Assignment 1

B. Day Paper at Question Time

At Question Time the 24th of February many important topics created a heated debate in the House of Commons. Question Time is an opportunity for MPs and Members of the House of Lords to ask government ministers questions. The Prime Minister answers questions in the Commons every Wednesday and last Wednesday Day Paper was there to witness the debate.

The discussion started off by the Prime Minister paying a tribute to the British troops in Afghanistan. A total of seven soldiers had lost their lives since the House last met. Gordon Brown was clearly touched by the loss of the brave soldiers and sent profound condolences to the soldiers’ families and loved ones.

Later on David Cameron spoke about the Stafford hospital where hundreds of people ended up dying because of the way they were mistreated. Cameron asked the Prime Minister if he understood that the victims would never be content with an inquiry that was conducted in private, but that they would claim a public inquiry. Brown responded with a very well-articulated answer and told Cameron that each case was being investigated individually.

The debate grew more intense and Cameron accused Brown of having brought Britain to its knees and that he had wrecked the pension system and ruined the tax system. He presented the data to back his statement up but Brown smoothly proved the data as incorrect.

Richard Benyon from the Conservative Party asked Brown if he shared his thoughts about the importance to inform people of the value of the work the British troops are doing in Afghanistan. Gordon Browns response was in agreement with Benyon and he presented a plan to make people understand that they have a purpose for their missions. He also explained very well, for those who might be critical to the troops in Afghanistan, why it is important to have them there.

Gordon Brown appeared to be calm and concise during the debate and responded to the questions with well-articulated answers that showed reflection. He remained calm and stayed on-topic during the more heated debates whilst Cameron easily got off-topic and made unnecessary remarks on Browns behalf. Therefore – based on this Question Time I would say that the sitting Prime Minister has a better chance of winning the peoples' votes and the forthcoming election.

Gordon Brown speaking at Question Time 24th of February.