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LIVE: PM's questions and expenses LIVE: PM's questions and expenses
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Noon: PM's questions. 1230 Harman on expenses: From Democracy Live.Noon: PM's questions. 1230 Harman on expenses: From Democracy Live.
By Brian Wheeler 1206 Mr Brown says security will be reviewed, but he said the current strategy of working with Afghan forces would continue. By Brian Wheeler 1215 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: That was as quiet and sober an exchange between Gordon Brown and David Cameron as we've seen for a long time. That's not just because the issue of British troops in Afghanistan is a gravely serious one, but because the two men agree Britain should continue its efforts in the country. And when they finally got to the issue of MPs' expenses they agreed about that as well.
I want to hear Brown say our troops are coming home from Afghanistan and the government will accept all of the Kelly report but I don't expect either will happen. [frankiecrisp]
Would our dear leaders like to see the expenses system altered to match that of the Swedes; basic government owned flats near Westminster for MPs, 700 a month 2nd home allowance for those not wanting basic accommodation and no allowance for home improvements?Joe Hunter, Leeds,
Now that the EU treaty has been signed, can the government get on deal with truly important with domestic priorities like crime, the economy and banking reform, each of which are far more important than annoying our European partners with tedious battles over treaties. Mark, Newport
1213 On to the Kelly report now, with Mr Cameron calling on Mr Brown to join him in accepting the recommendations on expenses. Mr Brown says the report will be referred for implementation to an independent committee.
1211 President Karzai has promised to rid the Afghan government of corruption and the British government will be watching him closely, says Mr Brown. He also claims Afghan farmers have moved from heroin to wheat production.
1210 Mr Cameron asks if there will be a single coordinator to work with the Afghans and the Allied forces. Mr Brown confirms that is being talked about with the Americans.
1209 Mr Brown says the Taliban have claimed responsibility for the shooting, but he says the quality of the Afghan police will have to be improved. This is a very sober exchange, as expected. MPs are listening in silence.
1207Mr Cameron raises concerns about the Afghan police being infilitrated by criminals and drug dealers, asking what is being done to clean it up.
1206 Mr Brown says security will be reviewed, but he said the current strategy of working with Afghan forces would continue.
1206 Mr Cameron agrees with the PM that training and mentoring is essential but asks what immediate steps are being taken to protect other British soldiers working with Afghan forces.1206 Mr Cameron agrees with the PM that training and mentoring is essential but asks what immediate steps are being taken to protect other British soldiers working with Afghan forces.
1206 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: The Speaker's exerting himself this afternoon - cutting the Prime Minister short as he begins an attack on Conservative health policy. Gordon Brown smiles, but doesn't look happy.1206 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: The Speaker's exerting himself this afternoon - cutting the Prime Minister short as he begins an attack on Conservative health policy. Gordon Brown smiles, but doesn't look happy.
1204 Tory leader David Cameron also begins with condolences to the family of the dead soldiers. He asks how soon we will know what happened in the incident.1204 Tory leader David Cameron also begins with condolences to the family of the dead soldiers. He asks how soon we will know what happened in the incident.
1203 What appeared to have been a planted question on cancer care, with Mr Brown repeating his pledge of a two week limit before they see a consultant. Speaker Bercow steps in just as he is about to launch into an attack on the Tories over the NHS: "I don't think we need to go into that today, prime minister."1203 What appeared to have been a planted question on cancer care, with Mr Brown repeating his pledge of a two week limit before they see a consultant. Speaker Bercow steps in just as he is about to launch into an attack on the Tories over the NHS: "I don't think we need to go into that today, prime minister."
Given that Westminster has started a clampdown on expenses, what action is open for the British Government to take over the expenses being claimed in the European Parliament and can we withhold payments to the European Union until the expense scandal there has been dealt with to our complete satisfaction?[Upemall], Midlands, United Kingdom Given that Westminster has started a clampdown on expenses, what action is open for the British Government to take over the expenses being claimed in the European Parliament and can we withhold payments to the European Union until the expense scandal there has been dealt with to our complete satisfaction?[Upemall], Midlands, United Kingdom
I want to hear about a withdrawal from Afghanistan and a vote on Europe. I also want to know why certain advisers who speak the truth (Prof Nutt) are sacked whilst those who invent reasons to go to war are listened to.Nigel Collins, BrightonI want to hear about a withdrawal from Afghanistan and a vote on Europe. I also want to know why certain advisers who speak the truth (Prof Nutt) are sacked whilst those who invent reasons to go to war are listened to.Nigel Collins, Brighton
I'd have liked Sir Christopher Kelly's report to go slightly further. MPs should have lost the honorific 'right honourable' as a permanent reminder to this and future generations of MPs of how they behaved, at the public's expense, for so long.Darkseid Jones I'd have liked Sir Christopher Kelly's report to go slightly further. MPs should have lost the honorific 'right honourable' as a permanent reminder to this and future generations of MPs of how they behaved, at the public's expense, for so long.Darkseid Jones
1201 Mr Brown says it appears the men were targeted because they were doing what the Taliban "fear most" - mentoring Afghan forces.1201 Mr Brown says it appears the men were targeted because they were doing what the Taliban "fear most" - mentoring Afghan forces.
1200 We're off. Gordon Brown sends his condolences to the family and friends of the five soldiers who died in Afghanistan on Tuesday.1200 We're off. Gordon Brown sends his condolences to the family and friends of the five soldiers who died in Afghanistan on Tuesday.
1155 Lib Dem MP Nick Harvey, who sits on the committee governing MPs allowances, thinks the Kelly recommendations will be adopted in full, more or less, he has revealed on the Daily Politics. Grant Shapps think Kelly has set out a "reasonable" set of proposals which will, in time, bring an end to the expenses saga. Which, he makes clear, will be an almighty relief for all concerned.1155 Lib Dem MP Nick Harvey, who sits on the committee governing MPs allowances, thinks the Kelly recommendations will be adopted in full, more or less, he has revealed on the Daily Politics. Grant Shapps think Kelly has set out a "reasonable" set of proposals which will, in time, bring an end to the expenses saga. Which, he makes clear, will be an almighty relief for all concerned.
1152 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: We'll hear lots about expenses in the next hour - with Harriet Harman due to make a statement after PMQs. Expect plenty of honourable members to have their say on that. David Cameron's evolving policy on Europe may well spark some political knockabout. But the session will begin with reflections on the deaths of British soldiers in Afghanistan.1152 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: We'll hear lots about expenses in the next hour - with Harriet Harman due to make a statement after PMQs. Expect plenty of honourable members to have their say on that. David Cameron's evolving policy on Europe may well spark some political knockabout. But the session will begin with reflections on the deaths of British soldiers in Afghanistan.
1153 BBC correspondent Jo Coburn is predicting a "noisy debate" on the Kelly report. There are some very grumpy MPs around apparently. They feel the ban on spouses working for them is very unfair - and they want a chance to vote on it.1153 BBC correspondent Jo Coburn is predicting a "noisy debate" on the Kelly report. There are some very grumpy MPs around apparently. They feel the ban on spouses working for them is very unfair - and they want a chance to vote on it.
1149 Grant Shapps is being quizzed on the Daily Politics about ex-Labour minister Kim Howells' call for British troops to be brought home from Afghanistan. He says "to walk away is not an option" but the government cannot afford to give a "blank cheque to Karzai".1149 Grant Shapps is being quizzed on the Daily Politics about ex-Labour minister Kim Howells' call for British troops to be brought home from Afghanistan. He says "to walk away is not an option" but the government cannot afford to give a "blank cheque to Karzai".
1146 Grant Shapps has drawn the short straw as the Tory spokesman picked to appear on the Daily Politics to defend the Tories on Europe. Andrew Neil has been grilling him at the moment. Mind you, in the spirit of BBC balance, he has just accused Labour's Lord Adonis of lying to the public about a referendum too, telling him: "You're nose is growing longer as you speak."1146 Grant Shapps has drawn the short straw as the Tory spokesman picked to appear on the Daily Politics to defend the Tories on Europe. Andrew Neil has been grilling him at the moment. Mind you, in the spirit of BBC balance, he has just accused Labour's Lord Adonis of lying to the public about a referendum too, telling him: "You're nose is growing longer as you speak."
1144 Amusing scenes in the Central Lobby in Parliment a few moments ago as Eve Burt, who has taken on the role of unofficial shop steward for MPs' wives has just had to abandon a live BBC interview mid-flow as Speaker John Bercow was about pass through on his traditional pre-PMQ parade.1144 Amusing scenes in the Central Lobby in Parliment a few moments ago as Eve Burt, who has taken on the role of unofficial shop steward for MPs' wives has just had to abandon a live BBC interview mid-flow as Speaker John Bercow was about pass through on his traditional pre-PMQ parade.
1142 It is also a very big day for David Cameron - who will later set out the new Conservative policy on Europe after he was forced to abandon his pledge for an EU treaty referendum. But with news of five British soldiers shot dead and the controversy around President Karzai's election, it may be Afghanistan which dominates PMQs.1142 It is also a very big day for David Cameron - who will later set out the new Conservative policy on Europe after he was forced to abandon his pledge for an EU treaty referendum. But with news of five British soldiers shot dead and the controversy around President Karzai's election, it may be Afghanistan which dominates PMQs.
1141 Welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions which comes with an added bonus this week, as we will be bringing you Commons leader Harriet Harman's statement on Sir Christopher Kelly's report on MPs expenses which follows immediately afterwards. This is big news at Westminster, with many MPs hoping it will finally lance the expenses boil before a general election. Others, however, feel they are facing unfair changes and are demanding a full Parliamentary debate and vote.1141 Welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions which comes with an added bonus this week, as we will be bringing you Commons leader Harriet Harman's statement on Sir Christopher Kelly's report on MPs expenses which follows immediately afterwards. This is big news at Westminster, with many MPs hoping it will finally lance the expenses boil before a general election. Others, however, feel they are facing unfair changes and are demanding a full Parliamentary debate and vote.