Yahoo Finance PMQs live updates: Boris Johnson faces questions from Keir Starmer as minister rules out winter lockdown
Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer will face off at PMQs today for the first time since the conference recess, and since the Cabinet reshuffle.
PMQs comes amid growing calls for the Government to implement Plan B Covid restrictions as coronavirus cases continue to rise.
Business minister Kwasi Kwarteng this morning insisted there would be no winter lockdown.
It also comes in the aftermath of the killing of Tory Mp Sir David Amess at his local constituency surgery on Friday.
PMQs concluded with minute’s silence to James Brokenshire
13:05 , Laura SharmanMPs held a minute’s silence in the Commons following PMQs in memory of Conservative former cabinet minister James Brokenshire, who died after suffering from lung cancer.Watched by Mr Brokenshire’s family in the public gallery, Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: “James was a politician who commanded affection and respect from colleagues, no matter which party they represented in a parliamentary career spanning 16 years. James’s contribution to public life was immense. “Paying tribute to the former Northern Ireland secretary and security minister, he added: “I will always remember James for his positivity, his good sense of humour and for being one of the most friendly, thoughtful, well-liked in the House of Commons.”
Watch: Minister rules out winter lockdown as Covid cases rise
Sir Keir invites Johnson to tackle violent extremism together
13:02 , Laura SharmanLabour leader Sir Keir invited Mr Johnson to work on a cross-party basis to “tackle violent extremism and its enablers together”.Concluding, Sir Keir said: “The inescapable desire of this House on Monday to finally clamp down on the extremism, the hate and the abuse that festers online is incredibly welcome.“But closing down anonymous accounts would not have prevented the murder of Jo Cox nor of Pc Keith Palmer and, although we don’t know the full circumstances surrounding his death, nor would it have saved Sir David.“If we’re to get serious about stopping violent attacks, we need to stop online spaces being safe spaces for terrorists.“We need to ensure that unaccountable, arrogant social media companies take responsibility for their platforms, we need to end the delays, get on with the legislation and clean out the cesspit once and for all.”
New internet safety laws to bring tough sentences in aftermath of Sir David’s killing
13:01 , Laura SharmanBoris Johnson has insisted new internet safety laws will impose “criminal sanctions with tough sentences” on those responsible for allowing “foul content” on their platforms.The prime minister sounded the warning to social media giants as he told MPs the Online Harms Bill will make progress in the Commons before Christmas.The legislation is expected to force the biggest tech firms, such as Facebook and Google, to abide by a duty of care to users, overseen by Ofcom as the new regulator for the sector.Mr Johnson was pushed by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to use the “inescapable desire” of MPs, in the aftermath of the killing of Conservative Sir David Amess, to “clamp down on the extremism, the hate and the abuse that festers online”.But Sir Keir said closing down anonymous accounts would not have “saved Sir David” nor prevented other attacks, adding “arrogant” social media firms should be made to take responsibility for their platforms.The pair agreed to work together on the issue when it was raised at Prime Minister’s Questions.
Johnson: No-one should be criminalised for being homeless
12:59 , Laura SharmanThe Prime Minister has said no-one should be “criminalised” for being homeless and signalled he was ready to scrap a law from 1824 which makes rough sleeping a crime.“No-one should be criminalised simply for having nowhere to live and I think the time has come to reconsider the Vagrancy Act,” Mr Johnson said.At the same time, he urged the government to redouble its efforts to fight homelessness, as I think we have done successfully over the pandemic, but must continue to do.”
PM praises Brixton fish market announcing extra £1 million to support fisheries
12:54 , Laura SharmanBoris Johnson hailed Brixton’s fish market for its recent “outstanding success” today.The PM promised to do all possible to support fishing and seafood business across the country.“A further £1 million is being made available through the UK Seafood Fund to support our fisheries,” he added.
Blackford condemns government as Scotland misses out on vital new funding
12:49 , Laura SharmanThe SNP Westminster leader condemned the government after it emerged this week that Scotland will miss out on funding for a new carbon capture facility, despite meeting eligibility criteria.“In 11 short days, world leaders will gather in Glasgow for Cop26.” Ian Blackford said.“This is our best chance and very likely the last chance to confront the climate emergency faced by our planet.“That is why it was such a devastating blow that on the eve of Cop26, this UK Government rejected the Scottish Clusters bid, to gain track-1 status for carbon capture storage.”
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford appeared to have lost his voice at PMQs
12:48 , Laura SharmanIan Blackford appeared to have lost his voice when addressing the prime minister at the House of Commons today.Taking his turn to speak, Tory MP Anthony Mangnall joked: “It is always a pleasure to follow the honourable gentleman and the new quiet man of British politics.”
Keir Starmer criticises Prime Minister’s “knockabout approach”
12:42 , Laura SharmanStarmer criticised Johnson for his “knockabout approach” during PMQs while discussing criminal sanctions.“After the week we’ve had, I really don’t want to descend to that knock about,” he said adding that “this is a serious topic.”Johnson said the government will do all possible to improve its counter-terrorism legislation.
Keir Starmer on criminal sanctions
12:39 , Laura SharmanKeir Starmer says he is making progress and that criminal sanctions are not on the face of the Bill but only an option for ministers.He asked the House: “Will the government accept the recommendations from the commission on countering extremism set up after the Manchester Arena bombing?”The Prime Minister sidestepped the question and responded that the government has one of the strongest counter terrorisms in the world, preventing 41 terrorist plots since 2017.He added that Labour should back the government’s plans for longer sentences.
Boris Johnson vows to bring forward Online Safety Bill before Christmas
12:34 , Laura SharmanBoris Johnson said the safety of MPs is of vital importance and that the Online Safety Bill is “one of the most important toolsin our armoury.”It came after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer spoke at Prime Minister’s Questions about “tackling violent extremism”.When challenged on the Bill’s progress, Mr Johnson said: “What we’re doing is ensuring that we crack down on companies that promote illegal and dangerous content and we’ll be toughing up those provisions.“What we’re also going to do is ensure that the Online Safety Bill does complete its stages before this House, before Christmas, rather that we do bring it forward before Christmas in the way that he suggests.”
Watch: COVID-19: How does Boris Johnson hope to avoid another winter lockdown?
Keir Starmer: Speed up promise for Online Safety Bill
12:30 , Laura SharmanLabour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged the Prime Minister to speed up the second reading of the Online Safety Bill which was promised three years ago.“It’s three years since the Government promised an Online Safety Bill but it’s not yet before the House,” he told the Commons.“Meanwhile, the damage caused by harmful content online is worse than ever.“Dangerous algorithms on Facebook and Instagram and Hope not Hate have shown me an example of violent Islamism and far-right propaganda on TikTok.”Sir Keir called on the Prime Minister to “commit to bring forward the second reading of the Online Safety Bill by the end of this calendar year”, adding: “If he does, we’ll support it.”
Sir Keir Starmer thanks MPs for tributes to Sir David Amess
12:26 , Laura SharmanLabour leader Sir Keir Starmer thanked “the whole House” for the way tributes to Sir David Amess were handled on Monday.“We saw the best of this house and I want to see if we can use that collaborative spirit to make progress on one of the issues that was raised on Monday, tackling violent extremism,” he said.
Mr Johnson says government must deal with systemic problems in criminal justice system
12:21 , Laura SharmanMr Johnson responded: “I want all people in this country part, particularly women, to feel confident in our police force and I believe that they can and they should.”When asked what his government is doing to tackle women’s safety, he added: “We are investing in safer streets, in better street lighting, in more CCTV.“We need to ensure we deal with the systemic problems in the criminal justice system to ensure that men, I’m afraid it is almost always men, get prosecuted for rape, and for crimes of serious sexual and domestic violence in the way that they should and that we secure the convictions that we should.“And when we secure those convictions, that they get the tough sentences that they deserve.”
MPs debate women’s safety in the wake of Sarah Everard murder
12:18 , Laura SharmanThe Prime Minister was quizzed on what government is doing to make someone feel safe following the Sarah Everard murder trial.Labour MP Rachael Maskell asked Boris Johnson what steps he will take and when to ensure women can live without fear and change an overall sentiment of feeling unsafe and criticised its current approach.
MP honours Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire for offering new path to politics
12:12 , Laura SharmanRachael Maskell paid tribute to Sir David Amess and James Brokenshire and their families for offering a path to politics.The Labour MP, for York Central, was the first to speak among MPs at Prime Minister’s Questions today.“David Amess and James Brokenshire were both tragically taken from us, both served this place with integrity and served their constituents well,” she said.“As we offer our heartfelt love and prayers to their families, their families have offered us a new path to a new politics built on kindness and love.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves No 10 Downing Street
12:02 , Laura SharmanBoris Johnson has left Downing Street en route to Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons.The prime minister was pictured leaving No 10 as he made his way towards Parliament to meet with MPs.
Alok Sharma asked if “strong” Chinese delegation expected at COP26
11:58 , Laura SharmanCop26 president Alok Sharma was asked whether a “strong” and “prominent” Chinese delegation will be at the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, due to start on October 31.Conservative Mr Philip Hollobone said: “Given that more than a quarter of the increase in carbon emissions since 2000 have come from China, are we expecting a strong and prominent Chinese delegation at Cop26?”Mr Sharma replied: “There will be a delegation coming from China, as he may know that I was there in September, I had constructed discussions but China, along with every other country, needs to come forward with ambitious plans to cut emissions by 2030 before Cop26.”
Tributes to James Brokenshire following PMQs today
11:56 , Laura SharmanPrime Minister’s Questions will take place at midday following discussion of the COP26 summit on climate change.Boris Johnson will answer questions from his MPs at the Commons where tributes will be paid to James Brokenshire this afternoon.The former government minister died on October 7 aged 53 after suffering lung cancer.
