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LIVE: Prime minister's questions LIVE: Prime minister's questions
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Prime Minister's QuestionsPrime Minister's Questions
By Justin Parkinson 1209 Mr Cameron says France, Germany and Japan are doing better at exiting recession than the UK. Mr Brown says unemployment is lower here than many other countries and said that Conservative policies would keep the UK in recession. By Justin Parkinson 1219 Tory John Baron asks about the forthcoming re-run of the Afghan election. Mr Brown says there must be sufficient monitors to reduce corruption.
Mr Cameron seems to act like a the cool kid at school picking on the geek. But Mr Brown is correct, nothing about policy again. JH, Ware
1217 Mr Clegg says the PM has done too little on the environmental front. He adds that the situation must improve in the UK before more can be achieved internationally. Mr Brown says all parties should campaign together for a deal at Copenhagen.
1216 From BBC political correspondent Carole Walker: As expected, David Cameron focused on what he called the "humiliating climb down" on cuts to the Territorial Army. Gordon Brown struggled to explain why they'd been proposed in the first place. David Cameron was able to bring together some favourite attack themes - dithering by the prime minister and the need to support the military. The exchange on the economy was given extra bite by the revelation that Britain is suffering the longest and deepest recession for decades. It got both sides baying but covered little new ground.
1215 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg asks whether the government's Copenhagen climate talk rhetoric will achieve anything. Mr Brown says it is important a "political understanding" is reached, backed by financial proposals.
1215 Mr Cameron's questions are over. Mr Brown praises the UK's links with India and says they will grow stronger.
1214 Mr Cameron uses the word "wrong" at least five times in an attack on the prime minister. Mr Brown returns the insult at least eight times, adding that the Tories are "not fit" to be an opposition. It's all livened up by the end with the Speaker having to calm down backbenchers shouting out: "More!"
Interesting to see the apparent contempt in which Labour can hold the armed forces. The PM deserves a grilling over the TA budget cuts. Perhaps indicative of that lack of respect by Labour is the number of front benchers with no Poppy. chris morris, preston
1211 The exchanges are failing to liven the back benches greatly. The Conservative leader says the PM was "plain wrong" over the economy. The PM replies that every other country is against Tory policy.
1209 Mr Cameron says France, Germany and Japan are doing better at exiting recession than the UK. Mr Brown says unemployment is lower here than many other countries and said that Conservative policies would keep the UK in recession.
1208 Onto the economy. Mr Cameron urges Mr Brown to admit he did not abolish boom and bust. Mr Brown says the government's actions saved Northern Rock.1208 Onto the economy. Mr Cameron urges Mr Brown to admit he did not abolish boom and bust. Mr Brown says the government's actions saved Northern Rock.
1207 Mr Cameron says Mr Brown "cannot even be straight when performing a U-turn". He asks why the PM keeps getting it wrong. Mr Brown replies that Tory policies on the economy and other issues are wrong.1207 Mr Cameron says Mr Brown "cannot even be straight when performing a U-turn". He asks why the PM keeps getting it wrong. Mr Brown replies that Tory policies on the economy and other issues are wrong.
1205 Mr Brown says it is important to ensure numbers serving in the regular Army and that TA members are properly trained. He says, having looked at all the issue, he decided it was right to change policy.1205 Mr Brown says it is important to ensure numbers serving in the regular Army and that TA members are properly trained. He says, having looked at all the issue, he decided it was right to change policy.
1204 Conservative leader David Cameron also pays tribute to soldiers killed in Afghanistan. He "welcomes" the "complete U-turn" on Territorial Army funding, claiming it was brought on by Tory questions.1204 Conservative leader David Cameron also pays tribute to soldiers killed in Afghanistan. He "welcomes" the "complete U-turn" on Territorial Army funding, claiming it was brought on by Tory questions.
1202 Mr Brown offers his condolences to those affected by the bomb in Kabul this morning.1202 Mr Brown offers his condolences to those affected by the bomb in Kabul this morning.
1201 Prime Minister Gordon Brown begins by paying tribute to soldiers killed in Afghanistan.1201 Prime Minister Gordon Brown begins by paying tribute to soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
1201 Nick Robinson tells Daily Politics David Cameron will want to rub the PM's nose in the Territorial Army U-turn. Let's see - Mr Brown is on his feet.1201 Nick Robinson tells Daily Politics David Cameron will want to rub the PM's nose in the Territorial Army U-turn. Let's see - Mr Brown is on his feet.
1159 The Commons chamber is very noisy, despite Mr Bercow's warnings. The prime minister is in his seat.1159 The Commons chamber is very noisy, despite Mr Bercow's warnings. The prime minister is in his seat.
1158 BBC political editor Nick Robinson says it is essential to remember there are "consequences" of reforms to expenses. Some people of more modest means could be put off becoming MPs, he adds.1158 BBC political editor Nick Robinson says it is essential to remember there are "consequences" of reforms to expenses. Some people of more modest means could be put off becoming MPs, he adds.
1157 Welsh Secretary Peter Hain tells Daily Politics the public is "fed up to the back teeth" with the MPs' expenses scandal.1157 Welsh Secretary Peter Hain tells Daily Politics the public is "fed up to the back teeth" with the MPs' expenses scandal.
1156 Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling tells BBC Two's Daily Politics MPs work long and erratic hours but they have to accept the expenses system will change. It is essential to restore confidence, he adds.1156 Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling tells BBC Two's Daily Politics MPs work long and erratic hours but they have to accept the expenses system will change. It is essential to restore confidence, he adds.
1154 From BBC political correspondent Carole Walker: So what do I expect to come up today? Well David Cameron will almost certainly want to avoid the really big talking point at Westminster - MPs' expenses. There are no political points to be scored there. The government's U-turn on cuts to the Territorial Army is a much safer bet - particularly as the Tory leader had condemned the cutbacks and tackled Gordon Brown on the issue at two previous sessions of PMQs.1154 From BBC political correspondent Carole Walker: So what do I expect to come up today? Well David Cameron will almost certainly want to avoid the really big talking point at Westminster - MPs' expenses. There are no political points to be scored there. The government's U-turn on cuts to the Territorial Army is a much safer bet - particularly as the Tory leader had condemned the cutbacks and tackled Gordon Brown on the issue at two previous sessions of PMQs.
1153 Before the main event, Cabinet Office Minister Tessa Jowell is answering questions. The chamber is pretty busy - and lively. Speaker John Bercow has been telling MPs off for excessive noise again.1153 Before the main event, Cabinet Office Minister Tessa Jowell is answering questions. The chamber is pretty busy - and lively. Speaker John Bercow has been telling MPs off for excessive noise again.
1151 Independent MP Bob Spink and Tory Daniel Kawcznyski are near the top of the ballot to ask Mr Brown questions. Labour's Stephen Hepburn and former Brown aide Tom Watson are also in the mix.1151 Independent MP Bob Spink and Tory Daniel Kawcznyski are near the top of the ballot to ask Mr Brown questions. Labour's Stephen Hepburn and former Brown aide Tom Watson are also in the mix.
1150 Outside Westminster, one of the biggest resignations since Margaret Thatcher's tearful 1990 departure is all over the headlines. The delightful Barbara Windsor - aka Peggy Mitchell - is to leave EastEnders. Will the Queen Vic ever be the same? Will it get a mention at PMQs?1150 Outside Westminster, one of the biggest resignations since Margaret Thatcher's tearful 1990 departure is all over the headlines. The delightful Barbara Windsor - aka Peggy Mitchell - is to leave EastEnders. Will the Queen Vic ever be the same? Will it get a mention at PMQs?
1149 That perpetual elephant in the room, MPs' expenses, didn't get a mention last week, but can this go on, given the latest leaks over Sir Christopher Kelly's review of the system, suggesting a ban on mortgage allowances for second homes and the employment of family members as staff?1149 That perpetual elephant in the room, MPs' expenses, didn't get a mention last week, but can this go on, given the latest leaks over Sir Christopher Kelly's review of the system, suggesting a ban on mortgage allowances for second homes and the employment of family members as staff?
1147 It's a dank and gloomy morning by the banks of the Thames, so what will our political leaders do to entertain PMQs fans this week? Last week the postal strike dominated proceedings and could well do so again. Then there is the government's U-turn on cuts to the Territorial Army's training budget. Will David Cameron - or at least a Tory backbencher - be able to ignore the possibility of Tony Blair becoming European president?1147 It's a dank and gloomy morning by the banks of the Thames, so what will our political leaders do to entertain PMQs fans this week? Last week the postal strike dominated proceedings and could well do so again. Then there is the government's U-turn on cuts to the Territorial Army's training budget. Will David Cameron - or at least a Tory backbencher - be able to ignore the possibility of Tony Blair becoming European president?
1145 Hello and welcome to our live text coverage of prime minister's questions, bringing you all the action from Gordon Brown's weekly Commons grilling. My colleague Carole Walker will provide analysis, while, courtesy of BBC Two's Daily Politics, Welsh Secretary Peter Hain and shadow home secretary Chris Grayling will share their views.1145 Hello and welcome to our live text coverage of prime minister's questions, bringing you all the action from Gordon Brown's weekly Commons grilling. My colleague Carole Walker will provide analysis, while, courtesy of BBC Two's Daily Politics, Welsh Secretary Peter Hain and shadow home secretary Chris Grayling will share their views.