Dispatch of the Day - 30th April 2008

So to continue last weeks theme of embarrassing climbdowns from Captain Brown, Cameron opens up with the suggestion that he will have to make major con sessions on the government's proposals for detention without charge. Brown simply says he will put the proposals to the House. Fair enough. He then tries to suggest that all the parties support the need for exceptions to be made in the cases of serious terrorists, but he stumbles over his words and ends up mumbling to himself.

Cameron quotes the Director of Pubic Prosecutions - "we do not perceive any need for the period of 28 days to be increased" and "our experience is that we have managed comfortably with 28 days". Why will the Prime Minister not listen to him asks Cameron? Brown ignores the question but instead says the police and Lord Carlise have both backed the idea of increasing the detention period. Brown then suggests that not to would give oxygen to terrorists and that the Tories should be ashamed of itself.

So here we are, a little bit of gentle sparring and now back to the 'deeper message' both sides are looking to get across.

Cameron quotes some Labour MPs in an attempt to show that Brown is only concerned with his own view. Brown then complains that Cameron won;t deal with the 'substantial issue'. Oddly Cameron is able to counterclaim that the Tories have addressed the substantial issues and goes on to list their policy ideas. And Cameron continues his line on Brown, how long will he ignore his parties wishes and will they get a vote of conscience on the proposals? Brown skips answering this, simply saying it will go before the house, I doubt the truth would be popular so I guess we'll have to wait to find out.


Cameron suggests the the DPP would know more on the subject than the Prime Minister, so why won't he listen? So Gordon, will this be subject to a vote as a matter of conscience?...Same answer from Brown, it will go before the House. This sets up Cameron nicely for his repost - "everyone knows what is going to happen: another rebellion, another backdown, another U-turn, and the collapse of stout party". There is reference to the recent 10p tax fiasco and then Cameron's finish with a flourish (which the Speaker interrupts) "The Prime Minister is putting political calculation and self-interest ahead of the right decisions and the national interest".

Brown again complains that Cameron won't address the substantive issue, but by the time he has finished saying it everyone has stopped listening.

Brown was at his bumbling, arrogant worst but Cameron failed to score any real blows.

Result 1 - 1