Select Committee
Parliament

Lord Ashdown turns to Russia’s interest in the Balkans region.

He tells the committee that Russia’s desire is to create "as much mischief as possible".

If Bosnia becomes a failed state it will be the West’s failed state, he explains.

One exception, he says, is Montenegro - “that is basically run by the Russian mafia”.

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, HoC

DUP's Westminster leader Nigel Dodds says the prime minister will be aware of the initiative of getting devolution up and running in Northern Ireland.

But if Sinn Fein continues to block the restoration of government in Northern Ireland, he says, will she confirm future governance arrangements, including the government statement that there would not be a role for Dublin.

Theresa May says she knows the importance of the talks - and says she is happy to confirm the government would not be looking at a joint authority.

The focus on resolving current difficulties, she says.

House of Commons
Parliament

Labour's Luciana Berger cites the words of family judge Sir James Munby concerning the case of a suicidal young woman for whom no mental health accommodation could be found, saying "the continued failure to deal with the mental health crisis will mean the state has blood on its hands".

Theresa May responds, "I accept there's more to do," and goes on to say: "That's why we are pushing forward and putting more resources into mental health."

House of Commons
Parliament

Labour's Ruth Smeeth raises the number of parents who go without food so their children can eat, asking: "How many kids have to go hungry before this prime minister will do her job and act?"

Theresa May says her focus remains on "tackling the root causes of poverty not the symptoms" and children benefit when their parents are in work.

Select Committee
Parliament

Image source, HoL

Baroness Helic asks what are the major challenges for the state of Bosnia.

Lord Ashdown says there is a need to create a functional state in Bosnia.

He says that as long as Bosnia wastes money on 10 prime ministers and 10 ministers of the interior they cannot build loyalty among its citizens.

Loyalty does not come from flags and anthems, he says, but from spending money on the things that citizens need.

House of Commons
Parliament

Labour's Heidi Alexander calls for dangerous driving offences to be extended to cyclists, labelling the current framework "inadequate", following the death of HR consultant Kim Briggs.

Theresa May says it's welcome that a prosecution was successfully made in this case, and the transport secretary will be able to look at ensuring the law stays up to date.

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Parliament

Image source, HoC

SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford says last year the PM was forced into a u-turn on whether companies should disclose the numbers of EU nationals that work for them.

And this summer, 100 EU nationals received deportation notices in error, he says.

We the PM apologise for treatment of migrants in the UK? he asks - and will she pledge international students no longer be included in the net migration figures.

Theresa May says there is a reason for wanting to ensure the UK can control migration - it's the impact migration can have on people, on services and infrastructure.

"It's important we bring in controls, welcome the brightest and best here to the UK and we will continue to do so," she says.

House of Commons
Parliament

Jeremy Corbyn then asks the prime minister to rule out rises in the basic rate of income tax, national insurance contributions and VAT.

Mrs May replies "we've given the lowest earners the highest pay rise in 20 years", adding "Labour's approach is reckless, ours is balanced".

House of Commons
Parliament

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Jeremy Corbyn's next question is on NHS workers, urging the government to ask the public-sector pay cap.

He asks if she's "proud" that NHS staff have to use food banks.

Mrs May says the people who pay for the NHS must also be taken into account, and when it comes to calling for higher wages, "he can do that in opposition because he knows he doesn't have to pay".

House of Commons
Parliament

Jeremy Corbyn asks the prime minister to condemn Sports Direct and McDonalds for their use of zero-hours contracts, and Theresa May responds that unlike Labour her government has acted to limit them.

House of Commons
Parliament

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Jeremy Corbyn says the Tories' "dumped manifesto" promised legislation on restricting corporate pay which has not materialised, and invites Theresa May to say if she'll take action to cap energy prices.

Mrs May says she is "concerned about customers on tariffs which do not give value for money" and the government is going to act on this.

House of Commons
Parliament

Image source, HoC

Next up is Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who asks his first question on inflation "running ahead of workers' pay".

He asks the PM if she supports a strike by McDonalds workers. Mrs May says it is a matter for McDonalds.

She says her government has "put workers first".