Addenbrooke’s. Indeed, the main issue, as my hon. Friend rightly says, is delayed discharges relating to care. The chief executive is running the command and control system and working with the local authority to facilitate the discharges that are necessary and to de-escalate the situation...
0.278141
897
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.280.2
The national health service in my constituency is under immense pressure, as are the adult services. It has been known for some months now that the number of acutely ill people coming into hospital has been growing. Has the Secretary of State investigated the reasons for that significant increase, which I am hearing ab...
Derek Twigg
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
The national health service in my constituency is under immense pressure, as are the adult services. It has been known for some months now that the number of acutely ill people coming into hospital has been growing. Has the Secretary of State investigated the reasons for that significant increase, which I am hearing ab...
0.250641
898
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.280.3
We have looked into that matter in huge detail. There are probably three broad factors that are behind the increase in demand. One is the ageing population. There are 350,000 more people over the age of 75 than four years ago. The point is that if someone of that age goes into A and E in the winter, there is an 80% cha...
Jeremy Hunt
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
We have looked into that matter in huge detail. There are probably three broad factors that are behind the increase in demand. One is the ageing population. There are 350,000 more people over the age of 75 than four years ago. The point is that if someone of that age goes into A and E in the winter, there is an 80% cha...
0.276097
899
381866fb-3bc8-4bf6-85f2-4e382832e9ff
uk.org.publicwhip/debate/2015-01-07b.280.4
My right hon. Friend will be aware that there have been significant changes to hospital services across north-west London. There is considerable concern from some of my constituents that the closure of A and E departments at Central Middlesex and Hammersmith hospitals has led to some of the increasing pressure elsewher...
Angie Bray
null
null
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
PRIME MINISTER
A and E (Major Incidents)
My right hon. Friend will be aware that there have been significant changes to hospital services across north-west London. There is considerable concern from some of my constituents that the closure of A and E departments at Central Middlesex and Hammersmith hospitals has led to some of the increasing pressure elsewher...
0.293809