This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blog/2016/feb/03/pmqs-verdict-one-of-camerons-weakest-performances-for-some-time

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
PMQs verdict: one of Cameron's weakest performances for some time PMQs verdict: one of Cameron's weakest performances for some time
(35 minutes later)
Key pointsKey points
Corbyn challenged Cameron over his government’s record on cancer treatment spending – and in particular the reduction of funding for radiologists despite the government’s own taskforce warning last year that they were essential. Cameron hit back claiming that the health service in Wales was lagging behind England – and run by the Labour government there. The EU referendum remained the elephant in the room (to be debated immediately after PMQs) and it was down to SNP members to quiz the prime minister on it. Corbyn challenged Cameron over his government’s record on cancer treatment spending, and in particular the reduction of funding for radiologists despite the government’s own taskforce warning last year that they were essential. Cameron hit back by claiming that the health service in Wales – run by a Labour government – was lagging behind England. The EU referendum remained the elephant in the room (to be debated immediately after PMQs) and it was down to SNP members to quiz the prime minister on it.
Related: Cameron statement to the Commons on the EU referendum - Politics liveRelated: Cameron statement to the Commons on the EU referendum - Politics live
Snap verdictSnap verdict
One of Cameron’s weakest PMQs performances for some time. On NHS radiologists his initial non-answer was more blatant than normal, and his jibes at Corbyn – “crazy” plans, and the reference to his “cogs” turning slowly – felt particularly inappropriate given the subject at hand, and Corbyn’s earnest and sombre tone. Cameron was better when handling the question about Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), but it was probably “job done” for Corbyn. Cameron’s repeated references to Wales and Scotland also felt rather off-topic although, as an insight into how the Tories will campaign between now and May, his repeated attack on Labour’s tax-raising agenda in Scotland was very revealing. One of Cameron’s weakest PMQs performances for some time. On NHS radiologists his initial non-answer was more blatant than normal, and his jibes at Corbyn – “crazy” plans, and the reference to his “cogs” turning slowly – felt particularly inappropriate given the subject at hand and Corbyn’s earnest and sombre tone. Cameron was better when handling the question about employment and support allowance (ESA), but it was probably “job done” for Corbyn. Cameron’s repeated references to Wales and Scotland also felt rather off-topic although, as an insight into how the Tories will campaign between now and May, his repeated attack on Labour’s tax-raising agenda in Scotland was very revealing.
Best linesBest lines
Corbyn called out Tory backbenchers who have taken to heckling his citing of constituents’ letters in his questions. Referring to Martin, a constituent struggling to help a friend with cancer, Corbyn said: “He doesn’t think it’s very funny.”Corbyn called out Tory backbenchers who have taken to heckling his citing of constituents’ letters in his questions. Referring to Martin, a constituent struggling to help a friend with cancer, Corbyn said: “He doesn’t think it’s very funny.”
Cameron was asked by Corbyn whether cancer patients losing ESA really had the “broadest shoulders” - the people Cameron previously said would bear the brunt of cuts. Cameron said that those with the broadest shoulders were top-rate tax payers, “and they are paying. It is clear what Labour’s policy is: cutting the NHS in Wales, and putting up tax.” Cameron was asked by Corbyn whether cancer patients losing ESA really had the “broadest shoulders” – the people Cameron previously said would bear the brunt of cuts. Cameron said that those with the broadest shoulders were top-rate tax payers, “and they are paying. It is clear what Labour’s policy is: cutting the NHS in Wales, and putting up tax.”
For more on PMQs, read our politics live blog with Andrew Sparrow.For more on PMQs, read our politics live blog with Andrew Sparrow.