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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 1247 Sir George says the Tories support Kelly on accommodation rules but says the proposals on rent will have to be monitored by IPSA to make sure they do not end up costing the taxpayer even more than the current system. By Brian Wheeler 1258 Sir Stuart Bell says events in Afghanistan puts the expenses scandal in perspective. He says IPSA and the senior salaries review board should look at how pay and allowances can be married together, so that the allowances system can be abolished altogether, as Kelly suggests.
Why should we the taxpayers, pay for a second home in any fashion for an MP? If I go for a job, and it means travelling I do not get a house nearby, I stay in a Premier Inn, or get up early and travel, why can't MPs do the same? With the country's finances in such a mess, I am appalled that MPs get such an easy ride. If I buy a second home near to work, can I send the MPs the bill for the mortgage? D Cowper, Westbury
I would like to hear why they think they are any different from every other company in UK that has people working in two places or have to relocate?b r
My heart bleeds for these spouses. If the job they got has been advertised publicly and they've been interviewed, then they might have a case for keeping their jobs. Otherwise it's just plain favouritism and nepotism. Richard, Ruislip
1256 In reply Ms Harman says the report should be seen as a package, "not a menu of options" and acknowledges Kelly's criticism of the lack of coherence of Parliament's response to the expenses scandal so far.
1255 Mr Heath says the report's recommendations should be implemented in full - but calls for a full debate on them.
1254 David Heath, for the Lib Dems, attacks MPs who have criticised the report - "those who don't like it have a choice whether they reapply". He also points to criticism in the report of the piecemeal way changes have been made to the expenses regime.
1253 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Harriet Harman says the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is already up and running. Its website says it will be fully operational by April 2010. In any case it needs to get busy. The MPs are making it quite clear the job of turning this debate into a new detailed expenses system will be down to the new authority.
1252 Ms Harman says the proposals on employing spouses should not cause a "cloud over the head" of those currently doing good public service work and ISPA must ensure any changes do not fall foul of employment law.
1251 Harriet Harman also deplores the leak. Responding to calls for greater urgency, she says ISPA is already up and running. But she says there is no need to legislate to change ISPA's structure, as Sir George suggested.
1250 Sir George ends by calling for urgent progress so MPs can get on with their normal work.
I would like to hear that they're all standing down in favour of the children who appeared earlier taking over. They actually had a sensible, mature debate and didn't rip-off the public with their expenses![Psycr0w], Innerleithen
What a farce Kelly is, all allowances to continue for another parliament, what planet is he living on, a 5 year grace period, another political coward.Dean Murphy
1247 Sir George says the Tories support Kelly on accommodation rules but says the proposals on rent will have to be monitored by IPSA to make sure they do not end up costing the taxpayer even more than the current system.
1245 Sir George speaks up for spouses employed by MPs (while declaring an interest himself!) and asks to ensure any changes are in line with employment law.1245 Sir George speaks up for spouses employed by MPs (while declaring an interest himself!) and asks to ensure any changes are in line with employment law.
1244 Sir George Young, for the Conservatives, begins by deploring the "selective leaking" of the Kelly report last week. He calls for the new regime to be speeded up and asks if it can be fully implemented by February - before a likely general election.1244 Sir George Young, for the Conservatives, begins by deploring the "selective leaking" of the Kelly report last week. He calls for the new regime to be speeded up and asks if it can be fully implemented by February - before a likely general election.
1244 Ms Harman says the report is "another important step on the road" to letting the public know that the system is being cleaned up and their anger is being addressed - "This will be resolved," she says in conclusion.1244 Ms Harman says the report is "another important step on the road" to letting the public know that the system is being cleaned up and their anger is being addressed - "This will be resolved," she says in conclusion.
1243 There will not be a vote on the new regime, because MPs agreed that the IPSA would be in charge of implementing the report's findings, says Ms Harman.1243 There will not be a vote on the new regime, because MPs agreed that the IPSA would be in charge of implementing the report's findings, says Ms Harman.
The MPs must not be allowed to delay the introduction of Kelly's proposal any longer. They should be implemented with immediate effect and subsequently reviewed if necessary. The one exception I would make is to allow employed spouses/family to continue until the next election which is by definition the end of the contract.John Clifford The MPs must not be allowed to delay the introduction of Kelly's proposal any longer. They should be implemented with immediate effect and subsequently reviewed if necessary. The one exception I would make is to allow employed spouses/family to continue until the next election which is by definition the end of the contract.John Clifford
I am shocked by those MPs complaining about the new expenses rules. They simply have no concept of morals or public outrage whilst they're on the gravy train do they?[HughDP], Taunton I am shocked by those MPs complaining about the new expenses rules. They simply have no concept of morals or public outrage whilst they're on the gravy train do they?[HughDP], Taunton
I would like to hear exactly what action is going to be taken against those who "switched" their homes. Often making very large sums of money indeed.John Ford, Exeter I would like to hear exactly what action is going to be taken against those who "switched" their homes. Often making very large sums of money indeed.John Ford, Exeter
1242 The new regime will come into effect in the new Parliament, she says. The government accepts Kelly's recommendations but it will be for the new watchdog IPSA to implement it and in the meantime the interim system will apply.1242 The new regime will come into effect in the new Parliament, she says. The government accepts Kelly's recommendations but it will be for the new watchdog IPSA to implement it and in the meantime the interim system will apply.
1240 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Harriet Harman's been talking about the reforms the Commons has agreed already. Sir Christopher didn't make much of them though. His report said they were "piecemeal" and at best "lacked coherence".1240 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Harriet Harman's been talking about the reforms the Commons has agreed already. Sir Christopher didn't make much of them though. His report said they were "piecemeal" and at best "lacked coherence".
1239 MPs representing constituencies outside London need to be able to live in their constituency and Westminster, says Ms Harman. Parliament should not be just for people wealthy enough to afford a second home, says Ms Harman, and MPs should be allowed to have their families with them. These two things are both stressed in the Kelly report, she says.1239 MPs representing constituencies outside London need to be able to live in their constituency and Westminster, says Ms Harman. Parliament should not be just for people wealthy enough to afford a second home, says Ms Harman, and MPs should be allowed to have their families with them. These two things are both stressed in the Kelly report, she says.
I should like Brown to say why he reneged on a promise to give us a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and I mean a truthful answer not the usual rubbish he has spouted over this. We have been sold down the river and the electorate will make this clear in the General Election which cannot come quickly enough.Lynn Scoones, BattleI should like Brown to say why he reneged on a promise to give us a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and I mean a truthful answer not the usual rubbish he has spouted over this. We have been sold down the river and the electorate will make this clear in the General Election which cannot come quickly enough.Lynn Scoones, Battle
Now that the Lisbon treaty has been forced upon us, I'd like to know when will the European Union make its accounts public. Also with a reduction in our country's standing what will be done to prevent the European parliament becoming a perverse parody of the Eurovision Song Contest with blocks of small countries holding the larger ones to ransom?Bill W, Glasgow Now that the Lisbon treaty has been forced upon us, I'd like to know when will the European Union make its accounts public. Also with a reduction in our country's standing what will be done to prevent the European parliament becoming a perverse parody of the Eurovision Song Contest with blocks of small countries holding the larger ones to ransom?Bill W, Glasgow
I feel MP's need to understand this is make or break for our political system and they must agree changes must be made and quickly. I want to hear them admit they have done wrong and they now want to change for the better.Man with No Name WakefieldI feel MP's need to understand this is make or break for our political system and they must agree changes must be made and quickly. I want to hear them admit they have done wrong and they now want to change for the better.Man with No Name Wakefield
1237 Ms Harman is listing what has already been done to clean up the system - "Parliament has not sat back waiting for Kelly", she claims.1237 Ms Harman is listing what has already been done to clean up the system - "Parliament has not sat back waiting for Kelly", she claims.
1236 Action needs to be taken to restore public confidence, says the Commons leader. MPs seem to have settled down after their fury over Sir Ian's pay.1236 Action needs to be taken to restore public confidence, says the Commons leader. MPs seem to have settled down after their fury over Sir Ian's pay.
1235 Harriet Harman is at the despatch box now delivering her statement on the Kelly report on MP expenses.1235 Harriet Harman is at the despatch box now delivering her statement on the Kelly report on MP expenses.
1234 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: MPs normally vanish from the chamber pretty quickly after PMQs - but lots of them are staying today. It might have something to do with a statement on their expenses coming up next. Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg have all supported Sir Christopher Kelly. The loudest opponents are most likely to come from the back benches - on both sides of the House. The news the new head of the Parliamentary Standards authority - Professor Sir Ian Kennedy - will be paid up to £100,000 a year has already got them angry.1234 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: MPs normally vanish from the chamber pretty quickly after PMQs - but lots of them are staying today. It might have something to do with a statement on their expenses coming up next. Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg have all supported Sir Christopher Kelly. The loudest opponents are most likely to come from the back benches - on both sides of the House. The news the new head of the Parliamentary Standards authority - Professor Sir Ian Kennedy - will be paid up to £100,000 a year has already got them angry.
1233 PMQs finishes and Speaker Bercow announces that Professor Sir Ian Kennedy will be the first chair of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. He will be paid a maximum of £100,000 a year. MPs don't like this - there is uproar at the mention of his salary which is considerably more than a backbencher earns.1233 PMQs finishes and Speaker Bercow announces that Professor Sir Ian Kennedy will be the first chair of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority. He will be paid a maximum of £100,000 a year. MPs don't like this - there is uproar at the mention of his salary which is considerably more than a backbencher earns.
1232 Final question now and it's about Professor Nutt - did Labour shoot the messenger when it sacked the drugs advisor? Mr Brown says the Prof was sending out "mixed messages" on drugs. By the way Prof Nutt is thinking about setting up an independent version of the advisory council on the misuse of drugs that he led until recently.1232 Final question now and it's about Professor Nutt - did Labour shoot the messenger when it sacked the drugs advisor? Mr Brown says the Prof was sending out "mixed messages" on drugs. By the way Prof Nutt is thinking about setting up an independent version of the advisory council on the misuse of drugs that he led until recently.
1230 Following on from Ross's point - Mr Brown has a little joke at David Cameron's expense as he answers a question on nursery care, saying he hesitates to use the words "cast iron guarantee". Much chuckling from the Labour benches at another reference to the Tory referendum issue.1230 Following on from Ross's point - Mr Brown has a little joke at David Cameron's expense as he answers a question on nursery care, saying he hesitates to use the words "cast iron guarantee". Much chuckling from the Labour benches at another reference to the Tory referendum issue.
1228 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Twice warned by the Speaker for party political attacks Gordon Brown's having to put his criticisms of the Tories in code. He wants to say: David Cameron's done a massive U-turn on promising a referendum on the Lisbon treaty. He's left saying the government keeps its promises "unlike some people". By way of an aside in an answer about the Youth Parliament he tells the Speaker: "I don't always agree with your rulings." Mr Speaker looks unworried.1228 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Twice warned by the Speaker for party political attacks Gordon Brown's having to put his criticisms of the Tories in code. He wants to say: David Cameron's done a massive U-turn on promising a referendum on the Lisbon treaty. He's left saying the government keeps its promises "unlike some people". By way of an aside in an answer about the Youth Parliament he tells the Speaker: "I don't always agree with your rulings." Mr Speaker looks unworried.
1227 We have had "tickets for troops" - now Labour's Stephen Pound wants seats reserved for members of the armed forces at question time. Some might say they'd already done their bit for the country!1227 We have had "tickets for troops" - now Labour's Stephen Pound wants seats reserved for members of the armed forces at question time. Some might say they'd already done their bit for the country!
This week's PMQs seems to be different from most weeks in its sobriety - and probably a good thing. I've always thought that this part of the week should be a much more adult and mature debate than the childish bickering and point-scoring that we're used to. Joe Hesketh, Sussex This week's PMQs seems to be different from most weeks in its sobriety - and probably a good thing. I've always thought that this part of the week should be a much more adult and mature debate than the childish bickering and point-scoring that we're used to. Joe Hesketh, Sussex
How can Gordon Brown talk about honouring commitments when they were the ones that originally promised a referendum on the European Constitution? Ed Gray, London How can Gordon Brown talk about honouring commitments when they were the ones that originally promised a referendum on the European Constitution? Ed Gray, London
ianvisits tweets: Clegg finds a way to stop noisy barracking when he is speaking - he mentions Afghanistan in mid-sentence.ianvisits tweets: Clegg finds a way to stop noisy barracking when he is speaking - he mentions Afghanistan in mid-sentence.
1227 The SNP's Angus Robertson asks about compensation for the families of 14 people killed in an RAF Nimrod tragedy. Mr Brown says he will look into it.1227 The SNP's Angus Robertson asks about compensation for the families of 14 people killed in an RAF Nimrod tragedy. Mr Brown says he will look into it.
1225 Tory MP David Davies calls for regular figures on how many soldiers have lost their limbs in Afghanistan. Mr Brown says the government gives regular information on casualties, "consistent with what the chief of defence staff advises".1225 Tory MP David Davies calls for regular figures on how many soldiers have lost their limbs in Afghanistan. Mr Brown says the government gives regular information on casualties, "consistent with what the chief of defence staff advises".
1223 The sharp eyed amongst you may have noticed that the video stream above comes from Democracy Live. This is the BBC's new politics website which shows all proceedings in Westminster live. Apologies for the plug but it really is well worth a visit. There's lots of background info and you can sign up to "follow" MPs or even your Euro MP (or at least find out who they are and watch or read what they've said across the Channel recently)1223 The sharp eyed amongst you may have noticed that the video stream above comes from Democracy Live. This is the BBC's new politics website which shows all proceedings in Westminster live. Apologies for the plug but it really is well worth a visit. There's lots of background info and you can sign up to "follow" MPs or even your Euro MP (or at least find out who they are and watch or read what they've said across the Channel recently)
1222Mr Brown says he favours lowering the voting age to 16, after Labour's Phyllis Starkey asks a question about the Youth Parliament, which took over the Commons chamber on Friday (and was arguably much better behaved)1222Mr Brown says he favours lowering the voting age to 16, after Labour's Phyllis Starkey asks a question about the Youth Parliament, which took over the Commons chamber on Friday (and was arguably much better behaved)
1221 Mr Brown is going to get another warning from the Speaker for party politicking if he is not careful, as he answers a set-up question on tax credits from Labour's Ronnie Campbell. They are safe in the government's hands, declares Mr Brown to cheers from his own side, "unlike the party opposite!"1221 Mr Brown is going to get another warning from the Speaker for party politicking if he is not careful, as he answers a set-up question on tax credits from Labour's Ronnie Campbell. They are safe in the government's hands, declares Mr Brown to cheers from his own side, "unlike the party opposite!"
1220 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Nick Clegg also wants to talk about Afghanistan - what will Britain do if a legitimate government doesn't emerge in Kabul? The prime minister talks about wanting to improve governance in Afghanistan. But that answer is unlikely to be clear enough to please the Liberal Democrat leader.1220 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Nick Clegg also wants to talk about Afghanistan - what will Britain do if a legitimate government doesn't emerge in Kabul? The prime minister talks about wanting to improve governance in Afghanistan. But that answer is unlikely to be clear enough to please the Liberal Democrat leader.
1219 Mr Brown's reply - that Karzai will be judged on his words and actions - is not precise enough for Mr Clegg, who asks his question again. Mr Brown goes into a little more detail.1219 Mr Brown's reply - that Karzai will be judged on his words and actions - is not precise enough for Mr Clegg, who asks his question again. Mr Brown goes into a little more detail.
1218 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg asks two very specific questions on Afghanistan - how much time will President Karzai be given to clean up his government and what action will be taken if he does not.1218 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg asks two very specific questions on Afghanistan - how much time will President Karzai be given to clean up his government and what action will be taken if he does not.
1217 On to Europe - and that seasoned attack dog David Blunkett uses his question to the prime minister to accuse Mr Cameron's "cast iron" guarantee of a referendum of turning to "plywood". Speaker Bercow warns the PM to stick to policy and avoid party political point scoring in his reply. We are back to PMQs as usual.1217 On to Europe - and that seasoned attack dog David Blunkett uses his question to the prime minister to accuse Mr Cameron's "cast iron" guarantee of a referendum of turning to "plywood". Speaker Bercow warns the PM to stick to policy and avoid party political point scoring in his reply. We are back to PMQs as usual.
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.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] 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, 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 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.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.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.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.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.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 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.