Today marks the penultimate PMQs of this parliamentary session... so there are only a few more opportunities before recess where the party leaders can show off their political prowess.

Did Cameron and Clegg do a good job of holding the PM to account? Or did Brown come out on top with his "sketchy grasp of basic arithmatic" quote?

Vote for the leader you believe turned out the best performance. You can find the leaders' poll at the bottom of our Politics section.

Post your comments here.

Click here to read Glen Oglaza's digest of PMQs.

UPDATE: Due to the state banquet for Nicholas Sarkozy, tonight's PMQs programme has been cancelled.

We shall be back next week for the last PMQs of the parliamentary session.

Comments

[Chris, Baildon 28 Mar 2008 13:37:45]

Victor and Peter calm down...

Victor I do have to agree with Peter though - if you said I was from Scotland I would also be offended.

Although I expect I'd have a job as a senior cabinet minister to ease the pain.!

[Peter, Fife 28 Mar 2008 11:38:17]

Victor,

"...As to your tribe I see that Gordon Brown is also from Fife. That is close enough for me to understand that you have common interests and a shared identity..."

I consider that comment offensive but hey ho it is merely par for the course for the nasty party and their supporters

[Peter, Fife 28 Mar 2008 11:07:49]

Victor, NW Kent

Conservatve website has document available again; I wonder why they took it down

[Victor, NW Kent 28 Mar 2008 10:46:38]

Non doms / £1 million pound inheritance Tax Threshold; is this promise still valid?

Posted by: Peter, Fife 28 Mar 2008 09:28:37

So, we see that you have no basis for your claims except Labour spin. Please note that Darling's proposed non-dom taxes are much more draconian in concept than are Osborne's. He proposed to tax all funds that they bring into the UK as well as the flat levy. As regards inheritance tax the idea was well received - so much so that Darling felt it neccessary and urgent to follow a similar line. Your objections then are just "Two legs bad, Four legs good". The Conservative proposals, to quote you, the Guardian and Ed Balls, were a "lurch to the Right". Then pray what were the copycat Labour proposals - a mad dash to the Right?

As to your tribe I see that Gordon Brown is also from Fife. That is close enough for me to understand that you have common interests and a shared identity.

[Peter, Fife 28 Mar 2008 09:28:37]

Victor, NW Kent,

“...In other words you were just echoing your Beloved Leader and fellow tribesman without any knowledge whatsoever of what was said...”
merely your opinion; you have knowledge of my clan?

“...Nor, by your own exacting standards, do you have any knowledge whatsoever of the mathematical abilities of Cameron and Osborne...”
Non doms / £1 million pound inheritance Tax Threshold; is this promise still valid?

[Stephen Williams 27 Mar 2008 19:59:28]

Mike Simpson,

Tony Blair & Labour enjoyed similar types of opinion poll leads prior to the 1997 general election.

Need I say any more?

My point to Peter in Fife was that he was talking rubbish by suggesting that David Cameron would have to explain the Tory high command why their support was collapsing.

Falling Tory support where exactly?

[Victor, NW Kent 27 Mar 2008 17:51:36]

Peter, Fife

In other words you were just echoing your Beloved Leader and fellow tribesman without any knowledge whatsoever of what was said.

Nor, by your own exacting standards, do you have any knowledge whatsoever of the mathematical abilities of Cameron and Osborne. Again you simply parrot Labour spin as though it were true. uoting from speeches by such as Hazel Blears or Peter Hain or Ed Balls adds hardly any credence to what you write.

It is very seldom that you give us one iota of original thought on a topic and that is why I, and others, feel free to treat your "non-partisan" blogs with derision.

I have no contacts at CCHQ and I find no such document on their site nor anywhere else but I am willing to be informed. If I do come across it I will attempt to verify that Osborne is its author as Brown is not a credible witness.

[Peter, Fife 27 Mar 2008 17:26:07]

Victor,

If you read my post I did not say it was ‘George’ Osborne’s document, I posted “...Gordon Brown referenced the Conservative Party’s own document...” but I do feel by Mr. Osborne’s reaction indicates he had at least one finger on the calculator; now that leaves us with a potential Prime Minister and potential Chancellor of the Exchequer both who have a “sketchy grasp of basic arithmetic”

The link I found is no longer valid but as the document is over 16 pages in length and David Cameron actually acknowledged its existence by quoting from it you should at least concede it exists; possibly a contact at central office could help as you continually choose to make derisive comments when I do post such information; if I discover a new source I will give you a pointer as posting hyperlinks on Boulton & Co does not pass moderation.

[Mike Simpson 27 Mar 2008 16:41:02]

Peter, the Tories are anything from 13% to 16% ahead in the polls & before you wheel out the old line about opinion polls leads going up & down, I am simply responding purely to your above statement & you are talking absolute rubbish because you are trying to give the impression that Tory poll ratings are collapsing while we all know perfectly well that they are galloping ahead of Labour in the polls.

Posted by: Stephen Williams 27 Mar 2008 13:51:49

Stephen, the Tory opinion poll leads are similar to those enjoyed by Neil Kinnock as Opposition Leader in the run up to a previous General Election, and no surprise as to what happened to his poll lead. Evaporated like snow off a dyke in June. Cameron looks set for a similar spectacular fall from grace.

[Patricia 27 Mar 2008 15:45:33]

Madnurse:
Effies' latest vicious and ill mannered attack on you says a great deal more about her character than it does about yours, and really smacks of desperation.
My shop steward father had many 'rules' that he used to drum into me;
1) Never back down from an argument if you think you are right but be quick to apologise if you later discover you were wrong.
2)Never try to defend the indefensible.
3)NEVER,EVER make it personal because then the opposition knows they have scored a hit and it also cheapens your argument.
4)If, on the other hand, the opposition makes it personal--back off,smile a lot and let them hang themselves.
I have allowed myself to forget that last one recently but have promised myself that I shall follow your lead and instead of being drawn into an unseemly cat-fight every time I am referred to as Hyacinth Bucket or some tasteless remark is made about my family I shall( knowing I have hit the mark)allow myself a small smile of satisfaction instead.

[Madnurse 27 Mar 2008 14:57:48]

Effie:

Sorry typographical error, I meant to say in my previous post that, I retired in 1987, so for much of the last Conservative government I was not actually working.

[Chris, Baildon 27 Mar 2008 14:56:49]

Posted by: Effie 27 Mar 2008 13:35:44
In your rant you state that
"You got your tax cuts! Your life was comfy secure with a decent salary coming in, and you did not care a fig about the suffering of others."

Can you please tell me how Gordon Brown helped the poor and needy in his last budget as anyone earning under £18K is worse off?

Or are you been the hypocrite?

[Madnurse 27 Mar 2008 14:53:53]

Effie:

I actually retired in 1980 so for most of the last Conservative government I was not actually working.

If you were not so selective in your quotation on your last but one thread directed at me, you would have seen that, I said, choosing between Mr Cameron and Mr Brown was like choosing between two rather unpleasant execution methods. Neither is attractive but Mr Cameron is the least unattractive option of the two. I just feel that Labour is damaging the country and that they need stopping. If it seems to me at the time of the next general election that the Conservatives will win without my vote, then I shall likely abstain.
I do not support Mr Cameron for reasons previously stated, I am able to criticise my party when I feel they are in the wrong, something the Stepford group on here clearly cannot do.
I feel it is more important to get this current government away from power rather than making a stand against Mr Cameron's leadership style. If that is hypocritical then I am guilty as charged.

[Bruce Hulmes 27 Mar 2008 14:17:37]

Ricky.
Brown as a vision and we are all still waiting to see it for ourselves. This vision as been put on hold due to the obvious reasons that the country is in debt upto its collective eyeballs, this is the only country on record where crime is on the decrease according to Browns vision, but we have a rise in criminals, not even Einstein could work that equation out, stick with relativity its easier.This is the man who had a vision of getting our troops out of Iraq by Christmas but his vision was a little blurred over what year,2007/08/09/10...2030 visions are not perfect rather like his eyesight(that should upset a few).
In his vision on immigration he see millions of highly trained tax paying foreigners fighting to come here, to enjoy our stealth tax regime and sunbath under our clear blue skys, all the rest of us see in this vision is immigrants walking around our streets,filling our prisons forcing down wages(one of the real reasons for Labour letting them in but they will not admit to it)so just wait and you too will see the vision according to St Brown but you may have to adjust the picture.

[Victor, NW Kent 27 Mar 2008 14:09:34]

Peter, Fife

I would like to read the text of the Osborne document about pensioners that you and Brown have referred to. It passed me by and I cannot find it. Please be so kind as to point it out to me. I like to be informed.

Your account of it baffles me a little - pensioners are £1500 better off [per what?], women £1000 but a couple only £700. Yet £1500 and £1000 add up to £2500 not £700. I really need to read the original as I cannot take Brown's word for anything - even his own lawyers say that.

[Stephen Williams 27 Mar 2008 13:51:49]

Peter,

"George Osborne had that ‘oh no I’ve done it again’ look on his face; I feel he will be one of the first casualties to be sacrificed at David Cameron’s stake as he tries to prove to the party hierarchy that the falling ratings are not of his doing"

What falling poll ratings? Oh you mean the falling poll ratings in Labourland or more to the point la la land.

Peter, the Tories are anything from 13% to 16% ahead in the polls & before you wheel out the old line about opinion polls leads going up & down, I am simply responding purely to your above statement & you are talking absolute rubbish because you are trying to give the impression that Tory poll ratings are collapsing while we all know perfectly well that they are galloping ahead of Labour in the polls.

But then again Peter, you don’t support Labour so what do you care.

[Effie 27 Mar 2008 13:35:44]

Effie has been away but has now returned and the first thing she does is personally attack me and my views and calls me an old fool. Or am I just being an old fool? Lol.

Posted by: Madnurse 26 Mar 2008 20:01:36

I really think on reflection I got the word fool wrong it was perhaps the wrong word to use, hypocrite is more appropriate.
I have just finished reading a book about the true story of the "Magdalene Sisters" and it is surprising how remarkably alike you are with the "Mother Superior".
She too was very religious as she would be, she too condoned a lecherous old Priest as you condone your adulterer MP and she too cared about the black babies in Africa. The only problem being like you she was a hypocrite, all religious and forgiving but completely oblivious of the suffering that was all around her and if she did see it she did not care a damn.
You and your type seen all that during the last Tory Government, you knew full well what the state of the country was in when they left office. You seen the devastation that the hospitals and schools were in but chose to ignore it. You got your tax cuts!
Your life was comfy secure with a decent salary coming in, and you did not care a fig about the suffering of others. Not while you can socialise with the gentry.
You have pulled Cameron to pieces on umpteen occasions, you have stated that he is no leader. You have said that he is ruining the Tory party. You said you stopped supporting him, you stated that he was Blair mark 2 and to vote for him would be like voting for Labour.
I never supported the war in Iraq, do not come back with the old hab-dab that you did not either or I could add another not so nice word to the vocabulary. I have said so, but I support Brown I see him as a good leader, I have the courage of my convictions and unlike you I care about others not just cash.
Their is no way I could have supported Brown if my feeling towards himn were as strong as yours are towards Cameron.
HYPOCRITE!!!
But then some will sell their souls for the proverbial....

[ricky, london 27 Mar 2008 12:36:26]

Chris and John, I completely agree with you. Gordon Brown is the most pathetic unelected PM this country has ever had and 2010 can't come soon enough! Before he came to power, I had no real interest in politics but he has inspired a whole new generation for all the wrong reasons! For a man of supposedly towering intellect to steer us to the brink of potential economic disaster and still harp on about how much worse things were between 1979-1997 beggars belief. His previous claims of "prudence" are laughable - when was the last time he used the word - and he now cuts a desperately sad and bitter figure in the Commons. Is it wrong to expect our leaders to be vigilant and able to inspire the troops at times of national crises? Instead, this dour Son of the Manse was asleep on his economic watch, more content to undermine his own Prime Minister than plan for our future by keeping the economy on a steady course. If only we had a John Smith rather than a Gordon Brown at the helm! It's even got to the stage where I would welcome back Tony Blair with open arms! But thankfully the great British public are beginning to see him for what he really is, a Machiavellian Macavity with no redeeming qualities whatsoever and I really look forward to the day that he's no longer there!

[Peter, Fife 27 Mar 2008 12:24:06]

neither/niether

There are none so blind as those who will not see

[neither/niether 27 Mar 2008 11:48:53]

I fear for our country that an individual who cannot control his emotions for 10 minutes on a Wednesday may have the possibility to run this country and be in charge of our armed forces; the Prime Minister’s announced intention to include Parliament in future decisions to go to war should be moved to the statute books as soon as is practicably possible.

Posted by: Peter, Fife 27 Mar 2008 09
Peter,
I think you are lookong at the wrong man... Its BROWN that reacts like that, he can't handle pressure at close quarters. You should feel sorry, not just for tory supporters, but yourself as well.. In 18 months you will be joining a long queue of fellow Labour supports jumping the Labour ship.

[Bruce Hulmes 27 Mar 2008 11:09:59]

Graig.
On the increase in power costs well take a closer look old son of New Labour. Under Blair pratically all our power base was bought and is now owned by European companies, who are charging us more then their own domestic customers, all we ever do is subsidise Europeans in one form or another and this Government just sites there and nodds it through why Craig?. Now there is something the government could do about that but will not, remember those jobs in Brussels don't come for nothing or those directorships, wake up were being abused. And we are also paying more for our food then in most others countries, I have just arrived back from America and too see what they charge and the portions you get in return drives home how much we are being over charged and petrol is $3.67 per gallon.
I have suggested prior, to those who think we live in a fair country to travell a little further then Benidorm see the world it could surprise you.

[Chris, Baildon 27 Mar 2008 10:49:40]

Effie, for once I agree with you when you say that "Cameron is now showing pure unadulterated anger and hatred towards Brown."

Good and about time, Gordon Brown is the worst chancellor, the worst prime minister and the most overrated politician currently in UK. For the mess he has created he deserves and requires some unadulterated anger and hatred.

I know you Labour Luvvies all detest David Cameron - what you fail to see it that, I believe, the majority of people feel that way towards Gordon Brown.

[Peter, Fife 27 Mar 2008 09:21:29]

The look on ‘George’ Osborne’s face was priceless when Gordon Brown referenced the Conservative Party’s own document published in the past two days claiming that far from Britain doing badly, real living standards in Britain among pensioners had risen by £1,500 since 2001; for single women pensioners, by £1,000; and for couples, by £700.

‘George’ Osborne had that ‘oh no I’ve done it again’ look on his face; I feel he will be one of the first casualties to be sacrificed at David Cameron’s stake as he tries to prove to the party hierarchy that the falling ratings are not of his doing.

David Cameron is clearly losing his composure, showing more and more that because of internal party pressures he is the real Mr Nasty beneath his PR mask; I fear for our country that an individual who cannot control his emotions for 10 minutes on a Wednesday may have the possibility to run this country and be in charge of our armed forces; the Prime Minister’s announced intention to include Parliament in future decisions to go to war should be moved to the statute books as soon as is practicably possible.

[John, Basingstoke 27 Mar 2008 06:52:26]

The venom being launched by the adoring Brown luvvies on this site to any critque makes me think who is the nasty party now.
Brown is, looks,talks and comes across as a menacing bully.
Whatever Cameron is at least the light dimmly shines arounds him unlike the dark generated by our unelected PM,the "Darth Vader" of politics.
Brown's performance was abysmal, "he just aint got it" and it show in his nasty barbs after answering each question with a question.
He wears his trueself on his sleeve for all to see and its not nice, unlike Blair an equal incompetant who could charm and seduce any listener such was his skill.
Brown will be defeated and badly so not because Cameron is any better but that people are growing to despise his fog and obsfucation on any question asked.
PS being taxed to penury might be a major factor as well.
Regards all

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 27 Mar 2008 05:08:06]

Effie
Here we go again, bashing Cameron is back on the menu with you.
Mr Brown has done some superb back stabbing to get rid of Mr Blair from No 10, ask Cherie she will tell the truth in her upcoming book.
As for Character Assasination, you should know all about that you wrote the book on it!

[neither/niether 26 Mar 2008 22:56:54]

Effie
You must be suffering from jet lag, that's why your so confused...about the qualities of our great leader..
I do agree that not all members of the tory party have DC. on their Christmas card list. But you know what! DC. will receive lots more than GB. will from his party.
I think DC. does dislike Brown, because he doesn't respect him, but there again a very large % of his own Lab. party feel the same..

[Craig 26 Mar 2008 21:24:22]

Did you hear Cameron gloat about high gas/electricity costs and rising food prices. What he didn't do was comment on what he would do to reduce them. Does he forget the floods/increasing demands by China and India, and that rising fuel costs is affecting every country and not just the UK. What is his solution. Will he unequivocably back nuclear power for example. Wait a second until he holds a focus group to tell him the answer. What a charlatan he really is.

[Madnurse 26 Mar 2008 20:01:36]

Ah what a great day!!
Effie has been away but has now returned and the first thing she does is personally attack me and my views and calls me an old fool. Now this may upset some but, not me, for Effie to feel the need to make her first posting attacking me, suggests that I must be getting close to the truth about nEU Labour and she is worried. Oh the joy.

I find it flattering, thanks Effie and welcome back:-) Or am I just being an old fool? Lol.

[Effie 26 Mar 2008 19:00:20]

The achilles heel Cameron has is a capacity to come over as arrogant and supercillious. These are unedifying and un British characteristic that could just be his undoing.

Posted by: Pete Crockett (Swindon) 26 Mar 2008 17:30:12

Pete you have that spot on.
Cameron is now showing pure unadulterated anger and hatred towards Brown.
One just has to take a look at Cameron's performance in the Commons he can barely disguise the hatred and contempt he feel for Brown.
Character Assasination has been tried and at first it used to throw Brown.
Not anymore, Brown allows Cameron to rant and rave get in his shallow jokes and show himself up for the immature flawed PR man he really is.
Cameron is doing Brown's job for him and Cameron cannot see it.
This sort of behaviour does not go down too well with the British Public.
Yes Cameron has had an easy ride with the press but that will not last forever.
However Cameron's problems is not the press or media it is inside the Conservative party itself. If he does not maintain the lead he enjoys presently for the next two years he has had it.
That is a tall order especially with some of the gaffs he has made in the past.
The Tories are the biggest hatchet men inside or outside of Westminster and it is surprising how fast they will turn.
Just take a look at the Tory blog-sites, Cameron is not Mr Wonderful to them all.

[Effie 26 Mar 2008 18:43:39]

The achilles heel Cameron has is a capacity to come over as arrogant and supercillious. These are unedifying and un British characteristic that could just be his undoing.

Posted by: Pete Crockett (Swindon) 26 Mar 2008 17:30:12

Pete you have that spot on.
Cameron is now showing pure unadulterated anger and hatred towards Brown.
One just has to take a look at Cameron's performance in the Commons he can barely disguise the hatred and contempt he feel for Brown.
Character Assasination has been tried and at first it used to throw Brown.
Not anymore, Brown allows Cameron to rant and rave get in his shallow jokes and show himself up for the immature flawed PR man he really is.
Cameron is doing Brown's job for him and Cameron cannot see it.
This sort of behaviour does not go down too well with the British Public.
Yes Cameron has had an easy ride with the press but that will not last forever.
However Cameron's problems is not the press or media it is inside the Conservative party itself. If he does not maintain the lead he enjoys presently for the next two years he has had it.
That is a tall order especially with some of the gaffs he has made in the past.
The Tories are the biggest hatchet men inside or outside of Westminster and it is surprising how fast they will turn.
Just take a look at the Tory blog-sites, Cameron is not Mr Wonderful to them all.

[Craig Hants 26 Mar 2008 18:33:54]

Same old Brown we live in 2008 not 1980 what does he ever say for the future nothing 11 years and his answers still go back to the 80s 90s were is the vision none Does anyone in this country belive inflation is 2.5% and unemployment is low no unless you are deluded.As for the union this is the most anti british gov we have ever had ashamed of our past ashamed off the flag ashamed to teach our kids history in school.Sarkozy for pm.

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 26 Mar 2008 18:18:08]

Morning Mail
Jealousy will get you nowhere!

[Effie 26 Mar 2008 17:57:18]

Maths certainly is not Cameron’s forte
Dreary
Dismal
Dreadful
It is a fair bet Cameron will not lead on that subject again.
Osborne’s face was a picture I could almost see the caption he was thinking “I could have done better “

Best quip of the day was from the PM who quoted Frederick Forsyth, who had apparently said that Mr Cameron has only "a sketchy grasp of basic arithmetic. And it showed.
Has Brown been paying Hague for the one liners?

A few months ago I said on this blog-site that Cameron has missed his opportunity with Brown, he has had more chances at an open goal than any other Conservative leader since 1997 and he has not taken advantage of them.
It is too late now Brown has got the measure of PMQ’s and it is showing.
And yes since returning to the UK I have seen the opinion polls and they are all over the place and whatsmore I do not believe them and as a footnote McCaine was shown on American TV with PM Brown and the joke is when he was shown with Cameron the Americans though he was Brown’s “Butler”
I nearly ended myself laughing so much for a would be PM.
The Yanks do get a few things right!

[MY, Kent 26 Mar 2008 17:51:54]

In Westminster the other day I saw a man in lycra cycling by.

His name was Dave and he seemed to forget his Highway Code as he ran several red lights on the side of the road.

Such a road hog was Shallow Dave, the man who spins and spins, ignoring the rules of the road.

At PMQ's today Gordon told Dave that he can't do his Arithmetic. By the look on Daves face, he was left reeling by the great clunking fist and looked rather pathetic.

Dave should learn that spin and spin and wearing a silly grin are no substitute when you have to win.

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 26 Mar 2008 17:47:33]

Susan Carruthers
Mr Brown's report card will read...."repeat a year" failure.

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 26 Mar 2008 17:43:11]

Welcome back Effie
Putting in her tuppence halfpenny worth. Labour will need good people like you to stand up for them! everyone else will vote Tory.

[The Morning Mail 26 Mar 2008 17:37:55]

Morning Mail
Much like your leader Mr Brown, you have your own take on reality, and you are free to have your opinion heard on this blog.

Posted by: Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 26 Mar 2008 15:48:00

Yes Elizabeth, you are also free to voice your opinions as an expat and you do have a unique perspective on reality. Isn't democracy wonderful!

[neither/niether 26 Mar 2008 17:37:15]

Susan Carruthers
Only G. Brown could come out with something like that. He's an expert at counting! he has to be,, He's been cooking the books for over 10 years.
To cook the books, you have to lie! about the true financial situation. Im sure Cameron is happy for it to be known he isn't as clever as Brown with figs.

[Effie 26 Mar 2008 17:34:10]

Maths certainly is not Cameron’s forte
Dreary
Dismal
Dreadful
It is a fair bet Cameron will not lead on that subject again.
Osborne’s face was a picture I could almost see the caption he was thinking “I could have done better “

Best quip of the day was from the PM who quoted Frederick Forsyth, who had apparently said that Mr Cameron has only "a sketchy grasp of basic arithmetic. And it showed.
Has Brown been paying Hague for the one liners?

A few months ago I said on this blog-site that Cameron has missed his opportunity with Brown, he has had more chances at an open goal than any other Conservative leader since 1997 and he has not taken advantage of them.
It is too late now Brown has got the measure of PMQ’s and it is showing.
And yes since returning to the UK I have seen the opinion polls and they are all over the place and whatsmore I do not believe them and as a footnote McCaine was shown on American TV with PM Brown and the joke is when he was shown with Cameron the Americans though he was Brown’s “Butler”
I nearly ended myself laughing so much for a would be PM.
The Yanks do get a few things right afterall!

[Pete Crockett (Swindon) 26 Mar 2008 17:30:12]

Carol Ann from Liverpool has got it spot on. The media determine the election - from 1995 onwards the knife was out for Major. From the self-induced non-election the knifes are out for Brown. A significant amount of the media seem to empathise with Cameron and so he gets an easy ride. He is a leader in waiting yet where are the searching questions about his vision? His policies? His fiscal plans? As with Tony Blair, who also got an unduly easy ride, they are now going to urge the nation to elect 'Tory Blair.' If I were advising Brown it would be to do nothing hasty and hope for Cameron to blow it. The achilles heel Cameron has is a capacity to come over as arrogant and supercillious. These are unedifying and un British characteristic that could just be his undoing.

[John Delaney 26 Mar 2008 17:15:08]

I see the usual tory grabbing at straws as usual just admit it cameron got bumped today so what it just shows he has a weakness that is economics.

[Effie 26 Mar 2008 17:07:23]

Having said all that, If I was asked, would I like to see a Conservative government under David Cameron or another term of Labour, then I would have to say Mr Cameron and his "new look former Conservative Party": Madnurse 26 Mar 2008 15:56:52

They say that there is no fool like an old fool. You have just proved that old adage.
For Cameron to win power you would be having Blair Mark 2.
Now why vote for plastic when you have leather?
You have griped and groaned about Labour since coming onto this site then you say you would vote for more of the same.
You have complained about Cameron but would vote him in.
You remind me of Ada Larkin AKA Hyacynth Bucket from Jarrow.
More bothered about keeping up appearances than facing reality.
"May I say" as Hyacynth would say

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 26 Mar 2008 16:59:31]

Thank God
There are some sane people left in Britain today...Victor, Northern housewife, Madnurse but to name a few.
The reality is Britain needs new management, roll on the general election, before it's to late.

[Susan Carruthers 26 Mar 2008 16:54:17]

Cameron was the class Dunce today, ridiculed by Headmaster Brown who told him to go back to class and bone up on his arithmetic.

Camerons report card will read 'must try harder'.

[Chris Mumby 26 Mar 2008 16:46:43]

Mike S, Craig etc.

So the Tories and David Cameron doesn't understand that it is a global economic problem and therefore not the fault of Gordon Brown and New Labour.

So taking that argument on, the last 17 years of growth in the world (and UK) economy is down to Gordon Brown's "brilliant" handling of the UK economy - nothing to do with USA, China and India then.

How foolish I am to doubt Gordon Brown - saviour of human kind.

[Mike Simpson 26 Mar 2008 16:27:42]

Mike - You are so true and what you say really goes to the heart of the matter. Could this country really trust Cameron to get us out of any financial crisis which he won't even understand is being faced on a global basis. You absolutely couldn't and that is quite frightening!!

Posted by: Craig 26 Mar 2008 13:54:28

Thanks for your erudite and kind remarks Craig, your last sentence is definitely food for thought for the British electorate.

[Victor, NW Kent 26 Mar 2008 16:00:34]

I chased down Brown's story about "one country already has 15% interest rates". It is Iceland, population 301,000 which is quite a bit less than the population of Barnet.

The two German Banks that failed are being propped up exactly as Brown and Darling propped up Northern Rock. One was already 37.5% State-owned previously.

[seb/uk 26 Mar 2008 15:59:41]

As for Britain owning a bank, all profits will go back to the UK tax payer.The Morning Mail 26 Mar 2008 15:37:46

Profits?,Its a dead duck we've all been forced to bail out,with hardly any prospect of a return.

[Madnurse 26 Mar 2008 15:56:52]

Victor, NW Kent 26 Mar 2008 13:54:48:

You are right Victor, I am critical of Mr Cameron for reasons I have previously stated and Yes, I do feel Mr Davies would have been a better leader for our party.

I feel we elected a leader that looked and sounded like Mr Blair, who was popular at the time with the general public, however, shortly after electing Mr Blair's clone as our leader, Mr Blairs popularity fell and we are stuck with him now.
Mr Cameron then set about following his own agenda, rather than promoting Conservative policies and values. He was more keen on social engineering within the party, rather than policies that affect each of us daily.

Conservatism means more efficient public services, less taxation, less interference from government in people's lives, fewer quangos, less red tape and regulations, a smaller public sector etc etc. In my opinion, this is where Mr Cameron should concentrate his efforts, not on the gender or ethnic origin of would be candidates. I suggest he proposes a freeze on anti climate change measures while we go through recession as they will slow our economy and cost us dear, we used to call it "shooting ones self in the foot" when I was young.

I had a friend that spent hours cleaning the outside of his car, he would polish it several times a week, sadly though, he neglected to put oil or water in to the engine of the car, it broke down.
I feel this story is a metaphor for our party, Mr Cameron is polishing the out side that people see but is neglecting the engine, namely those of us that work for and donate financially to the party, eventually, the engine will seize up when we stop working and funding a party that many of us feel has abandoned it's principles and core beliefs.

Having said all that, If I was asked, would I like to see a Conservative government under David Cameron or another term of Labour, then I would have to say Mr Cameron and his "new look former Conservative Party" please. However, I feel this decision is like choosing between being shot by a firing squad or hung drawn and quartered, neither a pleasant prospect.

[Northernhousewife 26 Mar 2008 15:51:41]

VICTOR
Not only are you right about Cameron in his former job at the Treasury[he was a speech writer!] Gordon Brown was the Shadow Chancellor at the time of the ERM. He clearly supported all the decisions taken. Its like George Osbourne supporting a decision and then claiming 15 years later that the PM's office staffer was responsible.
But then all Stalinists rewrite history. They have to. The truth is too uncomfortable.

Brown was unnerved on the FSA questions today.
He was more comfortable on the economy in general, except he doesn't get it - everytime he says inflation is 2% he shoots himself in the foot.

Apparently student loan interest is now calculated on the RPI at 4%+! They try to have their cake and eat it. In otherwords, they lie.

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 26 Mar 2008 15:48:00]

Morning Mail
Much like your leader Mr Brown, you have your own take on reality, and you are free to have your opinion heard on this blog.

[The Morning Mail 26 Mar 2008 15:37:46]

Morning Mail
If Cameron's grasp of economics is weak, then Brownomics is laughable, much worse than "boom and bust"!
There isn't much economy left, plus Britain now owns a bank!, maybe Britain will need the Bank of Brown to print some money.
Posted by: Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 26 Mar 2008 14:47:49

My dearest Elizabeth you may have a short memory but I remember record interest rates, rampant inflation, record home repossessions and unemployment during the lean mean Tory years.

As for Britain owning a bank, all profits will go back to the UK tax payer. I take it you would be supportive of Cammers and Gideon, letting the bank sink to oblivion with its obvious risk to the UK economy during the worldwide global credit crunch.

[Madnurse 26 Mar 2008 15:37:03]

Carol-Ann:
"(GB)But, he is 'old school' when it comes to Parliament as he respects parliamentary debate."

Now I have proof of what I have suspected for a long time, namely, you are on here to just wind people up and to have a laugh!!
This Mr Brown that "respects parliamentary debate" has ridden rough shod over our elected representitives ability to have debate over important issues. A few examples, the EU Treaty(sic) with strict time restraints to stop debate, use of the parliament act to force through bills, three line whips, etc etc.

Now you are found out and I claim my prize:-)

[carol-ann liverpool 26 Mar 2008 15:00:11]

Flipping Heck, Khalid, I thought your most recent post was one of mine, for a minute, lol!

You have an amazing and encyclopaedic knowledge of popular music and the creative way you link it to politics is stunning.

I don't always agree with you but I do admire your ability.

[carol-ann liverpool 26 Mar 2008 14:53:25]

Elizabeth and Bernard

There are many others who believe it is the other way around. TB himself has acknowledged the debt he owes to GB for his handling of the economy throughout his premiership.

Now, we all know that Cherie didn't like many people that advised her husband like Peter M. Alistair Campbell and GB and she has always demonstrated that she is her own woman, even when it caused her own husband considerable embarrassment, so it won't be in the least surprising if she has a go at Gordon... that is so obvious it isn't even worth mentioning, really.
However, she wasn't at that famous meeting at Granitas where the order of play was decided and after which TB is said to have made certain promises to GB.

I think it is only people who are stuck in the mud or lacking intelligence, themselves, who don't believe people can change and grow emotionally, while still retaining their basic core values.
Gordon, I am sure, is not the same now as he was 10 years or even 5 years ago.
There have been many changes in his life in the last few years which cannot help having a profound influence on his thinking.

I am sure that Dave has changed in the last five years, also. But, what worries me about Dave is not that he has changed because common sense or experience has taught him that he may have been wrong about some things, he changes what appear to be his 'core values', he has got to show that he have core values or he has no chance, IMHO.

I am reliably informed that Gordon is in fact a very entertaining and amusing person when he is relaxing with friends and colleagues and people he knows and trusts.

But, he is 'old school' when it comes to Parliament as he respects parliamentary debate and shows respect for the ceremonial whereas Dave can hardly bring himself to acknowledge that the Speaker is The Chair, so to speak and all questions should go through him.
I personally think it is time to build a new purpose built House of Commons in a more modern building that is equipped for the modern world.
The old one could stay for tourists purposes if it paid its way.

In a way, PMQs is an anachronism given that The Prime Minister and leader of The Opposition both give regular news conferences anyway and, in a new purpose built building, GB could video conference with his MPs and take questions from them and that could be televised.

We have turned a big corner, socially and politically since 9/11 and the way we do things, politically speaking, should change also.
I do love the buildings but it is time to move on, IMHO.

[Adrian, Lancashire 26 Mar 2008 14:49:07]

It doesn't help matters when he doesn't have a basic understanding of economics.

Speaking of which. If you spend more than you earn you are in debt. Brown has spent more than he has raised and so the country is £40bn in debt or more. Now who doesn't have a basic understanding of economics?

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 26 Mar 2008 14:47:49]

Morning Mail
If Cameron's grasp of economics is weak, then Brownomics is laughable, much worse than "boom and bust"!
There isn't much economy left, plus Britain now owns a bank!, maybe Britain will need the Bank of Brown to print some money.

[Tony, Berkshire 26 Mar 2008 14:36:47]

Some thing is missing from PMQs. I think it may be the primary class teacher to ensure the debate is focused, relevant and does not end in a squabble in the play ground. Lord help us!

[seb/uk 26 Mar 2008 14:34:24]

Again, another knock out, bravura and storming performance from Gordon Brown.
Posted by: Mike Simpson 26 Mar 2008 13:10:44

Are you sure you watched the right channel?.

[Khalid 26 Mar 2008 14:17:33]

Mr Speaker, as we gather again to find out whether or not I have any meetings, I can assure the house that the recent cross channel migration did not come form Calais however a flight from the vicinity of [Vanessa Paradis] bought the French economy as our [Jo La taxi] was ready and on time.
Mr Speaker, as we indeed welcome our economical growth partner as the credit crunch pinches many a serious financial regulatory failing, the house will no doubt be please to learn that the UK is better placed to withstand the dithering moments evident most recent during the cracking of the Northern Rock in comparison to Bear Stearns, and indeed what a contrast in regulatory procedures if I may say so.
Mr Speaker, as many a [Sunchyme] has come and gone, unless of-course the BoE is allowed to make independent analysis surrounding the handling by [Dario G] of many a failing bank as well as the liquidity of the FSA, it may come as a surprise to note that eggs have risen by 28%, Milk by 17%, whilst the daily bread has inflated by as much as 38%, yet farmers and wheat growing nations claim poverty. So, as the FSA is short of expertise in banking analysis, as if we didn’t know that already, why then don’t they want to hear the extent of their fiscal failings and not fine themselves?
Mr Speaker, with blinkered vision and surround sound, is it any wonder dithering U turns are not practised more often, or is it the case that practice makes perfect as we address the real issues surrounding the Balance Sheets, Credit Reference Agencies and the expense to which many an arithmetical teaching has failed to bring about prudent prosperity for the PM’s economical mis-management to help families and not be hitting them with rising taxes to inflate the cost of living?
Mr Speaker, gone are the days of 15% interest, 10% inflation and 3M un-employed as the parties opposite have claimed all the necessary funding by way of personal expenditure leaving very little for the courts to mull over, but I’m sure we will be singing [I Can See Clearly Now] as [Carley Simon] turns to page 111-112 of the Red Book, which affirms that taxes are going up, but not in the way that pubs would want to ban the leader of the opposition from indulging in a pint or two, so as to further ensure re-cycling traffic lights do not obscure the fact that income tax is coming down to 20p.
Mr Speaker, looking at the maths, indeed the sum of (1PM+1Chancellor) = (Economical Incompetence), but hasn’t that been the case since the house was incepted? Or are we really going to continue along the lines to remain incapable of admitting mistakes as Hilary found out most recent there were no snipers around, just a dizzy blonde!
So, Mr Speaker as we celebrate the curtailing of corporation tax down from 30p to 28p and look at how fuel poverty can further assist the liberals, that last year only 27,000 households faced re-possession and not 100,000 as claimed, whilst there were 1.5M more homeowners, is it any wonder no one bothers to listen to them let alone take advice from them as they never pay attention or even remain in class. But, when will they learn?
Mr Speaker, with the further emergence of the Manchester stroke unit, naturally it remains for the house to ensure they do not deploy the abortion act through the back door, otherwise the 1St Minister of Northern Ireland will come out of retirement and boy will energy companies suffer if they don’t do more to congratulate him upon his divine achievements throughout his tenure.
Mr Speaker, with media decay in China and the input of fluoride in our water pursuant to the Water Act 2003, I’m sure the love letter form Mr Sarkozy bought about many smiley teeth as we further share the agenda surrounding energy and GB at the centre of the EU. So, lets build the access road, get an immediate and peaceful resolution to the Tibet question and tell all embassy staff worldwide that we are proud of the term special relationship and will further look at ways to bring about human rights to Zimbabwe before 2012 or will Virgin trains beat them at put in new carriages on the west coast line? Only time will tell.
Mr Speaker, as we bring about further equality to many a local council, and Nato changes the science research council, it remains a matter to say Bonsoir Monsieur et Madame enjoy the roast beef with [Grace Jones] with a touch of [La Vie En Rose]
Bon Appetit…..

[The Morning Mail 26 Mar 2008 14:12:11]

Excuse me...can someone explain to me the concept of PMQs?
I watch it every week and it seems as if the PM asks the questions to the opposition.
It didn't used to be like that....!!
Posted by: Fillipe, England 26 Mar 2008 09:57:36

Fillipe, quite simple really. It is the weekly event and arena where NuCon leader and Old Etonian Dave otherwise known as ‘Flashman’ tries to impress his chums sitting behind him and fails miserably.

It doesn't help matters when he doesn't have a basic understanding of economics.

[Merv. Beszant, Dubai 26 Mar 2008 14:07:25]

Cheryl,
I often wonder how politicians complete forms that demand 'yes' or 'no' answers, and can only assume that they adopt 'N/A' responses, and attach a load of explanatory notes!

[Rae 26 Mar 2008 14:01:13]

Being fair to Cameron today, he was right to raise the economy but then, even being unbiased, he fell apart. Everyone knows that he just doesn't understand economics and that is a real pity. People can look forward to rising interest rates and an economic black hole if he ever gets his hands on power. Why some here feel that he will be an economic miracle worker is beyond me. Give me the man (Brown) who has delivered for 11 years, not an economical incompetent. But as I say, well done to Cameron for at least picking the right topic!

[The Morning Mail 26 Mar 2008 13:57:38]

Again, another knock out, bravura and storming performance from Gordon Brown. GB's quip about David Cameron having a "sketchy grasp of basic arithmetic" was just so true and succeeded in drawing blood. On this performance, it is clear that Brown continues to get better and more confident, while Shallow Dave suffers yet another relapse.

Along with his mocking of David “Charlatan” Cameron for being chief economic adviser at the Treasury at the time of the worst recession Britain has ever experienced “Black Wednesday” it was a salutary reminder of what would be in store for Britain under a Tory Government.

Shallow Dave continues in a rather hopeless and hapless way to get his points across at PMQs, but succeeding in only failing miserably. The main problem for him is that he neither has the credibility or competence to deliver Britain out of a global world-wide credit crunch. We need a ‘safe pair of hands’ to weather the storm during a torrid financial climate for the UK, and thank goodness we can rely on a strong team at the top, Brown and Darling.

Posted by: Mike Simpson 26 Mar 2008 13:10:44

I agree Mike, Brown easily won PMQ’s and humiliated Cammers over his basic lack of ability on economic matters.

Brown was in total control of his brief and Cammers was left looking like ‘Boy David’, the boy who went to a top school but could never get top marks in anything apart from the art of spin.

NuCons may quibble about Cammers job title but he was a key economic advisor during Black Wednesday standing behind the most inept Chancellor we have ever had, Norman Lamont, remember him?

Brown easily KO’d the blue spinner and left the Gold lightweight Clegg reeling.

[Victor, NW Kent 26 Mar 2008 13:54:48]

As always Gordon Brown has put his sinister slant on something. Frederick Forsyth supported David Davis in his leadership campaign and thereafter was one of Cameron's critics - a bit like Madnurse.

As the months went by he gradually changed his view until he was entirely supportive as far back as August 2007, during the Brown honeymoon period.

The remark about Cameron's arithmetic was not based on any special knowledge or personal acquaintance but was part of his programme of criticism, a totally groundless remark such as Carol-Ann, Morning Mail, Peter in Fife and Mike Simpson produce daily.

I would imagine that, with a first in PPE [Philosophy, Politics and Economics] that he could hardly be innumerate as was Tony Blair.

The Labour cut-and-paste bloggers always bring up Cameron's part in the ERM collapse as describe him as such as "Chief Economic Advisor" - he was 25 at the time and was the Chancellor's Political Advisor. They all know it was not true.

However, Gordon Brown not only made a senseless decision to sell off half of our gold reserves - he even ensured the worst price possible by announcing long in advance both quantities and sale dates. At that time Ed Balls really was his chief advisor.

Gordon shows that his legendary grasp of economics is untrue as when today he claimed that that inflation was lower than in other major countries because of low interest rates. He then said that our inflation was 2.5% [five weeks ago he claimed 2%] whilst in the USA it was 4%. That, of course, destroys his argument as USA interest rates have been lower than ours as far back as I can remember.

He then claimed that taxes were not up as he had reduced the basic rate to 20% [not so as the basic rate was 10%] the second band was 22%. Simultaneously he claimed that "we" were putting more money into the economy. Those two claims are contrary to each other.

A realisation that the Emperor has No Clothes is why Labour bloggers are outnumbered here. There is simply a dwindling supply of Labour supporters eveywhere.

[Craig 26 Mar 2008 13:54:28]

The main problem for him is that he neither has the credibility or competence to deliver Britain out of a global world-wide credit crunch. We need a ‘safe pair of hands’ to weather the storm during a torrid financial climate for the UK, and thank goodness we can rely on a strong team at the top, Brown and Darling.

Mike - You are so true and what you say really goes to the heart of the matter. Could this country really trust Cameron to get us out of any financial crisis which he won't even understand is being faced on a global basis. You absolutely couldn't and that is quite frightening!!

[Purps, Chelmsford 26 Mar 2008 13:49:28]

Carol -Anne

The Irish ancestry explains your previous posts up perfectly.

You have a major problem that is a class one and Brown has the same problem, it will be ecthed on his grave stone.

Brown was and probably still is the worst chancellor this country has had.

The FSA fiasco was Browns 100% he should take the blame, in teh old days the BOE would have done exactly as the Fed, they would have had Lloyds take control over the Rock at the first weekend.

You just have to look at recent history before Brown got his stalinist hands on the economy, Barings sold for a£! to ING over a weekend.

I am sorry we are dithering into catastrophy, we need chnage.
The Tory party should highlight the cost of living on their website and publish teh actual rate weekly, they should also confirm they would return to the RPI index as a measure of calculating the inflation.

Under Brown we have become a banana republic

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 26 Mar 2008 13:41:41]

Chris Mumby
Gordon Brown has a very selective memory. He forgets the bad stuff and makes up the good stuff, and hopes no one will notice!

[Chris Mumby 26 Mar 2008 13:39:18]

Mike Simpson

David Cameron was a special advisor to the Chancellor - NOT the Chief Economic Advisor - quite a major difference.

As usual whatever Gordon Brown says is a lie.

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 26 Mar 2008 13:36:19]

Carol Ann
Backstabbing...you ain't heard nothing yet. Bernard from Horsham has a point.
Cherie Blair's memoirs will be out in the summer. She will "tell all" about her neighbour at No 11 Downing Street. I am sure she has a "little black book" on Gordon the Great.

[Fillipe, England 26 Mar 2008 13:33:04]

Love the poem going around written by a Labour minister..it really sums up McBottler's performance when compared to Blair.

At Downing St upon a stair
I saw a man who wasn't Blair
He wasn't Blair again today
Oh how I wish he'd go away.

[Dirty European Socialist 26 Mar 2008 13:31:28]

I htoguht the PM did pretty well today. Did a good joke about the tory leaders lack of arithmetic ability. The tory leader did OK too though. Normally the PMws male strategic brain means he does poor at PMQs this well he did pretty well.

[Chris, Baildon 26 Mar 2008 13:31:01]

Carol-Ann

Talking of loyalty - what about the abortive coup by Gordon Brown on the then Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Brown certainly showed his "courage" that day. Getting his cronies to do the dirty work.

You complained that the Tories had no bottle - well we know Gordon Brown is a world class bottler.

[carolo-ann liverpool 26 Mar 2008 13:23:44]

These stupid arguments about race and culture are ridiculous.
If you go back in anyone's history it will be difficult to find anyone who is a true 'Brit'.
We are all the children of immigrants in one way or the other and the culture of any country changes dramatically over time.
My own ancestry is part Irish who were once treated like the Eastern Europeans, now or black people in the 1950s up to the present day.
If you check the origins of your family name, way back, you may be surprised what you will find. That is why racism is not only immoral it is just plain stupid.

[Annabelle Thomson 26 Mar 2008 13:22:27]

Felipe - if there was a competition in spouting tripe you would win it hands down!

Oh Cameron was just so weak and pathetic today. Any wonder that the NuCons are desperate to defend his truly awful line of questioning which showed him up as lacking in any substance whatsoever.

[Bernard from Horsham 26 Mar 2008 13:18:47]

Carol Ann... am I missing something here, didnt Gordo and his cronies stab Tony in the back, in fact they had several goes at it....
in fact if what we read is true, Gordon's behaviour towards Tony was truly appalling

As for PMQ's If Gordon thinks he can keep tripping out 2.5% inflation and think the electorate believe him, he is misguided, same goes for the "2p tax cut" (THE 2P OR NOT 2P) which is disingenuous and ignores the removal of the 10p that will badly hit low income families whose marginal tax rate will increase from 10p to 20p.

[Peter, Fife 26 Mar 2008 13:15:33]

Fillipe, England,

Like most on here you are uncomfortable with facts; I think you know little of what Scots think or know merely choosing to regurgitate the nonsense that is in what are laughingly called newspapers.

I merely state my opinion which you will no silence irrespective of your seeming discomfort with such opinion; if you do not like them do not read and do not respond; I do however note your preference is for unverifiable statements.

[Adrian, Lancashire 26 Mar 2008 13:10:59]

Not a good week for Gordon. Bottles again and gives in over the Embryo issue. Now looks like a complete lightweight in PMQ's. Does anyone actually believe that taxes have gone down? Does anyone actually believe that inflation is around 2%? Does anyone actaully believe that he knows what he is doing? Is this why COBRA has been convened at a rate of once every fortnight since he has been in power as opposed to once every 6 months under Blair. Because he can't handle the job and has to get others to make decisions for him.

[Mike Simpson 26 Mar 2008 13:10:44]

Again, another knock out, bravura and storming performance from Gordon Brown. GB's quip about David Cameron having a "sketchy grasp of basic arithmetic" was just so true and succeeded in drawing blood. On this performance, it is clear that Brown continues to get better and more confident, while Shallow Dave suffers yet another relapse.

Along with his mocking of David “Charlatan” Cameron for being chief economic adviser at the Treasury at the time of the worst recession Britain has ever experienced “Black Wednesday” it was a salutary reminder of what would be in store for Britain under a Tory Government.

Shallow Dave continues in a rather hopeless and hapless way to get his points across at PMQs, but succeeding in only failing miserably. The main problem for him is that he neither has the credibility or competence to deliver Britain out of a global world-wide credit crunch. We need a ‘safe pair of hands’ to weather the storm during a torrid financial climate for the UK, and thank goodness we can rely on a strong team at the top, Brown and Darling.

[Elizabeth Davies Cape Town 26 Mar 2008 13:04:07]

I don't think you would need a doctorate in economics,or a poor grasp of arithmatic to get the measure of the economy in Britain today.
Brownomics has "put paid" to it! The Northern Rock debacle was the cream on top.
I don't think it can get any worse, or can it? another two years of Labour and the Isle of Britain will be well and truly sunk!

[carol-ann liverpool 26 Mar 2008 13:00:38]

I see that the Nucons are flooding in from their Conservative Futures meetings, and try to condemn people who believe in something that the NuCons are short of: loyalty.
This from the people who stabbed Maggie Thatcher in the back when she was out of the country, because they didn't have the bottle to tell her to her face where she was going wrong. Now they pretend that she doesn't even exist. That's loyalty for you.

It is amazing how, like Cammers, they think that we are stupid and are going to be fooled by their obvious and rehearsed chants.
They come from their 'cult' meetings sounding like Daleks .
I am a Nucon, I am a Nucon, 'Dave is Great, Dave is Great!
I believe that these meetings are a bit like 'pyramid selling' conferences and 'Moonie weddings'

There's me thinking that Tories believed in free speech and self-determination.... Oh, of course, Dave isn't a Tory, is he? He is a Nucon!

[Bruce Hulmes 26 Mar 2008 12:39:41]

Carol Ann.
Labour supporters are in the minority in England only the Scots keep them in power nationally.

[John Hyde 26 Mar 2008 12:38:48]

From what I`ve seen of PMQ`s, is that Gordon Brown, likes to live up to his Stalin nickname, arrogant aloof.. Doesn`t care about anyone but himself. While David Cameron, just shouts like an idiot. Only Nick Clegg, seems to have a brain. When he bought up the subject of the Gurka`s, Brown and Cameron, didn`t take a blind bit of notice. But in an emergency, I`d prefer Brown. Remember last year, when the country looked like New Orleans? Brown stays to talk to the people-Cameron goes to Rwanda! There`s being a master leader there! And "vote Blue, go Green," remember when he was on his bike, and he had his car behind him? And going to the Artic, and "Hug a Husky.." And I don`t want England to split from Scotland, I just want everyone in The UK to be treated fair.

[Bruce Hulmes 26 Mar 2008 12:34:52]

Peter,Fife.Perhaps you could do some reseach for us and tell us the following.How many Scottish MPs are of immigrant stock? and how many English represent Scotland.How many so called English MPs are of what I would call English stock.K(not forgeting our Welsh cousins)not even Blair would pass the test. You would then have your figure for English MPs very much reduced, we have Pakistanis,Africans,East Europeans and Scots representing England, and over fifty of the Jewish faith. Now I mention this because everyone of this number could have reasons for putting others first how many Jewish MPs, voted for the invasion of Iraq to remove a dictator or to further safe guard Israel? families of our servicemen should think hard.
In the forthcoming elections in London over sixtyfive thousands Poles will be eligable to vote, thanks to Labour, will they cast their vote for a candidate who backs the advancement of the English or one who backs further immigration from the East?. Do MPs from the muslim community vote for the advancement of the English or Pakistani communities?.
And this is going to get worse over the coming generations when East Europeans manage to get into our political parties, there is a strong possiblility that Balkanization of our governemt and our country will result and we all know what that leads too.But if and when that happens Scotland has its escape card, independance.
Also the what, could be called the anti-Scot sentiment now prevailing through England is not anti-Scottish as such but resentment that a party dominated by Scots is so obviously willing to give to Scotland what it refuses to give to England, which is the largest, most populated and the financial and political power base of this United Kingdom.
Scotland with its access to two parliments has its cake and eats it.Scots can vote nationally for a party knowing that the bits it dislikes can be oveturned in Edinbugh, democrocy in action according to Labour, we call it creeping to Scottish voters by Scottish MPs to maintain their seats in London South of the border.

[Chris, Baildon 26 Mar 2008 12:32:12]

Having listened to the exchanges between Gordon Brown and David Cameron, I must say it was the most pathetic displays by the PM -= ever (even worse then last Autumn.)

He used weak sound bytes against David Cameron - when he was been asked specific economic questions about the FSA and the current state of the UK's economy. It was an awful performance by the PM - I hope the Labour supporters are thoroughly ashamed of him and this government.

As for David Cameron has problems with numbers - the PM continues to compare statistics that are not comparable - i.e. inflation in UK cf Europe (they are not the same), what the UK economy was doing in 1980 compared to now - pathetic.

[curbishly London 26 Mar 2008 12:30:00]

"Excuse me,but Labour supporters on here are in the minority"

But you make up for it with your excessive length.

[Fillipe, England 26 Mar 2008 12:25:13]

Couldn't resist agreeing with Carol-Anne on "Excuse me,but Labour supporters on here are in the minority"..

The "on here" was superfluous As in the real world......as in the real world...

[David Wood Green 26 Mar 2008 12:23:44]

Asked 6 questions answered none, tell us tax is down from 22% to 20% but forgot to tell us about the rises. Just got my council tax, gone up again, petrol up, food up and then he thinks inflation is 2.5% up from his last comment on inflation of 2%, please arrange for him to buy milk and bread from his local shop and not free paid for by the tax payer.
The economy is built on debt both from the government and people borrowing on their house, this can’t continue stop telling us it all because of America and do something about it by lowing taxes.

[Fillipe, England 26 Mar 2008 12:22:36]

Having just watched the performance of the PM (or McBottler as some on here call him)how can anyone trust this man. They used to say that Michael Howard had "something of the night" about him. Brown has something of the strange.

Why won't he answer a straight question...why?

He said that taxes were coming down..is he stupid, mad or a liar? And has anyone been in a supermarket lately? Inflation is soaring in the real world most of us inhabit. Westminster Village must have a supermarket and shops with "Ashes to Ashes" prices...it must have....can we have some please?

I watched Mr Bean's Holiday last night...I couldn't get Brown out of my mind...he is strange in the sense Bean is....Cable had it spot on...

[Fillipe, England 26 Mar 2008 12:15:47]

Carol- Anne

You are as entitled to your opinion as much as I am. That does not stop me being surprised that anyone can spout such tripe.

In my opinion.....

[carol-ann liverpool 26 Mar 2008 11:57:46]

Felipe

Excuse me,but Labour supporters on here are in the minority and are entitled to their views as much as anyone else. We arenot saying there aren't any problems and, infact, if you and others had read my postings properly you would know that I have disagreed with the government aboutTreatment of Troops,the Ghurkas and police pay rise
to name just a few.

Nucon supporters or anti Labour government people have this amazing capacity to screen out the faults of opposition leaders and MPs while focusing a high power torch on the Labour government alone and never praising them for anything positive... they will say there isn't anything positive to say but that is patently not true.

The media are fed up with Labour and want a new government and are impressed with Cammers so they give him all the positive coverage and GB all the negative... if there isn't anything big they can condemn GB/Labour for, they will nitpick
at every little bit of tittle tattle.

I used to think this country is a democracy but actually it is a Medi-atorship where, when the press gets fed up with you, they batter you and make the opposition look good.

If GB has close friends in the media and could hypnotise them like Cammers does then there would be a lot more positive stories about him.

Every government makes mistakes and no doubt if Cammers was running the country rather than playing with monopoly money and student politics, he would make many too.
What worries me, is that the 'image' he portrays is not the 'real' one.
Believe me, I would love to believe him, I really would, because I don't want to have nightmares thinking of him and Giddy being in charge of the country, but I genuinely have fears about both those characters having power because I feel they would abuse it. Now, if some journalists who also have such concerns were able to be more honest, I think they will know what I am talking about.
If 'the image' was the real man, I wouldn't be so worried.

As regards to the 'nasty party' they have got that label for themselves without
any help from Labour supporters:
recently a Conservative councillor for Medway has had to resign for stating on his blog that all benefit claimants should undergo compulsory sterelisation. I know that Cammers will have no truck with this and will jump on anyone who says such things, but I am not sure that it is because he really disagrees with the councillors/MPs who come out with this sort of thing,or he is just worried about it damaging his chances of getting into power. The 'trust' issue is a big one for me and nothing that Cammers has done so far makes me able to trust him and he has caused that problem himself by chopping and changing and flip flopping over many issues, that has got nothing to do with Labour supporters, he has done that himself.

[Fillipe, England 26 Mar 2008 11:54:12]

"What utter nonsense"

In your opinion....which I notice also is very high when it comes to you....by you...

As a former Labour supporter I may have been previously, and selfishly, glad of Scottish Labour MP's support to prop up the government. Now I don't. It's very human nature to accept something that is patently wrong when it suits and I bow my head in shame that to get Blair in I did that.

I am not a Conservative...but am probably heading that way. I, like so many other friends and collegues, had so much hope 10 years ago. I will not be talked down to by someone who is so dogmatic that he thinks everything he doesn't like hearing has to be anti Labour and pro Tory.

I want an English parliment to make laws for England in the same way as a Scottish parliment makes laws for Scotland. No more...no less. I do not want English MPs to vote on Scottish matters that are the province of the Scottish Parliment and vice versa.

As most Scots are frightened that someone might take them at their word one day and cut them loose I can understand your comment. I suggest that when Scots constantly put the English down they should think who is propping them up.

Having read this blog for some time I understand that your next move will be to list a number of facts and questions to bolster your view.

Just so I can save you some time, and you can avoid looking for things to copy & paste, I will not be entering into that game with you.

[Victor, NW Kent 26 Mar 2008 11:22:54]

Will it be possible, with Michael Martin in the Speaker's chair to raise the topic of his court case to prevent proper disclosure of MPs expenses?

If it raised will he recuse himself and hand the chair over to his Deputy?

[Peter, Fife 26 Mar 2008 11:19:01]

Fillipe, England,

What utter nonsense; your give away is your very knowledge that Westminster has a permanent majority of 412 English MPs; what you do not have the conviction to commit to is that this permanent majority does not provide a consistency of Conservative Governance.

As to Scots MPs running England it is equally of note that those who vote for their leaders in all three main parties have a majority of English MPs; the question must then be asked of these majorities of English why they choose Scots for their leaders.

[Stephen Williams 26 Mar 2008 11:17:14]

Peter,

I know perfectly well that the flag of St. George represents England solely as opposed to the union flag, also as opposed to the flag of St. Andrew.

[Fillipe, England 26 Mar 2008 10:45:47]

"The tribal Labour supporters will come on this site and insult David Cameron, George Osbourne, the Nasty Party, the Party of privilege etc"

This really intrigues me. I have been reading this blog for sometime and it appears there are some people who are oblivious to the real world.

Things are never black and white (if I can say that these days) so how can some contributors not see the faults with the current government?

I voted for Blair twice but I wouldn't vote Labour again in the current situation. They are patently in major trouble. Brown appears to be like a rabbit in the headlights. I am not sure about Cameron...all I know is this is the reverse of "better the devil you know".

I know, like millions of previous supporters, and it isn't better.

[Fillipe, England 26 Mar 2008 10:31:16]

England is a province of Scotland. How else do you explain an English parliment run by Scots.

And before anyone pipes up about it being an English parliment in all but name because it has more English MPs, that is palpable rubbish.

It is a parliment where Scots control the government and make and help pass laws that will not apply to them.

In any other country we would have had a revolution by now.

Can anyone imagine a Spanish government controlled by Basques making laws for Spain but also having their own parliment giving them preferential treatment??

We are idiots...we sit back, act like English(wo)men and let the Scots grind us into the dirt.

[Peter, Fife 26 Mar 2008 10:28:12]

Stephen Williams,

What utter nonsense; possibly some of the problems arise from those who are unable to distinguish the distinction between the Union Flag and the Flag of St George.

[John, Northumberland 26 Mar 2008 10:24:12]

They'll all huff and puff but nothing will change.

The Gold has been sold, our pension funds have still lost their tax relief, the tax credit will still leak tax payers money, Northern Rock will still be nationalised, we will still be in Iraq & Afghanistan, the Government will still need to borrow 40 BILLION next year etc etc

The tribal Labour supporters will come on this site and insult David Cameron, George Osbourne, the Nasty Party, the Party of privilege etc

And all the while the country, having frittered away 15 years of growth, will slip further into the mire..

[Stephen Williams 26 Mar 2008 09:58:00]

keith,

Good point mate, well said because why is it that the Scots are allowed to be Scottish but they don't have to be British but the English have to be British but were not allowed to be English?

[Fillipe, England 26 Mar 2008 09:57:36]

Excuse me...can someone explain to me the concept of PMQs?

I watch it every week and it seems as if the PM asks the questions to the opposition.

It didn't used to be like that....!!

[keith in croydon 26 Mar 2008 09:17:38]

can cameron ask brown why he has turned england into a sardine can where all the sardines hate each other and why scotland has not suffered the same fate

[Stephen Williams 26 Mar 2008 09:14:03]

I expect David Cameron will mention the Tibet/China situation at some point.

Interesting to note that various news programs last night were all reporting that the government's own figures show them selling an increased amount of weapons & arms to China which they are no doubt using on the Tibetan protesters, this is obviously more of the same old hypocrisy that we are used to from our government.