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| The Full Story: PM's questions | The Full Story: PM's questions |
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| The full 30 minute session of PM's questions: From Democracy Live | The full 30 minute session of PM's questions: From Democracy Live |
| By Justin Parkinson 1307 That ends our live coverage of prime minister's questions for this week. It was a noisy session - with the Speaker having to intervene three times to restore order - but hardly a vintage one. Hopefully things will pick up after MPs return from their half-term break. Please join us again on Wednesday, 24 February, to find out. | By Justin Parkinson 1307 That ends our live coverage of prime minister's questions for this week. It was a noisy session - with the Speaker having to intervene three times to restore order - but hardly a vintage one. Hopefully things will pick up after MPs return from their half-term break. Please join us again on Wednesday, 24 February, to find out. |
| 1258 Ben Bradshaw says he was "pleasantly surprised" when Mr Brown recently said the idea of keeping British Summer Time all year round - meaning lighter evenings and darker mornings in winter - was worthy of consideration. | 1258 Ben Bradshaw says he was "pleasantly surprised" when Mr Brown recently said the idea of keeping British Summer Time all year round - meaning lighter evenings and darker mornings in winter - was worthy of consideration. |
| 1253 On Daily Politics, TV astrologer Russell Grant is making an impassioned plea to preserve England's historic counties from excessive local government reform. Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw says unitary authorities are best, to avoid confusion about which council provides services. Baroness Williams says local government has been "emasculated" in recent years. | 1253 On Daily Politics, TV astrologer Russell Grant is making an impassioned plea to preserve England's historic counties from excessive local government reform. Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw says unitary authorities are best, to avoid confusion about which council provides services. Baroness Williams says local government has been "emasculated" in recent years. |
| 1251 After today, MPs are off until 22 February - a 12-day break from proceedings in Parliament. | 1251 After today, MPs are off until 22 February - a 12-day break from proceedings in Parliament. |
| 1246 Asked about the tax status of donors to the Labour Party, Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw says the "scale" of the funding provided by Lord Ashcroft to the Conservatives is different to any other cases. | 1246 Asked about the tax status of donors to the Labour Party, Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw says the "scale" of the funding provided by Lord Ashcroft to the Conservatives is different to any other cases. |
| 1240 On BBC Two's Daily Politics, Baroness Williams says the session was a "scrap" and "politics at its worst". Care for the elderly should be above party fighting, she adds. | 1240 On BBC Two's Daily Politics, Baroness Williams says the session was a "scrap" and "politics at its worst". Care for the elderly should be above party fighting, she adds. |
| 1237 BBC deputy political editor James Landale says Mr Brown was determined not to give the Tories a "hostage to fortune" over the funding of social care, as a debate on the issue is still going on in government. | 1237 BBC deputy political editor James Landale says Mr Brown was determined not to give the Tories a "hostage to fortune" over the funding of social care, as a debate on the issue is still going on in government. |
| 1236 I'll focus on reaction to the session, but you can watch at the top of this page David Miliband's statement about the torture case judgement | 1236 I'll focus on reaction to the session, but you can watch at the top of this page David Miliband's statement about the torture case judgement |
| Daily Politics' analysis of PMQs | |
| 1235 Labour's Alan Simpson calls for a "Tobin tax" to enable better funding for developing countries. Mr Brown says the relationship between banks and society must change. And that ends prime minister's questions for another week. | 1235 Labour's Alan Simpson calls for a "Tobin tax" to enable better funding for developing countries. Mr Brown says the relationship between banks and society must change. And that ends prime minister's questions for another week. |
| 1233 Lib Dem Annette Brooke asks Mr Brown to meet her to discuss provision of written information for partially sighted and blind people. He replies that he will be happy to do so. | 1233 Lib Dem Annette Brooke asks Mr Brown to meet her to discuss provision of written information for partially sighted and blind people. He replies that he will be happy to do so. |
| 1231 Tory Andrew Robathan asks about an alleged "slush fund". Mr Brown says such issues are a matter for the Labour Party, not him. | 1231 Tory Andrew Robathan asks about an alleged "slush fund". Mr Brown says such issues are a matter for the Labour Party, not him. |
| 1230 After a question from senior Conservative John Redwood, Mr Brown says he will not accept Tory advice on the economy. | 1230 After a question from senior Conservative John Redwood, Mr Brown says he will not accept Tory advice on the economy. |
| 1230 From BBC Political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue The Lib Ddem leader, Nick Clegg, is fairly single-minded when it comes to PM's questions. Afghanistan and the welfare of the military were again on his agenda today - bit by bit seeking to carve out that distinctiveness that he knows is the only way his party's voice can break through. Also, for a second week running, no great hostility between himself and the PM - at least nothing like that you get when the Tory Leader and PM go head to head. | 1230 From BBC Political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue The Lib Ddem leader, Nick Clegg, is fairly single-minded when it comes to PM's questions. Afghanistan and the welfare of the military were again on his agenda today - bit by bit seeking to carve out that distinctiveness that he knows is the only way his party's voice can break through. Also, for a second week running, no great hostility between himself and the PM - at least nothing like that you get when the Tory Leader and PM go head to head. |
| 1229 Dover's Labour MP asks about claims allegedly made by the constituency's Tory candidate regarding the sale of the port. The Speaker asks why this is the PM's responsibility and the answer gets pretty well drowned out. | 1229 Dover's Labour MP asks about claims allegedly made by the constituency's Tory candidate regarding the sale of the port. The Speaker asks why this is the PM's responsibility and the answer gets pretty well drowned out. |
| 1229 Lib Dem Phil Willis attacks Tory-controlled North Yorkshire County Council. He urges the PM to make sure the national stroke strategy is funded, especially in North Yorkshire. Mr Brown says the Conservatives cannot bring themselves to support health guarantees. | 1229 Lib Dem Phil Willis attacks Tory-controlled North Yorkshire County Council. He urges the PM to make sure the national stroke strategy is funded, especially in North Yorkshire. Mr Brown says the Conservatives cannot bring themselves to support health guarantees. |
| 1228 In response to another question Mr Brown says he is aware of human rights issues in Sri Lanka and urges the government to recognise the rights of Tamils. | 1228 In response to another question Mr Brown says he is aware of human rights issues in Sri Lanka and urges the government to recognise the rights of Tamils. |
| 1227 After a question from Labour's Gordon Prentice, Mr Brown has a dig at the tax status of Conservative donor Lord Ashcroft and the failure to clarify his tax status. Once again the point seems to be to rebut Mr Cameron's claim on Monday that the Conservatives were the "new generation at ease with openness". | 1227 After a question from Labour's Gordon Prentice, Mr Brown has a dig at the tax status of Conservative donor Lord Ashcroft and the failure to clarify his tax status. Once again the point seems to be to rebut Mr Cameron's claim on Monday that the Conservatives were the "new generation at ease with openness". |
| 1226 Plaid Cymru's Elfyn Llywd asks about former Prime Minister Tony Blair's "failure" to show regret at the Iraq inquiry. Mr Brown says Mr Blair wrote to the families of those killed and the House had been united in mourning those who had lost their lives in Iraq. | 1226 Plaid Cymru's Elfyn Llywd asks about former Prime Minister Tony Blair's "failure" to show regret at the Iraq inquiry. Mr Brown says Mr Blair wrote to the families of those killed and the House had been united in mourning those who had lost their lives in Iraq. |
| 1224 From BBC Political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue So David Cameron's six questions were an economy-free zone - choosing instead to focus on the unhappiness of seventy odd local authorities over plans for personal care for the most vulnerable. This is an issue that touches many and will become increasingly important given demographics mean more elderly people in the future. Mr Cameron pointed out that some of the critics were Labour councils and Labour peers. But the PM wanted to know why, if the Tory leader was so critical, his party had supported the plans when they went through the Commons. No real knock-out blow on either side over this one, though the PM did seem a little on the back foot as he was pressed on how to pay for the wider question of elderly care in the future. Oh and yes, a small cameo appearance for the banana. | 1224 From BBC Political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue So David Cameron's six questions were an economy-free zone - choosing instead to focus on the unhappiness of seventy odd local authorities over plans for personal care for the most vulnerable. This is an issue that touches many and will become increasingly important given demographics mean more elderly people in the future. Mr Cameron pointed out that some of the critics were Labour councils and Labour peers. But the PM wanted to know why, if the Tory leader was so critical, his party had supported the plans when they went through the Commons. No real knock-out blow on either side over this one, though the PM did seem a little on the back foot as he was pressed on how to pay for the wider question of elderly care in the future. Oh and yes, a small cameo appearance for the banana. |
| 1222 Tory Douglas Carswell asks whether there were any circumstances under which the UK would subsidise the ailing Greek economy. Mr Brown says there is international support available. | 1222 Tory Douglas Carswell asks whether there were any circumstances under which the UK would subsidise the ailing Greek economy. Mr Brown says there is international support available. |
| 1221 Labour MP Stephen Ladyman asks about one-to-one care for cancer patients. He asks for a guarantee that specialist nursing will get the resources it needs. Mr Brown again attacks the Tories. | 1221 Labour MP Stephen Ladyman asks about one-to-one care for cancer patients. He asks for a guarantee that specialist nursing will get the resources it needs. Mr Brown again attacks the Tories. |
| 1220 Mr Clegg says the government has got its priorities wrong, with 800 people doing media work for the Ministry of Defence. Cut bureaucrats and pay soldiers more, he adds. Mr Brown says thousands of civilian staff have gone from the MoD. | 1220 Mr Clegg says the government has got its priorities wrong, with 800 people doing media work for the Ministry of Defence. Cut bureaucrats and pay soldiers more, he adds. Mr Brown says thousands of civilian staff have gone from the MoD. |
| 1218 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg's turn now. He pays tribute to soldiers killed in Afghanistan. He asks about a "hidden scandal", saying that soldiers on the frontline are earning "thousands of pounds" less than newly trained police officers. Mr Brown says the government has been determined to raise troops' pay at a higher rate than that of other public services. | 1218 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg's turn now. He pays tribute to soldiers killed in Afghanistan. He asks about a "hidden scandal", saying that soldiers on the frontline are earning "thousands of pounds" less than newly trained police officers. Mr Brown says the government has been determined to raise troops' pay at a higher rate than that of other public services. |
| 1215 Mr Cameron says the only consensus is that most Labour figures agree the social care scheme is aimed at creating "cheap dividing lines". The Speaker steps in again - it is very noisy. Mr Brown uses his conference 2008 line - which was taken at the time to be aimed at both David Cameron and would-be Labour challenger David Miliband - that "this is no time for a novice". He points at Mr Cameron while uttering these words, to avoid any doubt who it is aimed at this time. | 1215 Mr Cameron says the only consensus is that most Labour figures agree the social care scheme is aimed at creating "cheap dividing lines". The Speaker steps in again - it is very noisy. Mr Brown uses his conference 2008 line - which was taken at the time to be aimed at both David Cameron and would-be Labour challenger David Miliband - that "this is no time for a novice". He points at Mr Cameron while uttering these words, to avoid any doubt who it is aimed at this time. |
| 1213 Mr Cameron asks whether the PM will rule out a compulsory levy on the elderly. Mr Brown asks Mr Cameron to read the relevant literature and attacks the Tories again. Speaker John Bercow says the decibel level in the chamber must go down. | 1213 Mr Cameron asks whether the PM will rule out a compulsory levy on the elderly. Mr Brown asks Mr Cameron to read the relevant literature and attacks the Tories again. Speaker John Bercow says the decibel level in the chamber must go down. |
| 1212 Mr Cameron says Labour councils are criticising the social care scheme. Mr Brown says the Tories have no policies to deal with the issue. It's getting quite lively. | 1212 Mr Cameron says Labour councils are criticising the social care scheme. Mr Brown says the Tories have no policies to deal with the issue. It's getting quite lively. |
| 1211 On social care, Mr Brown says the Tories have broken the consensus on the issue. He attacks a new Conservative poster on the issue - featuring a tombstone and the words "Don't vote for Labour's new death tax" - as "wrong". Mr Cameron attacks the scheme again. | 1211 On social care, Mr Brown says the Tories have broken the consensus on the issue. He attacks a new Conservative poster on the issue - featuring a tombstone and the words "Don't vote for Labour's new death tax" - as "wrong". Mr Cameron attacks the scheme again. |
| 1208 Mr Cameron says the PM's pre-prepared gags should be funnier and mocks Mr Brown's reported eating habits, saying there are "not enough bananas on the menu". The Speaker interrupts proceedings, amid high noise levels. | 1208 Mr Cameron says the PM's pre-prepared gags should be funnier and mocks Mr Brown's reported eating habits, saying there are "not enough bananas on the menu". The Speaker interrupts proceedings, amid high noise levels. |
| 1206 David Cameron also pays tribute to soldiers killed in Afghanistan. He asks about the social care plans, saying they are unclear and unfunded. He asks why so many councils are unconvinced by the idea. Mr Brown said the Tories supported the plans - currently going through the Lords - when they were in the Commons. He says the House must be united on helping people. | 1206 David Cameron also pays tribute to soldiers killed in Afghanistan. He asks about the social care plans, saying they are unclear and unfunded. He asks why so many councils are unconvinced by the idea. Mr Brown said the Tories supported the plans - currently going through the Lords - when they were in the Commons. He says the House must be united on helping people. |
| 1204 Labour's Brian Iddon says he is "astonished" at a campaign against the government's social care plans. He asks whether the PM will continue to help pensioners - pretty soft question to start with. Mr Brown says he is committed to ensuring security and dignity in retirement. | 1204 Labour's Brian Iddon says he is "astonished" at a campaign against the government's social care plans. He asks whether the PM will continue to help pensioners - pretty soft question to start with. Mr Brown says he is committed to ensuring security and dignity in retirement. |
| 1202 Gordon Brown begins by paying tribute to soldiers killed in Afghanistan. | 1202 Gordon Brown begins by paying tribute to soldiers killed in Afghanistan. |
| 1202 BBC deputy political editor James Landale tells BBC Two's Daily Politics that Tory leader David Cameron could lead on the issue of the funding of the government's social care scheme. Let's see, we're off. | 1202 BBC deputy political editor James Landale tells BBC Two's Daily Politics that Tory leader David Cameron could lead on the issue of the funding of the government's social care scheme. Let's see, we're off. |
| 1158 Just a couple of minutes to go now. Quite a few frontbenchers are in place - including Justice Secretary Jack Straw. | 1158 Just a couple of minutes to go now. Quite a few frontbenchers are in place - including Justice Secretary Jack Straw. |
| 1156 From BBC Political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue Believe it or not, Gordon Brown and David Cameron haven't slugged it out over the economy at PM's questions for three weeks. For one of those weeks, neither was there of course, thanks to the latest crisis in Northern Ireland, but the odds must be pretty short on it coming up today. Also, Will Mr Cameron be able to resist raising the concerns of seventy odd councils over the Government's plans for personal care for the most vulnerable in England? And what about reports that Gordon Brown has shunned the KitKat for a new banana habit - will the Tory leader be able to engineer a bit of a prime ministerial slip up on that one? | 1156 From BBC Political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue Believe it or not, Gordon Brown and David Cameron haven't slugged it out over the economy at PM's questions for three weeks. For one of those weeks, neither was there of course, thanks to the latest crisis in Northern Ireland, but the odds must be pretty short on it coming up today. Also, Will Mr Cameron be able to resist raising the concerns of seventy odd councils over the Government's plans for personal care for the most vulnerable in England? And what about reports that Gordon Brown has shunned the KitKat for a new banana habit - will the Tory leader be able to engineer a bit of a prime ministerial slip up on that one? |
| 1155 Some news. Former Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has been elected as chairman of the newly formed Joint Committee of both Houses on the National Security Strategy. | 1155 Some news. Former Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has been elected as chairman of the newly formed Joint Committee of both Houses on the National Security Strategy. |
| 1154 Ahead of the main event, Wales questions are taking place. Not looking too busy in the chamber. | 1154 Ahead of the main event, Wales questions are taking place. Not looking too busy in the chamber. |
| 1153 Three Labour MPs are at the top of this week's ballot to ask questions of Mr Brown: Brian Iddon, Gordon Marsden and Stephen Ladyman. Tory Douglas Carswell - an outspoken critic of the expenses system - is next. | 1153 Three Labour MPs are at the top of this week's ballot to ask questions of Mr Brown: Brian Iddon, Gordon Marsden and Stephen Ladyman. Tory Douglas Carswell - an outspoken critic of the expenses system - is next. |
| 1152 The on-going situation regarding Cadbury's takeover might arise, especially the decision to close the Somerdale factory in Keynsham, near Bristol. Also, in recent days Tory leader David Cameron has been highly critical of Gordon Brown over his handling of MPs' expenses. Might he continue this at the despatch box? | 1152 The on-going situation regarding Cadbury's takeover might arise, especially the decision to close the Somerdale factory in Keynsham, near Bristol. Also, in recent days Tory leader David Cameron has been highly critical of Gordon Brown over his handling of MPs' expenses. Might he continue this at the despatch box? |
| 1151 So, with the prospect of a week of pre-election campaigning in their constituencies ahead of them, what will be on MPs' minds today? The economy, as per normal? Bank of England chief Mervyn King has said inflation will hit 3.5% before dropping below the target of 2%. What else? Maybe the news that the government has lost a bid to prevent the disclosure of secret information relating to the alleged torture of UK resident Binyam Mohamed? With yet another snap of cold weather, might the government's ability to cope with the situation also come under scrutiny once more? | 1151 So, with the prospect of a week of pre-election campaigning in their constituencies ahead of them, what will be on MPs' minds today? The economy, as per normal? Bank of England chief Mervyn King has said inflation will hit 3.5% before dropping below the target of 2%. What else? Maybe the news that the government has lost a bid to prevent the disclosure of secret information relating to the alleged torture of UK resident Binyam Mohamed? With yet another snap of cold weather, might the government's ability to cope with the situation also come under scrutiny once more? |
| 1150 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions from the House of Commons - the last session before MPs take a mini-break for half-term. My colleague Gary O'Donoghue will be providing expert analysis, with further views coming from other BBC correspondents across our television and radio output and comments from Lib Dem luminary Baroness Williams and Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw, courtesy of BBC Two's Daily Politics. | 1150 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions from the House of Commons - the last session before MPs take a mini-break for half-term. My colleague Gary O'Donoghue will be providing expert analysis, with further views coming from other BBC correspondents across our television and radio output and comments from Lib Dem luminary Baroness Williams and Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw, courtesy of BBC Two's Daily Politics. |