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As it happenedended

PMQs live: David Cameron faces Jeremy Corbyn as row grows over EU referendum report

Weekly head-to-head in Commons comes as Cameron is accused of releasing a 'dodgy dossier' on EU membership

Adam Withnall
Wednesday 02 March 2016 07:30 EST
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David Cameron at PMQs
David Cameron at PMQs (BBC/Screengrab)

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Welcome to The Independent's live blog on Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday 2 March, as rows over the EU referendum continue to dominate the politics agenda.

David Cameron faces Jeremy Corbyn today, but he is having a hard enough time heading off challenges from his own front benches.

The Prime Minister has been accused of publishing a “dodgy dossier” to support the case for staying in the European Union.

The Government study, released this morning, warns of the serious impact on British businesses if the UK were to leave the EU.

The research examines different options for the UK outside the EU and argues that “Britain would be weaker, less safe and worse off outside the EU”.

Iain Duncan Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary, criticised the report’s approach – arguing that it was misleading.

“This dodgy dossier won’t fool anyone, and is proof that Remain are in denial about the risks of remaining in a crisis-ridden EU,” the Brexit-supporting minister said.

Elsewhere in today's politics news, Mr Corbyn may pick up in his questions on a new study which suggests one million more children could be in poverty by the end of the decade.

The independent Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said that relative child poverty rates were likely to rise by eight per cent between now and 2020-21, driven by cuts to the income of families with three or more children, who will be hit hardest by cuts to benefits and tax credits.

Welcome to The Independent's live blog on Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday 2 March, as rows over the EU referendum continue to dominate the politics agenda.

Adam Withnall2 March 2016 11:54

David Cameron faces Jeremy Corbyn today, but he is having a hard enough time heading off challenges from his own front benches.The Prime Minister has been accused of publishing a “dodgy dossier” to support the case for staying in the European Union.The Government study, released this morning, warns of the serious impact on British businesses if the UK were to leave the EU.The research examines different options for the UK outside the EU and argues that “Britain would be weaker, less safe and worse off outside the EU”.Iain Duncan Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary, criticised the report’s approach – arguing that it was misleading.“This dodgy dossier won’t fool anyone, and is proof that Remain are in denial about the risks of remaining in a crisis-ridden EU,” the Brexit-supporting minister said.

Adam Withnall2 March 2016 11:59

Elsewhere in today's politics news, Mr Corbyn may pick up in his questions on a new study which suggests one million more children could be in poverty by the end of the decade.The independent Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said that relative child poverty rates were likely to rise by eight per cent between now and 2020-21, driven by cuts to the income of families with three or more children, who will be hit hardest by cuts to benefits and tax credits.

Adam Withnall2 March 2016 11:59

David Cameron and Chris Grayling having what looks like an awkward conversation on the Tory frontbench #PMQs

Kate Devlin2 March 2016 12:01

First question is on Scotland's fiscal framework from the SNP.

Mr Cameron accuses the party of "maintaining a grievance after a settlement has taken place". He says it is time to stop talking about it and "get on with government".

Adam Withnall2 March 2016 12:02

Corbyn's first question now. He says it is three years since the government announced a policy of 'tax-free child care'. He asks what the holdup is.Mr Cameron says they are "introducing it", with a pilot scheme this year. 

Mr Corbyn follows up mocking it as a "long term plan". He asks why the promise of 30 hours free care is not there for one in three parents.

Adam Withnall2 March 2016 12:04

Mr Cameron says there was a delay because of a court case.

As for the 30 hours, the PM says there will be full implementation next year. 

Cameron says he is "delighted to be given the opportunity to promote Government policy". He says he is glad to talk about them.

Adam Withnall2 March 2016 12:05

Corbyn says 1/3 of families won't receive support, according to an NAO report. There are 40,000 three-year-olds missing out he says, calling it a "broken promise".

Cameron says he wants all these children to have the best start in life, and quotes a separate part of the NAO report which suggests "parents and children are benefitting from entitlements".

"What a contrast it will be if we listened to the member opposite," he says.

Cameron quotes the Islington Tribute as saying Yanis Varoufakis has been named an advisor to Corbyn - "a man who left the Greek economy in ruins". Cameron coins the line that Corbyn wants to see "Acropolis Now".

Adam Withnall2 March 2016 12:07

Cameron also says that since the NAO report which says only 56% of two-year-olds were accessing the extra childcare money, that is now up above 70%.He reels off the numbers on overcrowding, saying the government has made "progress" - and says the school system is growing, "all because we've got the strong economy and the right values in place".

Adam Withnall2 March 2016 12:09

Corbyn warns of a crisis in school places, as well as a crisis of teacher retention and recruitment.

Cameron says "I've just given the figures", adding that putting up taxes won't help retention.

Adam Withnall2 March 2016 12:10

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