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| LIVE: Prime minister's questions | LIVE: Prime minister's questions |
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| 1200 GMT: Prime minister's questions: From Democracy Live | 1200 GMT: Prime minister's questions: From Democracy Live |
| By Emma Griffiths 1246 On the budget deficit - Jeremy Hunt says the Conservatives have gone further than Labour by saying they will do what it takes to make sure the UK's credit rating is not downgraded. But he says it would be "irresponsible" to lay out plans about how they would make cuts - as it has to be done in conjunction with the Bank of England. | |
| 1244 Minister Liam Byrne says he believes there is a demand in some areas for MPs to be elected with at least 50% of the vote - but TV presenter Richard Madeley says it appears to be "completely cynical" and is transparent. Jeremy Hunt says the Tory will oppose it. | |
| 1243 Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Liam Byrne says the reason proportional representation was not an option that had been brought forward was because they had not been able to get a consensus around it. "Alternative vote" - the option put forward by Mr Brown - was something the British public should get a say on, he says. | |
| 1241 Conservative Jeremy Hunt says that overall the Conservatives have been consistently ahead in the polls. BBC deputy political editor James Landale says Mr Cameron had a tactical success in not talking about the economy but focusing on defence. The Tories know the PM will appear before the Iraq inquiry and how he controlled defence spending as chancellor will be crucial. On electoral reform, which could be a strong topic for Mr Brown, the Tory leader had managed to switch it round to say it was just pre-election fiddling by the PM. | |
| CPS:EVENT >1239 From BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue: The Lib Dem leader made Afghanistan and defence a key area to promote the party's distinctiveness. So why, he asked, was Trident being excluded from the consultation paper on a defence review. From Mr Clegg's point of view, this line of questioning allows him to remind us that not only have they taken a tougher line on Afghanistan, but also that they would scrap Trident. And there was a little love bombing from the PM in return - applauding Mr Clegg's "consistency", in comparison with the Conservatives. Perhaps the thinkers inside Downing Street really are getting ready for hung Parliament negotiations. 1238 Jeremy Hunt says the Tory lead appears to have dropped because the party is having to make "difficult arguments" about cutting the deficit and getting growth back into the economy. They want to win with a mandate to "do the right thing", he says. | |
| 1237 TV presenter Richard Madeley tells Daily Politics Mr Cameron was more "fleet of foot" this week but he does not think Mr Brown was particularly "battered". | 1237 TV presenter Richard Madeley tells Daily Politics Mr Cameron was more "fleet of foot" this week but he does not think Mr Brown was particularly "battered". |
| 1236 Lots of e-mails on defence too - the subject cropped up several times during PM's questions, ahead of Bob Ainsworth's statement. | 1236 Lots of e-mails on defence too - the subject cropped up several times during PM's questions, ahead of Bob Ainsworth's statement. |
| 1235 On the Daily Politics - e-mailers suggested that Mr Cameron had done better this week, presenter Jo Coburn says | 1235 On the Daily Politics - e-mailers suggested that Mr Cameron had done better this week, presenter Jo Coburn says |
| 1234 Mr Brown answers a question about "multiple occupation" housing - and with that, it is all over. Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth stands up to talk about the defence Green Paper. We'll keep the live stream of that rning on this page, but I'll focus on reaction to the PM's questions exchanges. | 1234 Mr Brown answers a question about "multiple occupation" housing - and with that, it is all over. Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth stands up to talk about the defence Green Paper. We'll keep the live stream of that rning on this page, but I'll focus on reaction to the PM's questions exchanges. |
| 1232 Tory Mark Prisk also suggests more money is going to Labour constituencies - Mr Brown says constituencies across the country have been helped by the government's anti-recession measures. | 1232 Tory Mark Prisk also suggests more money is going to Labour constituencies - Mr Brown says constituencies across the country have been helped by the government's anti-recession measures. |
| 1231 From BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue: Now that's more like it. After weeks of rather lacklustre encounters between these two, today they went for it. First on the Chilcott inquiry - a determination from David Cameron to make it an election issue and in particular whether Gordon Brown as Chancellor imposed cuts on defence spending a year after the invasion of Iraq. The prime minister knows that's a charge he has to resist and in essence they argued to a standstill on that one. But it really came alive over voting reform; why, asked Mr Cameron, 13 years in and 90 days before an election, had the PM decided to support voting reform. Mr Brown had one up his sleeve, accusing the Tory leader of being in favour of hereditary votes rather than the alternative vote. Mr Cameron was equally equipped, telling the PM that the only person in the chamber who had inherited their title (Mr Brown himself). No economy today, perhaps a sign that the Tories want to calm things down on that front for a few days.1232 The questions continue. Labour MP Brian Jenkins asks about war widows - can Mr Brown stop them being made "relatively worse off" through tax by not being married? - Seems to be another dig at the Tory tax policy, a favourite Labour line of attack | |
| 1231 Conservative Graham Stuart says health funding is skewed towards urban, Labour-dominated areas and accuses him of putting political needs before the needs of the sick. Mr Brown says Labour has doubled expenditure on the NHS so everyone will benefit. | 1231 Conservative Graham Stuart says health funding is skewed towards urban, Labour-dominated areas and accuses him of putting political needs before the needs of the sick. Mr Brown says Labour has doubled expenditure on the NHS so everyone will benefit. |
| 1229 Tory MP Paul Beresford asks about variant CJD and blood transfusions - he says a government committee recommended a filter for blood transfusions for children and asks when it will be brought in. Mr Brown says he will look at it very carefully and get back to him. Meanwhile Labour MP Tony Lloyd raises the Tory inheritance tax proposals - Mr Brown says it is the "one thing they have stuck to". "We are for the many, they are for the few," he says. | 1229 Tory MP Paul Beresford asks about variant CJD and blood transfusions - he says a government committee recommended a filter for blood transfusions for children and asks when it will be brought in. Mr Brown says he will look at it very carefully and get back to him. Meanwhile Labour MP Tony Lloyd raises the Tory inheritance tax proposals - Mr Brown says it is the "one thing they have stuck to". "We are for the many, they are for the few," he says. |
| 1227 Lib Dem MP Lembit Opik is on his feet - he is asking a question about his constituency. Mr Brown says he understands concern about job losses and will arrange for meetings Mr Opik asked for to take place. The chamber is much quieter now as the session nears its end. | 1227 Lib Dem MP Lembit Opik is on his feet - he is asking a question about his constituency. Mr Brown says he understands concern about job losses and will arrange for meetings Mr Opik asked for to take place. The chamber is much quieter now as the session nears its end. |
| 1226 Tory MP Crispin Blunt has a go at Mr Brown over defence spending adding why, despite distinguished servicemen's evidence to the Iraq Inquiry, he "invites us to believe that they are wrong and he is right?" Mr Brown says the figures show defence spending was rising and every "urgent operational requirement" that was asked for by the MOD was met. It is the Tories "having difficulty with figures" - he suggests. | 1226 Tory MP Crispin Blunt has a go at Mr Brown over defence spending adding why, despite distinguished servicemen's evidence to the Iraq Inquiry, he "invites us to believe that they are wrong and he is right?" Mr Brown says the figures show defence spending was rising and every "urgent operational requirement" that was asked for by the MOD was met. It is the Tories "having difficulty with figures" - he suggests. |
| 1224 David Borrow, a Labour MP, has a dig at the Tory council in his constituency. Mr Brown delights in the opportunity to have another go at Tory policy which he says lacks clarity. | 1224 David Borrow, a Labour MP, has a dig at the Tory council in his constituency. Mr Brown delights in the opportunity to have another go at Tory policy which he says lacks clarity. |
| 1223 Another defence related question - Mr Brown says he is "committed to the aircraft carriers" and he hopes all parties will do the same. Conservative John Hayes asks Mr Brown what he regrets the most - and reads out a series of perceived failures in education. Mr Brown says what he regrets most is the Conservative "failure to support us as we take the country through recession". | 1223 Another defence related question - Mr Brown says he is "committed to the aircraft carriers" and he hopes all parties will do the same. Conservative John Hayes asks Mr Brown what he regrets the most - and reads out a series of perceived failures in education. Mr Brown says what he regrets most is the Conservative "failure to support us as we take the country through recession". |
| 1221 Lib Dem John Hemming asks a question about a local bus cancellation - to laughter from other MPs. He says it is symptomatic of a national problem. Mr Brown quips that he must call an "emergency cabinet to look at the situation of the 41 bus" - then says he will look at it. | 1221 Lib Dem John Hemming asks a question about a local bus cancellation - to laughter from other MPs. He says it is symptomatic of a national problem. Mr Brown quips that he must call an "emergency cabinet to look at the situation of the 41 bus" - then says he will look at it. |
| 1220 Conservative Edward Garnier asks that if defence spending was rising, why did defence chiefs threaten to resign - as suggested at the Iraq inquiry this week? Mr Brown repeats that defence spending has risen. | 1220 Conservative Edward Garnier asks that if defence spending was rising, why did defence chiefs threaten to resign - as suggested at the Iraq inquiry this week? Mr Brown repeats that defence spending has risen. |
| 1219 Labour veteran Sir Stuart Bell stands up to reference tomorrow's publication of the Legg report on MPs' expenses - Mr Brown says it is "not enough" to change expenses - MPs must change the way they govern themselves, another reference to electoral reform. | 1219 Labour veteran Sir Stuart Bell stands up to reference tomorrow's publication of the Legg report on MPs' expenses - Mr Brown says it is "not enough" to change expenses - MPs must change the way they govern themselves, another reference to electoral reform. |
| 1217 Mr Cameron quotes former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown, who says Tony Blair agreed with the idea of electoral reform but told him "I can't get it past Gordon". Cue much laughter and cheers from the Tories. Speaker John Bercow intervenes to call for quiet as the PM tries to respond. He says Mr Cameron backs the policy of "no change" and then repeats his hereditary vote line from a couple of minutes' ago. | 1217 Mr Cameron quotes former Lib Dem leader Paddy Ashdown, who says Tony Blair agreed with the idea of electoral reform but told him "I can't get it past Gordon". Cue much laughter and cheers from the Tories. Speaker John Bercow intervenes to call for quiet as the PM tries to respond. He says Mr Cameron backs the policy of "no change" and then repeats his hereditary vote line from a couple of minutes' ago. |
| 1216 Mr Cameron jibes "it's back to the bunker" and says Mr Brown is the only leader in the Commons to have "inherited his title", adding "it's good of the chancellor to have a laugh". He says the PM is trying to "fiddle with the election system". Mr Brown says the Tories are confused over their marriage allowance and spending plans. The Tories are in a "complete muddle", he says adding: "They are a shambles". Noise levels rise in the Commons. | 1216 Mr Cameron jibes "it's back to the bunker" and says Mr Brown is the only leader in the Commons to have "inherited his title", adding "it's good of the chancellor to have a laugh". He says the PM is trying to "fiddle with the election system". Mr Brown says the Tories are confused over their marriage allowance and spending plans. The Tories are in a "complete muddle", he says adding: "They are a shambles". Noise levels rise in the Commons. |
| 1215 Mr Cameron is back on his feet - with a round of laughter from Tory MPs as he asks what, after 12 years in power and 90 days before an election, first attracted him to the idea voting reform? Mr Brown says the status quo cannot last - a general election is due within months. He says Labour believes in Alternative Vote, while the Conservatives "believe in the hereditary vote". | 1215 Mr Cameron is back on his feet - with a round of laughter from Tory MPs as he asks what, after 12 years in power and 90 days before an election, first attracted him to the idea voting reform? Mr Brown says the status quo cannot last - a general election is due within months. He says Labour believes in Alternative Vote, while the Conservatives "believe in the hereditary vote". |
| 1213 "We are proud of them, they are professional and they are properly equipped" says Mr Brown. This is followed by a Labour MP's question about spending - in which he has a dig at all the opposition parties, including the SNP. | 1213 "We are proud of them, they are professional and they are properly equipped" says Mr Brown. This is followed by a Labour MP's question about spending - in which he has a dig at all the opposition parties, including the SNP. |
| 1212 Another from Brown as he says he gives Mr Clegg credit for being consistent - he still thinks he's wrong on the nuclear deterrent though. He also says it is not fair to troops in Afghanistan to suggest they are not being properly equipped. | 1212 Another from Brown as he says he gives Mr Clegg credit for being consistent - he still thinks he's wrong on the nuclear deterrent though. He also says it is not fair to troops in Afghanistan to suggest they are not being properly equipped. |
| 1211 A laugh from the Labour benches as Mr Brown takes another dig at what he says is Tory inconsistency over policy. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg is up and echoing tributes to the soldiers killed in Afghanistan this week. He also asks about defence spending - ahead of a green paper being published later. Why isn't the renewal of the Trident nuclear missile system being included in the review? Mr Brown says it is a question of taking either a "unilateralist" or a "multilateralist" approach to defence. It is better for the UK to be part of a "multilateral" approach in an uncertain world. Mr Clegg says the nuclear missile system was designed to "flatten Moscow at the touch of a button" - and says defence thinking is stuck in the past. | 1211 A laugh from the Labour benches as Mr Brown takes another dig at what he says is Tory inconsistency over policy. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg is up and echoing tributes to the soldiers killed in Afghanistan this week. He also asks about defence spending - ahead of a green paper being published later. Why isn't the renewal of the Trident nuclear missile system being included in the review? Mr Brown says it is a question of taking either a "unilateralist" or a "multilateralist" approach to defence. It is better for the UK to be part of a "multilateral" approach in an uncertain world. Mr Clegg says the nuclear missile system was designed to "flatten Moscow at the touch of a button" - and says defence thinking is stuck in the past. |
| CPS:EVENT >1208 Mr Cameron quotes a ex-MOD civil service chief Sir Kevin Tebbit fromhis evidence to the Iraq inquiry earlier on Wednesday, who said he had to run a "crisis budget" and who said Mr Brown had "guillotined" the budget as chancellor. Mr Brown says Labour had increased defence expenditure every year: "He cannot portray a picture of defence cuts when defence expenditure has been rising" he says. "more" shout Labour MPs, as Mr Cameron concludes his first section of questions. | CPS:EVENT >1208 Mr Cameron quotes a ex-MOD civil service chief Sir Kevin Tebbit fromhis evidence to the Iraq inquiry earlier on Wednesday, who said he had to run a "crisis budget" and who said Mr Brown had "guillotined" the budget as chancellor. Mr Brown says Labour had increased defence expenditure every year: "He cannot portray a picture of defence cuts when defence expenditure has been rising" he says. "more" shout Labour MPs, as Mr Cameron concludes his first section of questions. |
| 1206 Mr Brown says he has always taken seriously the need to fund defence - he also has a dig at Tory spending plans for 2010, saying the party does not even know what they are. He gets a big cheer from Labour MPs as he says Mr Cameron stood on a platform at the last election pledging to cut defence spending | 1206 Mr Brown says he has always taken seriously the need to fund defence - he also has a dig at Tory spending plans for 2010, saying the party does not even know what they are. He gets a big cheer from Labour MPs as he says Mr Cameron stood on a platform at the last election pledging to cut defence spending |
| 1205 Mr Brown says the government gave the armed forces "proper funding" - Mr Cameron says what the PM says is "at odds" with witnesses who have appeared before the Chilcot inquiry into the Iraq War. He says Mr Brown should "admit to his mistakes that he made as chancellor" | 1205 Mr Brown says the government gave the armed forces "proper funding" - Mr Cameron says what the PM says is "at odds" with witnesses who have appeared before the Chilcot inquiry into the Iraq War. He says Mr Brown should "admit to his mistakes that he made as chancellor" |
| 1204 There is then a mention of the row about Conservative crime statistics, a subject raised by ex-home secretary Jacqui Smith - Mr Brown says politicians must "report the facts accurately". David Cameron is on his feet and joins tributes to the soldiers killed in Helmand. The first question is about Iraq and says the inquiry seems to be showing the government made a series of "bad decisions" - Mr Brown says he welcomes the opportunity to speak to the inquiry himself. | 1204 There is then a mention of the row about Conservative crime statistics, a subject raised by ex-home secretary Jacqui Smith - Mr Brown says politicians must "report the facts accurately". David Cameron is on his feet and joins tributes to the soldiers killed in Helmand. The first question is about Iraq and says the inquiry seems to be showing the government made a series of "bad decisions" - Mr Brown says he welcomes the opportunity to speak to the inquiry himself. |
| 1202 The first question from a Conservative MP - David Evennett. He asks about a claim in a new book by former Labour chief Peter Watt that Mr Brown did not declare a sum in the register of members' interests - Mr Brown rejects it | 1202 The first question from a Conservative MP - David Evennett. He asks about a claim in a new book by former Labour chief Peter Watt that Mr Brown did not declare a sum in the register of members' interests - Mr Brown rejects it |
| 1201 Mr Brown begins events by paying tributes to soldiers killed in Afghanistan. | 1201 Mr Brown begins events by paying tributes to soldiers killed in Afghanistan. |
| 1159 Over in the Commons the seats are filling up but Northern Ireland minister Paul Goggins is still on his feet. | 1159 Over in the Commons the seats are filling up but Northern Ireland minister Paul Goggins is still on his feet. |
| 1158 BBC deputy political editor James Landale is in the Daily Politics studio - he says there is a little bit of nervousness on the Conservative benches as opinion polls appear to show their lead over Labour is narrowing. | 1158 BBC deputy political editor James Landale is in the Daily Politics studio - he says there is a little bit of nervousness on the Conservative benches as opinion polls appear to show their lead over Labour is narrowing. |
| 1158 Richard Madeley says he thinks Mr Blair should have said he regretted the loss of lives in Iraq to acknowledge the feelings of families in the audience. Minister Liam Byrne says he agrees but he suspects Tony Blair "would have taken that as read". But he says Mr Blair arrived at a "clear judgement" on Iraq and presented that to Parliament. Conservative frontbencher Jeremy Hunt says he is sure former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith would be happy to appear before the inquiry if asked. | 1158 Richard Madeley says he thinks Mr Blair should have said he regretted the loss of lives in Iraq to acknowledge the feelings of families in the audience. Minister Liam Byrne says he agrees but he suspects Tony Blair "would have taken that as read". But he says Mr Blair arrived at a "clear judgement" on Iraq and presented that to Parliament. Conservative frontbencher Jeremy Hunt says he is sure former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith would be happy to appear before the inquiry if asked. |
| 1156 In other Westminster news - amid reports on Twitter the MI6 building has been evacuated - the police say it wasn't the MI6 building, it was a "multiple occupancy building". | 1156 In other Westminster news - amid reports on Twitter the MI6 building has been evacuated - the police say it wasn't the MI6 building, it was a "multiple occupancy building". |
| 1154 From BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue: Gordon Brown has looked like he's enjoying prime minister's questions in recent times, a change that some Labour MPs attribute to Alastair Campbell. Add to that a couple of polls over the weekend showing a slight narrowing in the Tory lead and much debate over whether they have softened their position on spending cuts, and the PM will probably approach the despatch box today with a spring in his step. Thanks to the power-sharing crisis in Northern Ireland, Messrs Brown and Cameron didn't face one another last week, the day after it was announced that the economy grew by the smallest measurable amount, 0.1 percent. Mr Cameron may want to remind the prime minister of that. | 1154 From BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue: Gordon Brown has looked like he's enjoying prime minister's questions in recent times, a change that some Labour MPs attribute to Alastair Campbell. Add to that a couple of polls over the weekend showing a slight narrowing in the Tory lead and much debate over whether they have softened their position on spending cuts, and the PM will probably approach the despatch box today with a spring in his step. Thanks to the power-sharing crisis in Northern Ireland, Messrs Brown and Cameron didn't face one another last week, the day after it was announced that the economy grew by the smallest measurable amount, 0.1 percent. Mr Cameron may want to remind the prime minister of that. |
| 1153 In the Daily Politics studio, Richard Madeley says he's no "poster boy" for Tony Blair but he distrusts "group think". He says Mr Blair has said he was certain about WMD at the time. | 1153 In the Daily Politics studio, Richard Madeley says he's no "poster boy" for Tony Blair but he distrusts "group think". He says Mr Blair has said he was certain about WMD at the time. |
| 1152 One of the big political events of the past week was the appearance of former PM Tony Blair before the Iraq inquiry, defending the decision to go to war. Apparently one of his supporters is TV presenter Richard Madeley - he tells the Daily Politics it's not the first time intelligence has got it wrong and every government thought Saddam Hussein had WMD. Wonder if Judy agrees? | 1152 One of the big political events of the past week was the appearance of former PM Tony Blair before the Iraq inquiry, defending the decision to go to war. Apparently one of his supporters is TV presenter Richard Madeley - he tells the Daily Politics it's not the first time intelligence has got it wrong and every government thought Saddam Hussein had WMD. Wonder if Judy agrees? |
| 1150 What about what the Pope's been saying about minister Harriet Harman's equality bill? For the government, Liam Byrne says Ms Harman has said some amendments to the law may not be advanced and it was "quite right" to listen to the voice of "faith leaders" when making legislation. Jeremy Hunt said on equalities legislation - most people shared the goal of an equal society - but politicians had to be careful not to get out of step with public opinion. | 1150 What about what the Pope's been saying about minister Harriet Harman's equality bill? For the government, Liam Byrne says Ms Harman has said some amendments to the law may not be advanced and it was "quite right" to listen to the voice of "faith leaders" when making legislation. Jeremy Hunt said on equalities legislation - most people shared the goal of an equal society - but politicians had to be careful not to get out of step with public opinion. |
| 1149 Cabinet minister Liam Byrne, perhaps unsurprisingly, says the Tory policy sounds like a "dog's breakfast" and says he is concerned that "mucking about" with the governance of the BBC might have an impact on its independence. Tory frontbencher Jeremy Hunt tells him his own colleague, Ben Bradshaw, says the BBC Trust does not work. | 1149 Cabinet minister Liam Byrne, perhaps unsurprisingly, says the Tory policy sounds like a "dog's breakfast" and says he is concerned that "mucking about" with the governance of the BBC might have an impact on its independence. Tory frontbencher Jeremy Hunt tells him his own colleague, Ben Bradshaw, says the BBC Trust does not work. |
| 1147 The Daily Politics guests began with a discussion of Conservative policy on the BBC, which includes replacing the BBC Trust. Jeremy Hunt says licence fee payers need an independent body to complain to about the way their money is being spent - the BBC Trust has a conflict of interest, he says, as it also represents the corporation. He says it should be more independent. | 1147 The Daily Politics guests began with a discussion of Conservative policy on the BBC, which includes replacing the BBC Trust. Jeremy Hunt says licence fee payers need an independent body to complain to about the way their money is being spent - the BBC Trust has a conflict of interest, he says, as it also represents the corporation. He says it should be more independent. |
| 1145 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions. Before the main event in the Commons chamber we'll be listening in to discussion in the Daily Politics studio - where Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liam Byrne and shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt are discussing events, and we'll be getting reaction and analysis from across the BBC output, including BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue's snap verdict on events. | 1145 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions. Before the main event in the Commons chamber we'll be listening in to discussion in the Daily Politics studio - where Chief Secretary to the Treasury Liam Byrne and shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt are discussing events, and we'll be getting reaction and analysis from across the BBC output, including BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue's snap verdict on events. |