Speeches by Robertson.

“I am grateful to my hon. Friend for giving way and for his assessment of the Finance Bill. Does he agree that the best way the Government can raise revenue is not to raise taxes but to grow the economy and increase the money taken through taxes in that way? Does he also agree that the national insurance contribution in…”

“Does the hon. Member agree that the national insurance contribution rise for small and medium-sized businesses is not only passed on to the consumer but is damaging for the economy as a whole, because it stifles growth? Growth, not increasing tax rates, is the way to increase the tax take for the Treasury.”

“Good morning. You have talked about ensuring that there is an effective executive team in place, and of course you will get to appoint a new chief executive, as Amanda Pritchard is standing down. What are the qualities you are looking for in a new chief executive to help deliver all this reform and change?”

“Thinking about the executive team, rather than the chief exec per se, I want to invite you to reflect on where we maybe have not achieved or delivered as we would have wanted to in the last few years, and where you would like to see the new, refreshed team deliver on. I think it would give the public confidence if you …”

“Just thinking about that good example of technology, but getting the basics right—not running before you can walk—to what extent is not managing to get the basics right so far the responsibility of the executive team? Is there some accountability lower down in the system? For example, having five logins does not necess…”

“If you can achieve that, you will achieve a huge amount, if I may say so.”

“It is not about my opinions, but I think that is probably a major issue within the NHS. It is such a big organisation; how do you ensure the accountability at lower levels and not just at the top?”

“I congratulate the hon. Member for Reading West and Mid Berkshire (Olivia Bailey) on securing this important debate. I think it is true that all of us would like to see more affordable housing delivered for our constituents, but does the Minister agree that top-down housing targets for all areas of the United Kingdom a…”

“Francesca, what would have made the biggest difference to you?”

“No, but I hope I am about to.”

“That is very useful. Thank you.”

“My hon. Friend mentions dementia. Nearly 1 million pensioners in this country are living with dementia. Two weeks ago, NHS England published its priorities, and dementia had been removed, as had the target for diagnosing it. Does he agree that that is a huge concern, not only for those living with dementia, but for the…”

“If I may, I will take this opportunity to explore some of my right hon. Friend’s knowledge and expertise in this area. Will he comment on the balance in this Bill between safeguards on the one hand and freedom on the other? I would be interested in his thoughts.”

“Thank you very much. This is a question to each of you. Thinking of the experiences you have had, what one or two things would have made the biggest difference to the care and support you received?”

“Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Government must know that this policy is damaging the ability of the police to operate? The Government know it is causing damage to the public sector, and that is why they have exempted the NHS, but they have failed to exempt other public sector services such as the police. They…”

“12. What steps his Department is taking to help reach the national dementia diagnosis rate target.”

“Nearly 1 million people are living with dementia—it is the biggest cause of death in the country today—and by the end of the 2030s that figure is set to rise to 1.4 million. Early diagnosis is one of the best things we can do to support people living with dementia, so will the Secretary of State explain why the dementi…”

“The hon. Lady spoke about the pessimism that the Government will U-turn on this, but does she share my optimism that they may well U-turn if enough of their Back Benchers make a point?”

“The Isle of Wight council is already a unitary authority. Given that the Deputy Prime Minister is postponing our elections, can she confirm that that will mean the future reorganisation of the council is on the negotiating table? Otherwise, why would she be cancelling our elections?”

“Good morning. The NHS has received a funding increase of £10.6 billion additional money, but there are clearly additional costs in there that will have to be met, through inflation and pension contributions and national insurance contributions, to the extent they are not rebated. What assessment have you made of how mu…”