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    ePolitix.com: PMQs briefing



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    7th July 2010

    Defence, the economy and home affairs were the dominant themes among the questions asked by backbench MPs at prime minister's questions today.

    Alun Michael (Lab, Cardiff South and Penarth) called on the prime minister to congratulate the people of Somaliland on their successful, peaceful and transparent election of a new president.

    The country was a "beacon of democracy" in Africa he said.

    David Cameron said that area of the world was of "enormous importance" for Britain's security.

    "These are an example of genuine democracy in area of the world not noted for it," he said.

    James Gray (Con, North Wiltshire) urged the prime minister to ensure that any job losses suffered in his constituency as a result of the RAF's Hercules fleet being relocated to Witney – the prime minister's constituency.

    Cameron said Gray had fought a "long and noble" campaign on the issue.

    "Every time I get into a Hercules…the pilots always complain about having to move," he said.

    Jim McGovern (Lab, Dundee West) criticised the Coalition government's cancellation of tax breaks for the computer games industry.

    The prime minister said the cut in corporation taxes for small firms, outlined in the Budget, was a better policy.

    James Arbuthnot (Con, North East Hampshire) said local people must be re-engaged in planning decisions.

    Cameron responded that the government was scrapping targets and bureaucracy imposed by Labour. He said it was right that local authorities should be taking decisions that affect local people.

    Nigel Dodds (DUP Westminster Leader) called for urgent talks between the prime minsiter and leaders of the devolved administrations about the constitutional reform agenda.

    In response, Cameron said the date of the referendum on AV was a matter for Westminster and was right to be decided there.

    Julian Sturdy (Con, York Outer) called for assurance from the government that it remains committed to ensuring justice for the victims of Equitable Life.

    Cameron said the government remains committed to introducing a bill this session.

    Michael McCann (Lab, East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow) paid tribute to an injured serviceman from his constituency adding that UK forces must stay in Afghanistan until "the job is done".

    The prime minister said that it is the "key year" of the campaign and says it's time to "maximise the pressure" before bringing forces home.

    Annette Brooke (Lib Dem, Mid Dorset and North Poole) said that Park Home owners were often elderly and vulnerable and often suffered intimidation from tenants.

    The prime minister agreed that problems often occurred for park home owners, he said the housing minister was looking into the matter, to ensure owners have their rights respected.

    Chuka Umunna (Lab, Lambeth) called on the government to do more to prevent knife crime and violence among inner-city youths, following the murder of a constituent.

    The prime minister said that tough punishment is the short-term solution, with wider community efforts needed in the long term.

    James Clappison (Con, Hertsmere) said the UK Budget should not be vetted by the EU before it is presented to Parliament.

    In response, Cameron said that subsequent to its publication, the Budget was welcomed by a number of international bodies.

    Asked by Willie Bain (Lab, Glasgow North East) if there would be fewer children in poverty at the end of the Parliament, Cameron said: "We are absolutely committed to meeting the child poverty target."

    Robert Buckland (Con, South Swindon) asked for an assurance that all academies set up are required to accept children with special needs.

    Cameron provided that assurance.

    Angela Smith (Lab, Penistone and Stocksbridge) asked about the "disgraceful insult" the government has delivered to the head of Sheffield Forgemasters.

    The prime minister replied that no one had attacked the head of Sheffield Forgemasters

    Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow) asked what discussions he has had with mministers on the future funding of the Decent Homes programme.

    Cameron said there is a "huge backlog" in social housing and that some of the recently announced £6bn cuts are going to help a funding "black hole" under Labour.

    Roger Williams (Lib Dem, Brecon) asked for policy on agriculture to be taken on a scientific basis.

    Cameron said it will be guided "by science and what consumers want", adding that better labeling for consumers Is needed.

    David Anderson (Lab, Blaydon) called for an update on the Raoul Moat situation.

    The prime minister said home secretary Theresa May had been briefed on the situation by Northumbria's chief constable Sue Sim.

    He said: "The whole country is thinking of those that have lost their lives and those that have been injured.

    "It is a horrific case. I don't think it's right now to talk about the processes of learning any lessons, this is an ongoing case and the home secretary has been briefed by the chief constable."

    Gloria De Piero (Lab, Ashfield) asked about plans to abolish free swimming in England.

    The prime minister said it is not always possible to deliver such schemes in "straitened times".



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