Brighton Kemptown MP Simon Kirby and Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas both put questions to David Cameron at the final Prime Minister’s Questions today (Wednesday 25 March).
Mr Kirby was down to ask question 8 on the order paper – the daily agenda for the Commons – and Dr Lucas was down to ask question 9.
Mr Kirby asked Mr Cameron: “It’s very easy to just say the words long-term economic plan. But in Brighton Kemptown the last five years have seen sharply falling unemployment, hugely increased business start-ups and a massive £480 million investment in a new hospital.
“Does the Prime Minister think that the sun will continue to shine on Brighton?”
Mr Cameron told his fellow Conservative MP: “First of all let me pay tribute to my honourable friend who has been a real champion of Brighton.
“And he has campaigned so hard for the extra investment in the rebuilding of this hospital and I am so glad that the Royal Sussex County Hospital redevelopment will take place.
“Also I will note that the claimant count in his constituency has gone down 52 per cent since the last election and that the long-term youth claimant rate has gone down 50 per cent since the last election and on that basis I think we can say that the sun will continue to shine on Brighton.”
After the exchange Mr Kirby said: “I was pleased to use this opportunity to quiz the Prime Minister about the improving economic situation here in Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven.
“I was also grateful to the Prime Minister for his kind words about my work as the local MP.
“I always try to be a hard-working strong voice for our area in Westminster and I know the new hospital will make a real difference for patients and staff alike.
“While there is no room for complacency, the huge fall in unemployment, youth unemployment and huge increase in the number of business start-ups in our area are all welcome.”
Dr Lucas said: “In the space of a single month nearly 1,700 trains between Brighton and London Victoria ran late.
“But to add insult to injury, unfair train company rules meant passengers could claim compensation on just 59 of those 1,700 journeys.
“Will the Prime Minister join me in backing The Argus newspaper campaign for a fairer compensation system that puts money back into passengers’ pockets?”
Mr Cameron told the Green MP: “She’s right to raise the case of rail compensation. We are looking closely at The Argus campaign and what can be done to make it simpler and easier to deliver for people.”
