PMQs - The Verdict

When David Cameron was elected as Tory leader he promised an end to the 'yahboo' politics that characterises PMQs.

Fortunately, for those of us who have to write colour pieces of these clashes, that, generally, has not been the case - however this week's debate was distinctly lacking in yah-booery.

Everyone was anticipating some pointed questions about the antics of John Prescott whose choice of company is becoming an increasingly embarrassing problem for the government.

The deputy prime minister's links to US billionaire, millennium dome-owning Philip Anschutz are giving Labour a headache on the back of various bad publicity for 'two Jags'.

But everyone (except Blair) was disappointed to learn that because the issue has been referred to parliamentary standards commissioner Sir Philip Mawer it was out of bounds, as Speaker Michael Martin pointed out when a Tory backbencher tried to raise it.

Instead we had some sensible questions from the leader of the Opposition about Afghanistan and the July 7 bombings.

After the excitement of recent weeks with by-election shocks and leadership challenge speculation it felt like everyone is just desperate to get to recess - like Ukraine playing for a penalty shoot-out.

But Labour backbenchers tried gamely to keep it interesting by asking planted questions designed to embarrass Cameron over his blatantly party political attempt to downgrade Scottish MPs and pull the rug from under Gordon Brown and the Union.

George Howarth said: "In view of the fact that London has its own elected assembly and mayor - who even has his own foreign policy - does the prime minister think that time is approaching to ban London MPs for voting on legislation affecting the rest of the country?"

Blair wasted no time in castigating the Tories for their "utterly irresponsible" new policy of making Scottish MPs unable to vote on legislation affecting only England.

Meanwhile, Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell continued his improvement in this arena with a couple of decent questions on extradition, delivered without notes, and hitting home fairly convincingly.

The QC did slip into a bit of legalese asking about the "principle of reciprocity", which is hardly soundbite of the year, but he cannot be castigated for having a half-decent vocabulary.

Returning to Afghanistan, veteran off-message Labour backbencher Paul Flynn questioned the wisdom of destroying Afghani farmers' living in the form of the opium crop.

The exchanges came before it was confirmed that another British soldier had been killed in the country.

The conflict could well continue to provide a sombre backdrop for more PMQs to come.

The Verdict

Tony Blair - 7/10 - Relieved he didn't have to defend his deputy and managed all-comers competently.

David Cameron - 6/10 - Grown up politics but not very exciting.

Sir Menzies Campbell - 6/10 - Another improved performance.