09/03/2016 Daily Politics

Morning, folks, welcome to the Daily Politics.

Junior doctors are back on strike in England this morning,

More than 5,000 operations have been postponed because of the strike.

But with no sign of the Government backing down over the new doctors'

contract, where does the dispute go next?

Could it be raised by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

as he puts his questions to the Prime Minister?

We'll bring you all the action from the Commons, live at noon.

Government plans to extend Sunday trading hours in England and Wales

may not pass, thanks to opposition from some Tories and the SNP.

We've sent out Ellie with the moodbox.

If they are open, people buy more, so we spend money, so it is not

I was about to say - and it's not even Sunday.

And we'll be talking about claims that a night of stand-up comedy

aimed at helping Jeremy Corbyn isn't causing much of a laugh in Scotland.

All that in the next hour and a half and with us for the whole

of the programme today two MPs we'd pay good money

No, I mean we'd pay them to sit down.

It's the Conservative justice minister Dominic Raab,

and Labour's shadow transport secretary Lilian Greenwood.

Junior doctors in England are back on strike this morning,

this time for the first of three 48-hour stoppages.

It's the longest so far and more than 5,000 treatments have had to be

postponed, but once again medics will be providing emergency

It's all thanks to a dispute with the Government over

its decision to impose a new contract for junior doctors.

Let's have a listen to NHS England's Anne Rainsbury.

Clearly there are a difficult number of days ahead for the NHS.

We have been working very, very closely with

hospitals up and down England, in order to ensure that they have

It's important to be clear that urgent and emergency care

will continue as normal, and therefore it is some planned

And we're joined now by Dr Andrew Collier,

he's a former co-chair of the British Medical Association's

Welcome to the programme. I thought the next stage was that the junior

doctors, if they did not get reconciliation, were going to

withdraw accident cover but that are not doing that, why not? We would

never do anything to place a patient at risk so the industrial action

today and in the next two days will be completely safe. When we withdrew

the plans for emergency cover we did not think our colleagues or patient

Dexter would want that to happen so we've revised that in the light of

public opinion. Even if the dispute progresses you will keep emergency

cover? Completely. Nobody will do anything to put a patient at risk.

Regrettably it is the only thing that hopefully will make the

government and Jeremy Hunt listen to the concerns of doctors. I knew

worrying that you want to get the governments attention? These

disputes could drag on, the emergency cover could be there, and

by and large it peters out? I've been dreadfully worried for three

years about the safety of the NHS and junior doctors's contract,

that's why we entered negotiations to improve things. We've seen some

improvements to the contract, although not enough. The past few

months we've been engaged in a game of hide and sick. Jeremy Hunt has

been hiding. Where is he hiding, in a cupboard somewhere? When we tried

to approach for a straight answer we can't get one. If at any just

employers answering questions on Facebook, I think that demeans his

position, the fact they did that, 260 questions, of which only 26 were

answered, and is not forthcoming. Are any talks scheduled our door is

open. I think talking is the way out of the dilemma. Bristol have time.

These are some of the points in the deal. What they are going to impose,

that's the way to describe it, no doctor will ever be rostered for two

weekends in a row, maximum number of consecutive nights will be cut from

seven to four, maximum hours worked the week cut from 91 to 72, that

would seem to be the basis of an agreement? Certain elements of the

contract proposed would be improvement, others are so toxic it

is unacceptable. One of the things we've seen is the removal of

independent oversight in the number of hours junior doctors work.

Through our training we move between trusts and it's difficult to embed

in the network of trusts. They currently have an independent system

where hours are monitored. If a trust of works junior doctors, it's

that kind of thing that worries them. It is time to sit down, talk

and listen. If you got independent oversight reinstated would that

change things? We need to look at the whole contract, it is committed,

it would run to several hundred pages, it's about ironing out those

details. When the door is shut on negotiations we can't I am out. It's

time to talk. We would be more than happy to call off industrial action

going forward if we could get those talks back going. Let's get

background the table and talk. What if that doesn't happen, you head

towards August when the deal is imposed, what will the junior

doctors do, what is your legal position? They are dedicated to the

NHS but we might see them move abroad. They already want him,

stretching them Senate might push us beyond breaking point. We might see

fewer people taking up critical specialities like accident and

emergency, general practice, mental health, and if only a few doctors go

abroad the sustainability of the system could crash down. That is

what worries me. One part of the argument is what you will get paid

on Saturday, I believe it is time plus the deepest and on Saturdays,

even if you only work one Saturday a month? That's part of the agreement.

People have tried to characterise this as a debate on pay. Pay is part

of the concerns the junior doctors, in three years' time, it will drop.

Yet it is about so much more to say it is about Saturday working is so

wrong. I can see what the Tories want to do that because they are

concerned they have made a non-funded election promise, they

have said they will have seven-day working, within the existing budget.

And when the public health accounts committee last week, questions were

asked about where is the money for this, no answers were forthcoming.

Thank you. Why is Jeremy Hunt hiding, Dominic? Why has that been

closed? There's been plenty of talking over a protracted period, we

have seen several thousand surgeries postpunk. I don't think that's

right. We put in huge and extra investment, we have seen 10,000 new

doctors in the NHS over the last Parliament, you've got to have a

form as well, it can't just be a bottomless pit where you pour in

more money. I think junior doctor changes will be good for patients,

the medical director of the NHS, I also think it is a reasonable deal

for doctors. It is not because the dispute is going on. My question is

about how you break the logjam. It sounds as if Jeremy Hunt is not

coming back for talks, could he be that should he be? I think it is

reasonable for the doctors because it is a pay rise and the hours been

cut. As for Saturdays they are only being asked to do the same as

firefighters and police. When you get the stage where talks are being

regarded as kicking it into the long grass, this is difficult, we don't

want to fight people like and, we want to be on the side of doctors,

and above all, on the side of patient Dexter. The exhaust Mori

poll today blames the government entirely for the strike and a

further 28% blame both side. In terms of whose side you are on, you

have 85 of the public utter 85% of the public against you. The same

poll also showed an increasing number of people opposed to the

strike. They want you to resolve it. Your sentiment sounds as if you have

reached the end of the road on talks. If you are outside watching

this and in the private sector the idea that you could be held to

ransom about contract is ridiculous. In the private sector we've always

said about Saturday working, the same basic deal as the firefighters

and the police. And not all of the doctors's representatives have been

as reasonable as Andrew. We ought to have a proper debate based on the

facts. Yet at the end of the day the government must take the decision,

you can't have the NHS or the government held to ransom. That was

something that was not true, Dominic said this would not happen in the

private sector, is right. They would go elsewhere. We have a monopoly

employer delivering free care at the point of delivery. We don't want

doctors to go elsewhere, you said yourself they may go overseas. They

will be driven overseas. The comparison with the private sector

it is valid. Lilian, will you be on the picket line? I am concerned

about the impact on hospitals, I know my local hospitals are already

struggling to recruit doctors and nurses. Morale is at rock bottom.

You don't back the seven-day service the government proposes? I agree

there should be contract reform, everyone thinks that, yet you have

to do that by talking and reaching agreement. Patients will lose out if

we go overseas -- our doctors go overseas at the moment we struggling

to recruit. Would you give the junior doctors what they are asking

for, like the Independent oversight and the Saturday clauses? I would

talk. The only way this will be resolved will be about that getting

around the table. Progress has been made on some points, not others. I'm

not going to be on the picket line because I'm discussing this year. I

completely understand the anger of junior doctors. And it is clear that

the public to. This dispute, like all of them, will only be resolved

when people get around the negotiating table. Thank you.

And you can find out more about the junior doctors' strike

in England and the background to the dispite on the BBC's special

report page www.bbc.co.uk/juniordoctors.

Now, we've seen some high-profile figures weigh in to the referendum

Not least, according to this morning's Sun, the Queen.

One of our favourite viewers of the programme, so we say Hi, tell us of

the Sun was accurate or not, I have my doubts!

The paper declares that Her Majesty backs Brexit -

this is based on unnamed sources, naturally, who were present

when she was said to have told Nick Clegg she believed the EU

Buckingham Palace says she remains entirely neutral.

Yesterday's big intervention was from Bank of England Governor

Mark Carney, who incurred the wrath of Leave campaigners

when he described exit from the EU as the "biggest domestic risk"

He also, however, acknowledged that there were risks

So, as a public service, which of course is why we get out

of bed in the morning, we thought we'd look at some

of the main possible risks on both sides.

Yes, as we speed down the road towards the EU referendum on June

23rd, voters will be keeping an eye out for the possible dangers

If we leave the EU, the central warning from 'in' campaigners

is that it could be harder to trade with other EU countries,

which could hit exports, damage the economy and put

But Leave campaigners say staying in will prevent Britain

making its own trade deals with major emerging economies,

instead, tying British businesses to a shrinking European market.

When it comes to security, those arguing for an in vote say

that leaving the EU would mean leaving the European Arrest Warrant

and Europol, both of which they say help fight crime and terrorism.

Leave campaigners say staying in means there's little chance

of cutting net migration, currently at 323,000 -

more than half of which comes from the EU.

Renewed talk of Turkey joining the union will only add to that

Could prices of food and other goods rise if we vote to leave?

That's the claim that's been put by the in campaign,

which says import tariffs could add to the burden on households.

While those backing Brexit say that staying in means Britain

being dragged into inevitable further EU integration -

which could, they claim, mean paying into another Eurozone

bailout and even the creation of an EU army.

So those are some of the main risks as viewed by both sides

We are indeed. Lilian Greenwood, the biggest risk of staying in?

I think the main risks are associated with the leaving. I will

come onto that in a minute. Are you saying there are no risks to staying

in? We know where we are if we stay in. We have been members of the

European union for decades. If there are changes coming down the road, we

have an opportunity to influence those. No risks? There are risks

facing us as a country, as there are to the European Union as whole. I

don't think they are associated to staying in. What is the biggest risk

of coming out? The biggest argument you hear from the remaining campaign

is the short-term instability, but people said that about the

referendum. Last year we rose to having the third highest foreign

investment in the world. Is there a risk? There are risks on both sides

and I think Mark Carney tried to set out the balance of risks on both

sides. I think the most important thing he said about staying in is he

said he thought it was more likely than not that the European Union

would go for international frisking banking union. If that is a case,

how does Greece get out of the rut? How does Italy not fall into

question mark it sounds like an EU in a state of crisis. You accept

there could be short-term risks? Short-term disruption, if we vote to

leave? I think there are pros and cons for both positions. It was a

simple and straightforward question. If I say there is a certain risk,

press conferences will go out saying the game is up. There are pros and

cons for both ways. I think the brighter prospects for the UK are

having less burden on SN Es. Small and medium-sized businesses. And

funnily enough Mark Carney said that yesterday. There was nothing to stop

us trading now. There is, the EU has strict confidence over those deals.

We still trade, China Germany trade a lot more with China than we do.

But we are under a protectionist umbrella. Was the governor not

within his rights to assess what the risks were of leaving? That is the

job of our central banker, isn't it? He has to be careful, as does the

Queen, about being drawn into the politics of it. The Queen is just a

newspaper story. The governor was on the record yesterday. You are not

saying the Queen is in favour of Brexit? I love to Nick Clegg's

comment about having no recollection. He sounded like a

shoplifter outside Woolworths full of pockets of Mars bars. Was the

governor right? A fair laying out of the risks on certain courses of

action that is what they are asked to do? I will not quibble about what

he did. I felt personally reading the media reports that they had not

picked up on the serious downsides of staying in, particularly this

issue of the Eurozone not reforming. He said chances are the Eurozone

will not proceed to that. How do you get grease out of the rut? Most of

the action, if we stay in, will be in the Eurozone. If there is future

integration, which is the wish of some leaders, isn't that a risks are

staying in? They could agree things that will not be in our interests?

We need to be part of the negotiations in the EU. But we

aren't? We have chosen to stay out of the Eurozone and that is a

decision we are happy with. My point is this, my point is if we stay in

and vote to remain, there could well be the five presidents report could

be implemented. The governor could be wrong and the Eurozone could go

too much closer fiscal and monetary union. It could decide things not in

our interest, and we are no longer in the Eurozone so we could be

outvoted. There are risks associated with the remaining, discussions that

might happen within Europe. Use it only are there were not? I said we

were better off being part of the EU and influencing the future direction

of Europe than sitting on the outside and all the uncertainties

about leaving. One of the risks of leaving is we do not know what our

relationship will be with the single market. It was interesting at the

weekend that both Iris Johnson, pro-Brexit, and Douglas Carswell,

started to talk about maybe we should try to negotiate a free trade

agreement with Europe. -- Boris Johnson. Rather than a full single

market agreement. That is a risk. A free trade agreement is nowhere near

as open as a single market agreement. If you look at the single

market it includes all the social... They talk about social justice and

policing. You talk to a bureaucrat in Brussels and they save you want

to be in the single market, you need to be in everything. There is a

Swiss, Norwegian, Turkish option. Britain's economy is bigger than all

of those combined. I don't think it is unreasonable to say we want a

bespoke deal for Britain. We have sold ?59 million more. We have a

neutral interest in that. It is a risk and we don't know what the mood

of the rest of the European Union would be if we vote to get out.

There will be people saying we cannot offer the Brits are good deal

otherwise others will want it. Do we think given the trade deficit we

have with the EU that German manufacturers, French farmers and

pharmaceutical firms will be so vindictive they will hit their own

pockets by hitting such rigid trade barriers that we have the impact

your talking about. We could have tariffs. Is that a savoury argument

for the in campaign to use? What about British expats abroad if we

vote to leave? That will be subject to negotiation but I'm sure we would

come to a sensible, mutual understanding, allowing people who

have been there for a certain period of time to stay. I think we should

do the same here. We don't know that? You don't know anything

because you cannot engage in the Brexit negotiations... We will not

have the verdict from the British public... Would all EU citizens of

this country continue on the same basis? That would have to be subject

to negotiation. Not to set up silly hostages to fortune in advance,

which is what you're trying to get me to do. I'm tried to clarify the

issue so people can make up their mind how to vote. Many viewers

abroad will be watching in Spain, France and Italy. They will like to

know what their status would be. I can't give you an answer because the

EU could not give you an answer until used adding that negotiation.

Everything is a risk. Mark Carney set out the risk of caucusing from

the Eurozone against financial services. It ought about the fact

more likely than not there would be no reforming the Eurozone. We have

talked about that. Isn't there a risk if Turkey joined the European

Union? The clearest risk from what we had Dominic say is he would like

to leave the EU and scrap some of the workplace rights that have come

from the EU. I think people in the UK worried about jobs would be

worried about those. What I am asking is, do you regard it as a

risk that if we stay, that Turkey may become is a member of the EU? Of

course there is the potential for further countries to join the

European Union. We would be part of those discussions, as we have been.

Would you be favour of Turkey joining the European Union? I very

much welcome the discussions happening with Turkey about issues

that affect us in Europe, like migration. That is not why are

asked. Is it your party's policy all your personal view that you would be

in favour of Turkey joining the European Union? I think we need to

have in our discussions with Turkey, discussions about our shared values.

There are concerns about human rights in Turkey that would have to

be dealt with before there could be a question of them joining the EU.

You don't see it happening in the full sable future? I don't think it

could happen until those issues are discussed and addressed. One of the

consequences of the Visa liberalisation deal is only, as far

as we can see, it refers to the Schengen area. We will not be

obliged to respect the liberalisation for Turkey? I think

there is huge pressure to reform the whole way the EU rules on free

movement work, as a result of the appalling scenes we are singing

Greece and in relation to Turkey. But if you want to have a proper

public confidence in border controls, you cannot do that from

within the European Union. The short answer to our question about Turkey

is I don't think we could engage, accept Turkey to be a member under

the current rules. We would have a veto. Every country has one. I think

that may be true. That is true. But there would be huge pressure on the

UK to back down. We've had that in relation to all of the... Inside the

EU you accept although Angela Merkel is trying to do a deal that would

give Visa free travel throughout the Schengen area, that would not cover

us because we are outside that? Look at the pressures we are already

facing because of our current arrangements and free movement rules

we have signed up to. That is the basic problem. You talk about a

Norwegian model and Norway has to sign up to it. I'd said there are a

whole range of models and because our economy is bigger than those we

are in a pretty good negotiating position. Let's move on.

Now, it's been a chilly week, and here at the Daily Politics,

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That's why our guests of the day arrived in stretch limousines

They were on an away day yesterday to Dagenham,

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Now in a minute Lillian can explain why Jeremy Corbyn

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It's coming up to midday here, just take a look at Big Ben,

Yes, Prime Minister's Questions is on its way.

And that's not all - The Guardian's Nick Watt is here.

Good to see you. What do you think Mr Corbyn's strategy will be today?

I know he feels pretty uncomfortable about the deal on migrants, so maybe

he will talk about that. But one week away from the budget. The

economic figures, those tax receipts are looking pretty bad, so that

might be quite a tempting target for Jeremy Corbyn. George Osborne has

worried he had to move his surplus target back by one year, that is

what he did in July's budget. As I understand from senior Whitehall

sources, the surplus EU is trying to achieve by 2019-20 is looking really

bad and possibly minus figures. So maybe the economy. There is very

little the Prime Minister can say about the budget this side of the

Chancellor delivering the budget. But the Turkish deal negotiated by

Angela Merkel with the Dutch Prime Minister in tow, and no one else,

not even double task or Francois Hollande was involved, it does

involve spending British money and the forcible removal of migrants

from Greece back to Turkey. It is not clear if that can be done. It is

not clear if it is legal. Surely the Leader of the Opposition, wants to

hold government to account on a major issue, this has to be what he

goes for. I know he does feel strongly about this and I think of

particular interest to Jeremy Corbyn is the UN are saying, look, this

goes against basic rules. You cannot force a plea remove people. How do

they do it anyway? Exactly. For Angela Merkel in the dead of night

to agree with the... She is reaching a bilateral deal with him but cannot

get it past the 28 members of the European Union just yet. Just at the

time Ankara is closing opposition newspapers, it is fertile territory

for Jeremy Corbyn. But we are all week away from the budget and the

economic picture is not looking quite as good as they did at the

time of the Autumn Statement in November, so that might be territory

for him. He may be surprises us all by talking about something we

haven't talked about. We talk about Kennedy's first 100 days, but today

is Jeremy Corbyn's 100th question. Only you would know that!

I did as well. I read it in the Independent. I thought they were

closing it. No, alive and kicking as a newspaper for a few days and then

online. Very good! Which questioned today will be the 100th question?

That is... Andrew, there is the mathematician. It is the fourth. You

did know. All of sorts talk inside the Parliamentary Labour Party about

Mr Corbyn. It died down for a while and has led back up again. Jeremy

Corbyn does not have the confidence of the Parliamentary Labour Party.

Some ultras would like him out immediately and talk about having an

Australia strategy. A convict! These are the leadership spills you have

had in labour and of the Liberal party in Australia that got rid of

Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott. Essentially what one former minister

said to me, and it is quite brutal language, is we have to keep on

shooting him until he goes. That is what the ultras are saying. More

mainstream people are saying he got 59.7% of the vote in the party

membership. That vote, if anything, is going up. If you try and move

against him you will embolden those people, him and undermine what you

are trying to do. Now over to the House of

The Prime Minister. Thank you Mr Speaker. This morning I had meetings

with my colleagues and I shall have further such meetings today. People

in Bristol South look forward to the promised Chef apprenticeships yet

question how this will happen on the eve of National Apprenticeship Week,

does the Prime Minister have a delivery plan or is he making it up

as he goes along? We achieved 2 million in the last Parliament, we

are confident of achieving 3 million in this Parliament. We have a

delivery plan, based on large companies continuing with their

plans for apprenticeships. We want small companies to do more and the

public sector to join in with larger plans and we regularly review

progress towards the target. James Berry. Mr Speaker, many of my

constituents get the train to central London every day for work

and are concerned about terrorist threats posed by Daesh in the

capital. Can my friend Mike update the House on progress made on

tackling the source of that threat in Iraq and Syria? --, honourable

friend update the House? It was very striking what is this and

Commissioner Mark Rowley said last week about the dangers we face.

Domestically we are protecting counterterrorism policing and

investing in counterintelligence and securities abuses as we did in the

last element, we are making good progress and pushing Daesh backs

this is something we need to do domestic league and overseas. I was

appalled to see yesterday that the Labour Party has readmitted Somerby

to their party who says that the 9/11 suicide bombers must never be

condemned, and belongs to an organisation that says that we

defend Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. Appalling views and I hope the

Leader of the Opposition will throw the person out of the party instead

of welcoming him in. Jeremy Corbyn. Mr Speaker. I hope the Prime

Minister will join me in morning of the death today of the fifth Beatle,

George Martin, and the wonderful music that will last for time that

he gave us. Last week the Prime Minister told the house we had a

strong economy with a sound plan. If the economy is so strong, why this

week has he forced through a ?30 per week cut, hitting some of the

poorest disabled people in the country? First let me join him in

what he said about George Martin, he was a massive figure, a giant in

popular music and responsible for some tunes that will live for ever

more. I'm only disappointed that he can't comment on my earlier point.

It seems to me that we have a responsibility as party leaders for

our own parties. He asked about the strength of the economy. We do face

an uncertain international environment and all the experts warn

of the danger we face. Yet today we have zero inflation percent, our

economy is growing, which is growing and we cut the taxes that people are

paying. That, combined with reforming welfare, and we are doing

that, is the way to get the deficit down, continue with growth and help

deliver for working people in Britain. Jeremy Corbyn. Mr Speaker I

do not believe that the majority of people in this country are content

to see someone diagnosed with cancer today and unable to work next year,

reduced to poverty because of the cuts this government is putting

through. The Chancellor has found another ?6.6 billion to reduce

corporation tax and big business. Despite our corporation tax already

being lower than any other G7 nation. Today action for children,

the Children's Society, the National children's bureau, shows local

authority spending on children and young people has been cut by ?2

billion, 71%. Does this not show a wrong choice by the pro-minister?

Let's look at what has happened to corporation tax receipts since we

cut corporation tax. That's the question because the point of

setting tax rates is to raise money rather than make a political point.

And the fact is that corporation tax receipts are up by 20% under this

government so we have more money to spend on children, and children's

services, on education. Whereas if we put up tax rates as reasons to be

suggesting we would get less money in. That's the result, they care

about making a political point, we care about raising revenue and

providing good services. I asked, if there's more money available to be

spent on children's services why are there half a million more children

in poverty in Britain because of the policies of his government? If we

really have the strong economy the Prime Minister claims, why did

Chancellor warned last week and I quote, we may need to make further

reductions? Who will they fall on, young people, women? Will he rule

out attacking those groups? He will see the Budget next week when my

right honourable friend who has an excellent record of steering the

economy stands and to deliver it. About those remarks on poverty let

me say what has happened since 2010. There are 680,000 who were workless

households. Think what that means. 80,000 households where someone is

bringing home a wage, putting food on the table and paying less taxes.

There are 40,000 fewer households where no member has ever worked and

480,000 fewer, that is about tackling poverty, all things never

delivered by Labour. Mr Speaker, the problem is the number of households

suffering from in work poverty because of the insecure jobs,

because of zero hours contracts, because of low wages. As he well

knows, the poorest have paid the most for the cuts and women have

paid for 81% of those cuts. Mr Speaker, on 99 previous attempts to

ask questions to the Prime Minister, I have been unclear or dissatisfied

by the answers, as indeed have many other people! So, on this auspicious

100th occasion, can I ask the Prime Minister to help a young man named

Cal. Last week the Prime Minister told the engineering employers

Federation that we have a skills shortage. A good admission. Callum

as a bright young man, wanting to make his way in the world and he

says,... Well, maybe the Prime Minister does as well... Will the

government acknowledged the importance of sixth form colleges

and post-16 education services in Britain? Let me congratulate the

honourable gentleman on getting to 100 not out, that will be welcomed

across the House. What I would say to Callum is what we are introducing

is a situation where we and cap university places so as many people

who want to go can go and we will introduce in this Parliament 3

million apprentices. That combined with better funded sixth forms and

further education colleges means we've got a proper education system

that can really drive opportunity in this country. Let me come back once

more and child poverty, let me give him the figures. 800,000 fewer

people in relative poverty than 2010. 300,000 fewer children in

relative poverty in 2010. That is the Labour measurement used so when

he gets to did this batch proxy can tell us that he was wrong about

child poverty. -- when he gets to this dispatch box. The prime

ministers seems to be answering the last question but one. If I could

bring him back to the question from Callum, and point out that there has

been a 10% cut in real terms in sixth form and further education and

adult education has been cut by 35% during his time as Prime Minister,

the construction output in Britain has shrunk for two consecutive

quarters now. Surely this is a matter of concern? Is this not a

sign that this economic recovery has been constructed on sand? Let me

first confirmed that we have protected 16-18 education in this

spending round. He talks about construction. We want to see every

part of our economy growing and it is, unlike so many in what is a

difficult and dangerous world right now. Yet if you look at our

construction plans because we have a strong economy we can commit to HS2,

the biggest road programme since the 1970s, the largest rail programme

since Victorian times and together with huge infrastructure projects in

energy and other areas. Those things are only possible because we have a

strong and growing economy. We know what Labour would do. His spending

plans are a risk to the nation 's finances, his tax plans a risk to

every family in the country and we know what he wants which is to put

up taxes on people earning over ?20,000, that's the plan and it

would wreck this country's finances. Mr Speaker we have the construction

industry in recession at a time when there is an acute need for new

housing. Construction apprenticeships have fallen by 11%

since 2010. We have the lowest rate of house building since the 1920s,

almost 100 years ago. Will the Prime Minister look again at this issue,

stop the cuts to skills training and the cuts to investment

that are holding back this country, holding back the skill ambitions of

so many young people and invest in them and invest in our future. I

have to pick up the right honourable gentleman on his statistics because

we have seen a massive boost to apprenticeships and apprenticeship

funding under this government, 2 million in the last Parliament, 3

million in this one. House-building under Labour fell by 45% and has

since increased by two thirds, over 7000 new homes delivered since 2010

and now completions our up, housing starts at the highest level since

2007, lasted, they nearly doubled the low point of 2009. They wrecked

the economy, created that instability, we have been building a

strong economy and that is what we have to stick with. Mark Spencer.

Thank you. Unemployment in Sherwood has halved since 2010. Given that

the Chancellor will make his budget statement next week can the Prime

Minister assure the House you will continue to support education and

support to get to jobs that is maintaining the Conservative lot of

aspiration? My honourable friend is right, the school improvement

programme we are driving forward combined with an capping university

places and investing in apprenticeships is giving people a

ladder of opportunity to make the most of their lives and the most of

the aplomb and opportunities clearly created in this country where there

are 2 million more people in work. I know he has a particular interest in

his constituency, and extending the Robin Hood line and is meeting with

ministers to deliver this. Just the sort of infrastructure project this

government wants to get behind. Angus Robertson. Mr Speaker, the

refugee crisis is the biggest issue facing governments across Europe. Is

the Prime Minister ashamed that any UK Government programme, we now know

that in Folkestone trafficking victims were locked up without food,

asylum seeking children were forced to sleep on concrete floors,

patients with diarrhoea denied access to showers and a naked woman

was allegedly beaten at a detention centre. As the Prime Minister

ashamed of this? I would say that our asylum system

is fair and Britain, down the ages, has given people asylum who are

fleeing persecution and torture. When it comes to the issue of

resettling Syrian refugees, it was instructed at this week's European

Council with a chart showing how many countries have actually be

settled Syrian refugees, Britain has done far better than any other

country except Germany. Angus Robertson. This week the Scottish

refugee Council called for an investigation into how asylum

seekers are treated and housed in Glasgow. They want the Home Office

to commission an independent inquiry into claims of substandard housing

and deep -- dehumanising treatment by his government. Will he

commission that investigation? We are very happy for these issues

to be properly investigated. The home affairs select committee on

this House of Commons has done a report into the way asylum, housing

is commission. If the Scottish Parliament wants to carry out those

investigations, of course the United Kingdom government will cooperate.

We need to make sure when we take people in they are properly housed,

look after, their children at school, because that is the sort of

generous country we are. Mr Stevenson.

Thank you Mr Speaker. I welcome the Government's excellent initiative to

encourage employers to hire ex-offenders. Speaking as someone

who employs an ex-offender by the excellent working chance charity,

good the Prime Minister sure the House that implies in the public,

private and voluntary sectors play their part in providing excellent

opportunities? I agree with my friend and agree

with what he has done. If people are applying for a job, they have two at

some stage declared the criminal record they have on the offences

they may have committed. The question is do they have to do it

absolutely at the CVE stage? We believe they shouldn't. This level

-- civil service will do this. You might at least get the chance of an

interview so you are not ruled out. That is what we talk about. When we

talk about life chances for people in our country and giving people

sometimes a second chance to have a go at their life, we are putting our

money where our mouth is. If the British people vote to leave

the European Union, will the Prime Minister resign, yes or no?

No. It is very much to the Government

must back credit that over 2 million jobs have been created since 2010.

-- government's credit. But nearly 1 million have gone to non-UK EU

nationals. Does the Prime Minister agree with me that the EU's free

movement of people is damaging UK nationals implement prospects and

contributing to the people still unemployed and has not been

compensated for by jobs in other countries the European nationals.

If you look at the figures over the last five years two thirds of the

rise of employment over the last five years has been made up by jobs

going to British people. Where I would agree with her is in

combination with the welfare reform we have introduced for EU citizens

and the tougher control on migration from outside the EU, we should see

while fair reform in the UK as the flip side of migration control. We

want to make sure it always pays for British people to train up and do

the jobs available. We should see immigration control and welfare

reform as a way of getting more of our people into work.

Thank you Mr Speaker. Does the Prime Minister agree with me it is very

important we make the positive case for Britain remaining in the EU?

Each of us get ?1200 back for every ?120 we get back, we have lower

prices and choice in shops and easier travelling for holidays and

businesses. Can the Prime Minister explained how our membership of the

EU impact so many aspects of our lives?

The honourable lady makes an important point. In all the

arguments about single markets and sovereignty we can sometimes lose

some of the simple consumer benefits of being a member of the European

Union. The things she mentioned about cheap air travel, ease of

travel, not having any tariffs, these are things we take for granted

now, but simply weren't the case 40 years ago. That is a strong part of

the very positive case we should make the remaining in the EU. But

with her own constituency in mind I also think we should point of the

enormous success of the British car industry, which now employs and is

responsible for over 140,000 jobs. That is a great European success

story. A lot of those cars go to the European market and we want to make

sure that continues, tariff free. Thank you. Our security is

guaranteed under Nato and this government's action to meet our 2%

commitment is most welcome. I recently visited RAF Odiham in my

constituency where the chin-ups -- chinooks base. Would the Prime

Minister improve the living quarters for these people?

I pay tribute to all the people who service those helicopters. I visited

Afghanistan something like 13 times in recent years and their

professionalism and brilliance in flying at very low levels is very

remarkable. They have rightly been decorated for the work they do. We

have an upgraded programme for the chinooks, which means new

helicopters replacing part of the existing fleet. Some ?2 million has

been spent on RAF Odiham but if more is needed, we shall make sure that

happens. In 1949, aged 11 months, my constituent William was diagnosed

with polio. He has worked from the age of 15 and continues to work at

67 but following a clearly flawed EIP assessment he is set to lose his

motor ability card, within three weeks. He said it will leave him

unable to leave the House and unable to work. Will the Prime Minister

urgently review his case and the case of 14,000 disabled people who

have this as an essential lifeline? What we have found so far with

personal independence payments is we are spending more money on

disability, rather than less money on disability. I will look very

carefully at the case. The whole point about PIP compared to DLA is

there is a proper medical screening process. I am sure your constituent

will welcome us being so close to eradicating polio entirely from our

world and this government is committed to going the extra mile

and making that happen. Schools in South Suffolk were

delighted this week to see the publication of the Government's

consultation on fairer funding. Given that the first part of this

consultation will focus on the core principles, does my right honourable

friend agree with me, one of those principles must be to recognise

rural schools face unique and unavoidable costs which are not

funded under the current formula? I certainly agree it is right we are

examining this formula and trying to achieve better fairness. I think

everyone can see that the figures between best funded schools on the

less worst funded schools, that gap has got too great. I agree, it will

be vital, the specific needs of schools in rural areas are properly

considered. Our proposal suggests sending additional funding to all

schools in sparsely populated areas. To follow up the question from my

right honourable friend, the Leader of the Opposition, that official

figures show... It is not funny. 12,000 vacancies in construction are

hard to fill due to a lack of skilled applicants. Can the Prime

Minister explain why the number of construction apprenticeships have

fallen under him? The point is we are building more

houses, investing more in construction, training more

apprentices. The money is there from the Government and now we are going

to have the apprenticeship levy on the larger businesses that will make

sure we can fund apprenticeships long through this Parliament. Mr

Bellingham. The Prime Minister will be aware of a recent tragic fatality

on the A17 in my constituency. Whilst we must await the result of a

full inquest and police inquiry, does he agree it is vital the local

council is consulted when it comes to looking at new safety measures?

I have heard about this tragic accident and I am sure on behalf of

everyone we should send our sympathies and condolences to those

involved. I think he is right to say and so many of these cases the

parish council has a lot of expertise about roads that are not

things that could be done and they should be listened to in this and

other cases. On Sunday we celebrated Mother's Day

and just yesterday International Women's Day. Members opposite

rightly working to celebrate women on both occasions. Why has this

government introduced cuts to public services, a freeze to child benefit

and reductions in work-related benefits that have left mothers ?13

billion worse off? The one thing I share with the

honourable lady is it was right to celebrate Mother's Day, I shared it

with my mother, but I think I have probably said enough about her for

the time being a! Also, it was a privilege to welcome to number ten

yesterday some inspirational women from all walks of life, to mark

International Women's Day. I'm not saying this government has sold all

of these problems. We have more women in work, they are getting

higher pay, paying lower taxes, getting more childcare and retiring

with better pensions. When it comes to the things government needs to

do, we are appointing more women to senior positions, to public

appointments. The honours system is properly reflecting women.

Some said, what about the pay gap? It is at its lowest published level.

We have abolished the pay gap for the under 40s. When it comes to

protecting women, this is the Government that criminalised forced

marriage and introduced the duty to report female genital mutilation. It

set out a specific domestic violence measure. We introduced Claire 's Law

so people can find out about violent partners. I accept there is more to

be done, but let me say this to the Labour Party, one thing you could

help with, no more segregated, political meetings. Let us end the

process of having people with bigoted religious views treating

women as second-class citizens. I think you should all take the

pledge, no more segregated meetings! The UK still has relatively poor

superfast broadband and far too many mobile not spots. Great work has

been done but what will my right honourable friend be discussing with

his right honourable friend the Chancellor, in advance of the Budget

Statement next week, in how we can improve coverage further,

particularly for rural, small businesses in areas like mine?

I think my honourable friend is right to raise this. Since 2010 we

have nearly doubled the number of homes and businesses with superfast

broadband. We are on track for the 90-95% target but there is more that

needs to be done. I think this is something for members right across

the House. Ten year is ago we were all rather guilty of leading

campaigns against phone masts. Our constituents now want coverage for

their Internet, they want coverage for mobile phones. We need to make

sure we change the law in all the ways necessary, to make sure the

masts are built, we increase coverage and make sure everyone is

connected to the information superhighway. Thank you. 76% of the

cost of a bottle of whiskey is taxed. Last week the Government's 2%

cut in duty Priest revenue by 2.5 million. Well that Prime Minister

accepts one of our greatest products as taxed too much and join with me

in calling for a further 2% cut in duty in this year's budget?

The Chancellor and I have consistently backed Scotland,

Scottish whiskey and this vital industry. Let me say this. On the

day the profit and loss account comes out for Scotland, you can see

there is a ?15 billion gap that Scotland would face if it was

outside the United Kingdom. I dread to think what taxation would be have

to be levied not just an whiskey but petrol, work incomes, Holmes. That

is the prospect of life outside the United Kingdom and why I am so we

voted to stay together. The Government has just presented

three White papers to Parliament under their self-imposed legal duty

to provide information under the European referendum act. The

Minister for Europe, during the proceedings between the two houses,

undertook to me that the Government's information under that

act would certainly be accurate and impartial, as he put it. The three

recent White papers are not. My right honourable friend is the

enforcer of the ministerial code, which demands ministers give

accurate information to Parliament. Will my right honourable friend

issue instructions to Foreign Office ministers to review and correct

these White papers? Let me say to my honourable friend,

we believe in the sovereignty of Parliament. Parliament dictated that

these documents would be published and that is why they are being

published. On the question of their content, their content has been

prepared by civil servants and all the appropriate codes. If he does

not agree with some of the content I would say, challenged the content.

Have an argument about the content, not the process.

The Prime Minister's notes will indicate to him that I raised the

question at the National wildlife crime unit this year, I'm delighted

to report its funding has now been secured. For the next four years. I

take full responsibility for that. I read it on my website, so it must be

true! As my mother used to say, it never hurts to say thank you, and I

do. Can I ask him on a similar matter

how his manifesto pledge on not using animals in circuses is

progressing? Can I thank him for raising such good questions. On the

circuses and wild animals, we have a manifesto commitment. We did not

manage to meet it in the last parliament. We license these things

so strictly I think we are talking about one or two circuses. Two,

thank you. We are committed to legislating when Parliamentary time

allows. Later today colleagues across the House and I will be

launching a Parliamentary group on ending homelessness. Will my right

honourable friend join me in welcoming the work of organisations

around the country, including the Hope Centre in my constituency and

pledge as a government we will do all we can to help homeless people

and address the causes of homelessness so we can enter this

problem once and for all. We hope to build by the end of this

Parliament 1 million new homes. All the arguments against homelessness

eventually come down to providing effective new homes.

Can the Prime Minister imagine the shock when a shop worker discovered

he was going to lose money as a result of the introduction of the

living wage question that that is because to introduce it be and Q are

cutting allowances. As a result he will take home ?50 a week less, or

?2600 a year after the hourly rate goes up. Can that Prime Minister and

Chancellor in their budget next week ensure that nobody working on a shop

takes on less money? We want to see people take hope that more money and

that is why we introduced the national living wage which will be

at ?9 by 2020. We are cutting the taxes of people like the friend whom

the honourable lady refers, will be able to earn ?11,000 from the 1st of

April before paying any taxes at all. A recent study led by Imperial

College has shown biomass, is progressed through the contracts for

difference, could save Bill payers and the Treasury millions of pounds.

An industry that supports many jobs in Selby in Cleethorpes. Can the

Prime Minister look at this as a sustainable business

model? Biomass comes from the US and Canada. Will you look at this so we

can try and get it into the programme? I will, but what we have

do realise is the extra amount of money we are prepared to put into

renewable energy is a finite amount and in the end we have to make sure

that what we get is cost effective. I will look carefully at what my

friends as. It used to be said in English family's home was their

castle. But following the Government's Housing Bill new

tenants in social housing will be on pre-5-year contracts. Does the Prime

Minister think it is right a student beginning their secondary education

may face eviction at the time they come up to their GCSEs and A-levels?

We want for their home to genuinely be there on which is why we are

extending right to buy so that millions of people will be able to

own their own home. As for future tenancies, we want to make sure

social housing is therefore the people who need it most. No current

tenant is going to be affected. That is why we think this Housing Bill

will see more homes built, more homes owned, more homes rented and

will be good for housing in our country.

Prime Minister's Questions ending for the day, Jeremy Corbyn asking

about welfare cuts at a time when corporation tax is cut comic he then

moved on to children in poverty and then to the lack of apprenticeships,

as he sees it. We'll come back to these things in a moment. What did

our viewers make things today Camille,? Jeremy Corbyn chose some

good topics today yet 100 questions have not equipped him with the skill

of making a point, not once was David Cameron ruffled by the Leader

of the Opposition, John agrees, given the faces of the MPs behind

Jeremy Corbyn, quantity is not what matters. Mark says, at last Jeremy

Corbyn should 70s, his first win of the Prime Minister who showed that

again he cannot answer the question and his government does not care

about the week, the poor, the sick. Ian says, delighted to hear about

the reduction in disability payments, yet no follow up because

Jeremy Corbyn missed his chance again. Many people seem to think,

good topics although not making the points. He picked good topics

because it was a bit scatter-gun, he moved on to something else.

Reminiscent of William Hague. One area where he was successful against

Tony Blair was that he would ask multiple questions, the Prime

Minister has folders in different sections and Tony Blair had problems

doing that. The problem for Jeremy Corbyn is that he might averaged a

century of questions yet he has not matched David Cameron's quarter of a

century of experience at Prime Minister's Questions. David Cameron

was preparing to a major quarter of a century ago, he is accomplished

and can handle it. The problem is you did not really feel that Jeremy

Corbyn was scoring any runs, to stick to the cricketing analogy.

He's trying to highlight the analogy. The point he wants to make

is that David Cameron, you say everything is fine. If so, why are

you cutting disability benefit, if everything is fine why is the

construction industry in such trouble? The reason they want to

focus on the economy is not just because of the Budget next week.

They believe Labour lost two elections in a row because it had no

credibility on the economy. They need to restore that, and then what

the Labour leadership are saying is that they need to have a narrative

that the government is complacent and not acknowledging the impact of

the cuts and the impact of the falling tax receipts and the fiscal

targets of George Osborne. The first question from Jeremy Corbyn was,

White were some benefits to the disabled being cut by ?30 a week,

which is what Jeremy Corbyn claimed. The Prime Minister did not answer.

What's the answer, Dominic? They are moving to a condition where if

you've got a condition, you get your jobseeker's allowance and then

that's moved to the personal independence payment. That means

that you got a personal tailored uplift bearing in mind the impact

your condition has on your work prospects. We've got hundreds of

thousands, think 293,000 extra disabled people in work compared

with two yours ago. It's quite patronising to suggest that because

you have a disability you can't be encouraged and incentivised to work.

No, but until that happens is it not rather cruel to be cutting the

welfare benefits by ?30 a week? It's not a straight cut, that element is

moved into the personal tailored assessment of their need. It's not

just ticking boxes. They could end up with less? Depends on their

condition. We are making sure the welfare system is there for those

who need it, and encouraging others who can work to be encouraged and

incentivised and supported into work. I think it's an important

principle. Would it be wrong if people who are disabled, still

looking for work although not able to find it because it's harder in

these conditions, would be wrong for them to be economically

disadvantaged and they do find the work? Exactly why the personal

independence payment should make sure this doesn't happen. It's a

much more accurate personally tailored assessment of their

personal needs. Lilian Greenwood? I know from my constituent Manuel have

contacted me that they really, really anxious about this and don't

feel they are getting the support. There was another question about the

experiences people have in applying for this payment and losing support

and the whole process is making life anxious for them. Are they right to

be anxious? Of course. That is the experience. Going through the system

of large numbers of appeals being upheld, people aren't getting the

support they need and they are being made even more worried as a result

of the process. All these changes are difficult and yet the point was

made throughout PMQs, a smug you have a vibrant economy, you can't

put money into either the welfare system all the schools -- unless you

have a vibrant economy. The problem of Jeremy Corbyn is that liberty

believes he is coming up with other than pride from the left. You would

not want to rescue Britain's welfare system on the backs of the disabled,

which? There are no easy cuts left. None of these things are easy. You

want to ensure that the welfare budget, a huge proportion of what

the government spends, is properly tailored to those who need it. And

those who can get into work properly is aborted to do so. I think that's

a sensible principle. Is not also sensible to balance the budget, if

that is your aim, and those with the broadest backs, not with those who

are often the weakest and most anxious in society? Think we do,

compared to 2010, if you a millionaire you are paying more

income tax. That's a concrete example of how what we do is good

for the economy and fairer. This will stand or fall in some cases.

There could be cases of disabled people worse off as a result of

these changes. I would suggest that would be wrong and embarrassing for

the government. The aim, our hope is that a personalised approach to

this, assessment based on the need of the individual will avoid that

and mitigated more than a more automated ticking boxes approach. We

shall see. It might have been an issue Jeremy Corbyn should have

concentrated on more. Gerry Downing is a member of a socialist

organisation, we understand that he has been readmitted to the

membership of the Labour Party. Are you happy with that? Have not seen

the detail of what the NEC has decided... It is not a matter of

argument, we know he is a Trotskyist revolutionary. The purpose of

Socialist Fighters to end capitalism on the planet by socialist

revolution. The kind of person who should be allowed to join the Labour

Party now given that he wasn't before? That does not sound

consistent with our party values so it'll be interesting to find out

what the NEC say. He describes the 911 attack as creating outrage which

must never... You must be puzzled as to where the NEC have allowed him to

rejoin the party. I will be interested to see how they went

through their deliberations. He has given support in certain

circumstances to Islamic State. Socialist Fight says the defend the

fight of Isis against US imperialism. It has called for

tactical military assistance in defence of Isis. I have absolutely

no truck with those comments. I am as mystified as I am sure you are.

It seems quite bizarre that the NEC should allow somebody with these

views, a Trotskyist revolutionary, to join the Labour Party.

A website has the letter sent think there was an objection, and now you

are back in. If John McDonald, the Shadow Chancellor, gets his way,

they would do away with the compliance unit, was meant to vet

these people. We had a former member of the paedophile information

exchange who was allowed in. If John McDonald had his way, you would not

have that unit and there would be more of the sort of people coming

into the Labour Party. As you are saying, Lillian, this person has a

profoundly different worldview to you and a profoundly different

worldview to the majority of British voters. Why has the NEC agreed to

this? It is from the compliance unit that reports to the NEC. Whether

there is a mistake or it is an oversight... It cannot be an

oversight? He is a well-known figure and there has been quite a lot of

publicity about this. As Lillian is saying, it is a challenge for the

Labour Party are they go into the next election allowing people like

this... Do you think it would be right to change the rules in the

Labour Party so the leader is, if there is a leadership challenge, the

existing leader of the Labour Party is automatically, if they want to

be, on the next ballot? I think that is a matter for party conference.

They decide on constitutional matters and changes. I was asking

you? I am happy with the rules as they stand, but it is a matter for

Labour members, if they want to bring forward changes to our

Constitution, that will be discussed at party conference. But you

wouldn't change the rules as they stand at the moment? I have no

particular view on changing the rules on that regard, but it is a

matter for party members. Are you a party member? I am satisfied with

the rules we have got. That is an answer and I thank you for it. Nick,

thank you. Budget next week, busy time.

Later today MPs are expected to vote on plans to give councils in England

and Wales powers to extend Sunday trading for major stores.

Well, Ellie's been out with the entirely unscientific

Welcome to London's West End, one of the busiest and biggest

shopping areas in the whole of the country,

but I'm not here for the week's best bargains, oh no -

So, should trading hours be extended on a Sunday?

Should we extend opening hours on a Sunday?

Because I work in retail, and I don't want to work any later

But surely you would get the hours back,

We may need to get something and then the shop's not

A good idea if you don't have to work on a Sunday,

Some shops open early, some shops open late,

and you never quite know where you are.

# We're S H O P P I N G, we're shopping.#

You know, you just like to stay in bed later in the morning

and when you wake up, you go to the shops and it's already shut.

You must have a very long lie in!

I am a church organist, so my Sundays

are always taken up, usually in the mornings.

But there are plenty of other hours in the day to go

I work on a Sunday, I look after the elderly.

And you know what, I think if they are open, people buy

more, so we spend more money, so it's not a good idea.

Oh yeah, I didn't think about that actually!

Not that many people actually go shopping on a Sunday.

You'd be surprised at how dead it is, so an extra three or four

Well, they shopped and then they dropped their balls

into the mood box and actually the opinions seem to be pretty even

Can I just have a little look at that handbag?

And Neil Gray from the SNP joins us now from Parliament's central lobby.

The SNP definitely going to vote against today? The proposals as they

stand, we have said, had proposals we could not countenance. They would

disproportionately impact on the retail workers who work on a Sunday

in Scotland and we believe they would lose their premium pay as a

result. The Government still has an opportunity, however. We have not

voted on this yet, they have an opportunity to come forward with

proposals we could accept. That would be amending legislation or

evolving employment law to Scotland, which is what we have called for

from the beginning. But you will be voting with the Tory rebels as it

stands? Yes, against the proposals as they stand. It is clear, the

evidence from the shop keepers union, and from others, that this

would have an effect on the premium pay of Sunday shop workers. You have

held this position since before Christmas, as I understand, so why

has it taken you so long to make up your mind on this Bill? We have been

working to trying convince the Government to take a different view

on this. Trying to stitch up a deal with the Government? Not stitch up a

deal but provide protections for Scottish shop workers and elsewhere

in the United Kingdom, who are going to have their Sunday premium pay put

at risk by these proposals. We've been quite clear from the beginning.

In them but we made a very clear call to the Government, to look at

this again and they have not come back with an offer that is

appropriate to us. Just stay with us. Should the Government comeback

with a deal then you will win? I honestly think the SNP are just

playing political games with this. I'm not sure they are very serious

about it at all. It would be devolved from Local Authorities, so

there would be a strong local democratic element of this. I would

of thought is given the SNP's hole shtick this is something they would

embrace. You are a party that wants devolution of power from Whitehall,

so why are you standing in the way of people choosing what is right for

their constituencies and economies question mark this is would be

unworkable if the proposals currently on the table were to go

forward. Quite frankly that is a nonsensical

argument from the studio. From our point of view, we are very clear. We

want to see the protection of Scottish Opera workers who are

working on a Sunday and get premium pay for that. Why should the SNP get

involved in something that is really only going to affect England and

Wales? You have given up the policy and -- on abstaining from issues

that do not affect you. People will view it as the party being

hypocrites. It is not. It is clear, the evidence is there, the shop

keepers union have made it clear. That is why we're taking the line we

are. It is absolutely not a hypocritical position to be in. It

an impact on Scotland. It is not just the SNP unhappy about it. 24 of

your colleagues are going to vote against, or vote for an amendment.

What do you say to them? We keep talking on all sides of the House

about doing something for the high street. It faces enormous pressure

from online retailers. This is a concrete and tangible thing we can

do. It would be subject to Local Authorities taking the decision. On

the workers rights point, I totally understand anyone who for reasons of

faith or family, I have young kids myself, doesn't want work any more

on Sunday that is why there would be a clear opt out for those people.

But you cannot keep talking about helping the high Street and every

time oppose specific measures that would help us do that. Is there any

chance the Government will pull this boat if it loses? I'm not sure. I do

not have any inside track. I hope it goes through. I think is good for

the high Street, for local democracy and we protect those around freedom

of choice. You say there is still time for a deal. What would you like

to hear, specifically? You said General protection but what would do

it for the SNP? Protection for the premium pay shop workers on a Sunday

or the devolution of implement law so we can protect our shop workers

in Scotland from what would be a regressive move. To have talks lined

up with the Government for this? The ball is in their court. No one has

come knocking on your door? Not as far as I'm aware. OK, thank you.

Buckingham Palace has just announced it has registered a complaint with

the independent Press Complaints Commission after it said the Queen

had expressed strong views with Nick Clegg. We know if the Queen had

anything to say about Europe, she would say it on her favourite

programme, which is the Daily Politics. It is now time for lunch,

she will be sipping her drink. Now, would you pay to watch a night

of comedy, music and poetry to help That's the aim of an event

called JC4PM, that's been It's apparently proved very popular

at venues in England, but it's been reported that

tickets for tonight's show at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh

have proved harder to sell. According to Buzzfeed organisers

are blaming the dominance of the SNP Well, one of the first comedians

to come out for Corbyn was Grainne Maguire,

and she joins us now. Welcome. What is it about the Scots?

They don't like your tumour, is that why they are not turning up? You can

blame Jeromy for a lot of things but the state of the British live comedy

circuit! I thought that was quite healthy. Everyone is watching on

television. Are you going to the Festival Hall to night? I cannot

make it to night. But stand up for Jeremy are doing dates all around

the country. You are filling out places, so why not in Edinburgh?

It's Wednesday, it's miserable. How do you know it's miserable? A bit

dour in Edinburgh? Comedy promotion is hard. Maybe this is too bigger

venue. They did say most venues have been standing room only. But this is

one of the largest theatres in Scotland, owing to lack of choice.

You have Charlotte Church, Mark steel, Jeremy Hardy... You also, not

you personally, but you are including a Labour MSP called Mr

Finlay. Maybe it is the politicians they do want to see. I am told he

has a great set. He is packing them out. Now you have advertised the

fantastic line-up. What kind of jokes do you tell at a JC4PM gig?

Remember this is daytime television. The most adorable thing about doing

these gigs, you have standard comedians but there is always a

politician at the start doing a little five minutes. Most

politicians do, I'm not a comedian but I do work with clowns....

However, Siddique Khan has got a strong club ten minutes. Does he

question at he does, a strong second career waiting for him. It will be

interesting after the election. Kezia Dugdale has bought tickets,

but she is not going. What do we read into that? Not very good at

diary management! LAUGHTER When is the next one that you are

doing? I am doing one in Brixton. There are events all over. It is so

much fun, there is a raffle. What is the prize? I can do a few jokes! The

second career now. After the failure of the first one! We only have ten

seconds. I love Ed Miliband because he looks like David Miliband but

reflected in a spoon. You did it in ten seconds, very good!

Consider Edinburgh already sold out. There's just time to put you out

of your misery and give The year Mark Thatcher got lost in

the desert and many got found again. Regard that as a good or bad news

story. Press the button. Let's find out who the winner is.

Well done! That's it for today, we thank all of

our guests for being with us. The One O'clock News is starting

over on BBC One now. JoCo and I will be here at noon

tomorrow with all the big political It's a huge weekend of sport,

live across the BBC.