Wednesday 14 October 2009

The return of PMQs


PMQs returns in a flurry of controversy after the twelve week summer recess. Once again expenses are back on the agenda; Sir Thomas Legg’s review has garnered much criticism from backbench MPs and put them at odds with the leadership of their parties.

However in a low key return, PMQs was dominated by Afghanistan with the PM listing the 37 military fatalities since July. David Cameron used his six questions to ask about adequate T.A training, and the quality of care for returning soldiers.

Nick Clegg used his two questions to raise concern over the legitimacy of the recent elections in Afghanistan, he claimed the elections were “flawed” and as a result the Afghan government lacks legitimacy. He suggested a national unity government should be formed. The PM said he will await the outcome of an investigation into the elections, and praised the fact that any election took place.

The legal injunction against the Guardian reporting a PQ from Paul Farrelly MP was also raised, by Conservative MP Peter Bottomley. The PM said that this was “an unfortunate area of law” and the Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, will investigate.

Overall a sombre session of PMQs lacking the usual volatility, interestingly there was no mention of expenses. As expected the PM today announced that British troop levels in Afghanistan will increase by 500, in a statement following PMQs, which brings the total number of troops in Afghanistan to 9,500.

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