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| Live: Prime minister's questions | Live: Prime minister's questions |
| (10 minutes later) | |
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| Daily Politics panel give their verdict | Daily Politics panel give their verdict |
| By Emma Griffiths | By Emma Griffiths |
| 1330Right, that's it for this week. Once again public spending and a raft of conflicting figures dominated prime minister's questions - I think we can expect it to do so now for some time, right up to the next general election. ID cards didn't get a look in at PMQs which was a bit of a surprise, nor, I think, did Scottish devolution. Many thanks for all your emails, tweets and texts - join us again next week, same time, same place for more of the same. | |
| 1325The Tories seem to be sticking to the line they are being denied access to spending data. Minister Jim Knight says it is up to the civil servants to provide it, not ministers. | 1325The Tories seem to be sticking to the line they are being denied access to spending data. Minister Jim Knight says it is up to the civil servants to provide it, not ministers. |
| 1325Tory Nick Gibb says the PM has been "swearing blind spending will go up" but now says there will be a "O% rise" - there needs to be an "honest debate" he says. Sarah Teather challenges him to say what the Tories would cut. He says they cannot say much more without seeing the figures - another reference to the Mandelson/Osborne row over access to a spending database. | 1325Tory Nick Gibb says the PM has been "swearing blind spending will go up" but now says there will be a "O% rise" - there needs to be an "honest debate" he says. Sarah Teather challenges him to say what the Tories would cut. He says they cannot say much more without seeing the figures - another reference to the Mandelson/Osborne row over access to a spending database. |
| 1322Jim Knight is asked if people in his own party believe Mr Brown's position is not credible. He says all Labour MPs are agreed on how you respond to a recession. | 1322Jim Knight is asked if people in his own party believe Mr Brown's position is not credible. He says all Labour MPs are agreed on how you respond to a recession. |
| 1321Sarah Teather for the Lib Dems says the row probably "turns off" the public as much as it does her. She says the figures being traded are not meaningful and whoever's in government will have to make spending cuts | 1321Sarah Teather for the Lib Dems says the row probably "turns off" the public as much as it does her. She says the figures being traded are not meaningful and whoever's in government will have to make spending cuts |
| 1320The World At One looks at the public spending row that, again, dominated PMQs. Minister Jim Knight is asked about the PM's "0% rise" comment about spending plans - was it a slip of the tongue? He says his understanding is that for each year in the three years after 2011 the commitment is for spending to increase by 0.7% each year. Tory frontbencher Nick Gibb says on the government's own figures future spending will fall. | 1320The World At One looks at the public spending row that, again, dominated PMQs. Minister Jim Knight is asked about the PM's "0% rise" comment about spending plans - was it a slip of the tongue? He says his understanding is that for each year in the three years after 2011 the commitment is for spending to increase by 0.7% each year. Tory frontbencher Nick Gibb says on the government's own figures future spending will fall. |
| 1316Lord Adonis said he had a "public duty to safeguard rail services" and denied he had "jumped the gun" in announcing the East Coast mainline franchise would be taken into state ownership | 1316Lord Adonis said he had a "public duty to safeguard rail services" and denied he had "jumped the gun" in announcing the East Coast mainline franchise would be taken into state ownership |
| 1314Lord Adonis is on the World at One - he says National Express was seeking an "agreed exit" from its franchise - but he said if he had done that other operators might have asked for other deals. | 1314Lord Adonis is on the World at One - he says National Express was seeking an "agreed exit" from its franchise - but he said if he had done that other operators might have asked for other deals. |
| 1309There's been much comment from BBC correspondents about how Labour and the Conservatives are increasingly accusing each other of dishonesty about public spending. | 1309There's been much comment from BBC correspondents about how Labour and the Conservatives are increasingly accusing each other of dishonesty about public spending. |
| 1303BBC political correspondent Norman Smith says the public spending row is becoming increasingly acrimonious and personal - referencing the Osborne v Mandelson row and PMQs clash. | 1303BBC political correspondent Norman Smith says the public spending row is becoming increasingly acrimonious and personal - referencing the Osborne v Mandelson row and PMQs clash. |
| 1300Over at BBC Radio 4's World at One, we're expecting Transport Secretary Lord Adonis to defend the government's plans for National Express. The Tories say it has been a "fiasco". | 1300Over at BBC Radio 4's World at One, we're expecting Transport Secretary Lord Adonis to defend the government's plans for National Express. The Tories say it has been a "fiasco". |
| 1258Shadow Commons leader Alan Duncan welcomes the government's move to withdraw the statutory code of conduct for MPs - saying the way it was done would have put Parliament on a "collision course with the courts". | 1258Shadow Commons leader Alan Duncan welcomes the government's move to withdraw the statutory code of conduct for MPs - saying the way it was done would have put Parliament on a "collision course with the courts". |
| these guys are already gone?!? that was what, an hour at most? and all they seem to have done is bicker like married couples. this is probably the reason why there is so much hate for the government at the moment, all sides included.Ben Barrett, Corby | these guys are already gone?!? that was what, an hour at most? and all they seem to have done is bicker like married couples. this is probably the reason why there is so much hate for the government at the moment, all sides included.Ben Barrett, Corby |
| 1255Back in the Commons, MPs have begun debating plans to clean up politics. Tory veteran Sir Patrick Cormack references the justice committee's recommendation that clause 10 of the Parliamentary Standards Bill be dropped - he asks if that will be accepted. Just to remind you the clause relates to Parliamentary proceedings being admissible in court - which senior Commons official Malcolm Jack has said could have a "chilling effect". The deputy Speaker, Michael Lord, says it is up to the Justice Secretary to alter arrangements. | 1255Back in the Commons, MPs have begun debating plans to clean up politics. Tory veteran Sir Patrick Cormack references the justice committee's recommendation that clause 10 of the Parliamentary Standards Bill be dropped - he asks if that will be accepted. Just to remind you the clause relates to Parliamentary proceedings being admissible in court - which senior Commons official Malcolm Jack has said could have a "chilling effect". The deputy Speaker, Michael Lord, says it is up to the Justice Secretary to alter arrangements. |
| 1250 Elsewhere - the Queen has approved a peerage for Michael Martin, who stepped down as Speaker over his reaction to the expenses crisis. Although quite a few MPs openly called for him to go at the time, things have apparently quietened down as it was not mentioned at PMQs. | 1250 Elsewhere - the Queen has approved a peerage for Michael Martin, who stepped down as Speaker over his reaction to the expenses crisis. Although quite a few MPs openly called for him to go at the time, things have apparently quietened down as it was not mentioned at PMQs. |
| It seems clear that Gordon Brown is placing all of his eggs in the basket of miracle economic recovery before the next election. How else can he really expect anybody to believe his analysis and almost carzed belief he can keep spending? It's one hell of a gamble he's taking on our behalf!Andrew, Leicester | It seems clear that Gordon Brown is placing all of his eggs in the basket of miracle economic recovery before the next election. How else can he really expect anybody to believe his analysis and almost carzed belief he can keep spending? It's one hell of a gamble he's taking on our behalf!Andrew, Leicester |
| Is a 0% rise in 2013-14 a real 2% cut if you take inflation into account and that's being generous about inflation?Tony, Manchester | Is a 0% rise in 2013-14 a real 2% cut if you take inflation into account and that's being generous about inflation?Tony, Manchester |
| 1247 Also, the new Speaker John Bercow has told MPs there will be a Commons statement on the decision to take the East Coast rail service, run by National Express, into public ownership at 7pm tonight. Some MPs were annoyed it was reported in the news before they were told in the House of Commons - this issue comes up a lot and annoys many MPs. | 1247 Also, the new Speaker John Bercow has told MPs there will be a Commons statement on the decision to take the East Coast rail service, run by National Express, into public ownership at 7pm tonight. Some MPs were annoyed it was reported in the news before they were told in the House of Commons - this issue comes up a lot and annoys many MPs. |
| 1244 In other political news, the cross-party Justice committee has warned that a bill aimed at cleaning up Parliament in the wake of the expenses scandal would curb MPs' ability to speak freely - it has called for the abandonment of a clause allowing Parliamentary proceedings to be admissible in court. The government is trying to rush the legislation through the Commons in three days - today is the last day for MPs to debate it. It has already dropped plans for a legally enforceable code of conduct for MPs, covering non-financial matters, in the face of much opposition. | 1244 In other political news, the cross-party Justice committee has warned that a bill aimed at cleaning up Parliament in the wake of the expenses scandal would curb MPs' ability to speak freely - it has called for the abandonment of a clause allowing Parliamentary proceedings to be admissible in court. The government is trying to rush the legislation through the Commons in three days - today is the last day for MPs to debate it. It has already dropped plans for a legally enforceable code of conduct for MPs, covering non-financial matters, in the face of much opposition. |
| 1243 On the BBC News channel, Conservative frontbencher Philip Hammond repeats the Tory allegation that they are being blocked from official data on spending that they have requested. Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has furiously denied this. Labour's John McFall, chair of the Treasury committee, says the government has said spending "will be reduced" in the next Parliament and there must be a "clear plan" to get government debt down. | 1243 On the BBC News channel, Conservative frontbencher Philip Hammond repeats the Tory allegation that they are being blocked from official data on spending that they have requested. Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has furiously denied this. Labour's John McFall, chair of the Treasury committee, says the government has said spending "will be reduced" in the next Parliament and there must be a "clear plan" to get government debt down. |
| 1240 Nick Watt, the Guardian correspondent, said Chancellor Alistair Darling looked "miserable" about the spending v cuts argument | 1240 Nick Watt, the Guardian correspondent, said Chancellor Alistair Darling looked "miserable" about the spending v cuts argument |
| Brown is incapable of giving straight answers to straight questions. The Speaker is incapable of controlling the House and quite frankly until we have an election this country will continue its downard spiral.DW, Scotland | Brown is incapable of giving straight answers to straight questions. The Speaker is incapable of controlling the House and quite frankly until we have an election this country will continue its downard spiral.DW, Scotland |
| 1239 Back in the Daily Politics studio, Conservative frontbencher Grant Shapps says there should be a "proper debate" about the best way out of the recession - but Mr Brown, having lost the "10%" cut argument, was now moving onto the unemployment debate. He says the PM has "lost the plot" and is "living in the 80s". Danny Alexander, for the Lib Dems, says there is "something bogus" about both the Labour and Tories. | 1239 Back in the Daily Politics studio, Conservative frontbencher Grant Shapps says there should be a "proper debate" about the best way out of the recession - but Mr Brown, having lost the "10%" cut argument, was now moving onto the unemployment debate. He says the PM has "lost the plot" and is "living in the 80s". Danny Alexander, for the Lib Dems, says there is "something bogus" about both the Labour and Tories. |
| 1235 It's all over - MPs are filing out as SNP MP Angus Robertson raises a point of order about the future of two naval shipyards - which a leaked memo suggests could close after 2014. In a series of other points of order another MP asks why Mr Brown does not meet backbenchers more. Tory Stewart Jackson asks why the media reported the East Coast Mainline news before MPs heard about it in the Commons. Mr Brown is no longer in the chamber. | 1235 It's all over - MPs are filing out as SNP MP Angus Robertson raises a point of order about the future of two naval shipyards - which a leaked memo suggests could close after 2014. In a series of other points of order another MP asks why Mr Brown does not meet backbenchers more. Tory Stewart Jackson asks why the media reported the East Coast Mainline news before MPs heard about it in the Commons. Mr Brown is no longer in the chamber. |
| I think the PM has maybe batted Cameron away for the last time on spending. Think he got the better of him in the opening exchange. Probably because of the huge amounts of practice he has had. Change the record Dave.Phil, Bristol | I think the PM has maybe batted Cameron away for the last time on spending. Think he got the better of him in the opening exchange. Probably because of the huge amounts of practice he has had. Change the record Dave.Phil, Bristol |
| 1231 A friendly question from Virendra Sharma about education and training places - to some vocal reaction on the Conservative benches. Mr Brown says the Tories "mock this" and he says he doesn't know why. He says Labour are prepared to spend to tackle unemployment. | 1231 A friendly question from Virendra Sharma about education and training places - to some vocal reaction on the Conservative benches. Mr Brown says the Tories "mock this" and he says he doesn't know why. He says Labour are prepared to spend to tackle unemployment. |
| 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". | 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 | 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 | 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. | 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 > | 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. | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 | 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. | 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 | 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 | 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. | 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 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: | 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. | 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. |