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| The Full Story: PM's Questions | The Full Story: PM's Questions |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| Prime minister's questions | |
| BBC POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVID THOMPSON'S VIEW It was all about jobs today - British jobs for British workers - and a clash between one man who'd like a new one and another who's desperate to hold onto the one he's got. | BBC POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVID THOMPSON'S VIEW It was all about jobs today - British jobs for British workers - and a clash between one man who'd like a new one and another who's desperate to hold onto the one he's got. |
| David Cameron began by taunting Gordon Brown over his use of the slogan "British jobs for British workers". According to the would-be prime minister, it showed a lack of judgement, was opportunistic, protectionist and a huge mistake. | David Cameron began by taunting Gordon Brown over his use of the slogan "British jobs for British workers". According to the would-be prime minister, it showed a lack of judgement, was opportunistic, protectionist and a huge mistake. |
| The man who is PM retorted that doing nothing to protect British workers would be the biggest mistake and that Mr Cameron was prepared to "talk Britain down". | The man who is PM retorted that doing nothing to protect British workers would be the biggest mistake and that Mr Cameron was prepared to "talk Britain down". |
| At one point during their exchanges, Mr Brown talked of a world "depression" when, perhaps, he meant to say "recession". | At one point during their exchanges, Mr Brown talked of a world "depression" when, perhaps, he meant to say "recession". |
| Downing Street will no doubt say it was a slip of the tongue. Others may think it was a slip that was distinctly Freudian. | Downing Street will no doubt say it was a slip of the tongue. Others may think it was a slip that was distinctly Freudian. |
| Nick Clegg, the Lib Dem leader, told Mr Brown to stop talking about, yes, that slogan again, and clamp down on tax dodgers instead. Gordon Brown quipped that if Nick Clegg wanted to crack down on "fat cats", he could start with Michael Brown, a convicted fraudster, currently on the run from the authorities - and the biggest donor to the Lib Dems. | Nick Clegg, the Lib Dem leader, told Mr Brown to stop talking about, yes, that slogan again, and clamp down on tax dodgers instead. Gordon Brown quipped that if Nick Clegg wanted to crack down on "fat cats", he could start with Michael Brown, a convicted fraudster, currently on the run from the authorities - and the biggest donor to the Lib Dems. |
| Prime minister. Sometimes it's a dirty job. But, at Westminster, everyone wants to do it. | Prime minister. Sometimes it's a dirty job. But, at Westminster, everyone wants to do it. |
| NICK ROBINSON AND DAILY POLITICS GUESTS' VERDICTS | NICK ROBINSON AND DAILY POLITICS GUESTS' VERDICTS |
| The Daily Politics' analysis of PMQs. Andrew Neil and Anita Anand talk to Nick Robinson, Olympics minister Tessa Jowell and Lord Strathclyde | The Daily Politics' analysis of PMQs. Andrew Neil and Anita Anand talk to Nick Robinson, Olympics minister Tessa Jowell and Lord Strathclyde |
| AS IT HAPPENED: BY JUSTIN PARKINSON 1254 Thank you very much for all your comments. Because of BBC website publishing problems you may not have been able to see the live text coverage of PMQs as it was updated. For the same reason we could not publish your thoughts as they were sent in. Once again, our apologies. Please join us again next week, when we hope to resume normal service. | AS IT HAPPENED: BY JUSTIN PARKINSON 1254 Thank you very much for all your comments. Because of BBC website publishing problems you may not have been able to see the live text coverage of PMQs as it was updated. For the same reason we could not publish your thoughts as they were sent in. Once again, our apologies. Please join us again next week, when we hope to resume normal service. |
| 1243 Nick Robinson says the political consensus over the free market is being challenged on the streets with events like the strike at the Lindsey Oil Refinery. Such messages are getting to MPs, he adds. | 1243 Nick Robinson says the political consensus over the free market is being challenged on the streets with events like the strike at the Lindsey Oil Refinery. Such messages are getting to MPs, he adds. |
| 1242 Lord Strathclyde tells Daily Politics there has been a feeling for months that the government has not been telling all on the economy. The use of the D-word - "depression" - may have been a slip of the tongue but represents what officials and ministers could be thinking, he adds. | 1242 Lord Strathclyde tells Daily Politics there has been a feeling for months that the government has not been telling all on the economy. The use of the D-word - "depression" - may have been a slip of the tongue but represents what officials and ministers could be thinking, he adds. |
| 1240 Tessa Jowell says that, although the downturn was not anticipated in this scale, Mr Brown has created and invested in a flexible labour market to help deal with the situation. | 1240 Tessa Jowell says that, although the downturn was not anticipated in this scale, Mr Brown has created and invested in a flexible labour market to help deal with the situation. |
| 1243 Nick Robinson says the political consensus over the free market is being challenged on the streets with events like the strike at the Lindsey Oil Refinery. Such messages are getting to MPs, he adds. | 1243 Nick Robinson says the political consensus over the free market is being challenged on the streets with events like the strike at the Lindsey Oil Refinery. Such messages are getting to MPs, he adds. |
| 1233 Veteran Tory Sir Patrick Cormack asks the three parties to meet to find "common ground" on the economy. Mr Brown accuses the other parties of inconsistency but says he is happy to work with all parties. That's it for PMQs for another week. | 1233 Veteran Tory Sir Patrick Cormack asks the three parties to meet to find "common ground" on the economy. Mr Brown accuses the other parties of inconsistency but says he is happy to work with all parties. That's it for PMQs for another week. |
| 1232 Labour's David Clelland criticises the Conservatives' attitude towards rural buses. Mr Brown says councils should take advantage of new powers. | 1232 Labour's David Clelland criticises the Conservatives' attitude towards rural buses. Mr Brown says councils should take advantage of new powers. |
| 1229 A question on skills is cut short by the Speaker. Mr Brown says much is being done to improve training during the downturn. | 1229 A question on skills is cut short by the Speaker. Mr Brown says much is being done to improve training during the downturn. |
| 1228 Lib Dem Andrew George says schemes to ensure supermarkets pay suppliers in the developing world more quickly should be speeded up. The PM says he is working to ensure this. | 1228 Lib Dem Andrew George says schemes to ensure supermarkets pay suppliers in the developing world more quickly should be speeded up. The PM says he is working to ensure this. |
| 1227 Mr Brown says he is urging the Israeli government to ensure "proper humanitarian access" to Gaza. | 1227 Mr Brown says he is urging the Israeli government to ensure "proper humanitarian access" to Gaza. |
| 1226 Mr Brown says the Financial Services Authority and its powers are being looked at to ensure it works for the future. | 1226 Mr Brown says the Financial Services Authority and its powers are being looked at to ensure it works for the future. |
| 1224 Tory Peter Bottomley asks about the Labour's poll rating and whether this makes the party fear for its future. Mr Brown repeats his assertion that the Conservatives want to "do nothing" to help the economy. | 1224 Tory Peter Bottomley asks about the Labour's poll rating and whether this makes the party fear for its future. Mr Brown repeats his assertion that the Conservatives want to "do nothing" to help the economy. |
| 1220 Labour's Jim Cunningham asks about the possibility of more local authority mortgages. Mr Brown says those authorities with this power are being encouraged to do so. | 1220 Labour's Jim Cunningham asks about the possibility of more local authority mortgages. Mr Brown says those authorities with this power are being encouraged to do so. |
| 1219 Lib Dem John Pugh says the time is right to promote British holidays "for British and non-British people", to some laughter. Mr Brown welcomes the decision by Pontins to take on 2,000 new staff. | 1219 Lib Dem John Pugh says the time is right to promote British holidays "for British and non-British people", to some laughter. Mr Brown welcomes the decision by Pontins to take on 2,000 new staff. |
| 1217 Mr Clegg says there is one rule for the "fat cats" and one rule for everyone else. Mr Brown says the government is doing everything it can. | 1217 Mr Clegg says there is one rule for the "fat cats" and one rule for everyone else. Mr Brown says the government is doing everything it can. |
| 1216 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg says big firms are using loopholes to avoid at least £14bn in taxes. He says the PM should focus on British taxes for British companies. Mr Brown says the government will clamp down on the problem. | 1216 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg says big firms are using loopholes to avoid at least £14bn in taxes. He says the PM should focus on British taxes for British companies. Mr Brown says the government will clamp down on the problem. |
| 1214 Mr Brown says the biggest error of judgement would be to do nothing in the current situation, adding that Mr Cameron has talked Britain down and should be ashamed. There is much shouting and howling in the chamber. That is the end of Mr Cameron's questions. | 1214 Mr Brown says the biggest error of judgement would be to do nothing in the current situation, adding that Mr Cameron has talked Britain down and should be ashamed. There is much shouting and howling in the chamber. That is the end of Mr Cameron's questions. |
| 1211 Mr Cameron says the PM refuses to admit mistakes. He says Labour MPs are ashamed of the "British jobs for British workers" comment. Labour MP Denis MacShane is told not to shout by the Speaker. | 1211 Mr Cameron says the PM refuses to admit mistakes. He says Labour MPs are ashamed of the "British jobs for British workers" comment. Labour MP Denis MacShane is told not to shout by the Speaker. |
| 1210 Mr Brown returns the accusation of opportunism, accusing Mr Cameron of changing his mind on supporting the government's economic policies. | 1210 Mr Brown returns the accusation of opportunism, accusing Mr Cameron of changing his mind on supporting the government's economic policies. |
| 1209 Mr Brown says the opposition wants to "do nothing" to help the economy. Mr Cameron accuses the PM of "pandering to people's fears" with his slogan. He asks Mr Brown to apologise, rather than "twisting". The atmosphere in the chamber is much more lively suddenly. | 1209 Mr Brown says the opposition wants to "do nothing" to help the economy. Mr Cameron accuses the PM of "pandering to people's fears" with his slogan. He asks Mr Brown to apologise, rather than "twisting". The atmosphere in the chamber is much more lively suddenly. |
| 1207 Mr Brown says it is up to President Obama to accept the terms of the first Doha trade agreement. Mr Cameron says the PM is "guilty" of encouraging protectionist sentiment with his 2007 use of the "British jobs for British workers" slogan. But Mr Brown asks if anyone in the House says they do not want British workers to get the skills needed for jobs. | 1207 Mr Brown says it is up to President Obama to accept the terms of the first Doha trade agreement. Mr Cameron says the PM is "guilty" of encouraging protectionist sentiment with his 2007 use of the "British jobs for British workers" slogan. But Mr Brown asks if anyone in the House says they do not want British workers to get the skills needed for jobs. |
| 1204 David Cameron asks whether the PM shares his view that the US House of Representatives' decision to pass "buy America" legislation is wrong. The PM says a retreat into protectionism is wrong and that the world needs to agree on a monetary and fiscal stimulus. | 1204 David Cameron asks whether the PM shares his view that the US House of Representatives' decision to pass "buy America" legislation is wrong. The PM says a retreat into protectionism is wrong and that the world needs to agree on a monetary and fiscal stimulus. |
| 1202 Mr Brown pays tribute to the emergency services' efforts to deal with this week's freezing conditions and heavy snowfall. | 1202 Mr Brown pays tribute to the emergency services' efforts to deal with this week's freezing conditions and heavy snowfall. |
| 1201 We are off. Gordon Brown is listing his engagements. | 1201 We are off. Gordon Brown is listing his engagements. |
| 1200 BBC political editor Nick Robinson says it is up to Mr Cameron whether he tries to turn the "British jobs for British workers" slogan against the PM, but that politicians are "nervous" about this issue. | 1200 BBC political editor Nick Robinson says it is up to Mr Cameron whether he tries to turn the "British jobs for British workers" slogan against the PM, but that politicians are "nervous" about this issue. |
| 1158 A few minutes to go. David Cameron has arrived, as has Justice Secretary Jack Straw. No Gordon Brown yet. | 1158 A few minutes to go. David Cameron has arrived, as has Justice Secretary Jack Straw. No Gordon Brown yet. |
| 1155 As Scottish questions continue, the Commons chamber is heading towards being two-thirds fall, with noise levels rising accordingly. Health Secretary Alan Johnson is in place. | 1155 As Scottish questions continue, the Commons chamber is heading towards being two-thirds fall, with noise levels rising accordingly. Health Secretary Alan Johnson is in place. |
| 1153 Olympics minister Tessa Jowell tells Daily Politics she agrees with Lord Strathclyde over protectionism. Will this level of inter-party consensus be repeated during PMQs? I suspect not. | 1153 Olympics minister Tessa Jowell tells Daily Politics she agrees with Lord Strathclyde over protectionism. Will this level of inter-party consensus be repeated during PMQs? I suspect not. |
| 1151 Shadow leader of the House of Lords, Lord Strathclyde, tells BBC Two's Daily Politics that the three main political parties agree that protectionism would hinder the UK's efforts to end the economic crisis. | 1151 Shadow leader of the House of Lords, Lord Strathclyde, tells BBC Two's Daily Politics that the three main political parties agree that protectionism would hinder the UK's efforts to end the economic crisis. |
| 1148 Before PMQs gets under way shortly after midday, Scottish questions are taking place. The Commons chamber looks rather busy. | 1148 Before PMQs gets under way shortly after midday, Scottish questions are taking place. The Commons chamber looks rather busy. |
| 1146 Among the MPs near the top of the ballot to ask questions this week are Labour's Jim Cunningham, Conservative Anne Milton and Lib Dem John Pugh. | 1146 Among the MPs near the top of the ballot to ask questions this week are Labour's Jim Cunningham, Conservative Anne Milton and Lib Dem John Pugh. |
| 1143 On the mischief front, might someone ask Mr Brown for the truth over London Mayor Boris Johnson's allegation that the prime minister expressly requested not to sit next to him at a Cathedral service last year? Surely the Tory PMQs preparation team, including David Cameron, shadow foreign secretary William Hague and shadow education secretary Michael Gove, can get a joke out of that. | 1143 On the mischief front, might someone ask Mr Brown for the truth over London Mayor Boris Johnson's allegation that the prime minister expressly requested not to sit next to him at a Cathedral service last year? Surely the Tory PMQs preparation team, including David Cameron, shadow foreign secretary William Hague and shadow education secretary Michael Gove, can get a joke out of that. |
| 1140 Further afield, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has spoken of the "special relationship" with the UK. MPs might be keen to know what this means in the context of Barack Obama's presidency, still very much in its infancy. | 1140 Further afield, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has spoken of the "special relationship" with the UK. MPs might be keen to know what this means in the context of Barack Obama's presidency, still very much in its infancy. |
| 1137 The thick snow at Westminster earlier this week, which is rapidly turning to slippery ice, may provide another clue to questions. Expect at least one backbencher to ask why the country "came to a standstill", or words to that effect. | 1137 The thick snow at Westminster earlier this week, which is rapidly turning to slippery ice, may provide another clue to questions. Expect at least one backbencher to ask why the country "came to a standstill", or words to that effect. |
| 1135 As usual, the economy is set to dominate. Industrial action over the use of foreign labour at Lincolnshire's Lindsey Oil Refinery could also cause the prime minister some discomfort, especially given his previous comments on "British jobs for British workers". Maybe the announcement this week of plans to set up "memory clinics" to spot and treat dementia could crop up? | 1135 As usual, the economy is set to dominate. Industrial action over the use of foreign labour at Lincolnshire's Lindsey Oil Refinery could also cause the prime minister some discomfort, especially given his previous comments on "British jobs for British workers". Maybe the announcement this week of plans to set up "memory clinics" to spot and treat dementia could crop up? |
| 1133 When David Cameron became Tory leader in 2005 he urged an end to "Punch and July politics". Many at Westminster feared the gladiatorial quality of PMQs could be lost to a more consensual, constructive type of debate. But they need not have worried. For several weeks now Gordon Brown and Mr Cameron have been trading blows over the economy, each using some well-rehearsed lines to rubbish the other's policies. What do you think about the standard of PMQs at the moment? | 1133 When David Cameron became Tory leader in 2005 he urged an end to "Punch and July politics". Many at Westminster feared the gladiatorial quality of PMQs could be lost to a more consensual, constructive type of debate. But they need not have worried. For several weeks now Gordon Brown and Mr Cameron have been trading blows over the economy, each using some well-rehearsed lines to rubbish the other's policies. What do you think about the standard of PMQs at the moment? |
| 1130 Hello and welcome to our live text coverage of prime minister's questions from the House of Commons. My colleague David Thompson will be providing expert analysis, while this week's studio guests on BBC Two's Daily Politics - Olympics minister Tessa Jowell and the shadow leader of the House of Lords, Lord Strathclyde - will give us the political inside track. | 1130 Hello and welcome to our live text coverage of prime minister's questions from the House of Commons. My colleague David Thompson will be providing expert analysis, while this week's studio guests on BBC Two's Daily Politics - Olympics minister Tessa Jowell and the shadow leader of the House of Lords, Lord Strathclyde - will give us the political inside track. |