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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)
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