This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/7671041.stm

The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 10 Version 11
LIVE: Prime minister's questions LIVE: Prime minister's questions
(10 minutes later)
By Justin ParkinsonBy Justin Parkinson
With this live text commentary there's no need to reload page as it updates automatically. Text us your views on 61124 or email us.With this live text commentary there's no need to reload page as it updates automatically. Text us your views on 61124 or email us.
1259 Conservative David Willetts says Mr Brown must "learn the lessons of what went wrong" with the economy.
1257 On Daily Politics, former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan praises Gordon Brown for dealing with the "nitty gritty" of the problems the country faces.
1246: From Have Your Say "As well as de-regulation of banks, there was huge de-regulation of pensions. Millions of pensions and pensioners futures are now under serious threat - how can the UK allow over 10,000+ pensioners to die per year from cold? " Osmund, UK1246: From Have Your Say "As well as de-regulation of banks, there was huge de-regulation of pensions. Millions of pensions and pensioners futures are now under serious threat - how can the UK allow over 10,000+ pensioners to die per year from cold? " Osmund, UK
1240: From Have Your Say "Hague is hardly the person to criticise anyone for their economic predictions. He was the man who fought an entire election campaign telling us all that "euro was a weak currency" Billy, London, UK1240: From Have Your Say "Hague is hardly the person to criticise anyone for their economic predictions. He was the man who fought an entire election campaign telling us all that "euro was a weak currency" Billy, London, UK
1240: From Have Your Say "For once, the opposition benches shouldn't ask any questions. Although Brown and Darling acquitted themselves well, the rest of the cabinet and most Labour MPs haven't a clue about the financial crisis." "Arch Optimist", UK1240: From Have Your Say "For once, the opposition benches shouldn't ask any questions. Although Brown and Darling acquitted themselves well, the rest of the cabinet and most Labour MPs haven't a clue about the financial crisis." "Arch Optimist", UK
1238 Employment Minister Tony McNulty says the public "will understand fully" the need for more public borrowing. He adds, on Daily Politics, that Mr Hague was "fine" and that Ms Harman was "very good" at the despatch box.1238 Employment Minister Tony McNulty says the public "will understand fully" the need for more public borrowing. He adds, on Daily Politics, that Mr Hague was "fine" and that Ms Harman was "very good" at the despatch box.
1233 BBC political editor Nick Robinson says William Hague was trying to avoid seeming too "knockabout" in the midst of economic turbulence and that this put him in a difficult position.1233 BBC political editor Nick Robinson says William Hague was trying to avoid seeming too "knockabout" in the midst of economic turbulence and that this put him in a difficult position.
1232: From Have Your Say: "If I were an MP I'd want to know exactly what measures are going to be taken against the financial experts who got us into this mess" Boar, London, UK1232: From Have Your Say: "If I were an MP I'd want to know exactly what measures are going to be taken against the financial experts who got us into this mess" Boar, London, UK
1231 The government remains "absolutely committed" to ending child poverty, Ms Harman says. And that ends the session.1231 The government remains "absolutely committed" to ending child poverty, Ms Harman says. And that ends the session.
1231 Stability and peace in Iraq must be pursued, Ms Harman tells MPs.1231 Stability and peace in Iraq must be pursued, Ms Harman tells MPs.
1230 Ms Harman says the burden on British business must be eased, with more investment in renewable energy to help bring down prices.1230 Ms Harman says the burden on British business must be eased, with more investment in renewable energy to help bring down prices.
1228 Labour's Clive Efford asks whether the money invested in banks will have an impact on public services. Ms Harman says she can give an assurance that services will not suffer.1228 Labour's Clive Efford asks whether the money invested in banks will have an impact on public services. Ms Harman says she can give an assurance that services will not suffer.
1226 Tory Philip Davies says his constituents are suffering from the economic crisis and the government should do more to help.1226 Tory Philip Davies says his constituents are suffering from the economic crisis and the government should do more to help.
1224 Labour's Bill Olner asks about the UK's space industry. Ms Harman says she wishes it success and hopes an upcoming summit will "boldy go where no summit has gone before".1224 Labour's Bill Olner asks about the UK's space industry. Ms Harman says she wishes it success and hopes an upcoming summit will "boldy go where no summit has gone before".
1223 Ms Harman praises the government for setting up the Financial Services Authority.1223 Ms Harman praises the government for setting up the Financial Services Authority.
1222 Ms Harman says energy companies must take action over increasing fuel bills, with the falling price of oil feeding through to consumers.1222 Ms Harman says energy companies must take action over increasing fuel bills, with the falling price of oil feeding through to consumers.
1220: By text "Government works quick to bail out banks but is always slow to help the individual eg - unemployed, elderly, carers, ghurkhas, etc. But look after their own like Mandleson" Vincent, Kent1220: By text "Government works quick to bail out banks but is always slow to help the individual eg - unemployed, elderly, carers, ghurkhas, etc. But look after their own like Mandleson" Vincent, Kent
1220 Mr Cable says Ms Harman does not understand that there is a "very real emergency" in the ecomony. She rejects the comment. There are laughs when Ms Harman says she does not "really know what he is talking about when he mentions interest rates".1220 Mr Cable says Ms Harman does not understand that there is a "very real emergency" in the ecomony. She rejects the comment. There are laughs when Ms Harman says she does not "really know what he is talking about when he mentions interest rates".
1217 Vince Cable, for the Lib Dems, says the government cannot deal with unemployment when it is cutting jobs itself and that ordinary people deserve the same effective services that banks have enjoyed. Ms Harman says services for unemployed people are improving.1217 Vince Cable, for the Lib Dems, says the government cannot deal with unemployment when it is cutting jobs itself and that ordinary people deserve the same effective services that banks have enjoyed. Ms Harman says services for unemployed people are improving.
1214 Mr Hague says the government is "no longer in a position to boast about the economic record" of the last 11 years. He says Gordon Brown's claim to have abolished boom and bust was "irresponsible" and "foolish". Ms Harman says the PM will take action to protect the UK economy and help stabilise the global situation.1214 Mr Hague says the government is "no longer in a position to boast about the economic record" of the last 11 years. He says Gordon Brown's claim to have abolished boom and bust was "irresponsible" and "foolish". Ms Harman says the PM will take action to protect the UK economy and help stabilise the global situation.
1213 Ms Harman says the government has increased investment in schools and hospitals, while paying off public debt.1213 Ms Harman says the government has increased investment in schools and hospitals, while paying off public debt.
1210 Some personal remarks. To cheers from the Labour benches, Ms Harman says Mr Hague is in no position be offering economic advice.1210 Some personal remarks. To cheers from the Labour benches, Ms Harman says Mr Hague is in no position be offering economic advice.
1208 Mr Hague urges immediate action to help pensioners. Ms Harman says winter fuel payments have increased and that stabilising the markets would help share values, helping pensioners.1208 Mr Hague urges immediate action to help pensioners. Ms Harman says winter fuel payments have increased and that stabilising the markets would help share values, helping pensioners.
1207 Ms Harman says the government is not complacent about the ecomomy but says the Tories should not be pessimistic about the UK's outlook.1207 Ms Harman says the government is not complacent about the ecomomy but says the Tories should not be pessimistic about the UK's outlook.
1206 The mood in the chamber is sombre. Mr Hague says unemployment is expected to rise to three million by 2010.1206 The mood in the chamber is sombre. Mr Hague says unemployment is expected to rise to three million by 2010.
1205 For the Tories, William Hague says the latest unemployment figures make it a "grim day" for the UK. Ms Harman says the government is very concerned over the issue.1205 For the Tories, William Hague says the latest unemployment figures make it a "grim day" for the UK. Ms Harman says the government is very concerned over the issue.
1204 Ms Harman says the government is backing small businesses with its banking package.1204 Ms Harman says the government is backing small businesses with its banking package.
1202 It's beginning. Harriet Harman is listing the prime minister's engagements. Labour's Ronald Campbell jokes that she is in "Superman's seat".1202 It's beginning. Harriet Harman is listing the prime minister's engagements. Labour's Ronald Campbell jokes that she is in "Superman's seat".
1159 BBC political editor Nick Robinson asks whether the main protagonists will make party political points, despite the economic crisis.1159 BBC political editor Nick Robinson asks whether the main protagonists will make party political points, despite the economic crisis.
1158 Harriet Harman has arrived.1158 Harriet Harman has arrived.
1156 Several cabinet ministers have arrived in the chamber, including Justice Secretary Jack Straw and Chancellor Alistair Darling.1156 Several cabinet ministers have arrived in the chamber, including Justice Secretary Jack Straw and Chancellor Alistair Darling.
1152 The chamber is more than half full now, with just a few minutes to go.1152 The chamber is more than half full now, with just a few minutes to go.
1150 Employment Minister Tony McNulty tells Daily Politics says he is happy in his job, despite figures showing rising unemployment.1150 Employment Minister Tony McNulty tells Daily Politics says he is happy in his job, despite figures showing rising unemployment.
1147 The Commons chamber is filling up a little as Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward answers questions.1147 The Commons chamber is filling up a little as Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward answers questions.
1142 Shadow universities secretary David Willetts tells Daily Politics that the prime minister should have acted "even quicker" to deal with banking problems.1142 Shadow universities secretary David Willetts tells Daily Politics that the prime minister should have acted "even quicker" to deal with banking problems.
1139 BBC Europe editor Mark Mardell says there are fears in Brussels that the efforts to deal with the economic crisis could take the spotlight off environmental policy.1139 BBC Europe editor Mark Mardell says there are fears in Brussels that the efforts to deal with the economic crisis could take the spotlight off environmental policy.
1135 Employment Minister Tony McNulty tells BBC Two's The Daily Politics says he knows "deep in my bones" that the government will still need longer pre-charge terror detentions at some stage. Perhaps Ms Harman might take the same approach in the Commons.1135 Employment Minister Tony McNulty tells BBC Two's The Daily Politics says he knows "deep in my bones" that the government will still need longer pre-charge terror detentions at some stage. Perhaps Ms Harman might take the same approach in the Commons.
1126 As Ms Harman, Mr Hague and Mr Cable make their final preparations, it's almost time for Northern Ireland questions.1126 As Ms Harman, Mr Hague and Mr Cable make their final preparations, it's almost time for Northern Ireland questions.
1120 As well as the economy, there could be some mention of the government's defeat in the Lords on Monday over plans to extend pre-charge terror detentions to a maximum of 42 days, and the sharp rise in unemployment, announced earlier on Wednesday.1120 As well as the economy, there could be some mention of the government's defeat in the Lords on Monday over plans to extend pre-charge terror detentions to a maximum of 42 days, and the sharp rise in unemployment, announced earlier on Wednesday.
1112 According to the House of Commons' Order of Business, MP Ronnie Campbell will ask the first question. Others who look set to be called include Tory Crispin Blunt and Jim Devine.1112 According to the House of Commons' Order of Business, MP Ronnie Campbell will ask the first question. Others who look set to be called include Tory Crispin Blunt and Jim Devine.
1104 Expect economic issues to dominate PMQs again, following the government's announcement of a £37bn package to help the banks earlier this week. But with William Hague and Vince Cable around, perhaps there will be a couple of jokes, or at least some moments of levity during what is a very serious time. Mr Hague and Ms Harman have a history of sparkiness whenever they have come up against each other across the despatch box.1104 Expect economic issues to dominate PMQs again, following the government's announcement of a £37bn package to help the banks earlier this week. But with William Hague and Vince Cable around, perhaps there will be a couple of jokes, or at least some moments of levity during what is a very serious time. Mr Hague and Ms Harman have a history of sparkiness whenever they have come up against each other across the despatch box.
1101 Hello and welcome to our live text coverage of this week's prime minister's questions. Gordon Brown is in Brussels for a meeting of European leaders, so Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman takes his place. Shadow foreign secretary William Hague deputises for David Cameron for the Conservatives, while Lib Dem Treasury spokesman Vince Cable fills in for Nick Clegg.1101 Hello and welcome to our live text coverage of this week's prime minister's questions. Gordon Brown is in Brussels for a meeting of European leaders, so Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman takes his place. Shadow foreign secretary William Hague deputises for David Cameron for the Conservatives, while Lib Dem Treasury spokesman Vince Cable fills in for Nick Clegg.