PRIME MINISTER'S QUESTIONS
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.SCORING THE EXCHANGES
Tony
Blair
Blair's case was helped by Sir David Steel, but in fact he needed little support. He kept it short and sweet. While the soundbites were there ("vote Tory for no right to a holiday"), so was everything else
8/10
John
Major
He couldn't or wouldn't answer Blair's questions; unfortunate on a day when the Opposition leader's attacks were particularly on-target
4/10
THEMES OF THE DAY
BAe's sale of Hawk aircraft to Australia,(Nick Hawkins, C. Blackpool S)
The Windfall Tax (Peter Luff, C. Worcester)
Free vote on gun control (Terry Rooney, Lab. Bradford N)
Recent Tory council by-election (Richard Alexander, C. Newark).
BLAIR'S ATTACK
Blair's first question: what is wrong with a law that leaves employees free to work long hours but forbids compelling them to do so? Major's reply summed up the ensuing argument: "I think the Rt Hon Gentleman yet again is in danger of missing the point. Unemployment is falling here as we become more competitive. This directive would reverse that trend."
GOOD DAY.. ...BAD DAY
Sir David Steel
Sir David Steel (L Dem. Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale). Liberal members are making a habit of asking questions which back up Blair's. Paddy Ashdown did it last Tuesday; yesterday, Steel pointed out that in July 1992 Employment Secretary Gillian Shephard assured the House that the Government had secured all its key objectives on the 48-hour week.
Lucy - David Blunkett's guide dog
It was the rowdiest question time for several months. Even the Speaker yelled. ("Stop shouting and barracking for goodness' sake!"). Lucy takes it well, only occasionally raising her head and looking despairingly about. Surely she should be spared such poor human company.
THE UNANSWERED QUESTION
Asked by Labour's Terry Rooney: "Could the Prime Minister tell the House why he favours having a free vote on caning but not on gun control?" "I have to say to him that I do not agree with him on that" was about as far as Major was prepared to go.
CREEP OF THE DAY
Richard Alexander: After citing a recent council by-election victory, he went on to compliment Mr Major on the wonderful state of the party which he leads, and asked the Speaker: "Can I put it to him . . . that if we continue with sensible policies, my Rt Hon Friend is on course for a record fifth Conservative victory?"
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments