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LIVE: Prime minister's questions LIVE: Prime minister's questions
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PM's questions: From Democracy LivePM's questions: From Democracy Live
By Justin Parkinson 1238 BBC political editor Nick Robinson calls Mr Foot one of the "giants" of post-war politics. Despite his lack of success as Labour leader, taking the party to a landslide defeat in 1983, there was "huge affection" for him, even from those who disagreed with him. By Justin Parkinson 1243 Nick Robinson says Michael Foot put "some real magic" into his speeches. Michael Gove adds that he was a "great writer" and "committed to ideas".
1241 Tessa Jowell tells the Daily Politics that Michael Foot was "never held responsible" for the 1983 election disaster. The party was "riven" through no fault of his, she adds.
1239 Conservative Michael Gove says Mr Foot "transcended" party politics, foreseeing the threats posed by fascism ahead of the Second World War. He had a "visionary notion of what politics could achieve", he adds.
1238 BBC political editor Nick Robinson calls Mr Foot one of the "giants" of post-war politics. Despite his lack of success as Labour leader, taking the party to a landslide defeat in 1983, there was "huge affection" for him, even from those who disagreed with him.
1237 Labour's Tessa Jowell says Michael Foot was "loved" by the party.1237 Labour's Tessa Jowell says Michael Foot was "loved" by the party.
1235 Some sad news. Former Labour leader Michael Foot has died at the age of 96.1235 Some sad news. Former Labour leader Michael Foot has died at the age of 96.
1234 Ms Harman says the Tories should back the proposal that cancer patients can see an oncologist within a week. That ends prime minister's questions for this week. The Speaker again tells MPs to be quiet, as many leave the chamber.1234 Ms Harman says the Tories should back the proposal that cancer patients can see an oncologist within a week. That ends prime minister's questions for this week. The Speaker again tells MPs to be quiet, as many leave the chamber.
1234 From BBC political correspondent Mike Sergeant: Lots of sound and fury from Harman about the Ashcroft affair - but Hague will feel pretty satisfied with the encounter. The nature of the clash made it very hard for anyone to land a blow on the shadow Foreign secretary - particularly after Harman got off to rather a shaky start. MPs loved the (undiplomatic) joke from Cable about Zuma and polygamy. Labour and the Lib Dems really think there is more mileage in the Ashcroft saga. It dominated the three-way battle, but will it really explode as a national political issue? The Tories might be feeling a fraction more confident after Hague's performance today.1234 From BBC political correspondent Mike Sergeant: Lots of sound and fury from Harman about the Ashcroft affair - but Hague will feel pretty satisfied with the encounter. The nature of the clash made it very hard for anyone to land a blow on the shadow Foreign secretary - particularly after Harman got off to rather a shaky start. MPs loved the (undiplomatic) joke from Cable about Zuma and polygamy. Labour and the Lib Dems really think there is more mileage in the Ashcroft saga. It dominated the three-way battle, but will it really explode as a national political issue? The Tories might be feeling a fraction more confident after Hague's performance today.
1233 Ashcroft again. Labour's Jim Sheridan asks if the government has been contacted by the Electoral Commission about "buying" UK constituencies. Ms Harman makes a point that the government is "not for sale".1233 Ashcroft again. Labour's Jim Sheridan asks if the government has been contacted by the Electoral Commission about "buying" UK constituencies. Ms Harman makes a point that the government is "not for sale".
1231 Ms Harman says the government will not re-introduce a married man's tax allowance. It sends a message to children of divorced families that "there's something wrong with you", she adds.1231 Ms Harman says the government will not re-introduce a married man's tax allowance. It sends a message to children of divorced families that "there's something wrong with you", she adds.
1229 Tory David Heathcoat-Amory says the government should apologise for selling the UK's gold reserves at a low price. Ms Harman does not.1229 Tory David Heathcoat-Amory says the government should apologise for selling the UK's gold reserves at a low price. Ms Harman does not.
1228 Ms Harman does not hear a question from Labour's Phil Wilson. It is about Lord Ashcroft's donations to the Conservatives. Ms Harman says a parliamentary bill is not retrospective but this does not relieve the peer of his need to pay taxes.1228 Ms Harman does not hear a question from Labour's Phil Wilson. It is about Lord Ashcroft's donations to the Conservatives. Ms Harman says a parliamentary bill is not retrospective but this does not relieve the peer of his need to pay taxes.
1226 Labour's Betty Williams asks whether the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act was inadequate and will be reviewed. She says she has been a victim of an attack by a dog. Ms Harman says discussions are under way to make sure they are controlled.1226 Labour's Betty Williams asks whether the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act was inadequate and will be reviewed. She says she has been a victim of an attack by a dog. Ms Harman says discussions are under way to make sure they are controlled.
1225 Labour veteran Sir Gerald Kaufman asks about the Falklands war and says it had to be fought because the Tory government cut patrols beforehand. He asks the government to maintain its loyalty to the Falklands. Ms Harman says there is "no question" they will be defended.1225 Labour veteran Sir Gerald Kaufman asks about the Falklands war and says it had to be fought because the Tory government cut patrols beforehand. He asks the government to maintain its loyalty to the Falklands. Ms Harman says there is "no question" they will be defended.
1224 From BBC political correspondent Mike Sergeant: An awkward opening to the session for Harriet Harman. She would have loved to have been asking the questions today - particularly as William Hague played such a key role in securing a peerage for Lord Ashcroft. But her slip calling him the "foreign secretary" gave Hague an open goal and put her on the back foot for a while. Thereafter, the Commons leader struggled to pin him down. Leading off on Afghanistan and the economy gave Hague the opportunity to play it cool and work in the pre-scripted lines. But Harman and Labour certainly won't let the Ashcroft affair go.1224 From BBC political correspondent Mike Sergeant: An awkward opening to the session for Harriet Harman. She would have loved to have been asking the questions today - particularly as William Hague played such a key role in securing a peerage for Lord Ashcroft. But her slip calling him the "foreign secretary" gave Hague an open goal and put her on the back foot for a while. Thereafter, the Commons leader struggled to pin him down. Leading off on Afghanistan and the economy gave Hague the opportunity to play it cool and work in the pre-scripted lines. But Harman and Labour certainly won't let the Ashcroft affair go.
1222 For the Lib Dems, Vince Cable pays a "very warm welcome to Jacob Zuma", asking about his advocacy of polygamy, wondering what role married tax allowances might have with him. He claims Lord Ashcroft avoided around £100m of tax while serving in Parliament, asking when the requirement for him to be a "permanent" UK resident was done away with. Ms Harman says there are "answers" to be given by the Conservatives.1222 For the Lib Dems, Vince Cable pays a "very warm welcome to Jacob Zuma", asking about his advocacy of polygamy, wondering what role married tax allowances might have with him. He claims Lord Ashcroft avoided around £100m of tax while serving in Parliament, asking when the requirement for him to be a "permanent" UK resident was done away with. Ms Harman says there are "answers" to be given by the Conservatives.
1219 Ms Harman turns her fire on shadow chancellor George Osborne, calling him inexperienced. She then goes back to the Ashcroft issue, saying either the peer himself should quit as Conservative deputy chairman or Mr Hague should resign as shadow foreign secretary. That was the liveliest leaders' - or deputies' - exchange in some time.1219 Ms Harman turns her fire on shadow chancellor George Osborne, calling him inexperienced. She then goes back to the Ashcroft issue, saying either the peer himself should quit as Conservative deputy chairman or Mr Hague should resign as shadow foreign secretary. That was the liveliest leaders' - or deputies' - exchange in some time.
1217 Ms Harman reacts furiously, saying Mr Hague has no credibility. Mr Bercow tells Labour MPs not to get over-excited. Mr Hague says the prime minister should ask the Queen to dissolve Parliament, to be "rid of this disastrous government once and for all".1217 Ms Harman reacts furiously, saying Mr Hague has no credibility. Mr Bercow tells Labour MPs not to get over-excited. Mr Hague says the prime minister should ask the Queen to dissolve Parliament, to be "rid of this disastrous government once and for all".
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.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.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".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.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.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.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.