PMQs - The Verdict

With the most memorable exchanges about events north of the border, this week's PMQs sounded more like Scottish questions.

It started well enough for Brown, and he managed to sound a bit more like he was playing the experienced statesman above the fray.

David Cameron used his opening questions to ask the prime minister about school budget surpluses and why Brown thought he knew better than heads how to spend the cash.

The prime minister implored Cameron to "listen to what I am saying" as if dressing down an unruly pupil. Brown also tried to use his reply to repeat his assertion that the Conservatives had a £6bn "spending black hole", which could only be filled with public service cuts.

In response Cameron tried to use the claw-back as an example of Brown's control freakery and centralising instincts.

If Brown edged the first exchange he was thoroughly embarrassed by the second.

But not before Liberal Democrat stand-in leader of the week Vince Cable had his thunder stolen by asking a question about renewable energy which had just been asked by a Labour backbencher.

Brown unwisely tried another joke: "I'm pleased to see him in his place given the turnover of Liberal Democrat leaders."

The prime minister said that the opposition parties were going to have to take hard decisions on a range of projects, including the Severn barrage, which he pronounced as if it rhymed with marriage in one of his peculiar interpretations.

Then it was on to matters north of the border, and Conservative backbencher Graham Brady asked: "Why should my constituents pay more tax so his constituents pay no prescription charges?"

Scottish Nationalist MP Angus McNeil yelled across to Brady that he should vote SNP in order to get the same benefits - but as far as I know, the SNP don't normally contest Altringham and Sale West.

Brown answered by pointing out that it was a result of the Barnett formula and devolution, both of which the Conservatives support.

Then it was Cameron's second turn and he used an independent report's findings that the Scottish parliamentary and local elections had been organised for party gain to attack Labour.

Brown refused to apologise or censure the minister responsible and sought to spread the blame as the other parties had signed up to the form of the ballot.

The prime minister then accused Cameron of "misleading people" about the contents of the report. It appeared to be unparliamentary, and Brown was told to use "temperate language" by Speaker Michael Martin after he had consulted his clerks.

Cameron responded: "I don't know how the prime minister has the gall to accuse me of misleading people." And given he was able to quote a damning passage from the report, it seemed a fair point.

"You promised us a new type of politics. You said you would be more open and honest. You said you would be frank about problems.
"You said you would be candid about the dilemmas.

"That was in your leadership speech 100 days ago. After your performance today doesn't that feel like 100 years ago?" Cameron concluded.

 

The Verdict

Gordon Brown: 6/10 - Started better, but seemed to be defending the indefensible over the Scottish elections fiasco.

David Cameron: 8/10 - Succeeded in winding Brown up, admittedly not too difficult a feat on these occasions.

Vince Cable: 6/10 - Should have had a spare question, as his had already been covered by a Labour backbencher.