And with that, the first PMQs of 2022 comes to a close and we're ending our live page coverage. Boris Johnson stays on his feet to deliver an update on Covid - you can follow updates here.
In a series of jokey but sometimes heated exchanges:
Angela Rayner repeated Labour's call for VAT on energy bills to be suspended, arguing it would help poorer households cope with soaring costs
She said the issue of rising household costs was an "iceberg right ahead" but the prime minister was offering "incompetent leadership"
Boris Johnson rejected this, and accused Ms Rayner of "bare faced cheek" in calling for a VAT cut - given this would have been impossible inside the EU and she backed the Remain campaign
Speed up help for PTSD sufferers - Labour MP
Labour's Charlotte Nichols says available post-traumatic stress disorder treatments should be reviewed, to allow for "more rapid" use of newly developed drugs which could help.
In particular, she argues, the government should look at legalising psilocybin, which is found in magic mushrooms.
The PM says Nichols should have a meeting soon with a health minister to discuss the subject.
DUP MP joins calls to scrap VAT on energy bills
The DUP's Sammy Wilson also uses his question to ask the prime minister whether he will exercise his "Brexit freedom" and cut VAT on fuel bills.
He also asks for a review of green levies, which he argues could also help prevent bills reaching "unsustainable" levels.
Boris Johnson says the energy price cap provides protection for consumers and the government is determined to "do what we can" to help through its payments and allowances.
But he says there is a need for the UK to have a "better supply of cheap and renewable energy" - and says Labour failed to do this when in power.
Leasholders need more help with fire safety costs - Labour MP
Labour's Neil Coyle asks the PM to protect leaseholders from the costs of fire safety works required following the Grenfell Tower disaster, requesting more funding to help them.
The PM responds that residents will be protected from safety risks and promises an update on help available in the near future.
Reality Check
PM gets his figures wrong on warm homes discount
The prime minister
was asked about support for people struggling to pay fuel bills and said:
"2.2 million people [are] supported with the warm homes discount, Mr
Speaker, worth £140 per week".
He is talking about
the Warm Home Discount Scheme, but it is worth £140 for the whole of the
winter, not £140 a week.
It’s a one-off
discount on the electricity bills between October and March of people on low
incomes.
Increase 'pitiful' minimum sick pay, Labour MP urges
Labour MP Andy Mcdonald asks how lower-paid workers can be expected to self-isolate given the "pitiful" level of statutory sick pay in the UK.
He says only 19% of wages are covered, and contrasts this to the situation in Germany, where he says that all of someone's salary is offered in sick pay.
In reply, the prime minister says this is a minimum - and "more than half" of workers get additional payments on top of this from their employer.
Plaid leader expresses fears over visiting mother
BBCCopyright: BBC
Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader, Liz Saville-Roberts, says she fears she may not be able to visit her mother - who was recently diagnosed with dementia - when she enters a care home, because of Covid restrictions.
Many people are denied even the most "minimal" visits, she adds, in an emotional statement.
The PM extends his sympathies, saying many people are facing problems with restrictions placed on care homes, and agrees that a balance must be struck between Covid restrictions and visits.
Opposition turns up heat on energy bills
Nick Eardley
Political correspondent
The prime minister thinks the decision not to introduce more restrictions in England is having an important economic impact - that will help people find jobs in the coming weeks.
He's attacked Labour a few times, saying if the opposition had its way, then more lockdown style measures would have been brought in (though remember nobody has advocated a full lockdown recently).
There is though going to be a squeeze, many economists believe.
That's why both Labour and the SNP have raised it today - they think the government needs to go further and help people with bills.
A particular ask is that the VAT on energy is waived to help bring bills down.
PM urged to tackle NHS specialism shortages
Former Health secretary Jeremy Hunt says the NHS faces "permanent and dangerous" staffing shortfalls in specialist areas.
He urges Boris Johnson to solve the problem in 2022, with more funding.
But the PM says there are record numbers of people working in the NHS, adding that Labour has opposed the government's plans to achieve this.
Davey talking balls over energy costs, says Johnson
There's a moment of mirth as the Speaker appears to initially introduce Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey as former shadow chancellor Ed Balls.
Putting his question, Sir Ed also asks about high energy prices, saying people will be fearing opening their bills over winter and the PM could be doing "much more than he is doing" to cut costs.
Boris Johnson jokes that "Balls was the word" for his comments on energy.
He repeats his answer from earlier about what the government is doing to lower bills - including the various government allowances and payments for winter months.
Reality Check
How much would cutting VAT save people?
Labour’s Angela Rayner asked the
prime minister if he would cut VAT on domestic fuel bills.
The
saving for consumers would depend on things like how much energy they use, what
tariff they are on and which provider they buy from.
The
regulator Ofgem gives an average annual bill for a typical dual fuel customer,
paying by direct debit, on a standard variable tariff of £1,277.
Ofgem
gives the breakdown of what makes up that tariff. The VAT is £61 a year.
Other
policy costs, which is the contribution to the government’s social and
environmental schemes make up £159 of it. Some Conservative MPs have called for
parts of this to be scrapped as well.
Blackford blames Tories for cost-of-living 'squeeze'
BBCCopyright: BBC
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford says "serious warnings" of a cost-of-living rise over the next few months are a result of "Tory cuts".
Losing hundreds of pounds a year will be "catastrophic" for millions of families, he adds.
Boris Johnson replies that the government is helping families across the country, but the "crucial thing" is that the UK has kept going during the pandemic, keeping people in work.
Blackford calls this response "nonsense", saying that, whereas 2021 was a year of "Tory sleaze", 2022 will be a year of "Tory squeeze". He demands more help to alleviate child poverty.
The PM says Chancellor Rishi Sunak's policies have been "extremely" helpful for those on low incomes".
PM gives with one hand and takes with the other, says Rayner
BBCCopyright: BBC
For her final question, Angela Rayner says people are worse off under the Conservatives, and the prime minister only "gives with one hand and takes away with another".
She says there is a need for "serious solutions" but the prime minister is offering only "incompetent leadership".
In a dig at his new haircut, she jokes to the prime minister: "It's not about brushing your hair, it's about brushing up on your act".
But in reply, Mr Johnson says "Labour incompetence has ruined this country time and time again".
He says Labour's first instinct was to "reach for the lever of more restrictions" instead of putting faith in the booster campaign to keep society open.
Rayner talked up as future leader - by the PM
Analysis
Nick Eardley
Political correspondent
Could Angela Rayner be a future Labour leader?
She stood in for Sir Keir Starmer today because he's tested positive for Covid (for the second time).
Boris Johnson enjoyed talking up her prospects, saying she has her eye on another job.
Ms Rayner said there may be a vacancy for PM soon....
Watch out for cost 'iceberg', Rayner warns Johnson
Angela Rayner asks the PM, jokingly: "How's it going? Are you OK?"
She says he and the chancellor have failed to help working people.
The predicted hike in household bills is an "iceberg, right ahead", she warns, urging him to change his policies.
Boris Johnson responds that poorer households are better off as a result of wage rises under the Conservatives than they would have been under Labour.
The government has kept the UK economy more open than any other in Europe during the pandemic, he adds.
'Bare-faced cheek' for Labour to call for VAT cut, says PM
BBCCopyright: BBC
Angela Rayner says poorer households spend more of their income on fuel bills - and that this is something the prime minister himself has previously acknowledged.
She asks when he will "stand up to his chancellor" and cut VAT on energy bills.
In reply, Boris Johnson highlights government schemes to help poorer households with costs, such as the warm homes discount, and winter fuel and cold weather payments.
He accuses Ms Rayner of "bare faced cheek" in calling for a VAT cut - given this would have been impossible inside the EU and she backed the Remain campaign.
Rayner accuses PM of incompetence
Amid much noise, Angela Rayner jokes that there could be a vacancy for PM soon.
She adds that Johnson has "made political choices" that have allowed energy prices to rise and firms to go bust. Now bills are "going through the roof", Rayner tells MPs, accusing the PM of "incompetence".
Johnson responds that Rayner has "much more energy" than Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, for whom she's standing in. He adds that the government is helping people on low incomes to make ends meet.
Wage rises will not offset price rises, says Rayner
BBCCopyright: BBC
Following up, Angela Rayner says rising inflation is about to hit its highest levels since the 1990s - when she notes the Conservatives were "mired in sleaze" and facing grumbles over their leadership.
She says rising wages will not offset the rise in prices, and asks when he will "get a grip" on this.
In reply, the prime minister makes a jibe about her own leadership aspirations, saying also though she got a new job title last year "we know the job that she has in mind".
He says the government will continue to "deliver jobs for the British people" - and says under Labour's strategy for Covid there wouldn't be "anybody working at all".
We'll help people through difficult times - PM
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner says that, over the Christmas break, the world lost a giant in anti-Apartheid campaigner Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
In her first question, Rayner says working people in the UK are starting the year facing rising bills and a cost-of-living crisis, adding that the PM ruled out such an eventuality last October.
Boris Johnson says the government is protecting people during a "difficult period" by lifting the Living Wage and other measures.
But the "most important" thing is to take a "balanced and proportionate approach" to Covid, keeping the economy going at the same time, he adds.
PM feels the heat over energy prices
Nick Eardley
Political correspondent
Energy prices are likely to be a big political
issue over the next few months, with household bills expected to rise.
Many Tory MPs have
concerns and want the government to take action on the issue - and you can
expect Labour to talk a lot about it too, as Angela Rayner is doing at PMQs.
It fits in with a broader theme of
2022: the cost of living.
Many in Westminster expect a significant squeeze this
year and for the Government to face a lot of pressure on the issue.
Live Reporting
Brian Wheeler
All times stated are UK
-
Angela Rayner repeated Labour's call for VAT on energy bills to be suspended, arguing it would help poorer households cope with soaring costs
-
She said the issue of rising household costs was an "iceberg right ahead" but the prime minister was offering "incompetent leadership"
-
Boris Johnson rejected this, and accused Ms Rayner of "bare faced cheek" in calling for a VAT cut - given this would have been impossible inside the EU and she backed the Remain campaign
BBCCopyright: BBC 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
BBCCopyright: BBC 
Latest PostPMQs comes to a close
And with that, the first PMQs of 2022 comes to a close and we're ending our live page coverage. Boris Johnson stays on his feet to deliver an update on Covid - you can follow updates here.
In a series of jokey but sometimes heated exchanges:
Speed up help for PTSD sufferers - Labour MP
Labour's Charlotte Nichols says available post-traumatic stress disorder treatments should be reviewed, to allow for "more rapid" use of newly developed drugs which could help.
In particular, she argues, the government should look at legalising psilocybin, which is found in magic mushrooms.
The PM says Nichols should have a meeting soon with a health minister to discuss the subject.
DUP MP joins calls to scrap VAT on energy bills
The DUP's Sammy Wilson also uses his question to ask the prime minister whether he will exercise his "Brexit freedom" and cut VAT on fuel bills.
He also asks for a review of green levies, which he argues could also help prevent bills reaching "unsustainable" levels.
Boris Johnson says the energy price cap provides protection for consumers and the government is determined to "do what we can" to help through its payments and allowances.
But he says there is a need for the UK to have a "better supply of cheap and renewable energy" - and says Labour failed to do this when in power.
Leasholders need more help with fire safety costs - Labour MP
Labour's Neil Coyle asks the PM to protect leaseholders from the costs of fire safety works required following the Grenfell Tower disaster, requesting more funding to help them.
The PM responds that residents will be protected from safety risks and promises an update on help available in the near future.
Reality Check
PM gets his figures wrong on warm homes discount
The prime minister was asked about support for people struggling to pay fuel bills and said: "2.2 million people [are] supported with the warm homes discount, Mr Speaker, worth £140 per week".
He is talking about the Warm Home Discount Scheme, but it is worth £140 for the whole of the winter, not £140 a week.
It’s a one-off discount on the electricity bills between October and March of people on low incomes.
Increase 'pitiful' minimum sick pay, Labour MP urges
Labour MP Andy Mcdonald asks how lower-paid workers can be expected to self-isolate given the "pitiful" level of statutory sick pay in the UK.
He says only 19% of wages are covered, and contrasts this to the situation in Germany, where he says that all of someone's salary is offered in sick pay.
In reply, the prime minister says this is a minimum - and "more than half" of workers get additional payments on top of this from their employer.
Plaid leader expresses fears over visiting mother
Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader, Liz Saville-Roberts, says she fears she may not be able to visit her mother - who was recently diagnosed with dementia - when she enters a care home, because of Covid restrictions.
Many people are denied even the most "minimal" visits, she adds, in an emotional statement.
The PM extends his sympathies, saying many people are facing problems with restrictions placed on care homes, and agrees that a balance must be struck between Covid restrictions and visits.
Opposition turns up heat on energy bills
Nick Eardley
Political correspondent
The prime minister thinks the decision not to introduce more restrictions in England is having an important economic impact - that will help people find jobs in the coming weeks.
He's attacked Labour a few times, saying if the opposition had its way, then more lockdown style measures would have been brought in (though remember nobody has advocated a full lockdown recently).
There is though going to be a squeeze, many economists believe.
That's why both Labour and the SNP have raised it today - they think the government needs to go further and help people with bills.
A particular ask is that the VAT on energy is waived to help bring bills down.
PM urged to tackle NHS specialism shortages
Former Health secretary Jeremy Hunt says the NHS faces "permanent and dangerous" staffing shortfalls in specialist areas.
He urges Boris Johnson to solve the problem in 2022, with more funding.
But the PM says there are record numbers of people working in the NHS, adding that Labour has opposed the government's plans to achieve this.
Davey talking balls over energy costs, says Johnson
There's a moment of mirth as the Speaker appears to initially introduce Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey as former shadow chancellor Ed Balls.
Putting his question, Sir Ed also asks about high energy prices, saying people will be fearing opening their bills over winter and the PM could be doing "much more than he is doing" to cut costs.
Boris Johnson jokes that "Balls was the word" for his comments on energy.
He repeats his answer from earlier about what the government is doing to lower bills - including the various government allowances and payments for winter months.
Reality Check
How much would cutting VAT save people?
Labour’s Angela Rayner asked the prime minister if he would cut VAT on domestic fuel bills.
Getting rid of the 5% tax would cost the government about £1.7bn, according to HMRCestimates.
The saving for consumers would depend on things like how much energy they use, what tariff they are on and which provider they buy from.
The regulator Ofgem gives an average annual bill for a typical dual fuel customer, paying by direct debit, on a standard variable tariff of £1,277.
Ofgem gives the breakdown of what makes up that tariff. The VAT is £61 a year.
Other policy costs, which is the contribution to the government’s social and environmental schemes make up £159 of it. Some Conservative MPs have called for parts of this to be scrapped as well.
Blackford blames Tories for cost-of-living 'squeeze'
SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford says "serious warnings" of a cost-of-living rise over the next few months are a result of "Tory cuts".
Losing hundreds of pounds a year will be "catastrophic" for millions of families, he adds.
Boris Johnson replies that the government is helping families across the country, but the "crucial thing" is that the UK has kept going during the pandemic, keeping people in work.
Blackford calls this response "nonsense", saying that, whereas 2021 was a year of "Tory sleaze", 2022 will be a year of "Tory squeeze". He demands more help to alleviate child poverty.
The PM says Chancellor Rishi Sunak's policies have been "extremely" helpful for those on low incomes".
PM gives with one hand and takes with the other, says Rayner
For her final question, Angela Rayner says people are worse off under the Conservatives, and the prime minister only "gives with one hand and takes away with another".
She says there is a need for "serious solutions" but the prime minister is offering only "incompetent leadership".
In a dig at his new haircut, she jokes to the prime minister: "It's not about brushing your hair, it's about brushing up on your act".
But in reply, Mr Johnson says "Labour incompetence has ruined this country time and time again".
He says Labour's first instinct was to "reach for the lever of more restrictions" instead of putting faith in the booster campaign to keep society open.
Rayner talked up as future leader - by the PM
Analysis
Nick Eardley
Political correspondent
Could Angela Rayner be a future Labour leader?
She stood in for Sir Keir Starmer today because he's tested positive for Covid (for the second time).
Boris Johnson enjoyed talking up her prospects, saying she has her eye on another job.
Ms Rayner said there may be a vacancy for PM soon....
Watch out for cost 'iceberg', Rayner warns Johnson
Angela Rayner asks the PM, jokingly: "How's it going? Are you OK?"
She says he and the chancellor have failed to help working people.
The predicted hike in household bills is an "iceberg, right ahead", she warns, urging him to change his policies.
Boris Johnson responds that poorer households are better off as a result of wage rises under the Conservatives than they would have been under Labour.
The government has kept the UK economy more open than any other in Europe during the pandemic, he adds.
'Bare-faced cheek' for Labour to call for VAT cut, says PM
Angela Rayner says poorer households spend more of their income on fuel bills - and that this is something the prime minister himself has previously acknowledged.
She asks when he will "stand up to his chancellor" and cut VAT on energy bills.
In reply, Boris Johnson highlights government schemes to help poorer households with costs, such as the warm homes discount, and winter fuel and cold weather payments.
He accuses Ms Rayner of "bare faced cheek" in calling for a VAT cut - given this would have been impossible inside the EU and she backed the Remain campaign.
Rayner accuses PM of incompetence
Amid much noise, Angela Rayner jokes that there could be a vacancy for PM soon.
She adds that Johnson has "made political choices" that have allowed energy prices to rise and firms to go bust. Now bills are "going through the roof", Rayner tells MPs, accusing the PM of "incompetence".
Johnson responds that Rayner has "much more energy" than Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, for whom she's standing in. He adds that the government is helping people on low incomes to make ends meet.
Wage rises will not offset price rises, says Rayner
Following up, Angela Rayner says rising inflation is about to hit its highest levels since the 1990s - when she notes the Conservatives were "mired in sleaze" and facing grumbles over their leadership.
She says rising wages will not offset the rise in prices, and asks when he will "get a grip" on this.
In reply, the prime minister makes a jibe about her own leadership aspirations, saying also though she got a new job title last year "we know the job that she has in mind".
He says the government will continue to "deliver jobs for the British people" - and says under Labour's strategy for Covid there wouldn't be "anybody working at all".
We'll help people through difficult times - PM
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner says that, over the Christmas break, the world lost a giant in anti-Apartheid campaigner Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
In her first question, Rayner says working people in the UK are starting the year facing rising bills and a cost-of-living crisis, adding that the PM ruled out such an eventuality last October.
Boris Johnson says the government is protecting people during a "difficult period" by lifting the Living Wage and other measures.
But the "most important" thing is to take a "balanced and proportionate approach" to Covid, keeping the economy going at the same time, he adds.
PM feels the heat over energy prices
Nick Eardley
Political correspondent
Energy prices are likely to be a big political issue over the next few months, with household bills expected to rise.
Many Tory MPs have concerns and want the government to take action on the issue - and you can expect Labour to talk a lot about it too, as Angela Rayner is doing at PMQs.
It fits in with a broader theme of 2022: the cost of living.
Many in Westminster expect a significant squeeze this year and for the Government to face a lot of pressure on the issue.