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/8104911.stm

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
LIVE: Prime minister's questions LIVE: Prime minister's questions
(10 minutes later)
Watch PM's questions followed by tributes to Speaker MartinWatch PM's questions followed by tributes to Speaker Martin
By Emma GriffithsBy Emma Griffiths
1240 Will the Tories be raising taxes? Mr Gove says shadow chancellor George Osborne has refused to rule it out. He says the next government will have to take difficult decisions and will not be able to cut taxes in the way they would like. People want politicians to be honest about spending, he says.
lastyearsman tweets:Amused by Cameron's "bring it on" gesture - that's not how PMQs works... Read lastyearsman's tweets.
I don't get it! Giving praise to the Speaker is like congratulating the look-out on the Titanic for doing a good job!Steve Gale, Essex
1244 Labour's Ben Bradshaw says on Daily Politics the figures are "dizzying" and he would rather talk about the principles - which he says are essentially Labour would support public services while he claims the Tories would cut them.
1242 Is Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward planning a similar campaign to the one he ran when he was a Tory about Labour's "tax bombshell" in the 1990s? Nick Robinson says he has the PM's ear and often briefs him before PMQs. David Cameron is taking a gamble - a gamble that people know the economy has changed.
1241 So - what did the experts think? Back in the Daily Politics studio Nick Robinson says Mr Brown has lost the argument this week with commentators on public spending - but politics is not about commentators.
1236 The Speaker has called order for the last time at PMQs and it's over. Peter Lilley is now speaking about his 10 minute rule bill which calls for more time for government measures to be debated in Parliament. Most MPs decide it is not an issue for them and are filing out of the chamber.
1233 Labour's Brian Donohoe asks about excessive profits of energy companies. I thought there'd be more tributes to the Speaker than this - still they are expected to follow later this afternoon.1233 Labour's Brian Donohoe asks about excessive profits of energy companies. I thought there'd be more tributes to the Speaker than this - still they are expected to follow later this afternoon.
1231 A friendly question from Labour MP Emily Thornberry who asks about the expression "play the ball not the man" - Mr Brown interprets it as a question about policy and his claim the Tories prefer not to talk about it at PMQs.1231 A friendly question from Labour MP Emily Thornberry who asks about the expression "play the ball not the man" - Mr Brown interprets it as a question about policy and his claim the Tories prefer not to talk about it at PMQs.
McMaximilian tweets:Our MPs are solely concerned with point scoring. Brown is bombastic and Cameron smarmy, politics never changes Read McMaximilian's tweets.McMaximilian tweets:Our MPs are solely concerned with point scoring. Brown is bombastic and Cameron smarmy, politics never changes Read McMaximilian's tweets.
1229 Lib Dem Paul Burstow asks a question about elder abuse. Will the PM look at legislation on the issue? Mr PM says he hopes the criminal law will protect elderly people and the regulatory framework will be kept "under review". Abuse is unacceptable he says.1229 Lib Dem Paul Burstow asks a question about elder abuse. Will the PM look at legislation on the issue? Mr PM says he hopes the criminal law will protect elderly people and the regulatory framework will be kept "under review". Abuse is unacceptable he says.
caronmlindsay tweets:Angus Robertson asking about referendum on independence. Swatted away by Gordon like it was an annoying insect. Read caronmlindsay's tweets.caronmlindsay tweets:Angus Robertson asking about referendum on independence. Swatted away by Gordon like it was an annoying insect. Read caronmlindsay's tweets.
1228 Lee Scott, the Tory MP asks if the government has received any informal briefings from former spin doctor Damian McBride. A solemn sounding Mr Brown replies simply: I have not. This is met with ooohhs from the Conservative benches.1228 Lee Scott, the Tory MP asks if the government has received any informal briefings from former spin doctor Damian McBride. A solemn sounding Mr Brown replies simply: I have not. This is met with ooohhs from the Conservative benches.
1225 Another thank you to the Speaker for his "kindness" from Labour's Joan Walley. She's asking about spending on further education colleges.1225 Another thank you to the Speaker for his "kindness" from Labour's Joan Walley. She's asking about spending on further education colleges.
1227 From BBC political correspondent Ben Wright: Almost an exact replay of last week's PMQs and a probable preview of next weeks. The cuts versus cuts debate is going to go on for months and is already shaping the next election. The two party leaders fired a barrage of numbers at each other. David Cameron repeatedly asked the PM to confess to real terms cuts in public expenditure from 2011. Gordon Brown refused and said the Tories were committed to making cuts, regardless of the state of the books. The Tory leader tried to tie in Gordon Brown's character to the confusion surrounding these numbers, and said this was a matter of "telling the truth". Mr Brown reprised his "many not the few" refrain and laid into the Tories plan to cut inheritance tax. That looks certain to be a big part of Labour's campaign. Labour MPs were particularly boisterous today, certainly compared to the sullen benches of recent weeks.1227 From BBC political correspondent Ben Wright: Almost an exact replay of last week's PMQs and a probable preview of next weeks. The cuts versus cuts debate is going to go on for months and is already shaping the next election. The two party leaders fired a barrage of numbers at each other. David Cameron repeatedly asked the PM to confess to real terms cuts in public expenditure from 2011. Gordon Brown refused and said the Tories were committed to making cuts, regardless of the state of the books. The Tory leader tried to tie in Gordon Brown's character to the confusion surrounding these numbers, and said this was a matter of "telling the truth". Mr Brown reprised his "many not the few" refrain and laid into the Tories plan to cut inheritance tax. That looks certain to be a big part of Labour's campaign. Labour MPs were particularly boisterous today, certainly compared to the sullen benches of recent weeks.
1226 MP Judy Mallaber wishes the Speaker well before going on to ask about sales of knives to youths1226 MP Judy Mallaber wishes the Speaker well before going on to ask about sales of knives to youths
davethehowarth tweets: God David Cameron is childish. No tribute to the speaker? Read davethehowarth 's tweets.davethehowarth tweets: God David Cameron is childish. No tribute to the speaker? Read davethehowarth 's tweets.
1226 DUP MP Peter Robinson asks about reported plans to axe the full time police reserve in Northern Ireland. Gordon Brown says extra resources have been committed to deal with dissident groups in Northern Ireland. People's security will not be put at risk, he says1226 DUP MP Peter Robinson asks about reported plans to axe the full time police reserve in Northern Ireland. Gordon Brown says extra resources have been committed to deal with dissident groups in Northern Ireland. People's security will not be put at risk, he says
MickFealty tweets:My four year old watching her first #PMQs wants to know: "are they real people on the planet?" No coherent answer here... Read MickFealty's tweets.MickFealty tweets:My four year old watching her first #PMQs wants to know: "are they real people on the planet?" No coherent answer here... Read MickFealty's tweets.
1224 Mr Brown is asked about the suggestion dossiers are being compiled on opponents of the Heathrow third runway. Tory MP John Randall asks if there is one on him - and on Labour MP John McDonnell, to some laughter. Mr Brown says he knows nothing about such dossiers.1224 Mr Brown is asked about the suggestion dossiers are being compiled on opponents of the Heathrow third runway. Tory MP John Randall asks if there is one on him - and on Labour MP John McDonnell, to some laughter. Mr Brown says he knows nothing about such dossiers.
1224 Labour MP Ann Clwyd asks the PM to condemn "the appalling racist attacks" on families in Belfast - he does so.1224 Labour MP Ann Clwyd asks the PM to condemn "the appalling racist attacks" on families in Belfast - he does so.
jamestarbit tweets:How can Gordon Brown can stand up and talk such nonsense and assume people actually believe him? It's literally beyond me... Read jamestarbit's tweets.jamestarbit tweets:How can Gordon Brown can stand up and talk such nonsense and assume people actually believe him? It's literally beyond me... Read jamestarbit's tweets.
1222 Labour MP Barry Sheerman is annoyed about Lloyds' plans for jobs in his area - better standards are required. Mr Brown says he's happy to look at the issue.1222 Labour MP Barry Sheerman is annoyed about Lloyds' plans for jobs in his area - better standards are required. Mr Brown says he's happy to look at the issue.
sarabedford tweets:So how many MPs will queue up to praise Michael Martin after sticking the knife in last month? Read sarabedford's tweets.sarabedford tweets:So how many MPs will queue up to praise Michael Martin after sticking the knife in last month? Read sarabedford's tweets.
1221 Mr Clegg says the PM is "trying to have it both ways" and is "passing the buck" - he says the government is to blame for the recession, having let the bankers "get away from blue murder". Mr Brown says both high street and investment banks failed - Mr Clegg has called for them to be separated - he says the Lib Dem leader "supports what we are doing but can't bear to say it" - to some chuckles1221 Mr Clegg says the PM is "trying to have it both ways" and is "passing the buck" - he says the government is to blame for the recession, having let the bankers "get away from blue murder". Mr Brown says both high street and investment banks failed - Mr Clegg has called for them to be separated - he says the Lib Dem leader "supports what we are doing but can't bear to say it" - to some chuckles
1220 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg asks why the chancellor doesn't want to fundamentally change the way the UK regulates the banks - Mr Brown says they are making fundamental changes.1220 Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg asks why the chancellor doesn't want to fundamentally change the way the UK regulates the banks - Mr Brown says they are making fundamental changes.
1218 SDLP MP Eddie McGrady continues the Speaker tributes before asking a question about the devolution of policing and justice. Mr Brown says he hopes it will be completed soon1218 SDLP MP Eddie McGrady continues the Speaker tributes before asking a question about the devolution of policing and justice. Mr Brown says he hopes it will be completed soon
I think the current government should accept that cuts have to be made and stop treating the electorate as mindless numpties! We have a huge debt that needs addressing!Scott Speight, Stratford-upon-avonI think the current government should accept that cuts have to be made and stop treating the electorate as mindless numpties! We have a huge debt that needs addressing!Scott Speight, Stratford-upon-avon
1218 Much pointing from the PM who gets a big cheer from Labour MPs when he sits down.1218 Much pointing from the PM who gets a big cheer from Labour MPs when he sits down.
1217 Mr Brown is hitting the piece of paper in front of him with his finger as he drums home his "10% cuts under the Tories" message. Mr Cameron says character and policy come together "in this vital question" of telling the truth about public spending. He says Mr Brown has drawn his "precious dividing line" on cuts between reality and himself1217 Mr Brown is hitting the piece of paper in front of him with his finger as he drums home his "10% cuts under the Tories" message. Mr Cameron says character and policy come together "in this vital question" of telling the truth about public spending. He says Mr Brown has drawn his "precious dividing line" on cuts between reality and himself
1215 Mr Brown says the Tories are descending back into a personality row, rather than tackling policy. The Conservatives have to "face up to their responsibility", he says - everyone else is injecting more money into their countries Mr Brown says.1215 Mr Brown says the Tories are descending back into a personality row, rather than tackling policy. The Conservatives have to "face up to their responsibility", he says - everyone else is injecting more money into their countries Mr Brown says.
Chelicera666 tweets:watching it... dont know how much praise the speaker should get really.. hopefully none Read Chelicera666's tweets.Chelicera666 tweets:watching it... dont know how much praise the speaker should get really.. hopefully none Read Chelicera666's tweets.
1214 In a dig at the PM's leadership troubles Mr Cameron says "they shout for half an hour on a Wednesday and spend the rest of the week trying to get rid of him". He says if Mr Brown cannot be "straight" with people he is "not worthy" to be the PM. Lots of shouts from the Tory benches. Mr Martin calls order - Mr Cameron has apparently used the word "you" which is a no-no in the Commons chamber.1214 In a dig at the PM's leadership troubles Mr Cameron says "they shout for half an hour on a Wednesday and spend the rest of the week trying to get rid of him". He says if Mr Brown cannot be "straight" with people he is "not worthy" to be the PM. Lots of shouts from the Tory benches. Mr Martin calls order - Mr Cameron has apparently used the word "you" which is a no-no in the Commons chamber.
1212 Cheers from Labour MPs as Mr Brown says Labour is the party of the many compared to the Tories party of the few. Mr Cameron says the PM is "sinking and sinking" and says he needs to stand back and ask "why he is so distrusted". He says it's not about the recession adding "there's a recession all over Europe" - lots of laughs and shouts from the Labour benches as Mr Martin tries to restore order. The PM is always saying the economic downturn is affecting the whole world while Labour MPs obviously believe Mr Cameron likes to pin the the blame on Mr Brown.1212 Cheers from Labour MPs as Mr Brown says Labour is the party of the many compared to the Tories party of the few. Mr Cameron says the PM is "sinking and sinking" and says he needs to stand back and ask "why he is so distrusted". He says it's not about the recession adding "there's a recession all over Europe" - lots of laughs and shouts from the Labour benches as Mr Martin tries to restore order. The PM is always saying the economic downturn is affecting the whole world while Labour MPs obviously believe Mr Cameron likes to pin the the blame on Mr Brown.
This is the best I've seen Gordon Brown perform in a while. Actually seems to be talking sense.David Cooper, ManchesterThis is the best I've seen Gordon Brown perform in a while. Actually seems to be talking sense.David Cooper, Manchester
1211 Mr Cameron says the financial analysts are on his side. He urges the PM to "give a straight answer and be straight with the British people". Mr Brown says he is the only one detailing the figures, the Tories aren't giving any. He goes on to list figures he says show rises in expenditure even with inflation is taken into account.1211 Mr Cameron says the financial analysts are on his side. He urges the PM to "give a straight answer and be straight with the British people". Mr Brown says he is the only one detailing the figures, the Tories aren't giving any. He goes on to list figures he says show rises in expenditure even with inflation is taken into account.
1209 Mr Brown is getting a lot of support from the Labour benches for his public spending attacks - this is a traditional campaigning line for the party. The PM says "current expenditure" will continue to rise in "cash and real terms" while the Tories plan to cut inheritance tax "for the few and not the many" - to cheers from Labour MPs.1209 Mr Brown is getting a lot of support from the Labour benches for his public spending attacks - this is a traditional campaigning line for the party. The PM says "current expenditure" will continue to rise in "cash and real terms" while the Tories plan to cut inheritance tax "for the few and not the many" - to cheers from Labour MPs.
Why are all the MPs praising the Speaker when they were all stabbing him in the back.Graham, Bushey, HertsWhy are all the MPs praising the Speaker when they were all stabbing him in the back.Graham, Bushey, Herts
1208 Mr Brown says his Tory opposite number "better admit" he wants to cut expenditure by "10%". Mr Cameron says it sounds "more and more desperate" and whichever way you look at the government's figures, they are planning cuts. This could go on for some time. Shaun Woodward must be heckling from the Labour benches as Mr Cameron says he was "pretty useless when he worked for us and he's pretty useless now".1208 Mr Brown says his Tory opposite number "better admit" he wants to cut expenditure by "10%". Mr Cameron says it sounds "more and more desperate" and whichever way you look at the government's figures, they are planning cuts. This could go on for some time. Shaun Woodward must be heckling from the Labour benches as Mr Cameron says he was "pretty useless when he worked for us and he's pretty useless now".
1207 Mr Cameron presses the PM on his own spending plans - asking him to admit they are a "real terms cut". Mr Brown fires back his accusation that the Tories plan 10% cuts. Praise for Mr Martin seems a long time ago now.1207 Mr Cameron presses the PM on his own spending plans - asking him to admit they are a "real terms cut". Mr Brown fires back his accusation that the Tories plan 10% cuts. Praise for Mr Martin seems a long time ago now.
1206 Public spending is back on the agenda - lots of shouts from Labour MPs. Mr Brown says he is investing to get out of the recession while the Tories would cut and make it last longer. Mr Cameron says he is dodging the question and says Peter Mandelson is "allowing him to go on with the job" - the Business Secretary was promoted in the recent reshuffle and is now said to be effectively deputy prime minister.1206 Public spending is back on the agenda - lots of shouts from Labour MPs. Mr Brown says he is investing to get out of the recession while the Tories would cut and make it last longer. Mr Cameron says he is dodging the question and says Peter Mandelson is "allowing him to go on with the job" - the Business Secretary was promoted in the recent reshuffle and is now said to be effectively deputy prime minister.
1204 Tory leader David Cameron says "welcome to prime minister's planted questions" - to some shouts from the other side. He has a dig at the PM's description of him as "Mr 10%" - he says Labour MPs thought Mr Brown was talking about "his own opinion polls ratings" - Tory MPs love that one1204 Tory leader David Cameron says "welcome to prime minister's planted questions" - to some shouts from the other side. He has a dig at the PM's description of him as "Mr 10%" - he says Labour MPs thought Mr Brown was talking about "his own opinion polls ratings" - Tory MPs love that one
1203 Sure enough Labour MP Alan Whithead has started the praise for the Speaker, before asking a question about green energy and a quick dig at the Tories over public spending. Cue another reference to Andrew Lansley from the PM.1203 Sure enough Labour MP Alan Whithead has started the praise for the Speaker, before asking a question about green energy and a quick dig at the Tories over public spending. Cue another reference to Andrew Lansley from the PM.
1202 The Commons has filled up, Gordon Brown is on his feet. He pays tribute to the Speaker saying all MPs will have the chance to recognise his "great contribution" later.1202 The Commons has filled up, Gordon Brown is on his feet. He pays tribute to the Speaker saying all MPs will have the chance to recognise his "great contribution" later.
1200 Nick Robinson says a lot of Tories "absolutely despise" John Bercow, the bookmaker's favourite for Speaker - and a Tory MP. They'd rather vote for Labour's Margaret Beckett, he says. Michael Gove disagrees - he says John Bercow is a friend and a good Parliamentarian1200 Nick Robinson says a lot of Tories "absolutely despise" John Bercow, the bookmaker's favourite for Speaker - and a Tory MP. They'd rather vote for Labour's Margaret Beckett, he says. Michael Gove disagrees - he says John Bercow is a friend and a good Parliamentarian
1159 We're getting nearer the main event now. BBC political editor Nick Robinson is in the Daily Politics studio. Apparently at wannabe Speaker hustings held in the House of Commons earlier there were more candidates and journalists than there were MPs, at first anyway - although it filled up a little later.1159 We're getting nearer the main event now. BBC political editor Nick Robinson is in the Daily Politics studio. Apparently at wannabe Speaker hustings held in the House of Commons earlier there were more candidates and journalists than there were MPs, at first anyway - although it filled up a little later.
1157 Unison boss Dave Prentis says whichever party is in power there will be cuts. Slightly bizarre moment when an FBI sign comes up on the screen and interrupts the interview. Are they bidding to run the ID cards project?, Mr Gove asks.1157 Unison boss Dave Prentis says whichever party is in power there will be cuts. Slightly bizarre moment when an FBI sign comes up on the screen and interrupts the interview. Are they bidding to run the ID cards project?, Mr Gove asks.
1156 The Tories will try to get "value for money" as spending will be tight, he says. Will he be looking at a 10% cut in the education budget - not necessarily Mr Gove - the shadow education secretary - says. He says the party doesn't know exactly what finances will be inherited, should they win.1156 The Tories will try to get "value for money" as spending will be tight, he says. Will he be looking at a 10% cut in the education budget - not necessarily Mr Gove - the shadow education secretary - says. He says the party doesn't know exactly what finances will be inherited, should they win.
1155 Mr Gove says the Tories have looked "across the board" at where spending restraints might come in. He says Labour can't give any guarantees either.1155 Mr Gove says the Tories have looked "across the board" at where spending restraints might come in. He says Labour can't give any guarantees either.
1154 Mr Bradshaw says he would be "surprised" if health spending was cut - this is the issue that put shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley at the heart of last week's PMQs spending row. Mr Bradshaw says "everybody knows" Labour will spend more on public services than the Tories.1154 Mr Bradshaw says he would be "surprised" if health spending was cut - this is the issue that put shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley at the heart of last week's PMQs spending row. Mr Bradshaw says "everybody knows" Labour will spend more on public services than the Tories.
1153 Across the board, public spending is projected to fall in the Budget Red Book, he says - but we don't know what will happen in the economy yet, Mr Bradshaw adds.1153 Across the board, public spending is projected to fall in the Budget Red Book, he says - but we don't know what will happen in the economy yet, Mr Bradshaw adds.
1151 Ben Bradshaw, asked about public spending, says the government cannot say now what each department will get in the future but the "basic principle" for Labour was to invest in public services - there has been a row over who is going to cut what all week since the last PMQs.1151 Ben Bradshaw, asked about public spending, says the government cannot say now what each department will get in the future but the "basic principle" for Labour was to invest in public services - there has been a row over who is going to cut what all week since the last PMQs.
1148 Expenses chat over and the smiles are back on the faces of Mr Bradshaw and Mr Gove who, I notice, are wearing appropriately coloured ties - Mr Bradshaw in red and Mr Gove in blue.1148 Expenses chat over and the smiles are back on the faces of Mr Bradshaw and Mr Gove who, I notice, are wearing appropriately coloured ties - Mr Bradshaw in red and Mr Gove in blue.
1147 It's getting a little tense in the Daily Politics studio. All MPs' expenses are due to be published tomorrow - the Telegraph has already published quite a few of them. Are MPs expecting a sleepless night tonight? Ben Bradshaw says he doesn't know what will come up but it will be good to see an end to "trial by Telegraph".1147 It's getting a little tense in the Daily Politics studio. All MPs' expenses are due to be published tomorrow - the Telegraph has already published quite a few of them. Are MPs expecting a sleepless night tonight? Ben Bradshaw says he doesn't know what will come up but it will be good to see an end to "trial by Telegraph".
1146 Has Labour MP Jim Devine been hung out to dry? He's been barred from standing for the party at the next election and says he feels he has been let down. Mr Bradshaw tells Daily Politics he hasn't been and says he's still waiting for anyone to be sacked from the Tory frontbench over expenses. Michael Gove says a proper scrutiny panel is looking at claims made and says he put his own case to the voters by holding a public meeting on the issue1146 Has Labour MP Jim Devine been hung out to dry? He's been barred from standing for the party at the next election and says he feels he has been let down. Mr Bradshaw tells Daily Politics he hasn't been and says he's still waiting for anyone to be sacked from the Tory frontbench over expenses. Michael Gove says a proper scrutiny panel is looking at claims made and says he put his own case to the voters by holding a public meeting on the issue
1145 Ben Bradshaw again says the Tories are guilty of "arrogance" after, he says, suggesting three times they will win the next election. Tory leader David Cameron has been under fire over his joke German accents to mock ID cards - Michael Gove says you have to have a sense of humour about these things.1145 Ben Bradshaw again says the Tories are guilty of "arrogance" after, he says, suggesting three times they will win the next election. Tory leader David Cameron has been under fire over his joke German accents to mock ID cards - Michael Gove says you have to have a sense of humour about these things.
1143 Ben Bradshaw on Daily Politics denies suggestions the government, after 12 years in power, is "slowing down". He's just moved departments to Culture, Media and Sport - to which he was promoted as Secretary of State in the reshuffle.1143 Ben Bradshaw on Daily Politics denies suggestions the government, after 12 years in power, is "slowing down". He's just moved departments to Culture, Media and Sport - to which he was promoted as Secretary of State in the reshuffle.
1143 But what will the subject be for his final session? Another issue splitting the parties - ID cards - is also back in the news. The Tories have written to firms bidding to run the controversial scheme warning them a Tory government would scrap it. Michael Gove says it is "quite wrong" for a government to try to tie a future government's hands on the issue. Ben Bradshaw, the culture secretary, says the Tories are being "arrogant" and points out ID cards were in Labour's 2005 manifesto1143 But what will the subject be for his final session? Another issue splitting the parties - ID cards - is also back in the news. The Tories have written to firms bidding to run the controversial scheme warning them a Tory government would scrap it. Michael Gove says it is "quite wrong" for a government to try to tie a future government's hands on the issue. Ben Bradshaw, the culture secretary, says the Tories are being "arrogant" and points out ID cards were in Labour's 2005 manifesto
1141 Michael Martin is now settled in his usual Commons spot - Central Lobby was packed with visitors eager to get a view of his final pre-PMQs walk to the Commons chamber.1141 Michael Martin is now settled in his usual Commons spot - Central Lobby was packed with visitors eager to get a view of his final pre-PMQs walk to the Commons chamber.
1138 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of this week's prime minister's questions - a momentous session as it is the last PMQs Speaker Michael Martin will oversee. He is the first Speaker in modern times to have been effectively forced out of office - due to pressure over his handling of the MPs' expenses furore. Expect numerous tributes from MPs from all sides during PMQs even though most of the afternoon has been set aside for tributes to be paid. What else might come up? Unemployment figures are out, suggesting the UK total has hit a 12-year high - that seems a likely topic for opposition parties. Also David Cameron and Nick Clegg might challenge Gordon Brown's decision to hold an inquiry into the Iraq war behind closed doors. We'll be bringing you all the developments as they happen plus analysis from BBC correspondents and guests on BBC TV and radio - including Ben Bradshaw and Michael Gove on Daily Politics.1138 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of this week's prime minister's questions - a momentous session as it is the last PMQs Speaker Michael Martin will oversee. He is the first Speaker in modern times to have been effectively forced out of office - due to pressure over his handling of the MPs' expenses furore. Expect numerous tributes from MPs from all sides during PMQs even though most of the afternoon has been set aside for tributes to be paid. What else might come up? Unemployment figures are out, suggesting the UK total has hit a 12-year high - that seems a likely topic for opposition parties. Also David Cameron and Nick Clegg might challenge Gordon Brown's decision to hold an inquiry into the Iraq war behind closed doors. We'll be bringing you all the developments as they happen plus analysis from BBC correspondents and guests on BBC TV and radio - including Ben Bradshaw and Michael Gove on Daily Politics.