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LIVE: Prime Minister's Questions LIVE: Prime Minister's Questions
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By Justin Parkinson 1238 Former health secretary Patricia Hewitt tells Daily Politics members of the public must form a "citizens' jury" to focus on what is a fair salary for MPs. By Justin Parkinson 1245 Meanwhile, not far to the east, the anti-G20 protests are well under way in the City of London. Some people have been arrested. It was a bit of a surprise that no-one mentioned the demonstrations at PMQs.
1242 Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox disagrees with Ms Hewitt, saying leadership is needed on the issue of allowances. Party leaders, "when they really want something, can force it through", he adds.
1240From BBC political correspondent Ben Wright: Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg decided to get stuck into the G20, as David Cameron had, saying the UK's fiscal stimulus plan hadn't done as much to support green jobs as the plans in other countries. He also said that the VAT cut had not made a difference and should be scrapped. The PM rejected the idea and said the government should use "all weapons at our disposal". Both opposition leaders need to be part of the G20 story and demonstrate a distinct position on the main issues. But it was the jeers and groans that greeted questions about reforming MPs allowances that was revealing. Yes they'll be a review. But do MPs really understand the clamour to sort this out once and for all? We'll see.
1238 Former health secretary Patricia Hewitt tells Daily Politics members of the public must form a "citizens' jury" to focus on what is a fair salary for MPs.
1235 BBC political editor Nick Robinson tells BBC Two's Daily Politics there is a "gap" between party front benches and back benches over expenses - hence the groans in the Commons after Mr Cameron's question on the matter. Mr Brown's hope is that the standards committee will shame some MPs into a change, he adds.1235 BBC political editor Nick Robinson tells BBC Two's Daily Politics there is a "gap" between party front benches and back benches over expenses - hence the groans in the Commons after Mr Cameron's question on the matter. Mr Brown's hope is that the standards committee will shame some MPs into a change, he adds.
1233 So, expenses and the economy dominated PMQs, as they have the wider political debate all week. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, whose husband's choice of film prompted the latest round of expenses concerns, was sat a couple of places down from Gordon Brown. 1233 So, expenses and the economy dominated PMQs, as they have the wider political debate all week. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, whose husband's choice of film prompted the latest round of expenses concerns, was sitting a couple of places down from Gordon Brown.
1232 Labour's Eric Joyce says the minimum wage, introduced 10 years ago, should be celebrated. Mr Brown says it is needed for a "civilised society". And that is PMQs over for another week.1232 Labour's Eric Joyce says the minimum wage, introduced 10 years ago, should be celebrated. Mr Brown says it is needed for a "civilised society". And that is PMQs over for another week.
1231 Tory Nadine Dorries, a former nurse, says government targets in healthcare have "damaged" care. Mr Brown says that, if targets were removed, standards would worsen.1231 Tory Nadine Dorries, a former nurse, says government targets in healthcare have "damaged" care. Mr Brown says that, if targets were removed, standards would worsen.
1228 In response to another question Mr Brown says the government is investing "substantial sums" in preventing unemployment.1228 In response to another question Mr Brown says the government is investing "substantial sums" in preventing unemployment.
1227 Lib Dem Mark Hunter asks about community policing, asking when people across the country will get the same level of provision. Mr Brown replies that the government's aim is universal neighbourhood policing.1227 Lib Dem Mark Hunter asks about community policing, asking when people across the country will get the same level of provision. Mr Brown replies that the government's aim is universal neighbourhood policing.
1227 Tory David Heathcoat-Amory attacks the prime minister's sale of gold reserves when he was chancellor, making "enormous losses". Mr Brown says this was a sale agreed by banks around the world. He adds that the government bought euros, which have "gone up in value".1227 Tory David Heathcoat-Amory attacks the prime minister's sale of gold reserves when he was chancellor, making "enormous losses". Mr Brown says this was a sale agreed by banks around the world. He adds that the government bought euros, which have "gone up in value".
1224 Labour's Denis Murphy asks a friendly question about the success of a firm in his constituency. Mr Brown promises to visit it.1224 Labour's Denis Murphy asks a friendly question about the success of a firm in his constituency. Mr Brown promises to visit it.
1223 Labour's David Winnick says the system of MPs' allowances must seem legitimate. Mr Brown says there must be "private audit" and that the Committee of Standards in Public Life must do its work.1223 Labour's David Winnick says the system of MPs' allowances must seem legitimate. Mr Brown says there must be "private audit" and that the Committee of Standards in Public Life must do its work.
1223 Mr Clegg accuses Mr Brown of blowing billions of pounds on the VAT cut, rather than investing in "desperately needed" homes and jobs. The PM says "all weapons" must be used to tackle the crisis, including tax cuts, interest rate cuts and helping the unemployed.1223 Mr Clegg accuses Mr Brown of blowing billions of pounds on the VAT cut, rather than investing in "desperately needed" homes and jobs. The PM says "all weapons" must be used to tackle the crisis, including tax cuts, interest rate cuts and helping the unemployed.
1222 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg urges the PM to fight tax-avoidance in the UK, not just calling for it abroad, and says that "leadership starts at home". Mr Brown says countries are on the verge of an agreement over the issue, actually "dealing with the problem".1222 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg urges the PM to fight tax-avoidance in the UK, not just calling for it abroad, and says that "leadership starts at home". Mr Brown says countries are on the verge of an agreement over the issue, actually "dealing with the problem".
1221From BBC political correspondent Ben Wright: After listing the appointments of his big day (meeting multiple world leaders in London) Gordon Brown had to to turn his attention to the grubbier matter of MPs' expenses. David Cameron and the PM sort of agree and the line of questioning fizzles out. It's G20 next and David Cameron asks for clarity on what's being done to improve trade and stop protectionism. It's all rather consensual until Gordon Brown decides to jab David Cameron with his "do nothing" attack line and we're back into a scrap about the state of Britain's public finances and future options. As Brown sits down Labour MPs cheer with an enthusiasm they haven't had for some time.1221From BBC political correspondent Ben Wright: After listing the appointments of his big day (meeting multiple world leaders in London) Gordon Brown had to to turn his attention to the grubbier matter of MPs' expenses. David Cameron and the PM sort of agree and the line of questioning fizzles out. It's G20 next and David Cameron asks for clarity on what's being done to improve trade and stop protectionism. It's all rather consensual until Gordon Brown decides to jab David Cameron with his "do nothing" attack line and we're back into a scrap about the state of Britain's public finances and future options. As Brown sits down Labour MPs cheer with an enthusiasm they haven't had for some time.
1218 Labour's Gisela Stuart complains about Russia's human rights record. Mr Brown says the subject will come up when he meets President Medvedev later.1218 Labour's Gisela Stuart complains about Russia's human rights record. Mr Brown says the subject will come up when he meets President Medvedev later.
1217 Mr Cameron says Mr Brown has left the UK exposed and says it should never be allowed to happen again. The prime minister says the Tories would cut spending on pensions and public services.1217 Mr Cameron says Mr Brown has left the UK exposed and says it should never be allowed to happen again. The prime minister says the Tories would cut spending on pensions and public services.
1215 Mr Brown says "not one country in the world" is following the Tories' advice. Mr Cameron says this "do-nothing attack" on his party has not helped the prime minister. He accuses him of following the "dividing line politics of the past".1215 Mr Brown says "not one country in the world" is following the Tories' advice. Mr Cameron says this "do-nothing attack" on his party has not helped the prime minister. He accuses him of following the "dividing line politics of the past".
1213 Mr Cameron calls for a full timetable for an agreement on trade. Mr Brown agrees that trade is important but says countries will push forward in other areas. He says no other leader wants to "do nothing". Mr Cameron replies that the governor of the Bank of England "very publicly" disagreed with the prime minister on the fiscal stimulus.1213 Mr Cameron calls for a full timetable for an agreement on trade. Mr Brown agrees that trade is important but says countries will push forward in other areas. He says no other leader wants to "do nothing". Mr Cameron replies that the governor of the Bank of England "very publicly" disagreed with the prime minister on the fiscal stimulus.
1210 Mr Brown says that, after this conference, there will be "naming and shaming" of countries not prepared to abide by new standards. Tories complain that the PM has been speaking for too long. The Speaker says Mr Brown and Mr Cameron have "leeway" over the time they can spend addressing the House.1210 Mr Brown says that, after this conference, there will be "naming and shaming" of countries not prepared to abide by new standards. Tories complain that the PM has been speaking for too long. The Speaker says Mr Brown and Mr Cameron have "leeway" over the time they can spend addressing the House.
1209 Mr Cameron returns to the G20. He asks for assurances that this meeting will be more successful than those in the past. The prime minister says mistakes of the past will not be repeated.1209 Mr Cameron returns to the G20. He asks for assurances that this meeting will be more successful than those in the past. The prime minister says mistakes of the past will not be repeated.
1208 Mr Brown says that, to command public confidence, the committee - as well as MPs themselves - has to be satisfied that the situation is in order. Mr Cameron says he can "hear the rustle of the long grass".1208 Mr Brown says that, to command public confidence, the committee - as well as MPs themselves - has to be satisfied that the situation is in order. Mr Cameron says he can "hear the rustle of the long grass".
1206 Mr Brown replies that there have been "some changes" over allowances, adding that he is happy to meet other party leaders. But the Committee on Standards in Public Life must do its job, he adds. Mr Cameron says MPs do "not need another review" and that the public are "sick and tired" of the situation.1206 Mr Brown replies that there have been "some changes" over allowances, adding that he is happy to meet other party leaders. But the Committee on Standards in Public Life must do its job, he adds. Mr Cameron says MPs do "not need another review" and that the public are "sick and tired" of the situation.
1204 David Cameron says he welcomes Mr Obama to the UK, but goes on to ask a question about MPs' expenses, urging a meeting between party leaders on the matter, saying he is sick of MPs' reputation being "driven through the mud".1204 David Cameron says he welcomes Mr Obama to the UK, but goes on to ask a question about MPs' expenses, urging a meeting between party leaders on the matter, saying he is sick of MPs' reputation being "driven through the mud".
1203 Mr Brown accuses Tory Edward Garnier of not "rising to the occasion" of the G20 after he asks a question about pensions, criticising minister Lord Myners.1203 Mr Brown accuses Tory Edward Garnier of not "rising to the occasion" of the G20 after he asks a question about pensions, criticising minister Lord Myners.
1202 Mr Brown is on his feet. He says he is proud the UK is hosting the G20 summit, to cheers from his own benches.1202 Mr Brown is on his feet. He says he is proud the UK is hosting the G20 summit, to cheers from his own benches.
1200 Almost there. Gordon Brown is in the Commons chamber.1200 Almost there. Gordon Brown is in the Commons chamber.
1157From BBC political correspondent Ben Wright: With presidential motorcades clogging the streets and police helicopters roaming the skies, this week's PMQ's is overshadowed by the G20 spectacle unfolding around it. But it's an appointment the PM needs to keep, and he might even be looking forward to it, now he has a handy new list of flattering quotes provided by President Obama only two hours before. Expect phrases like "Gordon's absolutely right" and "we owe you a debt of gratitude" to be lobbed at David Cameron if Mr Brown gets a chance. So the Tories might steer clear of questions about fiscal stimulus and Britain's dreadful deficit levels this week. More likely are G20-related questions about protectionism and reform of the global financial system. David Cameron is off to meet President Obama after PMQs too and won't want to say anything that sours the excitement of the visit. Perhaps he'll stick to the home front and revisit the cringe-making matter of Jacqui Smith's expenses claim.1157From BBC political correspondent Ben Wright: With presidential motorcades clogging the streets and police helicopters roaming the skies, this week's PMQ's is overshadowed by the G20 spectacle unfolding around it. But it's an appointment the PM needs to keep, and he might even be looking forward to it, now he has a handy new list of flattering quotes provided by President Obama only two hours before. Expect phrases like "Gordon's absolutely right" and "we owe you a debt of gratitude" to be lobbed at David Cameron if Mr Brown gets a chance. So the Tories might steer clear of questions about fiscal stimulus and Britain's dreadful deficit levels this week. More likely are G20-related questions about protectionism and reform of the global financial system. David Cameron is off to meet President Obama after PMQs too and won't want to say anything that sours the excitement of the visit. Perhaps he'll stick to the home front and revisit the cringe-making matter of Jacqui Smith's expenses claim.
1155 The weather at Westminster is glorious - sunny and, for the time of year, warm. The protesters converging on London to demonstrate against the G20 will find it equally agreeable. Some leading Lib Dems have raised concerns about the nature of security in place. Could leader Nick Clegg do the same at PMQs?1155 The weather at Westminster is glorious - sunny and, for the time of year, warm. The protesters converging on London to demonstrate against the G20 will find it equally agreeable. Some leading Lib Dems have raised concerns about the nature of security in place. Could leader Nick Clegg do the same at PMQs?
1151 Once again, the economy is likely to dominate proceedings. Might Mr Cameron make play of reports that French President Nicolas Sarkozy is very unhappy with the draft G20 accord? The Tory leader's tactic in recent weeks has been to suggest that Mr Brown and other leaders have strong differences over fiscal stimulus packages. However, Mr Brown might reply that President Obama has made some positive remarks about unity since arriving in London.1151 Once again, the economy is likely to dominate proceedings. Might Mr Cameron make play of reports that French President Nicolas Sarkozy is very unhappy with the draft G20 accord? The Tory leader's tactic in recent weeks has been to suggest that Mr Brown and other leaders have strong differences over fiscal stimulus packages. However, Mr Brown might reply that President Obama has made some positive remarks about unity since arriving in London.
1149 Can we look forward to another dose of Obamania? Yes we can. The US president held talks with Mr Brown earlier in Downing Street and is due to have a meeting with Conservative leader David Cameron later. When Mr Obama's election victory was announced last November, all sides at PMQs that day - including the Lib Dems - attempted to show how in tune they were with the president-to-be. It is a fair bet there might be more of the same today.1149 Can we look forward to another dose of Obamania? Yes we can. The US president held talks with Mr Brown earlier in Downing Street and is due to have a meeting with Conservative leader David Cameron later. When Mr Obama's election victory was announced last November, all sides at PMQs that day - including the Lib Dems - attempted to show how in tune they were with the president-to-be. It is a fair bet there might be more of the same today.
1147 My colleague Ben Wright will be providing expert analysis of events. Labour MP and former health secretary Patricia Hewitt and Conservative MP and shadow defence secretary Liam Fox will give us the inside view, courtesy of BBC Two's Daily Politics.1147 My colleague Ben Wright will be providing expert analysis of events. Labour MP and former health secretary Patricia Hewitt and Conservative MP and shadow defence secretary Liam Fox will give us the inside view, courtesy of BBC Two's Daily Politics.
1145 Hello and welcome to our live text coverage of prime minister's questions. As the world's most powerful politicians descend upon London ahead of the G20 summit on Thursday, Gordon Brown returns, briefly, to normality, as he faces MPs in the House of Commons.1145 Hello and welcome to our live text coverage of prime minister's questions. As the world's most powerful politicians descend upon London ahead of the G20 summit on Thursday, Gordon Brown returns, briefly, to normality, as he faces MPs in the House of Commons.