Atom Feed (xml)For the first time in a long time Gordon just about came out on top today, albeit sparring with an opposition leader who had tied his hands behind his back.
Cameron had pledged support for Government measures through the crisis and so was unable to really strike at Brown.
In fact both men had pledged to play nicely today saying the crisis outweighed partisan point scoring – of course neither could help themselves in the end.
It started off with both trying their hardest to out “have-the-interest-of-the-nation-at-heart” each other.
Cameron’s initial questions were tame – affirming the need to stabilize the banking system. Brown mocked him – thanking him for the opportunity to explain how Labour was saving the day.
Every question Dave asked about whether the Government was doing its best to sort out the nation's problems, or if the cabinet would consider Conservative proposals, were met with heckles from the Labour ranks.
The Tories on the other hand seemed to be positively muzzled – as if a memo had gone round telling everyone to be deadly serious. Instead opposition MPs settled for mature headshaking at the childish banter on the opposite benches.
With his last question Cameron couldn’t help but try and push the PM and asked him to give a guarantee to tax-payers that irresponsible bankers wouldn’t get a big bonus.
It was a bizarre question that didn’t quite fit with the Tory leader’s dialogue – particularly as he had defended banks in an earlier remark – and it left him open.
Brown hit back by smugly reading out a quote that Cameron had made on television – “what you won’t hear from me this week,” Dave had said, “is the sort of easy, cheap lines beating up the markets.”
Labour MPs finally had something to cheer about at PMQs. Tories shook their heads like older sisters looking at the tomfoolery of their kid brother.
After today’s performance Dave will be itching to go back on the offensive and Labour MPs will be scrambling to build on what they hope is the foundation of a come-back.
Joseph Watts
Parliamentary Correspondent
Wednesday 8 October 2008
Thoughts on PMQs...
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3 comments:
I think you were watching a different program. Brown got bashed again as he never answers a question. Pathetic. Everyone knows he is partly responsible!
A significant event in British politics, Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) demonstrate the strength of the parliamentary system. Although it provides a forum for examination and discussion, the contentious tone frequently overshadows important conversations. The brief duration of the session, its lack of follow-up, and its theatrical nature may make it difficult to conduct a thorough policy analysis. Nevertheless, PMQs continues to be a democratic event that allows for direct questioning of the country's leader. Though the public may be drawn in by its theatricality, there is potential for it to encourage more fruitful discussion. PMQs could be transformed from a weekly political drama to a more insightful and significant forum for governance by striking a balance between accountability and decorum.
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PMQs is a weekly event in the UK Parliament where MPs can question the Prime Minister on various issues. PMQs serves as an accountability mechanism, providing a platform for MPs to scrutinize the government's actions and policies. It offers transparency by allowing MPs to ask direct questions, shedding light on government priorities and decision-making processes. However, critics argue that PMQs can detract from substantive discussion and may devolve into partisan bickering. PMQs also provide a window into the workings of Parliament and government for the general public, allowing citizens to witness firsthand how decisions are made at the highest levels of government. There are calls for reform to make PMQs more effective and productive, such as allocating more time for substantive questions and encouraging a more respectful tone Fairfax Domestic Violence Lawyer.
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