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/8092882.stm

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
LIVE: Prime minister's questions LIVE: Prime minister's questions
(10 minutes later)
Prime minister's questions (UK users only) Brown statement on electoral reform (UK users only)
By Emma Griffiths 1230 Tory Mark Harper is met with cheers as he asks why anyone should believe the PM after suggesting cuts had been made to services in his constituency. Mr Brown says if he's worried about cuts, he should talk to his own front bench By Emma Griffiths Gary N from Edinburgh says: Same old same old from this tired old Fifer. Where Tony Blair used to laugh off the Tories and seemingly belittle any and all points the leader of the opposition made, Brown now gets flustered and angry at the mere sight of David Cameron. On spending cuts, I find it quite remarkable that when we are already spending more than the country makes in revenue this Government continues to increase spending! Answer me this Gordon, how do we pay for all your grand plans without increasing the deficit and dragging this country deeper into debt? The Tory plan may be tough, but it's right. class="inlineText" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=6572">Have Your Say
Oliver Westall from UK says: Whatever you think about the PM, it is absolutely clear there is no other party yet fit for government. The government deserve a chance to prepare themselves for election as much as the opposition need time to prove they are fit to govern. Have Your Say
1239 There will be a special commission on reforms for the Commons - including timetabling and the makeup of committees. There is some laughter as Mr Brown suggests widening Freedom of Information legislation. There had been a move earlier this year that would have excluded MPs from FOI.
1238 Recall is a possibility he says where "inappropriate behaviour" is uncovered. The House of Lords will not escape unscathed, there will also be proposals to make it more transparent and cheaper.
1237 The regulator will also scrutinise "value for money" in MPs' money. MPs can also expect a new code of conduct in a short bill to be introduced before summer recess. The current sanctions system for MPs is "not fit for purpose", he says pointing out the last time an MP was expelled was in 1954. The rules need updating, he says. MPs are listening carefully.
Simon Horton from Llanfairpwll says: Gordon Brown - as ex-Chancellor should know that due to taxpayers' money being used to bail out the banking system that either tax will have to be increased or public spending cut - one or the other over the next 10 years to pay off Britain's debt - Labour, if still there next year will have to do the same - so mentioning cuts in public spending is irrelevant. Have Your Say
mrcakey says: Michael Martin seems to be relishing the freedom given to him by his impending departure. Very snappy! Have Your Say on Twitter
1236 Some steps have already been agreed he says but they are not enough. New proposals are to be brought before Parliament before the summer - including a move from self-regulation to a new independent standards authority. It would take over the role of the Fees Office and maintain the members' interest register
1235 The PM says there must be a break with the "old ways" and everyone must play a part in restoring trust.
1234 Mr Brown pledges an end to the "abuses of the past" - a reference to the MPs' expenses scandal. Public confidence has been shaken and fundamental change is needed, he says.
1233 We've got to the end of PMQs now. The last question: David Hamilton invites Mr Brown to visit his constituency in Fife to pay tribute to miners' hero Lawrence Daley. Mr Brown has now moved onto his constitutional reform statement. We'll stick with it and do keep sending us your views on it using any of the methods highlighted on the top right hand side of this page.
1230 Tory Mark Harper is met with cheers as he asks why anyone should believe the PM after suggesting cuts had been made to services in his constituency. Mr Brown says if he's worried about cuts, he should talk to his own front bench
1229 Parmjit Dhanda, who has just announced he's running to be Speaker to replace Mr Martin, is met with some murmurs as he stands up. "Steady" he remarks. He's asking about Lloyds TSB's plans to close all Cheltenham and Gloucester branches.1229 Parmjit Dhanda, who has just announced he's running to be Speaker to replace Mr Martin, is met with some murmurs as he stands up. "Steady" he remarks. He's asking about Lloyds TSB's plans to close all Cheltenham and Gloucester branches.
jrg1990 says: This is brilliant. Conservatives so loud that they're threatening to throw several out...Brown needs to go! Have Your Say on Twitter jrg1990 says: This is brilliant. Conservatives so loud that they're threatening to throw several out...Brown needs to go! Have Your Say on Twitter
SM_Thomas says: I think we have a lot more issues to discuss, GB turns to standard vote winning comments and avoids the real issues. Have Your Say on Twitter SM_Thomas says: I think we have a lot more issues to discuss, GB turns to standard vote winning comments and avoids the real issues. Have Your Say on Twitter
Frank from Oxfordshire says: We all know there are going to have to be cuts to spending so why treat us like idiots and pretend not. Tell the truth Mr Brown, you never know, you might grow to like it. Have Your SayFrank from Oxfordshire says: We all know there are going to have to be cuts to spending so why treat us like idiots and pretend not. Tell the truth Mr Brown, you never know, you might grow to like it. Have Your Say
Craig Heeley from Badminton says: Let's have public spending cuts. They public sector seems insulated from all economic reality. Why is cutting public sector waste considered by the PM to be a bad thing? Have Your SayCraig Heeley from Badminton says: Let's have public spending cuts. They public sector seems insulated from all economic reality. Why is cutting public sector waste considered by the PM to be a bad thing? Have Your Say
1227 There is silence in the chamber as Tory MP Nigel Evans asks a question about deaths from hospital-acquired infections. Mr Brown says he is determined to reduce them and had brought in new rules for staff.1227 There is silence in the chamber as Tory MP Nigel Evans asks a question about deaths from hospital-acquired infections. Mr Brown says he is determined to reduce them and had brought in new rules for staff.
1226 After another reference to public spending cuts and Mr Lansley's comments on the Today programme this morning - Mr Brown says the Tories have revealed their "true manifesto" - to noisy hear hears from Labour benches.1226 After another reference to public spending cuts and Mr Lansley's comments on the Today programme this morning - Mr Brown says the Tories have revealed their "true manifesto" - to noisy hear hears from Labour benches.
1225 A leadership dig from the Tories. Mark Lancaster asks what Mr Brown has ever "achieved in the real world" to qualify him for the job. Mr Brown suggests every MP should be showing "humility" after the last few weeks, and that is what he's going to do.1225 A leadership dig from the Tories. Mark Lancaster asks what Mr Brown has ever "achieved in the real world" to qualify him for the job. Mr Brown suggests every MP should be showing "humility" after the last few weeks, and that is what he's going to do.
1225 A friendly question from Labour MP Shona McIsaac about economic development in her Cleethorpes constituency - she is groaned and shouted at by opposition MPs.1225 A friendly question from Labour MP Shona McIsaac about economic development in her Cleethorpes constituency - she is groaned and shouted at by opposition MPs.
1224 Sir Robert Smith, a Lib Dem MP, asks about council tax benefit and savings limit - he says it hasn't gone up enough. Mr Brown says a lot has been done to get children and pensioners out of poverty.1224 Sir Robert Smith, a Lib Dem MP, asks about council tax benefit and savings limit - he says it hasn't gone up enough. Mr Brown says a lot has been done to get children and pensioners out of poverty.
1221 Former Labour minister Michael Meacher asks about saving the banks and lending to businesses - he says the PM should force banks to give priority to rescuing "the real economy rather than simply looking after their own interests". Mr Brown says banks have a duty to lend to small businesses and for housing. Mr Brown looks comfortable on this chancellor-like subject, using that old crowd-pleasing word "quantitative" and going on to list things the government had done to help.1221 Former Labour minister Michael Meacher asks about saving the banks and lending to businesses - he says the PM should force banks to give priority to rescuing "the real economy rather than simply looking after their own interests". Mr Brown says banks have a duty to lend to small businesses and for housing. Mr Brown looks comfortable on this chancellor-like subject, using that old crowd-pleasing word "quantitative" and going on to list things the government had done to help.
1220 Mr Clegg goes on to ask why so many families are waiting for social housing - saying the figures are 70% higher than when Labour came into power. He gets cheers for suggesting councils be allowed to build homes. Mr Brown says Labour has made progress on improving housing and is "not complacent".1220 Mr Clegg goes on to ask why so many families are waiting for social housing - saying the figures are 70% higher than when Labour came into power. He gets cheers for suggesting councils be allowed to build homes. Mr Brown says Labour has made progress on improving housing and is "not complacent".
1219 Nick Clegg has stood up but it's hard to hear him as MPs are talking over the top of him. The rowdiness returns. Mr Clegg presses on and urges Mr Brown to deliver on his promises to help homeowners through the recession.1219 Nick Clegg has stood up but it's hard to hear him as MPs are talking over the top of him. The rowdiness returns. Mr Clegg presses on and urges Mr Brown to deliver on his promises to help homeowners through the recession.
Martin Cook from London says: Why does the Prime Minister not realise (or admit) that cuts have to be made in public spending? Have Your Say Martin Cook from London says: Why does the Prime Minister not realise (or admit) that cuts have to be made in public spending? Have Your Say
1218 Eric Illsley, a Labour backbencher, raises the issues of redundancies in his constituency and asks the PM to intervene - things have calmed down momentarily.1218 Eric Illsley, a Labour backbencher, raises the issues of redundancies in his constituency and asks the PM to intervene - things have calmed down momentarily.
1215 Mr Cameron calls the government "weak, divided and incompetent" - a charge Tony Blair in opposition used to level at John Major. Mr Brown is back onto the subject of public spending cuts. It's very rowdy in the chamber. Michael Martin, in his penultimate PMQs, admonishes Tory MP Andrew Robathan and tells him he's at risk of being removed.1215 Mr Cameron calls the government "weak, divided and incompetent" - a charge Tony Blair in opposition used to level at John Major. Mr Brown is back onto the subject of public spending cuts. It's very rowdy in the chamber. Michael Martin, in his penultimate PMQs, admonishes Tory MP Andrew Robathan and tells him he's at risk of being removed.
Darren John from Swindon says: David Cameron is lining himself to replace Sir Alan on The Apprentice....Mr Brown...You're Fired! Have Your SayDarren John from Swindon says: David Cameron is lining himself to replace Sir Alan on The Apprentice....Mr Brown...You're Fired! Have Your Say
1215 Mr Cameron makes several digs about the PM's reshuffle - saying he wants second preference voting but has been left with a "second preference chancellor" - there had been widespread reports Alistair Darling was to be moved, but refused to budge.1215 Mr Cameron makes several digs about the PM's reshuffle - saying he wants second preference voting but has been left with a "second preference chancellor" - there had been widespread reports Alistair Darling was to be moved, but refused to budge.
1215 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Gordon Brown wants a debate on changing the voting system. And he's getting one. David Cameron think's he's only interested in the subject because of Labour's fortunes at the ballot box.1215 From BBC political correspondent Ross Hawkins: Gordon Brown wants a debate on changing the voting system. And he's getting one. David Cameron think's he's only interested in the subject because of Labour's fortunes at the ballot box.
1214 Mr Brown turns fire back on the Tories with another reference to alleged Tory spending cuts. He says Mr Cameron needs to be "honest with the country" - there is some shouting from Labour MPs behind him.1214 Mr Brown turns fire back on the Tories with another reference to alleged Tory spending cuts. He says Mr Cameron needs to be "honest with the country" - there is some shouting from Labour MPs behind him.
1213 Mr Cameron says Mr Brown's statement that he had "no plans" should be interpreted as meaning he is thinking of having a referendum. He demands a stronger commitment. Mr Brown says he said "no plans" and he means "no plans". The Tories are loudly supporting Mr Cameron who says the PM has "no democratic legitimacy" and says he is trying to "fix the rules of the election".1213 Mr Cameron says Mr Brown's statement that he had "no plans" should be interpreted as meaning he is thinking of having a referendum. He demands a stronger commitment. Mr Brown says he said "no plans" and he means "no plans". The Tories are loudly supporting Mr Cameron who says the PM has "no democratic legitimacy" and says he is trying to "fix the rules of the election".
1211 Mr Cameron says remarks like that make him a "figure of ridicule" - he says there's not been "a squeak" about electoral reform for 12 years, now all of a sudden he's interested.1211 Mr Cameron says remarks like that make him a "figure of ridicule" - he says there's not been "a squeak" about electoral reform for 12 years, now all of a sudden he's interested.
1210 Mr Brown says there are no plans to change the voting system before the next general election - he says there's an interest "throughout the country" on the issue of electoral reform. He accuses the Tory leader of "self interest" in the way he is approaching policy discussion. Mr Cameron laughs - as do many Tory MPs. Speaker Michael Martin steps in to restore order.1210 Mr Brown says there are no plans to change the voting system before the next general election - he says there's an interest "throughout the country" on the issue of electoral reform. He accuses the Tory leader of "self interest" in the way he is approaching policy discussion. Mr Cameron laughs - as do many Tory MPs. Speaker Michael Martin steps in to restore order.
1208 Mr Brown says he'll answer questions about electoral reform in his statement later - Mr Cameron says it's too late as he's already briefed the press. The discussion moves to the BNP - which won two MEP seats this week - Mr Cameron says that is an argument against proportional representation for Westminster. Mr Brown attacks the BNP and says he has never supported proportional representation as a policy.1208 Mr Brown says he'll answer questions about electoral reform in his statement later - Mr Cameron says it's too late as he's already briefed the press. The discussion moves to the BNP - which won two MEP seats this week - Mr Cameron says that is an argument against proportional representation for Westminster. Mr Brown attacks the BNP and says he has never supported proportional representation as a policy.
1207 Mr Brown is backed by Labour MPs as he says finally the Tories have asked a question about policy. Mr Cameron almost misses his second question as the Speaker calls another MP to ask a question before correcting himself and calling the Conservative leader again.1207 Mr Brown is backed by Labour MPs as he says finally the Tories have asked a question about policy. Mr Cameron almost misses his second question as the Speaker calls another MP to ask a question before correcting himself and calling the Conservative leader again.
1206 David Cameron is met with cheers and laughter as he tells Mr Brown "how pleased" he is "to see the prime minister in his place" - a reference to Mr Brown's leadership troubles. He says the Tories are against changing the electoral system and suggests it is because Labour got 15% of the vote in the Euro elections1206 David Cameron is met with cheers and laughter as he tells Mr Brown "how pleased" he is "to see the prime minister in his place" - a reference to Mr Brown's leadership troubles. He says the Tories are against changing the electoral system and suggests it is because Labour got 15% of the vote in the Euro elections
1204 As predicted veteran Labour MP Gerald Kaufman is the backbencher to read out a lengthy question about "Tory cuts", Mr Brown again raises Andrew Lansley's comments. Lots of barracking as he says Labour would invest in the future and Tories would make cuts.1204 As predicted veteran Labour MP Gerald Kaufman is the backbencher to read out a lengthy question about "Tory cuts", Mr Brown again raises Andrew Lansley's comments. Lots of barracking as he says Labour would invest in the future and Tories would make cuts.
1203 Mr Brown says shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley has said he will be cutting spending in "vital areas" - only to be met with shouts from the Tory benches.1203 Mr Brown says shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley has said he will be cutting spending in "vital areas" - only to be met with shouts from the Tory benches.
1202 The BBC's political editor Nick Robinson says there will be spending cuts after the next general election, no matter who is in charge. He expects a friendly Labour MP to ask the PM about "Tory spending cuts". Mr Brown gets going with this very subject as he starts the session.1202 The BBC's political editor Nick Robinson says there will be spending cuts after the next general election, no matter who is in charge. He expects a friendly Labour MP to ask the PM about "Tory spending cuts". Mr Brown gets going with this very subject as he starts the session.
1158 Mr Brown's spokesman has announced that a summary version of a report into Shahid Malik will be published today, with "personal and confidential" information about the MP removed. The Dewsbury MP stepped down as justice minister pending an inquiry into his rental arrangements - which appeared as part of the Telegraph's expenses coverage. He's since returned to government, this time in the communities department, after Sir Philip Mawer advised the PM he had not breached the ministerial code. Opposition parties wanted the whole report published amid cover-up claims.1158 Mr Brown's spokesman has announced that a summary version of a report into Shahid Malik will be published today, with "personal and confidential" information about the MP removed. The Dewsbury MP stepped down as justice minister pending an inquiry into his rental arrangements - which appeared as part of the Telegraph's expenses coverage. He's since returned to government, this time in the communities department, after Sir Philip Mawer advised the PM he had not breached the ministerial code. Opposition parties wanted the whole report published amid cover-up claims.
1155 Mr Woolas ducks a question on what exactly will be the level of public sector spending squeezes in future years - he says if Labour had not done "what we've done, it would've been much worse". Unsurprisingly Miss Widdecombe disagrees. She says Labour was responsible for leaving the British economy heavily in debt and was not well placed to deal with it.1155 Mr Woolas ducks a question on what exactly will be the level of public sector spending squeezes in future years - he says if Labour had not done "what we've done, it would've been much worse". Unsurprisingly Miss Widdecombe disagrees. She says Labour was responsible for leaving the British economy heavily in debt and was not well placed to deal with it.
1154 Phil Woolas says he never doubted Gordon Brown would survive as leader and says he was being blamed for things that were not his fault. He says in 1991 everyone said John Major was finished but he went on to win in 1992. Miss Widdecombe rather unkindly quips: "That's because you put up Neil Kinnock, we're putting up David Cameron."1154 Phil Woolas says he never doubted Gordon Brown would survive as leader and says he was being blamed for things that were not his fault. He says in 1991 everyone said John Major was finished but he went on to win in 1992. Miss Widdecombe rather unkindly quips: "That's because you put up Neil Kinnock, we're putting up David Cameron."
1154 So what else might come up at PMQs? Gordon Brown's decision to make Sir Alan Sugar a peer and offer him a government advisory job has not gone down at all well with the Tories. Sir Alan fronts the popular BBC show The Apprentice and the Tories say it compromises the BBC's impartiality. We can probably expect someone to raise it...1154 So what else might come up at PMQs? Gordon Brown's decision to make Sir Alan Sugar a peer and offer him a government advisory job has not gone down at all well with the Tories. Sir Alan fronts the popular BBC show The Apprentice and the Tories say it compromises the BBC's impartiality. We can probably expect someone to raise it...
1153 Oh dear. We didn't think it could last and sure enough the consensus between Mr Woolas and Miss Widdecombe is over - she says the government is putting forward constitutional reform proposals as a "distraction" - Mr Woolas disagrees. Mr Robertson says it's quite a coincidence the PM is putting forward his plans on a day the SNP and Plaid Cymru have chosen to debate calling an immediate general election.1153 Oh dear. We didn't think it could last and sure enough the consensus between Mr Woolas and Miss Widdecombe is over - she says the government is putting forward constitutional reform proposals as a "distraction" - Mr Woolas disagrees. Mr Robertson says it's quite a coincidence the PM is putting forward his plans on a day the SNP and Plaid Cymru have chosen to debate calling an immediate general election.
1151 There's a bit of banter on Daily Politics about whether there should be a general election. Angus Robertson of the SNP wants one in the wake of the expenses scandal - his party and Plaid Cymru are making just such a call in the Commons from about 4pm this afternoon. Phil Woolas says a fresh mandate for Parliament will happen soon anyway - a general election has to be called by next June anyway. Ann Widdecombe wants an election - she says Gordon Brown has made a mess of things.1151 There's a bit of banter on Daily Politics about whether there should be a general election. Angus Robertson of the SNP wants one in the wake of the expenses scandal - his party and Plaid Cymru are making just such a call in the Commons from about 4pm this afternoon. Phil Woolas says a fresh mandate for Parliament will happen soon anyway - a general election has to be called by next June anyway. Ann Widdecombe wants an election - she says Gordon Brown has made a mess of things.
1150 Gordon Brown is outlining his plans for constitutional reform to MPs straight after Prime Minister's questions and we'll be sticking with the live coverage for that - with all the details as they are announced and reaction as it comes. Daily Politics host Andrew Neil says the Lib Dems, well known campaigners for electoral reform, didn't want to put anyone up to come on the show until they've heard what the PM has to say.1150 Gordon Brown is outlining his plans for constitutional reform to MPs straight after Prime Minister's questions and we'll be sticking with the live coverage for that - with all the details as they are announced and reaction as it comes. Daily Politics host Andrew Neil says the Lib Dems, well known campaigners for electoral reform, didn't want to put anyone up to come on the show until they've heard what the PM has to say.
1148 Miss Widdecombe might yet get Mr Woolas's backing for Speaker - they seem to be agreeing on a lot and he says he thinks the Speaker should be a Tory this time - the last two have been Labour MPs. But he points out, she hasn't said she's running yet1148 Miss Widdecombe might yet get Mr Woolas's backing for Speaker - they seem to be agreeing on a lot and he says he thinks the Speaker should be a Tory this time - the last two have been Labour MPs. But he points out, she hasn't said she's running yet
1147 There's a bit of discussion about the law lords decision to allow three terrorism suspects to appeal against their control orders after they argued they did not know what they were accused of. Ann Widdecombe, a former home office minister, backs the government over control orders but says they have to make sure they are not being misused. However she says it's not for judges to make the law. Phil Woolas says there is a serious difference between judges and the government on this.1147 There's a bit of discussion about the law lords decision to allow three terrorism suspects to appeal against their control orders after they argued they did not know what they were accused of. Ann Widdecombe, a former home office minister, backs the government over control orders but says they have to make sure they are not being misused. However she says it's not for judges to make the law. Phil Woolas says there is a serious difference between judges and the government on this.
1141 Ann Widdecombe says she has "yet to make up her mind" about whether she wants to be an interim Speaker - the formidable former minister is due to retire as an MP at the next election but someone needs to fill Michael Martin's shoes, after he stepped down during the expenses furore and it many have been encouraging her to offer herself as a short term replacement.1141 Ann Widdecombe says she has "yet to make up her mind" about whether she wants to be an interim Speaker - the formidable former minister is due to retire as an MP at the next election but someone needs to fill Michael Martin's shoes, after he stepped down during the expenses furore and it many have been encouraging her to offer herself as a short term replacement.
1140 Hello, and welcome to this week's live coverage of prime minister's questions. It's been quite a week for Gordon Brown. Since last week's PMQs four more cabinet ministers, and other junior ministers, have gone - James Purnell telling him bluntly to stand aside. Also there have been the English council and European elections - both of which were pretty disastrous for the Labour Party. David Cameron and Nick Clegg will have plenty of ammunition, but how will they choose to play it? Before PMQs starts there'll be some analysis from the Daily Politics studio, where Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe and immigration minister Phil Woolas are currently unpicking events.1140 Hello, and welcome to this week's live coverage of prime minister's questions. It's been quite a week for Gordon Brown. Since last week's PMQs four more cabinet ministers, and other junior ministers, have gone - James Purnell telling him bluntly to stand aside. Also there have been the English council and European elections - both of which were pretty disastrous for the Labour Party. David Cameron and Nick Clegg will have plenty of ammunition, but how will they choose to play it? Before PMQs starts there'll be some analysis from the Daily Politics studio, where Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe and immigration minister Phil Woolas are currently unpicking events.