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| Live: Prime minister's questions | Live: Prime minister's questions |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| PM's questions: Live from 1200 BST to 1230 BST | PM's questions: Live from 1200 BST to 1230 BST |
| By Emma Griffiths | By Emma Griffiths |
| 1230 Tory Adam Holloway comes in again with a spending question - Mr Brown says it's about being "straight" with people but gets many shouts from the Tory benches. Mr Brown says the Tories are all "cheap jibes and no policy". | |
| Why can't these people be honest with us. Do they think we are completely stupid? Of course the cuts are coming ,how else do the books get balanced? David, Perth | |
| RE: Tim, Brighton. DC still has some way to go to catch up with Brown in the insulting stakes. He insults my intelligence everyday he opens his mouth.Dan, Telford | |
| 1229 We're getting near the end now - Lib Dem Lembit Opik, chair of the all-party Ba'hai group, raises some concerns about people of that faith in Iran. Mr Brown raises concerns about the situation - along with the country's treatment of British embassy staff in Iran. | |
| CPS:EVENT > | |
| 1229 From BBC political correspondent Reeta Chakrabarti: A plague on both your houses was the message from Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg about the row over public spending. The Tories couldn't justify cutting spending now in a downturn he said - and the government couldn't avoid the questions about the future health of the nation's coffers. He was the only one to mention the elephant in the chamber - the row going on in TV studios between Lord Mandelson and George Osborne over the access - or lack of it - to government information on spending. Perhaps, suggested Mr Clegg mischievously, they could holiday together again. | |
| This is less about 'Question Time' these days - and more about 'Defend yourself' time it would appear. Why an election is not called I don't know. Surely the government has gathered by now that the whole country is unhappy with the current state of affairs.Mel, Godalming | |
| 1226 Jo Swinson asks if Parliament will be recalled during recess in the event of major changes in the Swine Flu situation. Mr Brown does not entirely answer the question but says "at all points" the government will be "vigilant" in making sure the virus is being treated properly. He says there will be a Commons statement on Thursday. | |
| 1225 A dig from former Europe minister Denis McShane about the Tories' new group in the European Parliament, who he described as "loonies and weirdos". Mr Brown says co-operation is needed in Europe and it is "very sad" the Tories are "on the fringes of Europe". Mr Cameron shakes his head. | |
| 1224 Tory Mark Simmonds says there have been cuts to health spending and asks what further cuts are planned for 2011-14. Mr Brown, again, says they are raising spending this year. It seems we can expect the spending row to continue for some time yet. | |
| Brown knew what he was saying was untrue when he said Clegg hasn't spelled out his own spending plans.Thomas, Plymouth | |
| 1223 Senior Lib Dem Simon Hughes - wearing an appropriately coloured and rather bright yellow tie, asks about apprenticeships. It's pretty noisy, he has to fight to make himself heard. | |
| It always seems to me that Mr Cameron becomes more insulting the less he has to say of substance. Is anyone else a bit tired of this increasingly pointless bickering?Tim, Brighton | |
| 1222 Labour MP Eric Martlew asks why PMQs can't go back to the days when it was held twice a week - the PM says the Speaker might want to consult on the matter | |
| 1221 Tory MP David Gauke raises the issue of capital spending again - referring to the Budget "red book". Mr Brown repeats his argument that spending allocated for later years is being brought forward to deal with the recession. | |
| 1220 Mr Brown, in his response to Mr Clegg, says his position on Trident is "clear" and he hopes the Lib Dems will back his economic measures | |
| 1220 From BBC political correspondent Reeta Chakrabarti: | |
| Another clash over public spending - which elicited one extraordinary claim from Gordon Brown - and one admission. Total spending he insisted would rise - by 0% in 2013-14, prompting David Cameron to mock that that was a "0% answer". But Mr Brown did admit that capital spending would fall after 2011 - something he had avoided saying up till now. Technical and complicated stuff. But the debate did get to the nub of the issue - which is that the government says money should be spent now to stave off the worst effects of recession - and the Opposition wants to talk about the longer term state of the finances. | |
| 1219 Mr Clegg says the PM is avoiding the argument that "difficult choices" need to be made and gets many "hear hears" as he says the nuclear programme, Trident, should not be renewed. | 1219 Mr Clegg says the PM is avoiding the argument that "difficult choices" need to be made and gets many "hear hears" as he says the nuclear programme, Trident, should not be renewed. |
| 1218 Nick Clegg the Lib Dem leader is on his feet - and shifts the focus back to public spending. Much shouting as he references George Osborne and Lord Mandelson's shared yacht trip last year. He says both of the main parties need to tell the truth. The PM remarks that Mr Clegg did not spell out his own spending policies. | 1218 Nick Clegg the Lib Dem leader is on his feet - and shifts the focus back to public spending. Much shouting as he references George Osborne and Lord Mandelson's shared yacht trip last year. He says both of the main parties need to tell the truth. The PM remarks that Mr Clegg did not spell out his own spending policies. |
| 1218 Labour MP Colin Challen throws the east coast mainline announcement back to Tory "privatisation" measures and suggests it be kept in public ownership. Mr Brown they are making sure the service continues to run and jobs are saved | 1218 Labour MP Colin Challen throws the east coast mainline announcement back to Tory "privatisation" measures and suggests it be kept in public ownership. Mr Brown they are making sure the service continues to run and jobs are saved |
| 1215 Mr Brown says the Tories would base their spending plans on rising unemployment, which he will not do. Many cheers from the Labour benches as he repeats the government's line that the Tories want tax cuts for the few. The Tory leader says he does not want to "own up to the cuts they are planning" and that's why Labour doesn't want a spending review | 1215 Mr Brown says the Tories would base their spending plans on rising unemployment, which he will not do. Many cheers from the Labour benches as he repeats the government's line that the Tories want tax cuts for the few. The Tory leader says he does not want to "own up to the cuts they are planning" and that's why Labour doesn't want a spending review |
| 1214 Mr Cameron says it is "one of the most feeble performances" he has seen by Mr Brown and suggests he needs tuition from Lord Mandelson. He presses Mr Brown for a confirmation that there would be no spending review before the election. | 1214 Mr Cameron says it is "one of the most feeble performances" he has seen by Mr Brown and suggests he needs tuition from Lord Mandelson. He presses Mr Brown for a confirmation that there would be no spending review before the election. |
| 1213 Labour MPs get behind Mr Brown as he says that the figures being used by David Cameron suggest the Tories would let unemployment rise. | 1213 Labour MPs get behind Mr Brown as he says that the figures being used by David Cameron suggest the Tories would let unemployment rise. |
| 1212 David Cameron again accuses the PM of "deceit" over his attacks on what Labour calls Tory spending cuts - there is much shouting in the Commons, Speaker John Bercow calls order. He says Mr Brown is "Mr 13 and a half per cent" - a reference to a jibe from the PM about Mr Cameron being "Mr 10 per cent cuts". | 1212 David Cameron again accuses the PM of "deceit" over his attacks on what Labour calls Tory spending cuts - there is much shouting in the Commons, Speaker John Bercow calls order. He says Mr Brown is "Mr 13 and a half per cent" - a reference to a jibe from the PM about Mr Cameron being "Mr 10 per cent cuts". |
| 1210 Mr Brown says in 2009/10 they are raising spending substantially while, he says, under Tory proposals teachers would be made unemployed, childcare services put at risk and no teenager would get a guaranteed job offer. Mr Cameron calls that "complete nonsense" and says the PM's own cabinet don't agree with him | 1210 Mr Brown says in 2009/10 they are raising spending substantially while, he says, under Tory proposals teachers would be made unemployed, childcare services put at risk and no teenager would get a guaranteed job offer. Mr Cameron calls that "complete nonsense" and says the PM's own cabinet don't agree with him |
| 1209 David Cameron says the PM is "in full retreat" over public spending and "cuts" in capital spending. He says the debate is about whether Mr Brown can be "straight" with the British public. Noting the PM and Alistair Darling in conversation - he says he's glad to see them talking for the first time in weeks. | 1209 David Cameron says the PM is "in full retreat" over public spending and "cuts" in capital spending. He says the debate is about whether Mr Brown can be "straight" with the British public. Noting the PM and Alistair Darling in conversation - he says he's glad to see them talking for the first time in weeks. |
| 1207 Mr Cameron says the PM cannot "admit to the truth". Mr Brown says the debate on public spending is about how we return to growth and jobs - and spending has been "advanced to 2010" to "spend to get out of recession". The Tories have rejected their plans, he says. | 1207 Mr Cameron says the PM cannot "admit to the truth". Mr Brown says the debate on public spending is about how we return to growth and jobs - and spending has been "advanced to 2010" to "spend to get out of recession". The Tories have rejected their plans, he says. |
| 1205 David Cameron is up - he raises public spending again. This time it's "total spending" which he says will be cut after 2011. Mr Brown denies this but says it will be a "0% rise" in 2013-14 - to much laughter. Mr Cameron quips the answer gets "0%". | 1205 David Cameron is up - he raises public spending again. This time it's "total spending" which he says will be cut after 2011. Mr Brown denies this but says it will be a "0% rise" in 2013-14 - to much laughter. Mr Cameron quips the answer gets "0%". |
| 1205 Jim McGovern, a Labour MP, asks a question about the Black Watch and its traditions. | 1205 Jim McGovern, a Labour MP, asks a question about the Black Watch and its traditions. |
| 1203 Former Tory, now independent MP Bob Spink asks a question about swine flu and name checks a campaign by his local paper - to some laughter from MPs. Mr Brown says the Cobra emergency committee has met today and there are now 6,538 confirmed cases in the UK - compared with just over 2,000 last week. He says a more flexible approach is needed. | 1203 Former Tory, now independent MP Bob Spink asks a question about swine flu and name checks a campaign by his local paper - to some laughter from MPs. Mr Brown says the Cobra emergency committee has met today and there are now 6,538 confirmed cases in the UK - compared with just over 2,000 last week. He says a more flexible approach is needed. |
| 1202 And we're off. The prime minister is on his feet. He starts off by welcoming the Queen's approval for a new form of recognition for families members of armed forces who are killed on operations. | 1202 And we're off. The prime minister is on his feet. He starts off by welcoming the Queen's approval for a new form of recognition for families members of armed forces who are killed on operations. |
| 1200 The Commons is filling up. The PM is in his seat going over his notes. | 1200 The Commons is filling up. The PM is in his seat going over his notes. |
| 1159 Grant Shapps for the Tories says it is "classic Peter Mandelson stuff" and the Tories have been asking for as much information as possible but it has not been forthcoming. | 1159 Grant Shapps for the Tories says it is "classic Peter Mandelson stuff" and the Tories have been asking for as much information as possible but it has not been forthcoming. |
| 1158 Back in London, the Guardian's political correspondent Nick Watt points out the George Osborne v Lord Mandelson spat over access to a spending database has an interesting history - they both spent time on Russian billionaire Oleg Depipaska's yacht last year which sparked another political row. | 1158 Back in London, the Guardian's political correspondent Nick Watt points out the George Osborne v Lord Mandelson spat over access to a spending database has an interesting history - they both spent time on Russian billionaire Oleg Depipaska's yacht last year which sparked another political row. |
| 1156 Pauline McNeil MSP tells Daily Politics that before devolution the Scots had to "queue up in Westminster" to get legislation through. Michael Matheson for the SNP says "significant progress" has been made in education and health | 1156 Pauline McNeil MSP tells Daily Politics that before devolution the Scots had to "queue up in Westminster" to get legislation through. Michael Matheson for the SNP says "significant progress" has been made in education and health |
| 1155 From BBC political correspondent Reeta Chakrabarti: David Cameron might feel a bit spoilt for choice at PMQs today. The government retreat on ID cards; its taking over of National Express' East Coast franchise; and the ongoing row about public spending. But expect a fightback from Gordon Brown over accusations by the Shadow Chancellor George Osborne that Mr Brown stepped in to prevent the Opposition from seeing information on government spending. Lord Mandelson has already accused Mr Osborne to telling untruths. I suspect it won't stop there. | 1155 From BBC political correspondent Reeta Chakrabarti: David Cameron might feel a bit spoilt for choice at PMQs today. The government retreat on ID cards; its taking over of National Express' East Coast franchise; and the ongoing row about public spending. But expect a fightback from Gordon Brown over accusations by the Shadow Chancellor George Osborne that Mr Brown stepped in to prevent the Opposition from seeing information on government spending. Lord Mandelson has already accused Mr Osborne to telling untruths. I suspect it won't stop there. |
| 1152 Michael Matheson MSP tells Daily Politics the "hangover" from the Westminster expenses scandal has reached Holyrood, where full details of MSPs' claims, including receipts, are made available via the internet. | 1152 Michael Matheson MSP tells Daily Politics the "hangover" from the Westminster expenses scandal has reached Holyrood, where full details of MSPs' claims, including receipts, are made available via the internet. |
| 1151 In other news, Derek Wyatt, the Labour MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey has said he will stand down at the next election for personal reasons. There are now quite a lot MPs planning to do this - many of who have made their announcement since the expenses scandal broke. However Mr Wyatt's headline claim was less extravagant than many - a reported 75p for scotch eggs. | 1151 In other news, Derek Wyatt, the Labour MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey has said he will stand down at the next election for personal reasons. There are now quite a lot MPs planning to do this - many of who have made their announcement since the expenses scandal broke. However Mr Wyatt's headline claim was less extravagant than many - a reported 75p for scotch eggs. |
| 1148 Back in the London studio, ID cards are under discussion. The policy is unpopular with opposition parties who say they would drop it. The Home Office did not put forward a spokesman for the programme, apparently. Alan Johnson has said ministers are still committed to the scheme. But Grant Shapps, for the Tories, says policy had been "shambolic". "They can't even kill off this thing successfully," he said. Danny Alexander says policy is in "chaos" but the National ID register will be kept going, he says, which is "sinister". | 1148 Back in the London studio, ID cards are under discussion. The policy is unpopular with opposition parties who say they would drop it. The Home Office did not put forward a spokesman for the programme, apparently. Alan Johnson has said ministers are still committed to the scheme. But Grant Shapps, for the Tories, says policy had been "shambolic". "They can't even kill off this thing successfully," he said. Danny Alexander says policy is in "chaos" but the National ID register will be kept going, he says, which is "sinister". |
| 1145 On the issue of the Edinburgh to London East Coast rail franchise - to be taken off National Express and put in government hands - MSP Pauline McNeil says its future will have to be reassessed "further down the line". Another Scottish story that might crop up at PMQs is the future of two naval shipyards - after a memo revealed plans that could see them close after aircraft carrier work ends in 2014. | 1145 On the issue of the Edinburgh to London East Coast rail franchise - to be taken off National Express and put in government hands - MSP Pauline McNeil says its future will have to be reassessed "further down the line". Another Scottish story that might crop up at PMQs is the future of two naval shipyards - after a memo revealed plans that could see them close after aircraft carrier work ends in 2014. |
| 1144 Daily Politics presenter Andrew Neil is in Edinburgh to mark the 10th anniversary of Scottish devolution - the Queen has been at Holyrood for the same reason. I imagine one or two Labour MPs will ask Gordon Brown to welcome the occasion at PMQs. | 1144 Daily Politics presenter Andrew Neil is in Edinburgh to mark the 10th anniversary of Scottish devolution - the Queen has been at Holyrood for the same reason. I imagine one or two Labour MPs will ask Gordon Brown to welcome the occasion at PMQs. |
| 1140 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions. We'll start with analysis and commentary from the Daily Politics studio, where Lib Dem chief of staff Danny Alexander and Conservative housing spokesman Grant Shapps will be joining our correspondents, before moving on to the main event in the Commons. What might come up this week? Gordon Brown's policy plans - seen either as an early election manifesto or a bid to relaunch the government - are bound to attract some comment. Similarly a policy shift on ID cards, official figures showing the UK economy contracted by 2.4% in the first quarter of 2009 and National Express losing the East Coast Mainline franchise might well crop up. I think it's a given that there will be some mention of planned spending cuts with the two big parties accusing each other of dishonesty. | 1140 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions. We'll start with analysis and commentary from the Daily Politics studio, where Lib Dem chief of staff Danny Alexander and Conservative housing spokesman Grant Shapps will be joining our correspondents, before moving on to the main event in the Commons. What might come up this week? Gordon Brown's policy plans - seen either as an early election manifesto or a bid to relaunch the government - are bound to attract some comment. Similarly a policy shift on ID cards, official figures showing the UK economy contracted by 2.4% in the first quarter of 2009 and National Express losing the East Coast Mainline franchise might well crop up. I think it's a given that there will be some mention of planned spending cuts with the two big parties accusing each other of dishonesty. |