PMQs as-it-happens
Gordon Brown takes on David Cameron in this week’s prime minister’s questions, with all the talk in Westminster about events across the Atlantic.
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11:57: Time for the fifth instalment of PMQs since the summer break. So far it’s all been going Gordon Brown’s way; but ahead of tomorrow’s crucial by-election in Glenrothes is this about to change?
12:03: Gordon Brown says Barack Obama will be a “true friend” of Britain, prompting cries of ‘hear, hear’ from MPs on both sides of the house.
12:04: We begin with a question from Liberal Democrat backbencher John Leech, who asks about the congestion charging referendum in Manchester. The prime minister gets a cheer for telling Mr Leech there isn’t a “don’t know” vote on the referendum.
12:06:Labour loose cannon Kate Hoey asks a question about African politics. Mr Brown responds by saying he wants a strong response from the international community in Zimbabwe and regrets the deadlock seen in reconciliation talks. On the Democratic Republic of Congo he says the UK is “giving aid and protecting civilians”. “We will not take our eyes off the importance of the humanitarian aid,” he adds.
12:08David Cameron steps up, paying tribute to both Mr Obama and John McCain. His comments press the “incredible transformation” seen in the US’ civil rights progress. The Tories indulge in an orgy of ‘hear-hear-ing’. He asks whether the prime minister told him “this is no time for a novice”. It backfires, however: Mr Brown says he told Mr Obama that “Serious times need serious people”.
12:11: Now Mr Cameron gets down to business, returning – yet again – to Britain’s economy. Mr Brown seems in relaxed mood, knowing that this session isn’t going to get nearly as much attention as others. “We are taking the long-term decisions about this country. but we are not supported by the party opposite,” he grumbles. Mr Cameron continues with his message, asking why if the UK is better prepared than most to meet the global economic slowdown its recession will be worse. Mr Brown repeats his old comments.
12:12: And the Conservative leader continues to bash away on the economy. The public debt is his next target, with ensuing quibbling over statistics guaranteeing this debate will be relegated to the news in brief sections. The prime minister slips in a dig about Mr Cameron being a “novice in parliamentary procedure”.
12:17: Now the prime minister is getting into his stride. “The only change they represent is that they change their minds every week,” he sneers. Mr Cameron asks: “how long are we going to have to put up with a government that’s failed?” Mr Brown says Tory policies are rejected in both America and Britain. And then, rather randomly, his last word focuses on Mr Obama’s victory. “On this day of all days I believe we should end this exchange by recognising the truly historic significance of the decision made by the American people,” he says.
12:19: Nick Clegg is next, but is met with the briefest of responses by Gordon Brown. He repeats his claim that it is Lib Dem policy to make £20 billion of public spending cuts. Mr Clegg doesn’t bother responding to that. He presses on, calling for more money in the pockets of hardworking families. The PM, as usual when dealing with the Lib Dem leader, doesn’t give him the time of day, calling him “out of touch with the British people”.
12:23: A question is raised about Mr Obama’s stated aim to withdraw US troops by April 2010. Does this have any implications, Mr Brown is asked. The PM explains British forces are making good progress with training Iraqi forces and says a “further fundamental change of mission” will take place next year.
12:24: On the banking crisis Mr Brown says progress is being made, saying he hopes banks and building societies will pass on the rates to borrowers.
12:25: Back to Mr Obama. What about a new green deal to benefit us all? Mr Brown says the 80 per cent cut in emissions by 2050 is shared by both his government and that of Mr Obama. “A new deal for the environment in America and Britain can create thousands of jobs for people in both continents.”
12:27: After some pressure on the marine bill, which will not be included in the Queen’s Speech next month, another question about equipment for Britain’s armed forces. Mr Brown says his government has done its best. It’s well timed for him, as an announcement about new vehicles for Afghanistan was made last week.
12:32: Dennis Skinner manages to slip in a question just before the end, pointing out that “governments of left, right and centre” around the world have adopted Britain’s policy. Mr Brown gets into the spirit of things, telling the opposition benches “they have no answers to the problem the country faces”.
12:36: After a final rush of questions about the implications of developments across the Atlantic this very subdued session wraps up, with speaker Michael Martin informing MPs about arrangements in the palace for a two-minute silence on remembrance day. More than any other PMQs since Gordon Brown took over as prime minister this one has been utterly overshadowed by events outside British politics. The high frequency of questions on the US election reflected this, withdrawing much of the adrenaline which usually accompanies these sessions.
