PMQs as-it-happened
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By Ian Dunt
11:00 – Another Wednesday, another scrappy battle between Gordon Brown and David Cameron. We thought it might be historic last week, but Gordon somehow pulled it out of the bag. He then did the same week all week long, somehow surviving a perfect storm all around him. More today? That remains to be seen, but Cameron should be able to formulate a better attack this afternoon last week. If you can’t inflict damage on a Labour party that just came second in Wales, you need to reconsider your vocation. Immediately afterwards, Brown will present his parliamentary reform package to the Commons. We’ll be sticking around for that.
12:00 – Shahid Malik might want to keep a low profile at this week’s PMQs. He’s been cleared of breaking the ministerial code of conduct, but questions continue to be asked by the press and Downing Street has decided to publish a summary version of the report exonerating him later today. As for the reform package, the prime minister’s spokesman appeared a little frustrated at some of the “breathless” reporting surrounding it. This is an update on the government’s position, not a statement of intent. Yes, it will cover “wider issues” including electoral reform, but not in the same detail nor with the same urgency as the measures to tackle MPs’ expenses.
12:02 – And off we go. It’s curious to See Peter Hain – tanned as ever after the glorious rain in London – sitting behind the PM. He dived in the deep end last night with an interview on the BBC’s Hardtalk, in which he put in a pretty impressive, combative performance. Brown already mentioned Andrew Lansley’s (shadow health) comments on 10 per cent cuts across the board, apart from in health, schools and international development.
12:03 – Cameron’s up. “How pleased I am to see the prime minister in his place,” he says, naughtily. Cameron then launches a defence of the existing electoral system, because “you can throw out weak, tired governments. Why has he suddenly discovered an interest in reforming the electoral system?” Brown replies: “Finally, after many, many weeks, a question on policy.” He says the statement he makes after PMQs will address these questions.
12:06 – The Speaker tries to move away from Cameron, without realising he’s not done yet. Cameron says its pointless to wait for the statement when he’s briefed the press already. Cameron attacks the PR system again, pointing to the BNP election under PR as a “very, very strong” argument against PR. That’s a weak argument, actually, but never mind that now. Brown conducts a mandatory ‘aren’t the BNP nasty’ defence. he says he doesn’t like PR, and never has, but “he has to accept it exists for the European elections”. Good performance from Brown though.
12:08 – Brown confirms there’s no plans for reform before the general election. Interesting that the questions are focussed on this. It’s possible Tory strategists thought another PMQs of laughing at ministerial resignations was too much. Brown says he can feel some “self interest” in the way Cameron is approaching these questions on policy. The Speaker calls for order and adds: “It’s a bad day when I have to tell the chief whip to be quiet.”
12:10 – Brown suggests its inane that the Tories are asking about electoral reform rather than hospitals or schools. Cameron retorts that it’s comments like that which make him a laughing stock. He accuses Brown of pursuing the issue because he’s going to lose the election and asks for a promise there will be no referendum. Brown doesn’t quite do that: ” I said I have no plans [for a referendum] and I have no plans.” Cameron launches the primary attack: Brown has no democratic legitimacy, and is trying to change election rules because he’s going to be chucked out of power. Very cynical manoeuvring from Cameron today.
12:12 – Brown focuses on spending cuts from Tories and how few policies they have. “He is an opposition leader who has no plans for government.” Cameron says one of his plans is the same as the PM: “Sack the chancellor.” On public spending: “The figures the PM is hawking around are his own figures The next election, when he has the guts to call it, will be an election about the mismanagement of the public finances, the appalling deficit he’s left and his plans for cuts.” Cameron again argues that the current electoral reform system allows people to throw out the government, and that’s what he’s afraid of. Again, very odd. It is, of course, perfectly possible to throw out a government under PR.
12:15 – Brown defends his record, a little better than usual. There is a difference to the prime minister today. He seems almost happy. Probably the combination of job security and Lansley’s comments this morning. Clegg is up, talking about how angry the electorate are, and how this is most obvious in housing. It’s hard to hear him speak, there’s so much noise in the chamber. Brown says that since January there have been new measures to prevent repossessions. There’s also a new social housing programme.
12:18 – Clegg: Then why are 1.8 million families waiting for a home? Why doesn’t Brown stop the Treasury taking rent and sales money from councils and aim it at building new home. There’s a million more people in homes than in 1997, Brown replies. They’re just trading statistics now. It doesn’t mean anything, unless you trust them – and no-one trusts them. Michael Meacher asks when Brown will force banks to rescue the real economy and not just look after themselves. Brown says the banks have a duty to lend to small businesses and housing. “We’ll continue to monitor the situation.”
12:21 – An extraordinarily tedious question (I can’t even be bothered to go into it) on economic development leads to a even more boring answer from the PM on Tory cuts. Another pitiful question on what Brown has achieved in the real world before being a politician, leads to a damp answer from Brown about having the experience to get us past MPs’ expenses and the financial crisis.
12:25 – Harriet Harman incessantly nods her head every number Brown utters – and he utters many, many numbers for every answer to anything. Jack Straw – the great cabinet survivor – nods too, but in a way that insinuates he has no idea or interest in what’s being said. Alan Duncan has stretched out spectacularly on the opposition benches, his legs reaching right out into the aisles. He appears as stroppy as ever.
12:27 – A surprisingly deflated session this week, helped by some extraordinarily mundane questions. The opposition appear to be taken aback by Brown’s new found confidence. Nothing revolutionary, but he seems comfortable in his own skin, which is a good starting point. He’s flogging the Tory-cuts angle to the point of desperation though. It appears to be the answer to every question.
12:29 – The sessions ends and the electoral reform statement begins. To follow it click here: Brown’s constitutional reform as-it-happens
