Menu
24/06/2009
Fiery First PMQs For New Speaker
John Bercow has presided over his first weekly prime minister's questions as speaker of the Commons.
Despite pledging an end to 'Punch and Judy' style debating in the chamber, Speaker Bercow could not shield Gordon Brown from a torrid of questioning from Opposition Leader David Cameron on alleged spending cuts.
Tory Mr Cameron claimed Mr Brown's projected figures were misleading and suggested spending over the next three years would ultimately fall, rather than increase.
He called on the prime minister to apologies to the House, after being - what Mr Cameron called - caught "red-handed".
Mr Brown responded saying his party's spending plans exceeded the Conservatives' efforts during the last recession.
According to Mr Cameron, government spending will fall from £44bn in 2009-10 to £26bn in 2012-13, despite the prime minister's pledge that public investment would grow year-on-year.
"The prime minister has been caught absolutely red-handed," he said.
When Mr Brown refused to acknowledge the claims, Mr Cameron accused him of being unable to give a "straight answer".
The prime minister insisted current spending plans were brought forward in the face of increasing unemployment, and to finance the 2012 London Olympics.
Mr Brown said the Tories were preparing to execute "savage" spending cuts if they came to power in the next general election.
He did add that Labour's spending would slow following 2010.
Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg said Go Mr Brown was "dressing up cuts as investment".
(PR/JM)
Despite pledging an end to 'Punch and Judy' style debating in the chamber, Speaker Bercow could not shield Gordon Brown from a torrid of questioning from Opposition Leader David Cameron on alleged spending cuts.
Tory Mr Cameron claimed Mr Brown's projected figures were misleading and suggested spending over the next three years would ultimately fall, rather than increase.
He called on the prime minister to apologies to the House, after being - what Mr Cameron called - caught "red-handed".
Mr Brown responded saying his party's spending plans exceeded the Conservatives' efforts during the last recession.
According to Mr Cameron, government spending will fall from £44bn in 2009-10 to £26bn in 2012-13, despite the prime minister's pledge that public investment would grow year-on-year.
"The prime minister has been caught absolutely red-handed," he said.
When Mr Brown refused to acknowledge the claims, Mr Cameron accused him of being unable to give a "straight answer".
The prime minister insisted current spending plans were brought forward in the face of increasing unemployment, and to finance the 2012 London Olympics.
Mr Brown said the Tories were preparing to execute "savage" spending cuts if they came to power in the next general election.
He did add that Labour's spending would slow following 2010.
Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg said Go Mr Brown was "dressing up cuts as investment".
(PR/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 December 2009
PM 'Not At Odds With Darling'
Gordon Brown has denied he overruled the Chancellor on spending cuts detailed in this week's pre-Budget report. It was claimed the Prime Minister had stepped in to halt more sweeping cut backs in order to protect front-line services. However, Mr Brown has insisted he and his Chancellor work "very closely together and continue to do so".
PM 'Not At Odds With Darling'
Gordon Brown has denied he overruled the Chancellor on spending cuts detailed in this week's pre-Budget report. It was claimed the Prime Minister had stepped in to halt more sweeping cut backs in order to protect front-line services. However, Mr Brown has insisted he and his Chancellor work "very closely together and continue to do so".
13 July 2004
Spending review sees civil service bear cost of public spending rise
In yesterday's spending review, the Chancellor set out government plans for putting extra money into frontline public services - investment that would be freed up from downsizing the civil service. Gordon Brown said that there will be a real terms rise in funding of 4.2% for each of the next three years.
Spending review sees civil service bear cost of public spending rise
In yesterday's spending review, the Chancellor set out government plans for putting extra money into frontline public services - investment that would be freed up from downsizing the civil service. Gordon Brown said that there will be a real terms rise in funding of 4.2% for each of the next three years.
01 April 2008
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
15 September 2009
Brown Discusses Spending 'Cuts'
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has told union leaders government spending 'cuts' are necessary. Until now Labour ministers have stopped short of outlining 'cuts', as part of a wider drive to reduce public expenditure, and bolster the indebted state purse.
Brown Discusses Spending 'Cuts'
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has told union leaders government spending 'cuts' are necessary. Until now Labour ministers have stopped short of outlining 'cuts', as part of a wider drive to reduce public expenditure, and bolster the indebted state purse.
09 July 2003
Spending Review will focus on raising skills, says Brown
Raising skills levels will be central to the next Spending Review, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has said today. Speaking at the launch of today's National Skills Strategy, Gordon Brown said that entrenching stability and tackling excessively high levels of unemployment were the first goals of government.
Spending Review will focus on raising skills, says Brown
Raising skills levels will be central to the next Spending Review, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has said today. Speaking at the launch of today's National Skills Strategy, Gordon Brown said that entrenching stability and tackling excessively high levels of unemployment were the first goals of government.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
