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| The Full Story: PM's Questions | The Full Story: PM's Questions |
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| Prime minister's questions in full | |
| By Emma Griffiths 1309Right, that's it for our PMQs live coverage this week - swine flu and expenses were raised but it was the issue of the Gurkhas' right to settle in Britain that seemed to dominate the debate. BBC political editor Nick Robinson says Labour whips will now be working behind the scenes to work out what they will have to do to win over Labour backbenchers. Thanks very much for all your emails and join us at the same time next week for the next PMQs commentary. | By Emma Griffiths 1309Right, that's it for our PMQs live coverage this week - swine flu and expenses were raised but it was the issue of the Gurkhas' right to settle in Britain that seemed to dominate the debate. BBC political editor Nick Robinson says Labour whips will now be working behind the scenes to work out what they will have to do to win over Labour backbenchers. Thanks very much for all your emails and join us at the same time next week for the next PMQs commentary. |
| 1252From BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue: So it was left to Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, to end the cosy chat that had characterised the opening exchanges. Mr Clegg can rightly claim to have done much of the running on the Gurkha issue in recent months, and he was pulling no punches when he described the PM's position as "deeply evasive" and "shameful". There's a good deal of support on the Labour backbenches for the plight of the Gurkhas and the Lib Dems are hoping to flush that out into solid votes later when they use one of their opposition debates to put pressure on ministers. Expenses did finally get a look-in, though the prime minister seems determined to go ahead with tomorrow's votes, even if they don't address the most controversial issue of the allowances - that for MPs' second homes. Quite a refreshing question time in some ways - I can't remember the last time we didn't have them going hammer and tongs about the borrowing. | 1252From BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue: So it was left to Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, to end the cosy chat that had characterised the opening exchanges. Mr Clegg can rightly claim to have done much of the running on the Gurkha issue in recent months, and he was pulling no punches when he described the PM's position as "deeply evasive" and "shameful". There's a good deal of support on the Labour backbenches for the plight of the Gurkhas and the Lib Dems are hoping to flush that out into solid votes later when they use one of their opposition debates to put pressure on ministers. Expenses did finally get a look-in, though the prime minister seems determined to go ahead with tomorrow's votes, even if they don't address the most controversial issue of the allowances - that for MPs' second homes. Quite a refreshing question time in some ways - I can't remember the last time we didn't have them going hammer and tongs about the borrowing. |
| "Funny how a few billion isn't a problem when it's a bank taking it.."Richard, Ruislip | "Funny how a few billion isn't a problem when it's a bank taking it.."Richard, Ruislip |
| "We have more of a financial obligation, and a moral duty, to help support the Gurkhas who give their very lives in defence of our nation, than many of the illegal immigrants on the benefits payroll"Dan, Newport, Shropshire | "We have more of a financial obligation, and a moral duty, to help support the Gurkhas who give their very lives in defence of our nation, than many of the illegal immigrants on the benefits payroll"Dan, Newport, Shropshire |
| "During the world global downturn Gordon Brown has held Britain interests high and should be applauded for his statesman like figure as opposed to the Conservative and Liberal leader who not only look weak but who not have the ability to rise to this global down turn in a manner that befits the British Public interests" Mary Thorpe , Blackpool | "During the world global downturn Gordon Brown has held Britain interests high and should be applauded for his statesman like figure as opposed to the Conservative and Liberal leader who not only look weak but who not have the ability to rise to this global down turn in a manner that befits the British Public interests" Mary Thorpe , Blackpool |
| "On AfPak policy, terrorism is possible because of attitudes in the countries where it occurs. Bad foreign policy choices (notably Iraq war but also Afghanistan) alienate people here and help extremists"Richard Hay, Woking, UK | "On AfPak policy, terrorism is possible because of attitudes in the countries where it occurs. Bad foreign policy choices (notably Iraq war but also Afghanistan) alienate people here and help extremists"Richard Hay, Woking, UK |
| "How is it that the Gurkhas who have paid a debt in blood, fought and some died for this country are not allowed to settle here when the government bends over backwards to allow terror suspects and people who are violently opposed to our way of life into this country. There are no words base enough to describe what you are doing to these people"Mark Cullup, witney Oxfordshire | "How is it that the Gurkhas who have paid a debt in blood, fought and some died for this country are not allowed to settle here when the government bends over backwards to allow terror suspects and people who are violently opposed to our way of life into this country. There are no words base enough to describe what you are doing to these people"Mark Cullup, witney Oxfordshire |
| "I think that the prime minister is doing really well in a very tough time, and anyone that thinks that the Conservatives will do any better, are in my view silly and arrogant, long may labour stay here.Richard Sinnott, Manchester,England | "I think that the prime minister is doing really well in a very tough time, and anyone that thinks that the Conservatives will do any better, are in my view silly and arrogant, long may labour stay here.Richard Sinnott, Manchester,England |
| "I can't see how Gordon Brown can be worried about the Gurkhas coming here in droves, at least they are hard workers that have proved their worth to the country. If he's worried about housing I've got a spare room for any Gurkha who needs it"Chris, Wales | "I can't see how Gordon Brown can be worried about the Gurkhas coming here in droves, at least they are hard workers that have proved their worth to the country. If he's worried about housing I've got a spare room for any Gurkha who needs it"Chris, Wales |
| 1244 | 1244 |
| Nick Robinson says the Gurkhas issue may give Mr Clegg "some leverage". Conservative frontbencher Theresa May says a lot of Tory MPs feel "very strongly" about the Gurkhas issue. She says she did not recognise the figures used by the government - especially the £1.4bn Mr Brown said the Lib Dem/Tory proposal would cost. | Nick Robinson says the Gurkhas issue may give Mr Clegg "some leverage". Conservative frontbencher Theresa May says a lot of Tory MPs feel "very strongly" about the Gurkhas issue. She says she did not recognise the figures used by the government - especially the £1.4bn Mr Brown said the Lib Dem/Tory proposal would cost. |
| 1243Back in the Daily Politics studio they refer to the fact that all the e-mails sent in about PMQs this week back a relaxation of rules on allowing the Gurkhas to enter the UK. | 1243Back in the Daily Politics studio they refer to the fact that all the e-mails sent in about PMQs this week back a relaxation of rules on allowing the Gurkhas to enter the UK. |
| 1242Mr Brown says the government is working with governments in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and providing financial assistance - in Afghanistan, it must be a strong democracy to overcome the Taleban threat. The strategy includes building up police and army numbers and handing provinces over to Afghan control. In Pakistan there are some education proposals to try to stop young people falling under the influence of extremists, he says. | 1242Mr Brown says the government is working with governments in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and providing financial assistance - in Afghanistan, it must be a strong democracy to overcome the Taleban threat. The strategy includes building up police and army numbers and handing provinces over to Afghan control. In Pakistan there are some education proposals to try to stop young people falling under the influence of extremists, he says. |
| 1241During his statement Mr Brown says terrorist leaders orchestrate attacks around the world from the border areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. | 1241During his statement Mr Brown says terrorist leaders orchestrate attacks around the world from the border areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan. |
| 1232Labour MP David Clelland seems rather surprised to be called to ask a question and asks if any problem faced by the country could be answered by the Conservative Party - the PM, unsurprisingly, says no. The session ends and Mr Brown goes into a statement about British strategy in Afghanistan and for Pakistan. | 1232Labour MP David Clelland seems rather surprised to be called to ask a question and asks if any problem faced by the country could be answered by the Conservative Party - the PM, unsurprisingly, says no. The session ends and Mr Brown goes into a statement about British strategy in Afghanistan and for Pakistan. |
| 1231Tory MP David Gauke raises the issue of the EU referendum, to groans from Labour MPs, and the party's manifesto commitment not to raise the top rate of income tax - he asks why people should trust the Labour Party again. Mr Brown says shadow business secretary Ken Clarke agreed with him on the EU referendum issue and on tax "it was right" that those who had benefited the most should "pay a little more" to help the country through the recession. | 1231Tory MP David Gauke raises the issue of the EU referendum, to groans from Labour MPs, and the party's manifesto commitment not to raise the top rate of income tax - he asks why people should trust the Labour Party again. Mr Brown says shadow business secretary Ken Clarke agreed with him on the EU referendum issue and on tax "it was right" that those who had benefited the most should "pay a little more" to help the country through the recession. |
| 1230Ex-serviceman and Tory MP Sir Nicholas Winterton raises the issue of the Gurkhas again - he says large numbers of British people believed the government should be less restrictive in dealing with their settlement claims. Mr Brown says the government's proposal will allow thousands of Gurkhas to settle. | 1230Ex-serviceman and Tory MP Sir Nicholas Winterton raises the issue of the Gurkhas again - he says large numbers of British people believed the government should be less restrictive in dealing with their settlement claims. Mr Brown says the government's proposal will allow thousands of Gurkhas to settle. |
| 1229From BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue: Rarely have Gordon Brown and David Cameron been so polite to one another. As they worked through the Swine flu issue, they thanked and re-thanked each other for their questions and answers. Mr. Cameron edged towards some gentle criticism over the national flu line and the availability of masks, but he wasn't really going for the jugular. Moving onto the Gurkhas, and how many should get the right to settle in Britain, David Cameron even thanked the Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg for proposing a debate this afternoon on the issue. What's worth noting here is that we got some surprising candour from the PM - we can't really afford to throw the door wide open to the Gurkhas was his main point. | 1229From BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue: Rarely have Gordon Brown and David Cameron been so polite to one another. As they worked through the Swine flu issue, they thanked and re-thanked each other for their questions and answers. Mr. Cameron edged towards some gentle criticism over the national flu line and the availability of masks, but he wasn't really going for the jugular. Moving onto the Gurkhas, and how many should get the right to settle in Britain, David Cameron even thanked the Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg for proposing a debate this afternoon on the issue. What's worth noting here is that we got some surprising candour from the PM - we can't really afford to throw the door wide open to the Gurkhas was his main point. |
| 1228A Labour MP asks about expenses and outside incomes - to some shouts from Tory MPs, who he refers to as "millionaires' row". Mr Brown says the "whole country" wants MPs to take the action necessary to clean up the system. He says those shouting MPs should have some "humility" - to laughter from Tory MPs. He also says there is "some sensitivity" on Tory benches about "outside interests". | 1228A Labour MP asks about expenses and outside incomes - to some shouts from Tory MPs, who he refers to as "millionaires' row". Mr Brown says the "whole country" wants MPs to take the action necessary to clean up the system. He says those shouting MPs should have some "humility" - to laughter from Tory MPs. He also says there is "some sensitivity" on Tory benches about "outside interests". |
| 1228Mr Brown is asked about LDV - the van maker which has applied to go into administration. He says money has been set aside to make it possible for the car industry to get government support | 1228Mr Brown is asked about LDV - the van maker which has applied to go into administration. He says money has been set aside to make it possible for the car industry to get government support |
| 1227Tory MP Michael Spicer asks if "fiscal probity is back in vogue - why do we need a Labour government?" An annoyed sounding Mr Brown reads out a list of Labour achievements which he says would be put at risk by a Tory government. There is not the usual ritual cheering as he reels off the list. | 1227Tory MP Michael Spicer asks if "fiscal probity is back in vogue - why do we need a Labour government?" An annoyed sounding Mr Brown reads out a list of Labour achievements which he says would be put at risk by a Tory government. There is not the usual ritual cheering as he reels off the list. |
| 1223Labour MP Chris Mullin stands up to suggest the government reconsider the commitment to spend billions on a new generation of nuclear weapons. Mr Brown says that expenditure will be spread over 20 years and the government is trying to stop the spread of nuclear weapons across the world. | 1223Labour MP Chris Mullin stands up to suggest the government reconsider the commitment to spend billions on a new generation of nuclear weapons. Mr Brown says that expenditure will be spread over 20 years and the government is trying to stop the spread of nuclear weapons across the world. |
| 1222In response to Mr Clegg, Mr Brown says Labour had "led the way" in improving conditions for Gurkhas, including enhanced pensions. | 1222In response to Mr Clegg, Mr Brown says Labour had "led the way" in improving conditions for Gurkhas, including enhanced pensions. |
| 1221Mr Brown says he takes the questions seriously and has taken measures to increase the numbers of Gurkhas allowed into the country. He says it is not right to suggest only commissioned officers are being allowed in. Mr Clegg shakes his head as the PM raises the issue of public expenditure. "What kind of answer is that?" he says. Surely, he adds, those "willing to die for this country should be allowed to live in this country". | 1221Mr Brown says he takes the questions seriously and has taken measures to increase the numbers of Gurkhas allowed into the country. He says it is not right to suggest only commissioned officers are being allowed in. Mr Clegg shakes his head as the PM raises the issue of public expenditure. "What kind of answer is that?" he says. Surely, he adds, those "willing to die for this country should be allowed to live in this country". |
| 1220Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg stands up to say Mr Brown's answers on the issue of Gurkhas were "deeply evasive". He asks how can it be honest or decent to stop Gurkhas who have served less than 20 years settling in the country, given that they generally serve no more than 15 years. He says there is a "simple moral principle at stake" - to "hear hears" from MPs. | 1220Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg stands up to say Mr Brown's answers on the issue of Gurkhas were "deeply evasive". He asks how can it be honest or decent to stop Gurkhas who have served less than 20 years settling in the country, given that they generally serve no more than 15 years. He says there is a "simple moral principle at stake" - to "hear hears" from MPs. |
| 1219The PM says Gurkhas whose are cases under review will be given an answer by June 11. | 1219The PM says Gurkhas whose are cases under review will be given an answer by June 11. |
| 1218Labour MP Martin Salter stands up to press the PM on the Gurkhas - he says Labour should "deliver justice for Gurkhas at last". | 1218Labour MP Martin Salter stands up to press the PM on the Gurkhas - he says Labour should "deliver justice for Gurkhas at last". |
| 1218The PM says the government is "very proud" of what the Gurkhas have done for Britain but policy must be made on "proper facts" and figures. | 1218The PM says the government is "very proud" of what the Gurkhas have done for Britain but policy must be made on "proper facts" and figures. |
| 1216Mr Brown says progress has been made and they can work through the issue "in stages". Mr Cameron says if the government's figures were right there wouldn't be a gathering of Gurkhas outside the Houses of Parliament. He asks for an additional category to be added to the immigration bill to allow a "more generous settlement" for Gurkhas. Mr Brown says he will always look at suggestions but public expenditure has to be a factor. | 1216Mr Brown says progress has been made and they can work through the issue "in stages". Mr Cameron says if the government's figures were right there wouldn't be a gathering of Gurkhas outside the Houses of Parliament. He asks for an additional category to be added to the immigration bill to allow a "more generous settlement" for Gurkhas. Mr Brown says he will always look at suggestions but public expenditure has to be a factor. |
| 1215Mr Cameron says those representing Gurkhas believe the government's conditions will only let 100 in - and says they are owed "a debt of gratitude". Mr Brown disagrees with the 100 figure - he says it will be several thousand. | 1215Mr Cameron says those representing Gurkhas believe the government's conditions will only let 100 in - and says they are owed "a debt of gratitude". Mr Brown disagrees with the 100 figure - he says it will be several thousand. |
| 1213Mr Brown says they will keep the policy under review and will particularly look at conditions attached to riflemen for their service. He says the government has taken "a big step forward". | 1213Mr Brown says they will keep the policy under review and will particularly look at conditions attached to riflemen for their service. He says the government has taken "a big step forward". |
| 1212Mr Brown says since 1997 the government had taken the first measures to "give justice" to the Gurkhas and 6,000 had successfully applied for settlement They also improved their pensions, he says. He says they have to "balance" responsibilities to the Gurkhas with financial obligations. | 1212Mr Brown says since 1997 the government had taken the first measures to "give justice" to the Gurkhas and 6,000 had successfully applied for settlement They also improved their pensions, he says. He says they have to "balance" responsibilities to the Gurkhas with financial obligations. |
| 1211Mr Cameron then turns to the Gurkhas and says Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg should be congratulated for introducing a debate later on the issue. He says the PM's proposals are "too restrictive". | 1211Mr Cameron then turns to the Gurkhas and says Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg should be congratulated for introducing a debate later on the issue. He says the PM's proposals are "too restrictive". |
| 1210The Tory leader also asks about stocks of anti-virals and how long they will take to get. He says his party keeps raising the issue of face masks and asks how long it will take to get them. Mr Brown says the anti-virals stocks are being increased - but stressed they were usually only used when someone has symptoms. Britain is "well prepared" he says. On face masks he says they are ordering "several million" more and they will arrive in the next few days and weeks. They are meant for NHS staff, not the general public, he says | 1210The Tory leader also asks about stocks of anti-virals and how long they will take to get. He says his party keeps raising the issue of face masks and asks how long it will take to get them. Mr Brown says the anti-virals stocks are being increased - but stressed they were usually only used when someone has symptoms. Britain is "well prepared" he says. On face masks he says they are ordering "several million" more and they will arrive in the next few days and weeks. They are meant for NHS staff, not the general public, he says |
| 1208Mr Cameron stands up with some questions about swine flu - specifically a national information line which he says is not due to be up and running for months. Mr Brown says he is pleased to be asked about it, and says interim arrangements are being made. He says the circumstances it is designed for have "not yet been reached". He also says there will be a statement to the Commons later from the health secretary. | 1208Mr Cameron stands up with some questions about swine flu - specifically a national information line which he says is not due to be up and running for months. Mr Brown says he is pleased to be asked about it, and says interim arrangements are being made. He says the circumstances it is designed for have "not yet been reached". He also says there will be a statement to the Commons later from the health secretary. |
| 1207Mr Brown goes on to talk about what is being done to tackle swine flu including stocking up on anti-virals - the government's stock will increase from 35m to 50m. He says more face masks were being ordered for NHS staff and he said there would be distribution of information leaflets to homes. | 1207Mr Brown goes on to talk about what is being done to tackle swine flu including stocking up on anti-virals - the government's stock will increase from 35m to 50m. He says more face masks were being ordered for NHS staff and he said there would be distribution of information leaflets to homes. |
| 1205Mr Brown says there are three further confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK - in Torbay, London and Birmingham - all had been to Mexico and all are responding to treatment. One is a 12-year-old girl he says. A school is being closed as a precaution. | 1205Mr Brown says there are three further confirmed cases of swine flu in the UK - in Torbay, London and Birmingham - all had been to Mexico and all are responding to treatment. One is a 12-year-old girl he says. A school is being closed as a precaution. |
| 1204 Tory backbencher Bill Cash pokes fun at the PM's "comedy turn" on YouTube - a reference to the abandoned expenses proposal. Tory MPs roar with laughter as he asks whether there will be a repeat performance. Mr Brown says he will continue to use YouTube as an important information tool. | 1204 Tory backbencher Bill Cash pokes fun at the PM's "comedy turn" on YouTube - a reference to the abandoned expenses proposal. Tory MPs roar with laughter as he asks whether there will be a repeat performance. Mr Brown says he will continue to use YouTube as an important information tool. |
| 1201Mr Brown is on his feet paying tribute to a British soldier killed in Afghanistan. | 1201Mr Brown is on his feet paying tribute to a British soldier killed in Afghanistan. |
| 1200Nick Robinson says Mr Cameron is likely to raise the issue about Gurkhas - not wanting to be outdone by Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, who has been raising it for weeks. | 1200Nick Robinson says Mr Cameron is likely to raise the issue about Gurkhas - not wanting to be outdone by Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg, who has been raising it for weeks. |
| 1159BBC political editor Nick Robinson tells the Daily Politics he doesn't think David Cameron will ask about expenses or the Budget, but will probably ask about swine flu.The PM will have "things to report" apparently. | 1159BBC political editor Nick Robinson tells the Daily Politics he doesn't think David Cameron will ask about expenses or the Budget, but will probably ask about swine flu.The PM will have "things to report" apparently. |
| 1159 The PM's spokesman also says this government had been the first to allow UK-based Gurkhas to stay in this country | 1159 The PM's spokesman also says this government had been the first to allow UK-based Gurkhas to stay in this country |
| 1158 Meanwhile the prime minister's spokesman has been taking questions from journalists. Asked about a Commons' committee's call yesterday for any decision on changing expenses to be delayed until a separate inquiry has finished, he said the PM did not agree and action had to be taken now. | 1158 Meanwhile the prime minister's spokesman has been taking questions from journalists. Asked about a Commons' committee's call yesterday for any decision on changing expenses to be delayed until a separate inquiry has finished, he said the PM did not agree and action had to be taken now. |
| 1157From BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue: They'll be prepping like mad in Downing street this morning - as there's a whole host of issues which the opposition could use to beat up on Gordon Brown. The continuing row over MPs expenses, u-turns on Titan prisons and email databases, whether to grant residency rights to all Gurkhas and of course the pig flu scare. Labour MPs are fuming about the handling of the expenses issue, so GB may not feel the swell of his party at his back in quite the way he'd like. | 1157From BBC political correspondent Gary O'Donoghue: They'll be prepping like mad in Downing street this morning - as there's a whole host of issues which the opposition could use to beat up on Gordon Brown. The continuing row over MPs expenses, u-turns on Titan prisons and email databases, whether to grant residency rights to all Gurkhas and of course the pig flu scare. Labour MPs are fuming about the handling of the expenses issue, so GB may not feel the swell of his party at his back in quite the way he'd like. |
| 1154 Lib Dem frontbencher Ed Davey says the Lib Dems are making headway on various issues - the Gurkhas and the economy. He says the other parties would give their "eye teeth" for someone like Vince Cable to handle their economic policy. | 1154 Lib Dem frontbencher Ed Davey says the Lib Dems are making headway on various issues - the Gurkhas and the economy. He says the other parties would give their "eye teeth" for someone like Vince Cable to handle their economic policy. |
| 1153 Former minister Kim Howells tells the BBC's Daily Politics there should be "less of a barrier" for Gurkhas to enter the UK but says the government has to be careful about an "open door policy". Meanwhile Theresa May says the Conservatives will back the Lib Dems against the government in the debate. Dozens of Labour MPs have also signed a motion criticising the government's position | 1153 Former minister Kim Howells tells the BBC's Daily Politics there should be "less of a barrier" for Gurkhas to enter the UK but says the government has to be careful about an "open door policy". Meanwhile Theresa May says the Conservatives will back the Lib Dems against the government in the debate. Dozens of Labour MPs have also signed a motion criticising the government's position |
| 1148 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of PMQs. Gordon Brown is back from his trip to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Poland and will be taking questions from David Cameron, Nick Clegg and a host of backbenchers. Expect questions on swine flu, Mr Brown's plan to reform MPs' expenses and on the government's decision to limit the number of Gurkha veterans allowed to settle in the UK. The Lib Dems oppose it, as does TV star Joanna Lumley. Is the government facing a backbench rebellion on the issue when MPs debate it later? | 1148 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of PMQs. Gordon Brown is back from his trip to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Poland and will be taking questions from David Cameron, Nick Clegg and a host of backbenchers. Expect questions on swine flu, Mr Brown's plan to reform MPs' expenses and on the government's decision to limit the number of Gurkha veterans allowed to settle in the UK. The Lib Dems oppose it, as does TV star Joanna Lumley. Is the government facing a backbench rebellion on the issue when MPs debate it later? |
| Daily Politics' analysis of PMQs |