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| The Full Story: PM's questions | The Full Story: PM's questions |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Watch the full 30-minute prime minister's questions session | |
| AS IT HAPPENED: BY JUSTIN PARKINSON 1310 On that rather surreal note, it is time to end our PMQs coverage for this week. Thanks for all your comments, especially you Justin. Please join us again next Wednesday. | AS IT HAPPENED: BY JUSTIN PARKINSON 1310 On that rather surreal note, it is time to end our PMQs coverage for this week. Thanks for all your comments, especially you Justin. Please join us again next Wednesday. |
| 1304 Wow, I have the same name as you! I think this whole economic crisis is solely due to the banking sector's mishaps in the last quarter. I agree with Harry Cohen!.Justin Parkinson, London | 1304 Wow, I have the same name as you! I think this whole economic crisis is solely due to the banking sector's mishaps in the last quarter. I agree with Harry Cohen!.Justin Parkinson, London |
| 1258 There is general agreement that this was the most sober and subdued of PMQs for some time, with the death of Mr Cameron's son and the killings in Northern Ireland setting the tone. It was also the first in months not to be dominated by the economy. | 1258 There is general agreement that this was the most sober and subdued of PMQs for some time, with the death of Mr Cameron's son and the killings in Northern Ireland setting the tone. It was also the first in months not to be dominated by the economy. |
| 1255 Mark - The Speaker does not restrict questions to those listed on the order paper, he also calls some of the MPs who make it clear they want to ask a question. This is why you need to be one of the top five or so MPs on the order paper to be able to guarantee you will get called. | 1255 Mark - The Speaker does not restrict questions to those listed on the order paper, he also calls some of the MPs who make it clear they want to ask a question. This is why you need to be one of the top five or so MPs on the order paper to be able to guarantee you will get called. |
| 1253 But what's the point of "trying to catch the speakers eye', if the list of people to ask questions is determined before the session?Mark Johnson, Nottingham, UK | 1253 But what's the point of "trying to catch the speakers eye', if the list of people to ask questions is determined before the session?Mark Johnson, Nottingham, UK |
| 1251 Mark, Suffolk (1242) - the problem with your suggestion is it would create a great deal of negative equity - how would you propose this be managed? At least by "propping up this bubble" as you put it, existing homeowners with mortgages are not paying more than the house is worth. Yes, property prices may have been inflated but by letting them fall so much, you are digging a huge hole that many will never dig themselves out of. It would be better to keep prices where they were last year and provide assistance to First Time Buyers to get on the ladder.Colin, Bucks | 1251 Mark, Suffolk (1242) - the problem with your suggestion is it would create a great deal of negative equity - how would you propose this be managed? At least by "propping up this bubble" as you put it, existing homeowners with mortgages are not paying more than the house is worth. Yes, property prices may have been inflated but by letting them fall so much, you are digging a huge hole that many will never dig themselves out of. It would be better to keep prices where they were last year and provide assistance to First Time Buyers to get on the ladder.Colin, Bucks |
| 1246 Theresa May says a Conservative government would work well with Barack Obama's US administration, encouraging "constructive discussion" on the economy. The special relationship is about being a "critical friend", she adds. | 1246 Theresa May says a Conservative government would work well with Barack Obama's US administration, encouraging "constructive discussion" on the economy. The special relationship is about being a "critical friend", she adds. |
| 1245 Jamie (1224). I think you are making a senseless point. They (the British troops) have fought for the good of our country and the welfare of global peace. They should be given a hero's welcome and should not be heckled my ignorant protesters who are intent in disturbing the peace.Will, london | 1245 Jamie (1224). I think you are making a senseless point. They (the British troops) have fought for the good of our country and the welfare of global peace. They should be given a hero's welcome and should not be heckled my ignorant protesters who are intent in disturbing the peace.Will, london |
| 1242 What's wrong with letting house prices drop to a sensible, sustainable level so all people can afford them? Why does it appear that our government are trying everything they can to prop up this bubble as the only real winners are the banks? Wouldn't it be better if ordinary people had more disposable income to spend throughout the economy on goods & services instead of such a high proportion of their wages going to banks for a mortgage.Mark, Suffolk | 1242 What's wrong with letting house prices drop to a sensible, sustainable level so all people can afford them? Why does it appear that our government are trying everything they can to prop up this bubble as the only real winners are the banks? Wouldn't it be better if ordinary people had more disposable income to spend throughout the economy on goods & services instead of such a high proportion of their wages going to banks for a mortgage.Mark, Suffolk |
| Daily Politics' analysis of Prime Minister's Questions | |
| 1240 BBC political editor Nick Robinson says the Conservatives are planning to renew calls for a full inquiry into the Iraq war, which would be very "embarrassing" for the government. | 1240 BBC political editor Nick Robinson says the Conservatives are planning to renew calls for a full inquiry into the Iraq war, which would be very "embarrassing" for the government. |
| 1239 Cabinet Office minister Liam Byrne says Northern Ireland's police will get the support they need to deal with the security situation. Shadow pensions secretary Theresa May says PMQs was "sombre". | 1239 Cabinet Office minister Liam Byrne says Northern Ireland's police will get the support they need to deal with the security situation. Shadow pensions secretary Theresa May says PMQs was "sombre". |
| 1238 BBC political editor Nick Robinson tells BBC Two's Daily Politics there was a big show of unity after the killings in Northern Ireland. | 1238 BBC political editor Nick Robinson tells BBC Two's Daily Politics there was a big show of unity after the killings in Northern Ireland. |
| 1238 I'm no Lib Dem, but I imagine Nick Clegg was referring to the need to draw more of our more advanced military allies into joint ventures (such as Afghanistan) to reduce the burden on UK forces. Of course, he may just be 'pro-French', as you so intelligently suggested Paul (1225)Jamie, England | 1238 I'm no Lib Dem, but I imagine Nick Clegg was referring to the need to draw more of our more advanced military allies into joint ventures (such as Afghanistan) to reduce the burden on UK forces. Of course, he may just be 'pro-French', as you so intelligently suggested Paul (1225)Jamie, England |
| 1235 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: It wasn't just David Cameron's loss that united the Commons. MPs didn't find much to disagree on discussing soldiers' homecoming parades and the political process in Northern Ireland. Journalists like to debate who won and who lost PMQs. We shouldn't be surprised that for much of today it didn't feel like a contest. | 1235 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: It wasn't just David Cameron's loss that united the Commons. MPs didn't find much to disagree on discussing soldiers' homecoming parades and the political process in Northern Ireland. Journalists like to debate who won and who lost PMQs. We shouldn't be surprised that for much of today it didn't feel like a contest. |
| 1234 That ends the PM's questions session for this week. | 1234 That ends the PM's questions session for this week. |
| 1233 The SDLP's Mark Durkan says young people need to know the "real patriots" were the soldiers and policeman killed in Northern Ireland, not those responsible for the deaths. Mr Brown says the marches planned against violence were dignified and fitting. | 1233 The SDLP's Mark Durkan says young people need to know the "real patriots" were the soldiers and policeman killed in Northern Ireland, not those responsible for the deaths. Mr Brown says the marches planned against violence were dignified and fitting. |
| 1233 In response to a question about VAT, the prime minister says people have £20 more in their pockets as a result of the VAT cut. | 1233 In response to a question about VAT, the prime minister says people have £20 more in their pockets as a result of the VAT cut. |
| 1232 Veteran Labour MP Dennis Skinner gets a huge roar as he rises. He attacks the "so-called Liberal council" in his Bolsover constituency over bus travel. Mr Brown says Labour is the party which is trying to serve the needs of pensioners. | 1232 Veteran Labour MP Dennis Skinner gets a huge roar as he rises. He attacks the "so-called Liberal council" in his Bolsover constituency over bus travel. Mr Brown says Labour is the party which is trying to serve the needs of pensioners. |
| 1229 Labour's Harry Cohen criticises the banking sector. Mr Brown says the government is "determined" to ensure financial institutions help people. | 1229 Labour's Harry Cohen criticises the banking sector. Mr Brown says the government is "determined" to ensure financial institutions help people. |
| 1228 DUP MP David Simpson says the killing of a policeman in his constituency was carried out by "vermin". Mr Brown offered his condolences to the family of constable Stephen Carroll. Killers have "no place" in the future of Northern Ireland, he adds. | 1228 DUP MP David Simpson says the killing of a policeman in his constituency was carried out by "vermin". Mr Brown offered his condolences to the family of constable Stephen Carroll. Killers have "no place" in the future of Northern Ireland, he adds. |
| 1227 Tom of Worcs (1222) - yes, they're trying to "catch the Speaker's eye" - ie they want to ask a question.Tom, London | 1227 Tom of Worcs (1222) - yes, they're trying to "catch the Speaker's eye" - ie they want to ask a question.Tom, London |
| 1226 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: It took a question from Conservative MP Nicholas Winterton about savers to start the customary jeering across the chamber. The prime minister says he's happy to debate the economy with the Conservatives - who let him know exactly what they think from the green benches opposite. | 1226 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: It took a question from Conservative MP Nicholas Winterton about savers to start the customary jeering across the chamber. The prime minister says he's happy to debate the economy with the Conservatives - who let him know exactly what they think from the green benches opposite. |
| 1225 If Nick Clegg is so pro-French military, he should go and live in France. For once, Brown is right in what he says.Paul C, Harlow, England (not EU) | 1225 If Nick Clegg is so pro-French military, he should go and live in France. For once, Brown is right in what he says.Paul C, Harlow, England (not EU) |
| 1224 In response to the recent demonstrations at the soldiers homecoming march in Luton; I do not agree with what was said but I will strenuously defend their right to say it...Is that a simple solution to a senseless argument?Jamie, Glasgow | 1224 In response to the recent demonstrations at the soldiers homecoming march in Luton; I do not agree with what was said but I will strenuously defend their right to say it...Is that a simple solution to a senseless argument?Jamie, Glasgow |
| 1223 Tory Sir Nicholas Winterton says the prime minister owes savers a full Commons debate on economic policy. Mr Brown says he is "happy to debate the economy at any time". He says the government has kept the "greatest danger" to savers - inflation - low. The atmosphere is suddenly much livelier. | 1223 Tory Sir Nicholas Winterton says the prime minister owes savers a full Commons debate on economic policy. Mr Brown says he is "happy to debate the economy at any time". He says the government has kept the "greatest danger" to savers - inflation - low. The atmosphere is suddenly much livelier. |
| 1222 Does anybody know why, when David Cameron stands up some of his backbenchers stand up for a few seconds before sitting down?Tom, Worcestershire | 1222 Does anybody know why, when David Cameron stands up some of his backbenchers stand up for a few seconds before sitting down?Tom, Worcestershire |
| 1221 Labour's Geraldine Smith, a former postal worker, attacks plans to part-privatise Royal Mail. Mr Brown says it "makes sense" looking for new investors to maintain the service. | 1221 Labour's Geraldine Smith, a former postal worker, attacks plans to part-privatise Royal Mail. Mr Brown says it "makes sense" looking for new investors to maintain the service. |
| 1220 Mr Clegg urges the prime minister to commit more fully to co-operate with France over defence. Mr Brown says the UK would defend its right to run its own armed forces. | 1220 Mr Clegg urges the prime minister to commit more fully to co-operate with France over defence. Mr Brown says the UK would defend its right to run its own armed forces. |
| 1219 Mr Clegg says France's decision to rejoin Nato as a full member is welcome. Mr Brown says there are opportunities around the world to encourage nuclear disarmament. | 1219 Mr Clegg says France's decision to rejoin Nato as a full member is welcome. Mr Brown says there are opportunities around the world to encourage nuclear disarmament. |
| 1219 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg says violence cannot damage Northern Ireland's resolve and welcomes Mr Cameron back to Parliament. | 1219 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg says violence cannot damage Northern Ireland's resolve and welcomes Mr Cameron back to Parliament. |
| 1218 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: The chamber was quiet as David Cameron offered his thanks to the Prime Minister and the Speaker. There was only slightly more noise when the Conservative leader moved on to more contentious ground about torture and rendition. David Cameron is keen to get on with ordinary business but the House is in subdued mood. | 1218 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: The chamber was quiet as David Cameron offered his thanks to the Prime Minister and the Speaker. There was only slightly more noise when the Conservative leader moved on to more contentious ground about torture and rendition. David Cameron is keen to get on with ordinary business but the House is in subdued mood. |
| 1217 Former Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain says parties are "united" against the killings. Mr Brown replies that terrorist have to be rooted out and the leadership of the DUP and Sinn Fein want the political process to continue. | 1217 Former Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain says parties are "united" against the killings. Mr Brown replies that terrorist have to be rooted out and the leadership of the DUP and Sinn Fein want the political process to continue. |
| 1215 Mr Cameron says an investigation by the attorney general is not looking at the issue of "moral authority" and repeats his call for a full inquiry. The prime minister says Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is consulting on the issue. | 1215 Mr Cameron says an investigation by the attorney general is not looking at the issue of "moral authority" and repeats his call for a full inquiry. The prime minister says Home Secretary Jacqui Smith is consulting on the issue. |
| 1213 Mr Cameron asks what Mr Brown has done to satisfy himself that the government has acted correctly, following allegations of being "implicated in torture". Both leaders say torture is wrong. Mr Cameron asks what lessons can be learned and calls for a "judge-led" inquiry. Mr Brown says the UK must remain vigilant over the issue. | 1213 Mr Cameron asks what Mr Brown has done to satisfy himself that the government has acted correctly, following allegations of being "implicated in torture". Both leaders say torture is wrong. Mr Cameron asks what lessons can be learned and calls for a "judge-led" inquiry. Mr Brown says the UK must remain vigilant over the issue. |
| 1212 Mr Brown says homecoming parades for soldiers should not be disrupted - that's a reference to the protest at such a march on Tuesday in Luton. Mr Cameron agrees. | 1212 Mr Brown says homecoming parades for soldiers should not be disrupted - that's a reference to the protest at such a march on Tuesday in Luton. Mr Cameron agrees. |
| 1211 The organisations claiming credit for the killings are "sickening", Mr Brown says. | 1211 The organisations claiming credit for the killings are "sickening", Mr Brown says. |
| 1211 The prime minister promises to leave "no stone unturned" to see justice done and send a message that the political process is working. Mr Cameron says Northern Ireland needs a measured reaction to ensure "these murderers never win". | 1211 The prime minister promises to leave "no stone unturned" to see justice done and send a message that the political process is working. Mr Cameron says Northern Ireland needs a measured reaction to ensure "these murderers never win". |
| 1210 Mr Brown welcomes Mr Cameron back. Asked about Northern Ireland by Mr Cameron, he says there is a degree of unity against violence that many people did not think they would see. | 1210 Mr Brown welcomes Mr Cameron back. Asked about Northern Ireland by Mr Cameron, he says there is a degree of unity against violence that many people did not think they would see. |
| David Cameron thanks Gordon Brown and MPs for their condolences | David Cameron thanks Gordon Brown and MPs for their condolences |
| 1208 David Cameron thanks Mr Brown for his words "straight from the heart" offering sympathies on the death of his son Ivan. He thanks the public for their many messages of support and kind words, especially those who had lost their own children. | 1208 David Cameron thanks Mr Brown for his words "straight from the heart" offering sympathies on the death of his son Ivan. He thanks the public for their many messages of support and kind words, especially those who had lost their own children. |
| 1207 In response to the first question Mr Brown says that, to ensure banks lend to businesses, they are being reshaped and regulated more. | 1207 In response to the first question Mr Brown says that, to ensure banks lend to businesses, they are being reshaped and regulated more. |
| 1207 The prime minister says "no murderers should ever be able to destroy" the peace in Northern Ireland. | 1207 The prime minister says "no murderers should ever be able to destroy" the peace in Northern Ireland. |
| 1203 We are under way. Mr Brown pays tribute to the soldiers and the policeman murdered in Northern Ireland. He sends his best wishes to those injured in Saturday's attack in Antrim. | 1203 We are under way. Mr Brown pays tribute to the soldiers and the policeman murdered in Northern Ireland. He sends his best wishes to those injured in Saturday's attack in Antrim. |
| 1201 Nick Robinson predicts Mr Cameron will start his questioning on the killings in Northern Ireland. | 1201 Nick Robinson predicts Mr Cameron will start his questioning on the killings in Northern Ireland. |
| 1200 BBC political editor Nick Robinson says Mr Brown is likely to mention the death of Mr Cameron's son Ivan. | 1200 BBC political editor Nick Robinson says Mr Brown is likely to mention the death of Mr Cameron's son Ivan. |
| 1159 Does the Speaker read our live text coverage? He takes action to cut back the murmurings referred to earlier - telling MPs not to hold private conversations. | 1159 Does the Speaker read our live text coverage? He takes action to cut back the murmurings referred to earlier - telling MPs not to hold private conversations. |
| 1158 David Cameron is in place and going through his papers. Justice Secretary Jack Straw has arrived on the Labour benches. | 1158 David Cameron is in place and going through his papers. Justice Secretary Jack Straw has arrived on the Labour benches. |
| 1158 Just a few minutes to go now. Several cabinet ministers are in, including Defence Secretary John Hutton. Nick Clegg, who has had a third child since the last of these sessions, is in place too. | 1158 Just a few minutes to go now. Several cabinet ministers are in, including Defence Secretary John Hutton. Nick Clegg, who has had a third child since the last of these sessions, is in place too. |
| 1156 Back in the Daily Politics studio, Mr Byrne warns against "cutting back" spending during the recession. Ms May criticises the government's economic record. | 1156 Back in the Daily Politics studio, Mr Byrne warns against "cutting back" spending during the recession. Ms May criticises the government's economic record. |
| 1156 Meanwhile, the Commons chamber is filling up. It's amazing how much the volume level rises in the minutes ahead of prime minister's questions of PMQs as it is known around Westminster. There is much murmuring. Health Secretary Alan Johnson is in his seat, reading rather than adding to the murmuring. | 1156 Meanwhile, the Commons chamber is filling up. It's amazing how much the volume level rises in the minutes ahead of prime minister's questions of PMQs as it is known around Westminster. There is much murmuring. Health Secretary Alan Johnson is in his seat, reading rather than adding to the murmuring. |
| 1153 Ms May dismisses the government's claim that it is making efficiency savings. Mr Byrne disagrees. The overall tone of PMQs is likely to be very similar. | 1153 Ms May dismisses the government's claim that it is making efficiency savings. Mr Byrne disagrees. The overall tone of PMQs is likely to be very similar. |
| 1149 Shadow work and pensions secretary Theresa May tells Daily Politics the government must do more to ensure savers do not lose out too much from the recent interest rate cuts. | 1149 Shadow work and pensions secretary Theresa May tells Daily Politics the government must do more to ensure savers do not lose out too much from the recent interest rate cuts. |
| 1148 Cabinet Office minister Liam Byrne tells BBC Two's Daily Politics the government's VAT cut will help pensioner households. | 1148 Cabinet Office minister Liam Byrne tells BBC Two's Daily Politics the government's VAT cut will help pensioner households. |
| 1147 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Expect a sombre start to the session. David Cameron returns to the Commons for the first time after compassionate leave. The House is likely to reflect on the deaths in Northern Ireland. All three party leaders are back to PMQs but it won't quite feel like business as usual. | 1147 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Expect a sombre start to the session. David Cameron returns to the Commons for the first time after compassionate leave. The House is likely to reflect on the deaths in Northern Ireland. All three party leaders are back to PMQs but it won't quite feel like business as usual. |
| 1143 Wales questions is well under way, with secretary of state Paul Murphy fielding queries. He says it is up to banks to ensure lending to businesses occurs. The chamber is about one-third full. | 1143 Wales questions is well under way, with secretary of state Paul Murphy fielding queries. He says it is up to banks to ensure lending to businesses occurs. The chamber is about one-third full. |
| 1142 Will anyone bring up the subject of the green custard thrown at Business Secretary Lord Mandelson last Friday? The peer likes to watch PMQs from the gallery and Tory MPs like to rile him. | 1142 Will anyone bring up the subject of the green custard thrown at Business Secretary Lord Mandelson last Friday? The peer likes to watch PMQs from the gallery and Tory MPs like to rile him. |
| 1140 It has been revealed in the last few minutes that the Government has offered a grant of up to £27 million to Land Rover for the production of a new car. That could raise some interest in the Commons chamber. | 1140 It has been revealed in the last few minutes that the Government has offered a grant of up to £27 million to Land Rover for the production of a new car. That could raise some interest in the Commons chamber. |
| 1139 Among those near the top of the listings to ask questions are Conservative Sir Nicholas Winterton and Labour's Phil Wilson, MP for Tony Blair's former constituency of Sedgefield. Before PMQs starts, it's Welsh questions, where Ann Winterton - wife of Sir Nicholas - was due to ask the first question. Feel free to have your say on PMQs and the political issues of the day using the form in the top right-hand corner of this page. | 1139 Among those near the top of the listings to ask questions are Conservative Sir Nicholas Winterton and Labour's Phil Wilson, MP for Tony Blair's former constituency of Sedgefield. Before PMQs starts, it's Welsh questions, where Ann Winterton - wife of Sir Nicholas - was due to ask the first question. Feel free to have your say on PMQs and the political issues of the day using the form in the top right-hand corner of this page. |
| 1137 Mr Brown is likely to pay tribute to the two soldiers and the policeman killed in Northern Ireland during the last week. | 1137 Mr Brown is likely to pay tribute to the two soldiers and the policeman killed in Northern Ireland during the last week. |
| 1136 On a crisp and fresh day at Westminster, Mr Brown is no doubt preparing for yet another grilling on the state of the economy. The arcane details of "quantitative easing" could come up, as could the controversial subject of bonuses for banking staff. | 1136 On a crisp and fresh day at Westminster, Mr Brown is no doubt preparing for yet another grilling on the state of the economy. The arcane details of "quantitative easing" could come up, as could the controversial subject of bonuses for banking staff. |
| 1134 My colleague Ross Hawkins will be providing his insights on PMQs, while shadow work and pensions secretary Theresa May and Cabinet Office minister Liam Byrne will give us the insider view, courtesy of BBC Two's Daily Politics. | 1134 My colleague Ross Hawkins will be providing his insights on PMQs, while shadow work and pensions secretary Theresa May and Cabinet Office minister Liam Byrne will give us the insider view, courtesy of BBC Two's Daily Politics. |
| 1133 Hello and welcome to out live text coverage of prime minister's questions. It's back to normal this week, with Gordon Brown returning to the cut and thrust of political debate following his trip to the United States. Conservative leader David Cameron is also back, after the death of his son Ivan two weeks ago. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg returns from his paternity leave. | 1133 Hello and welcome to out live text coverage of prime minister's questions. It's back to normal this week, with Gordon Brown returning to the cut and thrust of political debate following his trip to the United States. Conservative leader David Cameron is also back, after the death of his son Ivan two weeks ago. Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg returns from his paternity leave. |