The main points from prime minister's questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday 9 May:
The main points from prime minister's questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday 9 May:
Prime minister Tony Blair began by paying tribute to former Commons speaker Lord Weatherill, who died this week. Mr Blair said he was a "real gentleman" and "someone of impartiality and decency" who would be missed by the whole house.
Prime minister Tony Blair began by paying tribute to former Commons speaker Lord Weatherill, who died this week. Mr Blair said he was a "real gentleman" and "someone of impartiality and decency" who would be missed by the whole house.
He also paid tribute to servicemen killed, and to a police officer killed over the weekend.
He also paid tribute to servicemen killed, and to a police officer killed over the weekend.
The first question came from Lib Dem Simon Hughes, who called for the Maudesley hospital, a mental hospital in his constituency, to be kept open. Mr Blair said its services would transfer to another hospital.
The first question came from Lib Dem Simon Hughes, who called for the Maudesley hospital, a mental hospital in his constituency, to be kept open. Mr Blair said its services would transfer to another hospital.
Conservative leader David Cameron added his condolences to the families of the dead servicemen and paid tribute to Lord Weatherill.
He asked Mr Blair if it was sensible to split the Home Office, quoting former home secretary Charles Clarke, who said the idea was "completely batty".
Mr Blair said it made sense for the Home Office to focus on fighting terrorism, with another department focusing on courts and justice as in "many other countries".
Mr Blair taunted Mr Cameron over apparent confusion in the Tory policy on border guards.
Mr Cameron hit back with a quote from Mr Blair: "In my view the fit between immigration, crime and prisons is a proper fit." He added, referring to John Reid's plan to step down: "If splitting the home office is such a good idea why isn't the home secretary sticking around to see it through?"
After a series of rowdy exchanges Mr Cameron asked: "This is the government of the living dead - why do we have to put up with more paralysis?"
Mr Blair said Mr Cameron "can be as cocky as he likes about the local elections, but it's policy that counts and on policy he loses".
