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LIVE: Prime minister's questions LIVE: Prime minister's questions
(10 minutes later)
PM's questions: From Democracy LivePM's questions: From Democracy Live
By Justin Parkinson 1206 After an easy question from Labour's Andy Reed, Ms Harman says the government will help economic development in the regions. By Justin Parkinson 1216 Mr Hague asks whether a weak currency arises from a weak economy, in turn coming from a weak government. What does this say about recent falls in the value of sterling, he asks. Ms Harman returns once again to the Lord Ashcroft situation. The Speaker tells her to stick to matters of government responsibility.
1213 Mr Hague jokes about the selection of Ms Harman's husband Jack Dromey as a Labour candidate, saying he came top of an all-female shortlist. Ms Harman says the question is "not about one man in the House of Commons but one man in the House of Lords". The atmosphere in the chamber is very lively indeed. This is gloves-off, personal stuff.
1212 On to the economy, Mr Hague asks why UK bonds are classed by the markets as twice as risky as those of Pepsi or McDonald's. Speaker John Bercow warns MPs against "yah-boo" behaviour. Moving on to the Lord Ashcroft story, Ms Harman questions Mr Hague's "future" in his job. She says the country has been "misled". Mr Bercow says the session must be about issues affecting the government. But Mr Hague says: "People in glass houses should not throw stones".
1209 Mr Hague says Mr Brown must "recognise" his "error" when he faces the Iraq inquiry on Friday. Ms Harman says it is "fatuous" to ask her to suggest what the prime minister will say at his appearance.
1208 For the Conservatives, William Hague pays tribute to soldiers killed this week in Afghanistan. He says the prime minister made a "mistake" in cutting the helicopter budget when troops were in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ms Harman says the government is fully committed to equipping the armed forces.
1206 After an easy question from Labour's Andy Reed, Ms Harman says the government will help economic development in the regions.
1204 Ms Harman also sends her condolences to the people of Chile, which suffered a huge earthquake at the weekend. Asked about the decline of manufacturing by a Tory MP, she says it is "typical of the Conservatives talking the country down".1204 Ms Harman also sends her condolences to the people of Chile, which suffered a huge earthquake at the weekend. Asked about the decline of manufacturing by a Tory MP, she says it is "typical of the Conservatives talking the country down".
1202 Harriet Harman, standing in for Gordon Brown, is on her feet. She pays tribute to five British soldiers killed in Afghanistan.1202 Harriet Harman, standing in for Gordon Brown, is on her feet. She pays tribute to five British soldiers killed in Afghanistan.
1201 Not long to go. BBC political editor Nick Robinson tells Daily Politics that someone from the Labour or Lib Dem benches is likely to mention Lord Ashcroft in an effort to embarrass Mr Hague.1201 Not long to go. BBC political editor Nick Robinson tells Daily Politics that someone from the Labour or Lib Dem benches is likely to mention Lord Ashcroft in an effort to embarrass Mr Hague.
1154 From BBC political correspondent Mike Sergeant: With anticipation building for the TV election debates, today its back to the raucous Commons version of a three-way battle. But, with Brown out greeting Zuma, we won't see the candidates for PM locking horns today. Clegg and Cameron are rested. Hague and Cable to face Harman. In the light of the revelations about Tory donor Lord Ashcroft's tax status, that raises some interesting possibilities. The Labour Party wants to keep the Ashcroft row going by any means possible. Of course, Harriet Harman will be answering the questions not probing the Tories (though she's likely to attach a barb or two to her replies). Vince Cable could try to frame an attack on both the big parties and their non-dom Lords - but remember the Lib Dems have also taken money from non-doms. It's the 10th time Gordon Brown has missed PMQs - roughly double the number Blair missed over a similar period. Harman has a mixed record against Hague - once scoring a memorable victory. Could this be the last time we see this particular duel?1154 From BBC political correspondent Mike Sergeant: With anticipation building for the TV election debates, today its back to the raucous Commons version of a three-way battle. But, with Brown out greeting Zuma, we won't see the candidates for PM locking horns today. Clegg and Cameron are rested. Hague and Cable to face Harman. In the light of the revelations about Tory donor Lord Ashcroft's tax status, that raises some interesting possibilities. The Labour Party wants to keep the Ashcroft row going by any means possible. Of course, Harriet Harman will be answering the questions not probing the Tories (though she's likely to attach a barb or two to her replies). Vince Cable could try to frame an attack on both the big parties and their non-dom Lords - but remember the Lib Dems have also taken money from non-doms. It's the 10th time Gordon Brown has missed PMQs - roughly double the number Blair missed over a similar period. Harman has a mixed record against Hague - once scoring a memorable victory. Could this be the last time we see this particular duel?
1152 Giving his expert analysis today is the BBC's Mike Sergeant. And, courtesy of BBC Two's Daily Politics, shadow schools secretary Michael Gove and Cabinet Office minister Tessa Jowell, will offer their opinions.1152 Giving his expert analysis today is the BBC's Mike Sergeant. And, courtesy of BBC Two's Daily Politics, shadow schools secretary Michael Gove and Cabinet Office minister Tessa Jowell, will offer their opinions.
1150 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions. One difference this week: there will be no prime minister, or Tory or Lib Dem leaders. South African President Jacob Zuma (right) is in London for a state visit and Gordon Brown is otherwise detained. This means Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman, shadow foreign secretary William Hague and Lib Dem deputy leader Vince Cable are in the hot seats.1150 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions. One difference this week: there will be no prime minister, or Tory or Lib Dem leaders. South African President Jacob Zuma (right) is in London for a state visit and Gordon Brown is otherwise detained. This means Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman, shadow foreign secretary William Hague and Lib Dem deputy leader Vince Cable are in the hot seats.