Prime Minister's Questions: 2 October 2019

Today's Prime Minister's Questions were led by the Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State, Dominic Raab MP. The Prime Minister was absent as he was delivering the keynote address at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester. Although there is usually a recess for party conferences, MPs recently voted to keep sitting.

Standing-in for the Leader of the Opposition, Diane Abbott made history as the first black MP to represent their party at PMQs.

The Shadow Home Secretary asked about the Prime Minister's language, the right to safe abortion in Northern Ireland, clauses that affect pregnant women seeking Universal Credit and female workers affected by the collapse of Thomas Cook.

The Scottish National Party's Westminster Leader, Ian Blackford, asked about the legal obligation of the Government to abide by the Benn Act in regard to Brexit.

• Watch Parliament TV: Prime Minister's Questions: 2 October 2019
• Watch Prime Minister's Questions from previous weeks
• Read Commons Hansard: Prime Minister's Questions: 2 October 2019

Other topics and questioners

Conservative MP, Julian Sturdy (York Outer), asked about the threat to Askham Bog nature reserve.

Independent MP, Margot James (Stourbridge), asked about the establishment of an independent regulator of internet companies.

Conservative MP, Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough), asked about the Brexit deadline.

Labour MP, Teresa Pearce (Erith and Thamesmead), asked for up-to-date figures on quality housing from the Department of Health.

Independent MP, Kenneth Clarke (Rushcliffe), asked whether the Prime Minister's support for Brexit is a party political move.

Labour MP, Eleanor Smith (Wolverhampton South West), asked the Prime Minister to review the Green Belt policy to protect the Seven Cornfields from developers.

Conservative MP, Maria Miller (Basingstoke), asked about a bid for a new hospital in Northamptonshire.

Labour MP, Lucy Powell (Manchester Central), asked about redundancy pay for workers of Thomas Cook.

Independent MP, Dominic Grieve (Beaconsfield), asked about lies from special advisers.

Scottish National Party MP, Patricia Gibson (North Ayrshire and Arran), asked in what circumstances will the Prime Minister write to the EU in accordance with the Benn Act.

Conservative MP, Mr Shailesh Vara (North West Cambridgeshire), asked about the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.

Labour MP, Anna McMorrin (Cardiff North), asked about the risk of medicine shortages in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Independent MP, Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye), asked about Brexit-related decisions being taken through the House.

Labour MP, Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East), asked about funding for bus services for Sheffield. 

Conservative MP, Hugo Swire (East Devon), asked about the threat of the DPRK to the region and the world.

Labour MP, Gill Furniss (Sheffield, Brightside and Hillsborough), asked about funding for children affected by cystic fibrosis and generic drug manufacturing.

Conservative MP, Henry Bellingham (North West Norfolk), asked about discussing unrest in Hong Kong with the Chinese authorities.

Labour MP, Sir Mark Hendrick (Preston), asked about the Government's use of language that creates a hostile environment for migrants. 

Conservative MP, Maria Caulfield (Lewes), asked about investment for Eastborne hospital.

Labout MP, Toby Perkins (Chesterfield), asked about securing the passage of the Domestic Abuse Bill despite prorogation.

Conservative MP, Huw Merriman (Bexhill and Battle), asked about free, 24-hour-use cashpoints on UK high streets.

Labour MP, Julie Elliott (Sunderland Central), asked about the risk of a no-deal Brexit.

Conservative MP, Henry Smith (Crawley), asked about aviation investment into Britain.

The Independent Group for Change MP, Anna Soubry (Broxtowe), asked about putting any Brexit deal to a confirmatory referendum.

Conservative MP, Michael Tomlinson (Mid Dorset and North Poole), asked for confirmation of the 31 October 2019 Brexit deadline.

Labour MP, Ben Bradshaw (Exeter), asked about reports that foreign nations asked for help to undermine or smear UK security services.