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| The Full Story: PM's questions | The Full Story: PM's questions |
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| Prime minister's questions in full | |
| By Justin Parkinson 1310 OK. That's it for our PMQs coverage this week. Please join us again next Wednesday when it looks like we'll have not only PM questions but also a statement outlining in detail the proposed shake-up of MP expenses rules. | By Justin Parkinson 1310 OK. That's it for our PMQs coverage this week. Please join us again next Wednesday when it looks like we'll have not only PM questions but also a statement outlining in detail the proposed shake-up of MP expenses rules. |
| 1306 More news on Tony Blair's apparent campaign to be European Council president - UKIP leader Nigel Farage has given the ex-PM his backing as "nothing better will bring home to the British people the truth about the EU, that it is not, in fact, run by democratically-elected representatives or those who we can elect and remove". | 1306 More news on Tony Blair's apparent campaign to be European Council president - UKIP leader Nigel Farage has given the ex-PM his backing as "nothing better will bring home to the British people the truth about the EU, that it is not, in fact, run by democratically-elected representatives or those who we can elect and remove". |
| 1302 More on the changes to MPs' expenses. Sir Christopher Kelly is recommending that the £25-a-night subsistence allowance for those staying in London will go as well, the BBC understands. That was the allowance to replace the £400-a-month food allowance MPs had been entitled to in the past. | 1302 More on the changes to MPs' expenses. Sir Christopher Kelly is recommending that the £25-a-night subsistence allowance for those staying in London will go as well, the BBC understands. That was the allowance to replace the £400-a-month food allowance MPs had been entitled to in the past. |
| 1259 My comment has more to do with the disgraceful shouting down of the Conservative panellist by Hain and Neil when he was trying to answer why the Tories don't want Blair as EU President. We would be taken into an unjust war with Iran and while EU troops would be forbidden to fire their weapons British Troops would do the fighting and dying. Just like Afghanistan.Tickell, Shrops. U.K. | 1259 My comment has more to do with the disgraceful shouting down of the Conservative panellist by Hain and Neil when he was trying to answer why the Tories don't want Blair as EU President. We would be taken into an unjust war with Iran and while EU troops would be forbidden to fire their weapons British Troops would do the fighting and dying. Just like Afghanistan.Tickell, Shrops. U.K. |
| In the current climate, Mr Browns TA cuts may be irrelevant as we may not have a country left to defend if positive action is not taken soon to bring us out of this recession.Simon, Bicester, Oxfordshire | In the current climate, Mr Browns TA cuts may be irrelevant as we may not have a country left to defend if positive action is not taken soon to bring us out of this recession.Simon, Bicester, Oxfordshire |
| 1258 As PMQs go, excitement-wise, today's rates at about five out of 10. Mr Brown and Mr Cameron both seemed very happy to repeat insults and criticisms, with the W-word - "wrong" - chief among them. The chamber only really got going on a couple of occasions. Perhaps the impending changes to honourable members' expenses are weighing heavily? | 1258 As PMQs go, excitement-wise, today's rates at about five out of 10. Mr Brown and Mr Cameron both seemed very happy to repeat insults and criticisms, with the W-word - "wrong" - chief among them. The chamber only really got going on a couple of occasions. Perhaps the impending changes to honourable members' expenses are weighing heavily? |
| 1252 Correspondent Carole Walker thinks that Brown may suggest Blair for the role of EU president to cause problems for Cameron. When will they start thinking about the people and less about just causing issues for their opponents and sorting themselves out?Mark H, oldham | 1252 Correspondent Carole Walker thinks that Brown may suggest Blair for the role of EU president to cause problems for Cameron. When will they start thinking about the people and less about just causing issues for their opponents and sorting themselves out?Mark H, oldham |
| This is yah boo politics at its worst. Cameron tries to bait the PM who steadfastly refuses to answer any straight question. How can this weekly farce be seen as anything other than a spot of light entertainment for MPs? It certainly doesn't instil any confidence into the voting public.Richard, Hurstpierpoint, UK | This is yah boo politics at its worst. Cameron tries to bait the PM who steadfastly refuses to answer any straight question. How can this weekly farce be seen as anything other than a spot of light entertainment for MPs? It certainly doesn't instil any confidence into the voting public.Richard, Hurstpierpoint, UK |
| 1251 Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox says the report on the Nimrod crash is a "formidable indictment" and "genuinely shocking". | 1251 Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox says the report on the Nimrod crash is a "formidable indictment" and "genuinely shocking". |
| 1250 Back in the Commons, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth says a review into an RAF Nimrod crash that killed 14 British service personnel has found that the incident was "preventable". | 1250 Back in the Commons, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth says a review into an RAF Nimrod crash that killed 14 British service personnel has found that the incident was "preventable". |
| Other than the MP putting the question and the PM, why do the others stand up and sit down seemingly randomly?Tom, London | Other than the MP putting the question and the PM, why do the others stand up and sit down seemingly randomly?Tom, London |
| 1246 Nick Robinson jokes that welcoming President Blair into Downing Street would be a "fate worse than death" for David Cameron, should be become prime minister next year. | 1246 Nick Robinson jokes that welcoming President Blair into Downing Street would be a "fate worse than death" for David Cameron, should be become prime minister next year. |
| 1245 Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling says Mr Blair was the architect of the European treaty, which he says the country does not want. He says he wants the UK to be represented by the prime minister instead. | 1245 Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling says Mr Blair was the architect of the European treaty, which he says the country does not want. He says he wants the UK to be represented by the prime minister instead. |
| Does anyone else think PMQ's is pointless? The answers to questions are always prepared statements NOT answers.Michael, Edinburgh | Does anyone else think PMQ's is pointless? The answers to questions are always prepared statements NOT answers.Michael, Edinburgh |
| Blair for EU President - Any possibility of a referendum on that outrageous suggestion?Andy Davidson, Winchester | Blair for EU President - Any possibility of a referendum on that outrageous suggestion?Andy Davidson, Winchester |
| 1243 Peter Hain says Europe is "not credible" in the eyes of much of the world without a "big hitter" as president, arguing that Tony Blair is just such a figure. | 1243 Peter Hain says Europe is "not credible" in the eyes of much of the world without a "big hitter" as president, arguing that Tony Blair is just such a figure. |
| 1241 BBC political editor Nick Robinson has picked up on the question on expenses from Sir Stuart Bell and the PM's response. He said we can now expect the eventual announcement on expenses to be in the form of a parliamentary statement, which can then be dealt with by an independent body rather than on the floor of the Commons. The Speaker might disagree and take the government on, he adds. Party leaders will have little power over departing MPs, he says. | 1241 BBC political editor Nick Robinson has picked up on the question on expenses from Sir Stuart Bell and the PM's response. He said we can now expect the eventual announcement on expenses to be in the form of a parliamentary statement, which can then be dealt with by an independent body rather than on the floor of the Commons. The Speaker might disagree and take the government on, he adds. Party leaders will have little power over departing MPs, he says. |
| It was funny to see that Gordon Brown, say that Tory policies would keep us in a recession ... But Labour policies are doing that already ...Matt, | It was funny to see that Gordon Brown, say that Tory policies would keep us in a recession ... But Labour policies are doing that already ...Matt, |
| 1239 Welsh Secretary Peter Hain says the parliamentary procedure for dealing with Sir Christopher's proposals will have to be decided. | 1239 Welsh Secretary Peter Hain says the parliamentary procedure for dealing with Sir Christopher's proposals will have to be decided. |
| 1237 On Daily Politics, BBC deputy political editor James Landale has more on Sir Christopher Kelly's report on MPs' expenses. Among these is scrapping the MPs' resettlement grant after they stand down or lose their seats. Sir Christopher also wants to end their communications allowance, he adds. | 1237 On Daily Politics, BBC deputy political editor James Landale has more on Sir Christopher Kelly's report on MPs' expenses. Among these is scrapping the MPs' resettlement grant after they stand down or lose their seats. Sir Christopher also wants to end their communications allowance, he adds. |
| 1233 Tory David Heathcoat-Amory asks the PM if he would do his bit for cutting energy usage by making sure Downing Street's lights are put out earlier - a reference I guess to reports Mr Brown works very late and gets up before dawn. The PM says such energy-saving matters are everyone's responsibility. That's it. The lights are out on PMQs for this week. | 1233 Tory David Heathcoat-Amory asks the PM if he would do his bit for cutting energy usage by making sure Downing Street's lights are put out earlier - a reference I guess to reports Mr Brown works very late and gets up before dawn. The PM says such energy-saving matters are everyone's responsibility. That's it. The lights are out on PMQs for this week. |
| 1232 From BBC political correspondent Carole Walker: Gordon Brown looked uncomfortable as he tried to claim he'd done the right thing by reversing the planned cuts to the Territorial Army. The showpiece row over the economy may be well-rehearsed but will be central to the coming election campaign. Nick Clegg's efforts to flaunt his green credentials ahead of the Copenhagen summit are unlikely to win him much coverage on a busy news day. Only Sir Stuart Bell dared mention the elephant in the room of MPs expenses. And Gordon Brown's teeth were firmly gritted as he declared his support for his old friend and rival Tony Blair to become European President. He has calculated that President Blair would pose big problems for David Cameron. | 1232 From BBC political correspondent Carole Walker: Gordon Brown looked uncomfortable as he tried to claim he'd done the right thing by reversing the planned cuts to the Territorial Army. The showpiece row over the economy may be well-rehearsed but will be central to the coming election campaign. Nick Clegg's efforts to flaunt his green credentials ahead of the Copenhagen summit are unlikely to win him much coverage on a busy news day. Only Sir Stuart Bell dared mention the elephant in the room of MPs expenses. And Gordon Brown's teeth were firmly gritted as he declared his support for his old friend and rival Tony Blair to become European President. He has calculated that President Blair would pose big problems for David Cameron. |
| 1231 To Tory jeers, Labour's Clive Efford commends Mr Brown for leading leaders of government on environmental issues. He is cut short by the Speaker. Mr Brown says the Conservatives will have to change their policies. | 1231 To Tory jeers, Labour's Clive Efford commends Mr Brown for leading leaders of government on environmental issues. He is cut short by the Speaker. Mr Brown says the Conservatives will have to change their policies. |
| 1230 Labour veteran Sir Stuart Bell asks about expenses! He wants to know what the "next steps" will be. Mr Brown says Sir Christopher Kelly will report next week and the appropriate body will be asked to look at it. The chamber is rather quieter. | 1230 Labour veteran Sir Stuart Bell asks about expenses! He wants to know what the "next steps" will be. Mr Brown says Sir Christopher Kelly will report next week and the appropriate body will be asked to look at it. The chamber is rather quieter. |
| 1227 Still no mention of MPs' expenses. Not long to go... | 1227 Still no mention of MPs' expenses. Not long to go... |
| 1227 Labour's Gwyn Prosser asks about the future of British seafarers. Mr Brown says proposals put forward by unions and businesses to increase employment levels will be looked at. | 1227 Labour's Gwyn Prosser asks about the future of British seafarers. Mr Brown says proposals put forward by unions and businesses to increase employment levels will be looked at. |
| JH,Ware - you fail to understand its PMQs - the opposition ask questions on Govt policy not perform a party broadcast - as per normal Gordon does his denial act...s chapman, sidcup uk | JH,Ware - you fail to understand its PMQs - the opposition ask questions on Govt policy not perform a party broadcast - as per normal Gordon does his denial act...s chapman, sidcup uk |
| 1225 Asked by a Tory about the European presidency, Mr Brown says that if former Prime Minister Tony Blair comes forward as a candidate, the government will support him. | 1225 Asked by a Tory about the European presidency, Mr Brown says that if former Prime Minister Tony Blair comes forward as a candidate, the government will support him. |
| 1224 Labour's Chris Ruane raises a laugh, proclaiming: "Prime minister, we live in dangerous times." He goes on to criticise Conservative alliances in Europe. The PM says the Tories are "out of touch" and "out on a limb". | 1224 Labour's Chris Ruane raises a laugh, proclaiming: "Prime minister, we live in dangerous times." He goes on to criticise Conservative alliances in Europe. The PM says the Tories are "out of touch" and "out on a limb". |
| Gordon Brown's Government may have saved Northern Rock - in a Labour Constituency - but they sacrificed the nation's economy to do it.Colin Taylor, Swanscombe, Kent | Gordon Brown's Government may have saved Northern Rock - in a Labour Constituency - but they sacrificed the nation's economy to do it.Colin Taylor, Swanscombe, Kent |
| 1223 Tory Daniel Kawcznyski asks about a Lockerbie bombing inquiry. Mr Brown says it is up to the Scottish authorities to pursue any new leads. | 1223 Tory Daniel Kawcznyski asks about a Lockerbie bombing inquiry. Mr Brown says it is up to the Scottish authorities to pursue any new leads. |
| 1221 Independent MP Bob Spink says the Gurkhas must get equal pension rights. Mr Brown says this is the subject of an ongoing court case. | 1221 Independent MP Bob Spink says the Gurkhas must get equal pension rights. Mr Brown says this is the subject of an ongoing court case. |
| 1220 British canals are a national asset, and no longer a "drain on our nation's resources", a Labour backbencher puns. | 1220 British canals are a national asset, and no longer a "drain on our nation's resources", a Labour backbencher puns. |
| 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. | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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 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. | 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!" | 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 | 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. | 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. | 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. |