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LIVE: Prime minister's questions LIVE: Prime minister's questions
(10 minutes later)
Harriet Harman takes PMQsHarriet Harman takes PMQs
By Brian Wheeler 1220 Former defence secretary Des Browne brings up job losses at a Diageo distillery in Kilmarnock, in his constituency. Ms Harman says the government is talking to the firm this afternoon. By Brian Wheeler 1228 It's been a fairly straightforward session so far for Ms Harman, dominated by bread and butter issues such as fuel prices and jobs. Nothing really from out of left field.
1227 John Maples, Tory MP for Stratford-on-Avon, asks Ms Harman to remind people what Britain's military objective is in Afghanistan. Ms Harman says it is about preventing the region being a "crucible" for terrorism. The mission is also important for education and economic development, a more secure democracy and security in the region and the world, she adds.
1226 From BBC political correspondent Ben Wright: Different cast, same subject. William Hague invited Harriet Harman to rip up the government's line on future cuts but she resisted, reciting her boss's line that the government is bringing forward capital spending now but ducking questions about future spending. Labour's deputy steers clear of figures but has a neat jab at George Osborne for the amount of time he spends thinking about the economy. But this rather sterile exchange threw no new light on a crucial subject.
A much better debate. I don't miss the heated exchanges between Cameron and Brown.Thomas, Surbiton
1223 Mr Cable goes in on pensions and bonuses in the public sector - one of his regular themes - asking why two thirds of civil services need "excessive" bonuses to "get out of bed in the morning". Ms Harman bats his questions away with what sound like standard replies.
I am a civil engineer and find it infuriating when the government talks about capital investment because it is not happening. None of it is getting past the bureaucracy. Everyone is holding onto what little cash is available and thousands are being made unemployed every week because of this government.Mark, Leeds
1222 Vince Cable, standing in for Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, starts with condolences for the families of the fire victims and Afghanistan service men. He follows it up with a joke at the expense of Silvio Berlusconi, which raises a laugh.
1220 Former defence secretary Des Browne brings up job losses at a Diageo distillery in Kilmarnock, in his constituency. Ms Harman says the government is talking to the firm this afternoon.
1218 Speaker John Bercow steps in to tell MPs to calm down as Ms Harman replies to Mr Hague's final question. It seems the Tories are not going to let go of the spending issue - they must see electoral mileage in it.1218 Speaker John Bercow steps in to tell MPs to calm down as Ms Harman replies to Mr Hague's final question. It seems the Tories are not going to let go of the spending issue - they must see electoral mileage in it.
Harriet Harman seems to be deluded about the economic situation when she said we need to make sure the recession is as shallow as it can be. It's as deep as the atlantic ocean. Ryan, Poole, DorsetHarriet Harman seems to be deluded about the economic situation when she said we need to make sure the recession is as shallow as it can be. It's as deep as the atlantic ocean. Ryan, Poole, Dorset
1217 Mr Hague persists with trying to expose what he claims is the dishonesty of the government's position on capital spending. Ms Harman hits back with a standard reply, contrasting what she says is Labour action with Tory inaction.1217 Mr Hague persists with trying to expose what he claims is the dishonesty of the government's position on capital spending. Ms Harman hits back with a standard reply, contrasting what she says is Labour action with Tory inaction.
1215 A rather subdued clash so far. It's a lot more heated when Brown and Cameron clash about spending figures.1215 A rather subdued clash so far. It's a lot more heated when Brown and Cameron clash about spending figures.
1213 Mr Hague calls on Ms Harman to "come down on the side of reality" and admit that spending will fall after 2011. Ms Harman is having none of it. She says the Tories only want to talk about figures in the future, not action now.1213 Mr Hague calls on Ms Harman to "come down on the side of reality" and admit that spending will fall after 2011. Ms Harman is having none of it. She says the Tories only want to talk about figures in the future, not action now.
1211 Public spending again! Mr Hague picks up on David Cameron's favourite topic and asks if Ms Harman can put in "plain English" Mr Brown's now famous O% public spending increase. Ms Harman replies with a dig at Shadow Chancellor George Osborne, who this week said he spent 40% of his time thinking about economics.1211 Public spending again! Mr Hague picks up on David Cameron's favourite topic and asks if Ms Harman can put in "plain English" Mr Brown's now famous O% public spending increase. Ms Harman replies with a dig at Shadow Chancellor George Osborne, who this week said he spent 40% of his time thinking about economics.
1209 Mr Hague asks about equipment for Britain's armed forces. Ms Harman says there is no complacency from the government.1209 Mr Hague asks about equipment for Britain's armed forces. Ms Harman says there is no complacency from the government.
1208 William Hague, standing in for David Cameron, sends his condolences to the families of those who died in Camberwell, which is in Ms Harman's constituency. He also pays tribute to the servicemen killed in Afghanistan.1208 William Hague, standing in for David Cameron, sends his condolences to the families of those who died in Camberwell, which is in Ms Harman's constituency. He also pays tribute to the servicemen killed in Afghanistan.
1207 Ms Harman insists progress has been made over the past 11 years on care for the elderly.1207 Ms Harman insists progress has been made over the past 11 years on care for the elderly.
1206 Labour's Malcolm Wicks asks about care services for the elderly. Ms Harman says the government will bring forward a green paper to boost choice, quality and affordability. Stephen Dorrell, for the Tories, says we have heard it all before from Tony Blair.1206 Labour's Malcolm Wicks asks about care services for the elderly. Ms Harman says the government will bring forward a green paper to boost choice, quality and affordability. Stephen Dorrell, for the Tories, says we have heard it all before from Tony Blair.
1204 The house listens in silence as Ms Harman also offers her condolences to the families of people killed in the recent fire in flats in Camberwell.1204 The house listens in silence as Ms Harman also offers her condolences to the families of people killed in the recent fire in flats in Camberwell.
1202 We're off. Harriet Harman sends her condolences to the familes and friends of the servicemen killed in Afghanistan.1202 We're off. Harriet Harman sends her condolences to the familes and friends of the servicemen killed in Afghanistan.
1200 On a more serious note, there is a question expected about long-term care, says Nick Robinson.1200 On a more serious note, there is a question expected about long-term care, says Nick Robinson.
1159 BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson predicts the 'odd joke' from William Hague - always a safe bet when the shadow foreign secretary is at the despatch box. With the summer 'silly season' approaching MPs' thoughts could be turning to who will be in charge of the country when Gordon Brown is on holiday. Loyal Tessa Jowell says it's a decision purely for the prime minister.1159 BBC Political Editor Nick Robinson predicts the 'odd joke' from William Hague - always a safe bet when the shadow foreign secretary is at the despatch box. With the summer 'silly season' approaching MPs' thoughts could be turning to who will be in charge of the country when Gordon Brown is on holiday. Loyal Tessa Jowell says it's a decision purely for the prime minister.
1153 Tessa Jowell is on the ropes a little on the Daily Politics, as Andrew Neil quizzes her about why the government does not break up the banks, as Mervyn King has suggested. It is best left to the market, she argues. Andrew Neil tries the same line of questioning with Mark Hoban, for the Tories, but does not get much further.1153 Tessa Jowell is on the ropes a little on the Daily Politics, as Andrew Neil quizzes her about why the government does not break up the banks, as Mervyn King has suggested. It is best left to the market, she argues. Andrew Neil tries the same line of questioning with Mark Hoban, for the Tories, but does not get much further.
1150 From BBC political correspondent Ben Wright: GB's at the G8 so it's the second team today and Harman, Hague and Cable will be at the crease. Recent PMQs have been dominated by the question of public spending, with David Cameron clobbering the PM on what cuts could be coming after the next election. Gordon Brown's response has been to dig in and insist there is a dividing line between the two parties that boils down Tory cuts versus Labour investment. But even some in the PM's own party question whether the position is credible and William Hague might chose to probe the issue again with Labour's deputy. Vince Cable's in luck; his specialised subject (banking reform) is hot news today so expect a sharp dig at the White Paper.1150 From BBC political correspondent Ben Wright: GB's at the G8 so it's the second team today and Harman, Hague and Cable will be at the crease. Recent PMQs have been dominated by the question of public spending, with David Cameron clobbering the PM on what cuts could be coming after the next election. Gordon Brown's response has been to dig in and insist there is a dividing line between the two parties that boils down Tory cuts versus Labour investment. But even some in the PM's own party question whether the position is credible and William Hague might chose to probe the issue again with Labour's deputy. Vince Cable's in luck; his specialised subject (banking reform) is hot news today so expect a sharp dig at the White Paper.