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| The Full Story: PM's questions | The Full Story: PM's questions |
| (30 minutes later) | |
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| Prime minister's questions in full | |
| By Justin Parkinson 1306 OK, that's it for another week. The threatened postal strike has clearly moved to the centre of the political agenda. Thanks as always for your comments and hope you can join us again next Wednesday. | By Justin Parkinson 1306 OK, that's it for another week. The threatened postal strike has clearly moved to the centre of the political agenda. Thanks as always for your comments and hope you can join us again next Wednesday. |
| 1300It might be 'question time' but as usual its never 'answer time'.Allen, Stoke-on-Trent | 1300It might be 'question time' but as usual its never 'answer time'.Allen, Stoke-on-Trent |
| 1257 Caroline Flint has it in for Mr Brown's GOATS. "Government of all the talents" members, that is, brought in from outside the world of politics. She calls such figures a "mixed blessing", as trained parliamentarians are better at asking the right questions. Tory Nick Herbert says Mr Brown's use of so many GOATS was a "PR coup", but asks whether there was any more substance. He suggests Daily Politics presenter Andrew Neil should get a peerage - you read it here first! | 1257 Caroline Flint has it in for Mr Brown's GOATS. "Government of all the talents" members, that is, brought in from outside the world of politics. She calls such figures a "mixed blessing", as trained parliamentarians are better at asking the right questions. Tory Nick Herbert says Mr Brown's use of so many GOATS was a "PR coup", but asks whether there was any more substance. He suggests Daily Politics presenter Andrew Neil should get a peerage - you read it here first! |
| 1252It's a wonderful idea to have more women MPs if they have the necessary credentials, but Harriet Harman, Jacqui Smith, Hazel Blears?Richard, Norwich | 1252It's a wonderful idea to have more women MPs if they have the necessary credentials, but Harriet Harman, Jacqui Smith, Hazel Blears?Richard, Norwich |
| 1250 Continuing on the subject of all-women shortlists, Nick Robinson says Mr Cameron is "spoiling for a fight". He likens this, in image terms at least, to Tony Blair's battle with the Labour left in the mid-1990s over the abolition of Clause 4 of the party's constitution, which urged widespread state ownership of industry. Mr Blair's victory was seen as setting a distinct tone to his leadership and showing he had made a break with the past. | 1250 Continuing on the subject of all-women shortlists, Nick Robinson says Mr Cameron is "spoiling for a fight". He likens this, in image terms at least, to Tony Blair's battle with the Labour left in the mid-1990s over the abolition of Clause 4 of the party's constitution, which urged widespread state ownership of industry. Mr Blair's victory was seen as setting a distinct tone to his leadership and showing he had made a break with the past. |
| 1250 Re 12:39: 'Isn't looking after our own house first' putting a higher value on British people's lives compared with those abroad and, as such, inherently wrong? The moment any government disregards the atrocities that go on outside its borders is when I'd start worrying about the future of the country. Gary, Oxford | 1250 Re 12:39: 'Isn't looking after our own house first' putting a higher value on British people's lives compared with those abroad and, as such, inherently wrong? The moment any government disregards the atrocities that go on outside its borders is when I'd start worrying about the future of the country. Gary, Oxford |
| 1248 Yet another round of my policies are better than yours. Mr. Brown's statement about saving the banks to help the ordinary person in the street... not from where I'm standing mate! No faith in any of them and the I'm alright jack attitudeeuan, glenrothes | 1248 Yet another round of my policies are better than yours. Mr. Brown's statement about saving the banks to help the ordinary person in the street... not from where I'm standing mate! No faith in any of them and the I'm alright jack attitudeeuan, glenrothes |
| 1247 Gordon Brown seems to have learnt a new word for PMQ's today, telling the Conservatives and Lib Dems that they are 'Wrong' ad nauseum. Shame he didn't know this word for the past 12 years.C, Manchester | 1247 Gordon Brown seems to have learnt a new word for PMQ's today, telling the Conservatives and Lib Dems that they are 'Wrong' ad nauseum. Shame he didn't know this word for the past 12 years.C, Manchester |
| 1245 Mr Herbert says he strongly supports the idea of all-women shortlists for parliamentary candidates as Mr Cameron has suggested might happen. Ms Flint questions the Conservatives' appetite for such a change. | 1245 Mr Herbert says he strongly supports the idea of all-women shortlists for parliamentary candidates as Mr Cameron has suggested might happen. Ms Flint questions the Conservatives' appetite for such a change. |
| 1243 Nick Robinson says the current system, where MPs who become ministers are paid more, forces them to make a "financial calculation" over whether to toe the party line or act as "troublemakers". | 1243 Nick Robinson says the current system, where MPs who become ministers are paid more, forces them to make a "financial calculation" over whether to toe the party line or act as "troublemakers". |
| 1241 Mr Herbert says the public will "not put up" with MPs being paid higher salaries in an effort to end the controversy over expenses. | 1241 Mr Herbert says the public will "not put up" with MPs being paid higher salaries in an effort to end the controversy over expenses. |
| 1239 Is it just me being a student in university that is worried about the future of this country, why is the government not doing more to sort out this royal mail fiasco and why are we wasting money and lives on wars that are not needed, we need to sort our own house out first!Faisal, Birmingham | 1239 Is it just me being a student in university that is worried about the future of this country, why is the government not doing more to sort out this royal mail fiasco and why are we wasting money and lives on wars that are not needed, we need to sort our own house out first!Faisal, Birmingham |
| 1239 Did anyone see 'Life' on Monday? The water buffalo plagued by komodo dragons reminded me of GB.Tom, Leeds, West Yorkshire | 1239 Did anyone see 'Life' on Monday? The water buffalo plagued by komodo dragons reminded me of GB.Tom, Leeds, West Yorkshire |
| 1237 Conservative frontbencher Nick Herbert accuses Mr Brown of not being straight with his answers during PMQs. This makes him look "shifty" as well as "weak", he adds. | 1237 Conservative frontbencher Nick Herbert accuses Mr Brown of not being straight with his answers during PMQs. This makes him look "shifty" as well as "weak", he adds. |
| 1237 Ex-Europe minister Caroline Flint says a "whole raft of issues" with the financial sector will be addressed if Labour wins next year's general election. | 1237 Ex-Europe minister Caroline Flint says a "whole raft of issues" with the financial sector will be addressed if Labour wins next year's general election. |
| 1236 Brown should have been asked: You say that the house should represent the make-up of the population it represents. If so, then why are there so many Scots standing as MPs?west, france | 1236 Brown should have been asked: You say that the house should represent the make-up of the population it represents. If so, then why are there so many Scots standing as MPs?west, france |
| 1235 BBC political editor Nick Robinson tells Daily Politics that Mr Cameron is showing "ruthlessness" by wanting to link the planned postal strike with an idea of government "weakness". | 1235 BBC political editor Nick Robinson tells Daily Politics that Mr Cameron is showing "ruthlessness" by wanting to link the planned postal strike with an idea of government "weakness". |
| 1234 Why is question time so rushed? Some of the answers are so quick that they miss the point. Bring back question time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, if the PM can't cope with two briefings per week, he shouldn't be in the jobCat, Hants | 1234 Why is question time so rushed? Some of the answers are so quick that they miss the point. Bring back question time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, if the PM can't cope with two briefings per week, he shouldn't be in the jobCat, Hants |
| 1234 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: David Cameron tried to pin down the PM on something that could affect everyone within days: a postal strike. But Gordon Brown batted away much of that, saying the unions were upset about modernisation - not stalled part privatisation plans. There was a bad tempered exchange about who was weak and who was wrong - but neither Gordon Brown nor anyone else in the Commons can guarantee you'll get your letters on time. | 1234 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: David Cameron tried to pin down the PM on something that could affect everyone within days: a postal strike. But Gordon Brown batted away much of that, saying the unions were upset about modernisation - not stalled part privatisation plans. There was a bad tempered exchange about who was weak and who was wrong - but neither Gordon Brown nor anyone else in the Commons can guarantee you'll get your letters on time. |
| 1233 Lib Dem Tim Farron says more must be done to ensure more people live within 45 minutes of a cancer unit. Mr Brown says the government is aiming to bring diagnosis facilities nearer to people. And that ends PMQs for this week. | 1233 Lib Dem Tim Farron says more must be done to ensure more people live within 45 minutes of a cancer unit. Mr Brown says the government is aiming to bring diagnosis facilities nearer to people. And that ends PMQs for this week. |
| 1232 Asked by Tory Gary Streeter about funding for rural schools in southern England, Mr Brown attacks Conservative policy on education spending. | 1232 Asked by Tory Gary Streeter about funding for rural schools in southern England, Mr Brown attacks Conservative policy on education spending. |
| 1231 Mr Brown says he hopes his Northern Ireland proposals gain support from all parties. He says the first minister and deputy first leader are ready to move ahead. | 1231 Mr Brown says he hopes his Northern Ireland proposals gain support from all parties. He says the first minister and deputy first leader are ready to move ahead. |
| 1229 "Cleggy" should have demanded of the PM that he ensure that the majority share of any Bank profits be returned to the tax-payer in very quick time to repay the bail-out costs. Once their debt to the Nation is cleared then they can sort out bonuses.Andy, Winchester | 1229 "Cleggy" should have demanded of the PM that he ensure that the majority share of any Bank profits be returned to the tax-payer in very quick time to repay the bail-out costs. Once their debt to the Nation is cleared then they can sort out bonuses.Andy, Winchester |
| 1229 Copenhagen talks again. Tory James Gray asks whether plans for a third runway should be jettisoned. Mr Brown says the UK is prepared to go further on carbon emissions cuts if other countries do the same. | 1229 Copenhagen talks again. Tory James Gray asks whether plans for a third runway should be jettisoned. Mr Brown says the UK is prepared to go further on carbon emissions cuts if other countries do the same. |
| 1228 I can't believe Cameron failed to bring up Mervyn King's savaging of Government policy on banking structures and left it to Clegg. He should have hammered that home instead of wittering about the Royal mail and biscuits.Dean, Haywards Heath, England | 1228 I can't believe Cameron failed to bring up Mervyn King's savaging of Government policy on banking structures and left it to Clegg. He should have hammered that home instead of wittering about the Royal mail and biscuits.Dean, Haywards Heath, England |
| 1227 Charlotte, During poppy week in November I am sure that the chamber will, rightly, be full of poppiesIan, Bristol | 1227 Charlotte, During poppy week in November I am sure that the chamber will, rightly, be full of poppiesIan, Bristol |
| 1227 Labour MP Ronnie Campbell urges action to ensure no repeat of the banking crisis. Mr Brown says changes must happen "globally to make them work". | 1227 Labour MP Ronnie Campbell urges action to ensure no repeat of the banking crisis. Mr Brown says changes must happen "globally to make them work". |
| 1226 Northern Ireland First minister Peter Robinson asks how the government will assist financially if "unforeseen" emergencies arise. Mr Brown says devolution is in its "final stage". He adds that reserves will be available for unexpected security needs. The government will take "no risks" with this issue, he says. | 1226 Northern Ireland First minister Peter Robinson asks how the government will assist financially if "unforeseen" emergencies arise. Mr Brown says devolution is in its "final stage". He adds that reserves will be available for unexpected security needs. The government will take "no risks" with this issue, he says. |
| 1224 Tory Peter Bone says the UK will pay £4bn more to the EU this year than last year. He asks if this is the price of making Tony Blair "el presidente" of Europe. Mr Brown says the Tories should not be "disparaging" the country's EU membership and its economic benefits. | 1224 Tory Peter Bone says the UK will pay £4bn more to the EU this year than last year. He asks if this is the price of making Tony Blair "el presidente" of Europe. Mr Brown says the Tories should not be "disparaging" the country's EU membership and its economic benefits. |
| 1223 This theatre show that the MPs put on once a week is quite entertaining, but only in a reality TV sense. Why is there not time in the chamber for a proper debate between the two leaders on policy instead of 10 mins of mud slinging. MPs wonder why the populous has no appetite for politics, maybe it is because there is nothing to engage us only rhetoric and very little "real" policyBarrie, Poole, Dorset | 1223 This theatre show that the MPs put on once a week is quite entertaining, but only in a reality TV sense. Why is there not time in the chamber for a proper debate between the two leaders on policy instead of 10 mins of mud slinging. MPs wonder why the populous has no appetite for politics, maybe it is because there is nothing to engage us only rhetoric and very little "real" policyBarrie, Poole, Dorset |
| 1222 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Nick Clegg wants big banks split up, and he says the Bank of England governor Mervyn King agrees with him. Gordon Brown's not interested in advice from the other side of the chamber. The Lib Dem leader is wrong he says - and the PM insists the taxpayer will make, not lose, money from the banks. | 1222 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Nick Clegg wants big banks split up, and he says the Bank of England governor Mervyn King agrees with him. Gordon Brown's not interested in advice from the other side of the chamber. The Lib Dem leader is wrong he says - and the PM insists the taxpayer will make, not lose, money from the banks. |
| 1221 Why are there so few poppies worn in parliament. It is a disgrace, all MP's should be wearing the poppies especially when they know ie front two benches that they will be seen on Television?Charlotte, Ashford, Kent | 1221 Why are there so few poppies worn in parliament. It is a disgrace, all MP's should be wearing the poppies especially when they know ie front two benches that they will be seen on Television?Charlotte, Ashford, Kent |
| 1220 Former home secretary Jacqui Smith asks a friendly question about Sure Start centres and Tory plans to "cut" spending. Mr Brown says cutting the scheme would be a "grave mistake". | 1220 Former home secretary Jacqui Smith asks a friendly question about Sure Start centres and Tory plans to "cut" spending. Mr Brown says cutting the scheme would be a "grave mistake". |
| 1219 Labour's Lynne Jones calls for government departments to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Mr Brown says the most important thing is to make progress at the Copenhagen climate summit later this year. | 1219 Labour's Lynne Jones calls for government departments to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Mr Brown says the most important thing is to make progress at the Copenhagen climate summit later this year. |
| 1218 Labour's Paul Flynn asks why UK troops should risk their lives to allow the re-election of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, whom he describes as a "corrupt thief". Mr Brown does not accept that and says forces are working to ensure a fair poll when the country's voters go to the polls on 7 November. | 1218 Labour's Paul Flynn asks why UK troops should risk their lives to allow the re-election of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, whom he describes as a "corrupt thief". Mr Brown does not accept that and says forces are working to ensure a fair poll when the country's voters go to the polls on 7 November. |
| 1215 The Lib Dem leader urges a tax on banks' increasing profits. Mr Brown says the government is "determined to make money" from the nationalisation and part-nationalisation of banks. | 1215 The Lib Dem leader urges a tax on banks' increasing profits. Mr Brown says the government is "determined to make money" from the nationalisation and part-nationalisation of banks. |
| 1215 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg takes his turn. He mentions the Bank of England governor Mervyn King's call to break up banks, asking if this is "wrong". Mr Brown says the cause of the problem is not whether banks deal with retail or investment matters but a need for regulation. | 1215 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg takes his turn. He mentions the Bank of England governor Mervyn King's call to break up banks, asking if this is "wrong". Mr Brown says the cause of the problem is not whether banks deal with retail or investment matters but a need for regulation. |
| 1214 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Gordon Brown's urging mediation for the postal dispute. There's not much mediation in the House. David Cameron accuses him of an appalling display of weakness because plans to sell a minority stake in Royal Mail to a private company have fallen by the wayside. On the face of it the debate's about the mail. In reality it's about the Conservatives arguing the PM is weak and dithering - and Gordon Brown saying they're plain wrong. | 1214 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Gordon Brown's urging mediation for the postal dispute. There's not much mediation in the House. David Cameron accuses him of an appalling display of weakness because plans to sell a minority stake in Royal Mail to a private company have fallen by the wayside. On the face of it the debate's about the mail. In reality it's about the Conservatives arguing the PM is weak and dithering - and Gordon Brown saying they're plain wrong. |
| 1213 Mr Cameron shouts that the best way to end the strikes is to "show some courage". He mentions the PM's delay last week in describing his favourite kind of biscuits - a pre-prepared gag, one suspects. Mr Brown says the Tories are "wrong" on all the major issues. Mr Cameron's questions are over for another week. | 1213 Mr Cameron shouts that the best way to end the strikes is to "show some courage". He mentions the PM's delay last week in describing his favourite kind of biscuits - a pre-prepared gag, one suspects. Mr Brown says the Tories are "wrong" on all the major issues. Mr Cameron's questions are over for another week. |
| 1210 Mr Cameron says the postal workers' union pays "half" the prime minister's "bills". Labour MPs jeer him, as the Speaker has to interrupt proceedings with another warning about noise. | 1210 Mr Cameron says the postal workers' union pays "half" the prime minister's "bills". Labour MPs jeer him, as the Speaker has to interrupt proceedings with another warning about noise. |
| 1209 Mr Brown turns his fire on the Tories, saying there is no suggestion a Conservative government would be able to sell Royal Mail. Mr Cameron says union "militancy has got worse" since the sell-off was abandoned, but Mr Brown once more urges a negotiated end to the industrial dispute. | 1209 Mr Brown turns his fire on the Tories, saying there is no suggestion a Conservative government would be able to sell Royal Mail. Mr Cameron says union "militancy has got worse" since the sell-off was abandoned, but Mr Brown once more urges a negotiated end to the industrial dispute. |
| 1208 Mr Cameron accuses Mr Brown of an "appalling show of weakness" as the part-privatisation of Royal Mail is delayed. The PM says no buyer has been found yet. Mr Cameron says this is "nonsense", and says the delay was caused by a lack of Labour backbench support. | 1208 Mr Cameron accuses Mr Brown of an "appalling show of weakness" as the part-privatisation of Royal Mail is delayed. The PM says no buyer has been found yet. Mr Cameron says this is "nonsense", and says the delay was caused by a lack of Labour backbench support. |
| 1206 Tory leader David Cameron rises, to cheers from his own benches. He starts on the planned Royal Mail strikes and asks the PM to condemn them and call on unions to call them off. Mr Brown says it is right to urge reconciliation and do "everything in our power" to reach an agreement. | 1206 Tory leader David Cameron rises, to cheers from his own benches. He starts on the planned Royal Mail strikes and asks the PM to condemn them and call on unions to call them off. Mr Brown says it is right to urge reconciliation and do "everything in our power" to reach an agreement. |
| 1205 On to swine flue vaccinations. The PM says vaccines for those at risk and working in the NHS will start immediately. | 1205 On to swine flue vaccinations. The PM says vaccines for those at risk and working in the NHS will start immediately. |
| 1204 Tory Crispin Blunt asks about the recruitment and training of Territorial Army staff - this relates to last week's exchanges. Mr Brown says TA people heading to Afghanistan would get the training they need. He said the Army has recruited more regular soldiers this year and that they are now the focus of efforts and will get all necessary training. | 1204 Tory Crispin Blunt asks about the recruitment and training of Territorial Army staff - this relates to last week's exchanges. Mr Brown says TA people heading to Afghanistan would get the training they need. He said the Army has recruited more regular soldiers this year and that they are now the focus of efforts and will get all necessary training. |
| 1203 Mr Brown is on his feet, listing his activities and engagements. He says he is working towards the finalisation of Northern Ireland devolution. | 1203 Mr Brown is on his feet, listing his activities and engagements. He says he is working towards the finalisation of Northern Ireland devolution. |
| 1201 BBC political editor Nick Robinson tells Daily Politics the prime minister is feeling "pain" over the expenses issue and faces difficulties getting MPs to reform the system, especially those who are not running at the next election. | 1201 BBC political editor Nick Robinson tells Daily Politics the prime minister is feeling "pain" over the expenses issue and faces difficulties getting MPs to reform the system, especially those who are not running at the next election. |
| 1159 Gordon Brown is in the chamber. Speaker John Bercow tells MPs off again for "wittering" during Commons proceedings. | 1159 Gordon Brown is in the chamber. Speaker John Bercow tells MPs off again for "wittering" during Commons proceedings. |
| 1157 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Things will start differently today. The PM is to make a short statement on the future of policing in Northern Ireland before the normal business of PMQs begins. | 1157 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Things will start differently today. The PM is to make a short statement on the future of policing in Northern Ireland before the normal business of PMQs begins. |
| 1156 Tory Nick Herbert tells Daily Politics creating the role of European president - whether filled by Tony Blair of another candidate - would be a bad idea. | 1156 Tory Nick Herbert tells Daily Politics creating the role of European president - whether filled by Tony Blair of another candidate - would be a bad idea. |
| 1155 On BBC Two's Daily Politics Caroline Flint defends the government's support for the European treaty, arguing that it will help the EU function more effectively. | 1155 On BBC Two's Daily Politics Caroline Flint defends the government's support for the European treaty, arguing that it will help the EU function more effectively. |
| 1154 The chamber is filling up as international development questions come towards an end. The hubbub is rising too. Speaker John Bercow upbraids one MP for chattering. | 1154 The chamber is filling up as international development questions come towards an end. The hubbub is rising too. Speaker John Bercow upbraids one MP for chattering. |
| 1150 Former home secretary Jacqui Smith, who apologised to the House last week for breaching the rules on expenses, is near the top of the list of MPs chosen to ask Mr Brown a question. I wonder what she will ask about? Tories Crispin Blunt and Graham Brady are also near the top of the list. | 1150 Former home secretary Jacqui Smith, who apologised to the House last week for breaching the rules on expenses, is near the top of the list of MPs chosen to ask Mr Brown a question. I wonder what she will ask about? Tories Crispin Blunt and Graham Brady are also near the top of the list. |
| 1149 Other issues which might crop up are BNP leader Nick Griffin's appearance on BBC One's Question Time this Thursday and the negotiations in the lead-up to the Copenhagen climate conference. | 1149 Other issues which might crop up are BNP leader Nick Griffin's appearance on BBC One's Question Time this Thursday and the negotiations in the lead-up to the Copenhagen climate conference. |
| 1148 So, what will dominate PMQs this week? Last time the whole event was overshadowed by Mr Brown's tributes to the UK soldiers who died in Afghanistan over the summer. The economy is likely to get a mention this time round, especially as Bank of England governor Mervyn King has suggested banks could be split up to reduce the risks posed if they fail. Will Mr Cameron be able to resist a question over the accusation by a senior Labour MP that Schools Secretary Ed Balls - a key ally of Mr Brown - is "a bit of a bully"? | 1148 So, what will dominate PMQs this week? Last time the whole event was overshadowed by Mr Brown's tributes to the UK soldiers who died in Afghanistan over the summer. The economy is likely to get a mention this time round, especially as Bank of England governor Mervyn King has suggested banks could be split up to reduce the risks posed if they fail. Will Mr Cameron be able to resist a question over the accusation by a senior Labour MP that Schools Secretary Ed Balls - a key ally of Mr Brown - is "a bit of a bully"? |
| 1140 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions. My colleague Ross Hawkins will be providing analysis as Gordon Brown faces David Cameron and Nick Clegg from noon. Former Europe minister Caroline Flint and shadow environment secretary Nick Herbert are also giving their views, courtesy of BBC Two's Daily Politics. We'll also have bits from guests on the BBC News Channel - and a selection of your comments on the exchanges. | 1140 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions. My colleague Ross Hawkins will be providing analysis as Gordon Brown faces David Cameron and Nick Clegg from noon. Former Europe minister Caroline Flint and shadow environment secretary Nick Herbert are also giving their views, courtesy of BBC Two's Daily Politics. We'll also have bits from guests on the BBC News Channel - and a selection of your comments on the exchanges. |