Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. BBC POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT VICKY YOUNG'S VERDICT He's already taken on one David and beaten him - in an exhausting, nail-biting, five month long leadership contest. Now Ed Miliband has begun his weekly duel with the other David, the Prime Minister. This was more of a short, sharp, shock - just 12 minutes to reassure Labour MPs that the party hadn't elected the wrong brother. Previous leaders have described the terror of PM's questions, but Ed Miliband held his voice and hands steady, adopting a calm and composed approach. He decided to begin on a consensual note, offering Mr Cameron support for the decision to attempt the rescue of Linda Norgrove in Afghanistan. The sombre start soon gave way to the kind of exchanges the Commons is more accustomed to, as Mr Miliband pursued what's likely to be a theme over the coming weeks - fairness. He told Mr Cameron that ending child benefit for higher rate taxpayers wasn't fair, because it was based on individual, not household, income. He drew the loudest laugh of the day when he suggested the policy had been such a shambles that the Tories probably wished the BBC had gone ahead with a proposed strike which would have black-out the coverage. There were jeers from the Government benches when Mr Miliband declared he "wasn't defending the rich" and throughout he looked like a disappointed teacher, shaking his head when he didn't like the answer he got from the prime minister. David Cameron got his own laugh when he accused the new leader of being interested in the "squeezed middle" for political positioning purposes, using the line "not red but Brown" to liken Miliband to his predecessor as Labour leader. By focusing on one narrow issue Miliband forced Cameron to reply in general terms when asked directly whether he thought the child benefit changes were fair. Beforehand the Leader of the Opposition described himself as the underdog in this contest, and pointed out he's thrived on being under-estimated. The evidence of his debut suggests a quiet but persistent approach to PMQs. It will be interesting to see how that develops after a few more weeks in the bear-pit. He's already taken on one David and beaten him - in an exhausting, nail-biting, five month long leadership contest. Now Ed Miliband has begun his weekly duel with the other David, the Prime Minister. This was more of a short, sharp, shock - just 12 minutes to reassure Labour MPs that the party hadn't elected the wrong brother. Previous leaders have described the terror of PM's questions, but Ed Miliband held his voice and hands steady, adopting a calm and composed approach. He decided to begin on a consensual note, offering Mr Cameron support for the decision to attempt the rescue of Linda Norgrove in Afghanistan. The sombre start soon gave way to the kind of exchanges the Commons is more accustomed to, as Mr Miliband pursued what's likely to be a theme over the coming weeks - fairness. He told Mr Cameron that ending child benefit for higher rate taxpayers wasn't fair, because it was based on individual, not household, income. He drew the loudest laugh of the day when he suggested the policy had been such a shambles that the Tories probably wished the BBC had gone ahead with a proposed strike which would have black-out the coverage. There were jeers from the Government benches when Mr Miliband declared he "wasn't defending the rich" and throughout he looked like a disappointed teacher, shaking his head when he didn't like the answer he got from the prime minister. David Cameron got his own laugh when he accused the new leader of being interested in the "squeezed middle" for political positioning purposes, using the line "not red but Brown" to liken Miliband to his predecessor as Labour leader. By focusing on one narrow issue Miliband forced Cameron to reply in general terms when asked directly whether he thought the child benefit changes were fair. Beforehand the Leader of the Opposition described himself as the underdog in this contest, and pointed out he's thrived on being under-estimated. The evidence of his debut suggests a quiet but persistent approach to PMQs. It will be interesting to see how that develops after a few more weeks in the bear-pit. AS IT HAPPENED: BY EMMA GRIFFITHS 1331 BBC political editor Nick Robinson, fresh from the Daily Politics studio, has BBC political editor Nick Robinson, fresh from the Daily Politics studio, has updated his blog with his thoughts on Mr Miliband's Commons clash - he thinks it was an impressive debut. Things are quietening down now as attention returns to the rescue of the trapped miners in Chile so we'll wrap up here for this week. Thanks for joining us - we'll be back next Wednesday for full uninterrupted coverage of PM's questions and the Spending Review. Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play. 1325 Not strictly PM's questions, but Sir Menzies Campbell - former Lib Dem leader and chancellor of St Andrew's University- tells the BBC's World at One he will vote against raising tuition fees - if he did anything else his "credibility will be shot to pieces" he says - but others must make their own choices. Not strictly PM's questions, but Sir Menzies Campbell - former Lib Dem leader and chancellor of St Andrew's University- tells the BBC's World at One he will vote against raising tuition fees - if he did anything else his "credibility will be shot to pieces" he says - but others must make their own choices. 1323 Over at the Labour-supporting Mirror, Kevin Maguire says it was a Over at the Labour-supporting Mirror, Kevin Maguire says it was a clear win for Ed Miliband and says the Labour leader had used "reasonableness" against Mr Cameron. 1320 The Wall Street journal says the new Labour leader went into the chamber armed with several good lines and little apparent nervousness and showed he The Wall Street journal says the new Labour leader went into the chamber armed with several good lines and little apparent nervousness and showed he should not be written off On BBC Radio 4's World at One, Paul Waugh says David Cameron's "red not Brown" gag was "rather flat". He says Ed Miliband started with a "muted cheer" from his own back benches, many of whom did not vote for him to be leader - but the noise grew by the time he left 1319 Former Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell said Mr Miliband's performance was a "fairly solid baptism" but Conservative minister David Willetts says he did not have an answer on how he would deal with the deficit. Sir Menzies says everyone starts by saying they want to get away from the "yah boo politics" of PMQs but in the end get overwhelmed by it. Former Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell said Mr Miliband's performance was a "fairly solid baptism" but Conservative minister David Willetts says he did not have an answer on how he would deal with the deficit. Sir Menzies says everyone starts by saying they want to get away from the "yah boo politics" of PMQs but in the end get overwhelmed by it. 1310 What did media commentators make of Ed Miliband's prime minister's questions debut? James Kirkup at the Telegraph is among the first to blog - he thinks the new Labour leader What did media commentators make of Ed Miliband's prime minister's questions debut? James Kirkup at the Telegraph is among the first to blog - he thinks the new Labour leader played it safe. 1304 David Nuttall's bill doesn't make it - it is voted down by 141 votes to to 86. Looks like the smoking ban is staying in place in pubs and clubs. David Nuttall's bill doesn't make it - it is voted down by 141 votes to to 86. Looks like the smoking ban is staying in place in pubs and clubs. 1259 That's it for the Daily Politics - over in the Commons things are much quieter now as MPs vote on Tory MP David Nuttall's bid to introduce a bill that would exempt pubs and clubs from the smoking ban That's it for the Daily Politics - over in the Commons things are much quieter now as MPs vote on Tory MP David Nuttall's bid to introduce a bill that would exempt pubs and clubs from the smoking ban 1256 Mr Hayes says the offer of 10% of shares to Royal Mail employees is "patronising" as the Royal Mail is currently 100% publicly owned but says he hasn't seen the full details. He says Post Office Counters will "wither on the vine" if it is separated from Royal Mail. Ben Bradshaw says the Labour plans were for part privatisation - the government's seem to be for full privatisation. Mr Hayes says the offer of 10% of shares to Royal Mail employees is "patronising" as the Royal Mail is currently 100% publicly owned but says he hasn't seen the full details. He says Post Office Counters will "wither on the vine" if it is separated from Royal Mail. Ben Bradshaw says the Labour plans were for part privatisation - the government's seem to be for full privatisation. 1254 Billy Hayes - head of the Communication Workers' Union - is on the Daily Politics. What does he think about the Royal Mail plans? He's not too happy about plans to "sell Royal Mail to the highest bidder". He says he has not yet seen the full details. He's worried about the future for Saturday postal deliveries. Billy Hayes - head of the Communication Workers' Union - is on the Daily Politics. What does he think about the Royal Mail plans? He's not too happy about plans to "sell Royal Mail to the highest bidder". He says he has not yet seen the full details. He's worried about the future for Saturday postal deliveries. 1252 On to that Royal Mail bill. Business Secretary Vince Cable has been speaking on the issue - saying it is in "considerable financial difficulty" - not least because of its pension deficit. Private capital will hopefully help it modernise and flourish, he says. Green Party MP - and leader - Caroline Lucas disagrees. She says the Royal Mail is in profit and privatisation will lead to a worse service for customers. And she's worried the post office network will "wither and die" On to that Royal Mail bill. Business Secretary Vince Cable has been speaking on the issue - saying it is in "considerable financial difficulty" - not least because of its pension deficit. Private capital will hopefully help it modernise and flourish, he says. Green Party MP - and leader - Caroline Lucas disagrees. She says the Royal Mail is in profit and privatisation will lead to a worse service for customers. And she's worried the post office network will "wither and die" 1250 Lord Young says Lady Thatcher "can't be followed by anybody" because she was a unique figure - but times have changed. The differences between the Conservatives and Labour were now about personalities, not policies, he says - which is why fewer people vote now. Lord Young says Lady Thatcher "can't be followed by anybody" because she was a unique figure - but times have changed. The differences between the Conservatives and Labour were now about personalities, not policies, he says - which is why fewer people vote now. 1249 Would Lady Thatcher have been comfortable in a coalition? Lord Young says she was "very much a realist" and would have done what the country needed for stable government. Ben Bradshaw says there was a flip side to Lady Thatcher's legacy, which was damage to some communities - such as the "industrial wastelands" of the north. But he says she had a "great instinct" for the working class and lower middle class that the current coalition did not share. Lord Howard says Lady Thatcher was the "greatest peacetime prime minister" the country has had - but she had the answers to the challenges of the 1980s, and today's challenges are different. Would Lady Thatcher have been comfortable in a coalition? Lord Young says she was "very much a realist" and would have done what the country needed for stable government. Ben Bradshaw says there was a flip side to Lady Thatcher's legacy, which was damage to some communities - such as the "industrial wastelands" of the north. But he says she had a "great instinct" for the working class and lower middle class that the current coalition did not share. Lord Howard says Lady Thatcher was the "greatest peacetime prime minister" the country has had - but she had the answers to the challenges of the 1980s, and today's challenges are different. 1248 The Daily Politics puts together a quick musical montage to mark Lady Thatcher's 85th birthday. Lord Young, who was a minister in her government, says her overriding legacy was in dealing with trade unions and in the "return of an entrepreneurial society". The Daily Politics puts together a quick musical montage to mark Lady Thatcher's 85th birthday. Lord Young, who was a minister in her government, says her overriding legacy was in dealing with trade unions and in the "return of an entrepreneurial society". 1246 A bit of news on those Royal Mail plans - the Postal Services Bill confirms that the government plans to privatise Royal Mail, relieve the business of its pension deficit and provide at least 10% of shares to employees. But according to a news release, it also proposes powers so that the Post Office "could be converted into a mutual structure as part of innovative new plans to hand ownership and running of the Post Office to employees, sub postmasters and local communities". A bit of news on those Royal Mail plans - the Postal Services Bill confirms that the government plans to privatise Royal Mail, relieve the business of its pension deficit and provide at least 10% of shares to employees. But according to a news release, it also proposes powers so that the Post Office "could be converted into a mutual structure as part of innovative new plans to hand ownership and running of the Post Office to employees, sub postmasters and local communities". 1244 Was Ben Bradshaw offered a job by Ed Miliband? He says he was - but not in the shadow cabinet, which is elected by MPs. He decided instead to "get a life", he jokes Was Ben Bradshaw offered a job by Ed Miliband? He says he was - but not in the shadow cabinet, which is elected by MPs. He decided instead to "get a life", he jokes 1242 Back onto the issue of single-earner higher rate taxpayers' families losing child benefit - despite bringing home less than couples who both work, but who will still get child benefit - Lord Howard says that is an "inescapable consequence" when people are taxed as individuals, not households Back onto the issue of single-earner higher rate taxpayers' families losing child benefit - despite bringing home less than couples who both work, but who will still get child benefit - Lord Howard says that is an "inescapable consequence" when people are taxed as individuals, not households 1240 Nick Robinson says the Tories face difficult weeks ahead with the spending review due - it won't be hard for Mr Miliband to find a story that raises allegations of unfairness. Lord Howard says it is right that higher rate taxpayers should not get child benefit - he says the deficit must be tackled and a series of difficult decisions would have to be taken. There would always be "hard cases" he says and unless Labour were prepared to say what they would do to cut the deficit they would have no credibility. Nick Robinson says the Tories face difficult weeks ahead with the spending review due - it won't be hard for Mr Miliband to find a story that raises allegations of unfairness. Lord Howard says it is right that higher rate taxpayers should not get child benefit - he says the deficit must be tackled and a series of difficult decisions would have to be taken. There would always be "hard cases" he says and unless Labour were prepared to say what they would do to cut the deficit they would have no credibility. 1235 On child benefit, Mr Bradshaw says his understanding is that Labour is against ending child benefit as a universal benefit - one that goes to everyone regardless of wealth. BBC political editor Nick Robinson said Mr Miliband was confident, low key and persistent. His narrow focus on child benefit meant little wriggle room for the PM. On child benefit, Mr Bradshaw says his understanding is that Labour is against ending child benefit as a universal benefit - one that goes to everyone regardless of wealth. BBC political editor Nick Robinson said Mr Miliband was confident, low key and persistent. His narrow focus on child benefit meant little wriggle room for the PM. 1233 Back over in the Daily Politics studio the session is being dissected by the panel. Ben Bradshaw says it was a "very promising start" and Mr Miliband had "disarmed" the PM with forensic questioning. Back over in the Daily Politics studio the session is being dissected by the panel. Ben Bradshaw says it was a "very promising start" and Mr Miliband had "disarmed" the PM with forensic questioning. 1232 A question from a Tory MP about pay levels for top staff in the public sector - Mr Cameron says it is right to have "transparency" on the topic. Speaker John Bercow calls the session to a close and MPs start to file out as MPs start debating a bill about smoking laws for pubs and private members' clubs. A question from a Tory MP about pay levels for top staff in the public sector - Mr Cameron says it is right to have "transparency" on the topic. Speaker John Bercow calls the session to a close and MPs start to file out as MPs start debating a bill about smoking laws for pubs and private members' clubs. 1230 Mr Cameron leans on the despatch box as he gives his answers. Labour's Joan Ruddock says unemployment in Lewisham fell under Labour but had risen 80% during the "global recession" - and asks why the PM wants to close her local job centre. Mr Cameron takes issue with her question saying unemployment had risen under Labour over the last few years. Mr Cameron leans on the despatch box as he gives his answers. Labour's Joan Ruddock says unemployment in Lewisham fell under Labour but had risen 80% during the "global recession" - and asks why the PM wants to close her local job centre. Mr Cameron takes issue with her question saying unemployment had risen under Labour over the last few years. 1229 A series of questions on funding for Northern Ireland, science funding and the traveller community. Labour MP Kevin Brennan then asks if the coalition deal was a "gentleman's handshake" or a written pledge - this turns out to be a long way of having a dig at the Lib Dems over pledges not to raise tuition fees, in light of Lord Browne's report this week. A series of questions on funding for Northern Ireland, science funding and the traveller community. Labour MP Kevin Brennan then asks if the coalition deal was a "gentleman's handshake" or a written pledge - this turns out to be a long way of having a dig at the Lib Dems over pledges not to raise tuition fees, in light of Lord Browne's report this week. 1227 Tory MP Margot James raises the death of Claire Rayner whose final words were apparently that if Mr Cameron "screws up the NHS I will come back and haunt him". Mr Cameron says he was brought up listening to Clare Rayner on Capital Radio and would not want to upset her or her memory. He says he will invest in the NHS - and suggests Labour would have made cuts. Tory MP Margot James raises the death of Claire Rayner whose final words were apparently that if Mr Cameron "screws up the NHS I will come back and haunt him". Mr Cameron says he was brought up listening to Clare Rayner on Capital Radio and would not want to upset her or her memory. He says he will invest in the NHS - and suggests Labour would have made cuts. 1225 Some confusion as Mr Cameron says he did not catch the question from a Labour MP, who asked if there would be no changes to the winter fuel allowance. The MP repeats it and Mr Cameron repeats his phrase that he made a clear promise at the election and he will stick to that promise. Some confusion as Mr Cameron says he did not catch the question from a Labour MP, who asked if there would be no changes to the winter fuel allowance. The MP repeats it and Mr Cameron repeats his phrase that he made a clear promise at the election and he will stick to that promise. 1224 Conservative MP Esther McVey raises the issue of a graduate tax - something that seems to have split opinion in Labour - and quotes the new shadow chancellor as having said he would oppose it. Mr Cameron notes that Alan Johnson, the man in question, is laughing on Labour's front bench. Mr Cameron says it was "completely flawed" and suggests it was a "complete disaster" for Mr Miliband to back one. Conservative MP Esther McVey raises the issue of a graduate tax - something that seems to have split opinion in Labour - and quotes the new shadow chancellor as having said he would oppose it. Mr Cameron notes that Alan Johnson, the man in question, is laughing on Labour's front bench. Mr Cameron says it was "completely flawed" and suggests it was a "complete disaster" for Mr Miliband to back one. 1223 The SNP's Angus MacNeil raises aid worker Linda Norgrove's death again and asks that her family be given any help and information they ask for - Mr Cameron says they must have all the help they need. The SNP's Angus MacNeil raises aid worker Linda Norgrove's death again and asks that her family be given any help and information they ask for - Mr Cameron says they must have all the help they need. 1222 The Royal Mail issue crops up - something that was very divisive on the Labour benches in the previous parliament. The government plans to privatise it - Mr Cameron says he hopes Labour will back a bill being published later. The Royal Mail issue crops up - something that was very divisive on the Labour benches in the previous parliament. The government plans to privatise it - Mr Cameron says he hopes Labour will back a bill being published later. 1220 Ahead of the PM's meeting with Fifa president Sepp Blatter, a question about England's world cup bid. He says Mr Blatter is in the House of Commons and reassures him that the behaviour of football crowds is better than that in the Commons. DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds then asks for reassurances on devolution, mentioning financial commitments. Mr Cameron says he will stand by commitments on policing. Ahead of the PM's meeting with Fifa president Sepp Blatter, a question about England's world cup bid. He says Mr Blatter is in the House of Commons and reassures him that the behaviour of football crowds is better than that in the Commons. DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds then asks for reassurances on devolution, mentioning financial commitments. Mr Cameron says he will stand by commitments on policing. 1218 Mr Cameron rallies his own troops by accusing the Labour government of suddenly discovering the "squeezed middle", saying it was Labour that had squeezed them. He accuses Mr Miliband of discovering the squeezed middle for political positioning purposes to distract from the fact he was voted in by trade unions. In reference to the "red Ed" label - and the former PM - he prompts loud Tory cheers by saying: "It's not red, it's Brown." Mr Cameron rallies his own troops by accusing the Labour government of suddenly discovering the "squeezed middle", saying it was Labour that had squeezed them. He accuses Mr Miliband of discovering the squeezed middle for political positioning purposes to distract from the fact he was voted in by trade unions. In reference to the "red Ed" label - and the former PM - he prompts loud Tory cheers by saying: "It's not red, it's Brown." 1217 Much chattering and shouting from the green benches - the Speaker steps in to reprimand MPs. Ed Miliband - flanked by Harriet Harman and Douglas Alexander - says the child benefit has been a "shambles from day one". He says ministers did not know about it and he bets the PM wishes the "BBC blackout" had gone ahead - a reference to a planned strike at the BBC over pensions. To cheers from the Labour benches, Mr Miliband says the PM should "think again". Much chattering and shouting from the green benches - the Speaker steps in to reprimand MPs. Ed Miliband - flanked by Harriet Harman and Douglas Alexander - says the child benefit has been a "shambles from day one". He says ministers did not know about it and he bets the PM wishes the "BBC blackout" had gone ahead - a reference to a planned strike at the BBC over pensions. To cheers from the Labour benches, Mr Miliband says the PM should "think again". 1215 Ed Miliband says families will face an "enormous loss" due to the child benefit changes and the PM had to show changes were "fair and reasonable". Mr Cameron - to shouts from Labour MPs - says it is not fair for the poorest constituents in Mr Miliband's own constituency to pay for his child benefit. Ed Miliband says families will face an "enormous loss" due to the child benefit changes and the PM had to show changes were "fair and reasonable". Mr Cameron - to shouts from Labour MPs - says it is not fair for the poorest constituents in Mr Miliband's own constituency to pay for his child benefit. 1213 Mr Miliband says the PM had said before the election he would "not change child benefit" or means test it in a "Cameron direct" meeting before the election. Mr Cameron says Labour has to "face up to" the budget deficit they left behind. He goes on to challenge Mr Miliband to say he opposes various cuts the government have already put forward. He quotes former Labour minister Alan Milburn's words saying child benefit for high earners cannot be afforded - when told "he's gone", he jokes all the Labour politicians who won elections have "gone out of the window". Mr Miliband says the PM had said before the election he would "not change child benefit" or means test it in a "Cameron direct" meeting before the election. Mr Cameron says Labour has to "face up to" the budget deficit they left behind. He goes on to challenge Mr Miliband to say he opposes various cuts the government have already put forward. He quotes former Labour minister Alan Milburn's words saying child benefit for high earners cannot be afforded - when told "he's gone", he jokes all the Labour politicians who won elections have "gone out of the window". 1211 Noise levels rise in the Commons as the new Labour leader presses his questions about those who are affected by the child benefit change - saying the changes are not "fair". Mr Cameron says it is fair to ask the better off to contribute towards reducing the deficit. Mr Miliband accuses him of giving "nought out of two" straight answers. To barracking from the government benches Mr Miliband denies he is defending the rich. Noise levels rise in the Commons as the new Labour leader presses his questions about those who are affected by the child benefit change - saying the changes are not "fair". Mr Cameron says it is fair to ask the better off to contribute towards reducing the deficit. Mr Miliband accuses him of giving "nought out of two" straight answers. To barracking from the government benches Mr Miliband denies he is defending the rich. 1209 Mr Miliband says he will work with the government on reforms to sickness benefits - but he raises concerns about child benefit changes and asks how many families with one earner will be affected. Mr Cameron says 15% of taxpayers will be affected - as Labour MPs challenge him: "How many?" He goes on to outline the government's arguments about axing the benefit and asks Mr Miliband why he doesn't support the plans. Mr Miliband says he might be "new to this game" but it is for him to ask the questions. Mr Miliband says he will work with the government on reforms to sickness benefits - but he raises concerns about child benefit changes and asks how many families with one earner will be affected. Mr Cameron says 15% of taxpayers will be affected - as Labour MPs challenge him: "How many?" He goes on to outline the government's arguments about axing the benefit and asks Mr Miliband why he doesn't support the plans. Mr Miliband says he might be "new to this game" but it is for him to ask the questions. 1207 Mr Cameron says the picture is still unclear about how Ms Norgrove died but he will share it with MPs when there is some and pledges to keep her family informed. He says it was an "impossibly difficult" decision to make about trying to rescue her Mr Cameron says the picture is still unclear about how Ms Norgrove died but he will share it with MPs when there is some and pledges to keep her family informed. He says it was an "impossibly difficult" decision to make about trying to rescue her 1206 Ed Miliband joins the PM's tributes and says there will be things the parties can work together on - repeating a consensual note he raised after his election. He says Ms Norgrove died doing a job trying to make the people of Afghanistan's lives better - but says he supports the government's decision to authorise her rescue. He asks for an update about the ill-fated rescue Ed Miliband joins the PM's tributes and says there will be things the parties can work together on - repeating a consensual note he raised after his election. He says Ms Norgrove died doing a job trying to make the people of Afghanistan's lives better - but says he supports the government's decision to authorise her rescue. He asks for an update about the ill-fated rescue 1204 And the first dig at David Miliband from David Evennett, a Tory MP who links Labour's close election to its alternative vote system - something that the government is putting forward to the country in a referendum. And the first dig at David Miliband from David Evennett, a Tory MP who links Labour's close election to its alternative vote system - something that the government is putting forward to the country in a referendum. 1202 Nick Clegg and George Osborne sit solemn faced behind Mr Cameron. He goes on to send condolences to the family of Linda Norgrove the aid worker killed in Afghanistan - and sends good wishes to the trapped Chilean miners being freed today. Nick Clegg and George Osborne sit solemn faced behind Mr Cameron. He goes on to send condolences to the family of Linda Norgrove the aid worker killed in Afghanistan - and sends good wishes to the trapped Chilean miners being freed today. 1201 And we're off - David Cameron begins by paying tribute to soldiers killed in Afghanistan while Parliament has not been sitting. The chamber falls silent as he reads out their names And we're off - David Cameron begins by paying tribute to soldiers killed in Afghanistan while Parliament has not been sitting. The chamber falls silent as he reads out their names 1201 Everyone's turned out for Mr Miliband's prime minister's questions debut. It's gone midday but the Speaker has not yet begun the session, we're still on international development questions. David Cameron is in his seat. Everyone's turned out for Mr Miliband's prime minister's questions debut. It's gone midday but the Speaker has not yet begun the session, we're still on international development questions. David Cameron is in his seat. 1200 Ben Bradshaw says his party leader is clearly the "underdog" - he also says it's much worse in the chamber than it sounds like on TV. You can't hear yourself think he says. Nick Robinson says David Cameron has to avoid looking like the school bully who swats away the new boy. Ben Bradshaw says his party leader is clearly the "underdog" - he also says it's much worse in the chamber than it sounds like on TV. You can't hear yourself think he says. Nick Robinson says David Cameron has to avoid looking like the school bully who swats away the new boy. 1159 BBC political editor Nick Robinson is in the Daily Politics studio. Lord Howard remembers his debut as Tory leader at PMQs - it was "very nerve wracking" he says, and he was keen not to "let people down". Nick Robinson says Tony Blair admitted he still found it terrifying after a decade as PM. He adds Ed Miliband has not had an "instant honeymoon" - due to the saga about his brother David, whom he narrowly beat to the Labour leadership. He has to raise a "theme" he will be bringing up throughout the weeks ahead, he says BBC political editor Nick Robinson is in the Daily Politics studio. Lord Howard remembers his debut as Tory leader at PMQs - it was "very nerve wracking" he says, and he was keen not to "let people down". Nick Robinson says Tony Blair admitted he still found it terrifying after a decade as PM. He adds Ed Miliband has not had an "instant honeymoon" - due to the saga about his brother David, whom he narrowly beat to the Labour leadership. He has to raise a "theme" he will be bringing up throughout the weeks ahead, he says 1157 The Commons is filling up as MPs prepare for Ed Miliband's debut at PM's questions. They're currently listening to questions on international development ahead of the main event. The Commons is filling up as MPs prepare for Ed Miliband's debut at PM's questions. They're currently listening to questions on international development ahead of the main event. 1155 Are there too many admirals and generals? Labour's Ben Bradshaw says he has some sympathy with that. He's concerned the strategic defence review is being done too quickly - Lord Howard asks why Labour didn't hold one for ten years. Are there too many admirals and generals? Labour's Ben Bradshaw says he has some sympathy with that. He's concerned the strategic defence review is being done too quickly - Lord Howard asks why Labour didn't hold one for ten years. 1152 On to spending cuts now after a senior RAF officer Air Marshall Timo Anderson warned against cuts to military aircraft. Andrew Brookes - a former RAF pilot and director of the Air League - tells the Daily Politics the problem is there is a long tradition in the forces of delaying buying equipment - which costs more in the long run. Lord Howard says spending rounds are very difficult and it is worse in the way it effects the MoD, because there was already a large shortfall in its budget - something he blames on the former Labour government. On to spending cuts now after a senior RAF officer Air Marshall Timo Anderson warned against cuts to military aircraft. Andrew Brookes - a former RAF pilot and director of the Air League - tells the Daily Politics the problem is there is a long tradition in the forces of delaying buying equipment - which costs more in the long run. Lord Howard says spending rounds are very difficult and it is worse in the way it effects the MoD, because there was already a large shortfall in its budget - something he blames on the former Labour government. 1150 David Cameron's meeting Fifa president Sepp Blatter later about England's 2018 World Cup bid - what do the Daily Politics panellists think? Ben Bradshaw says we've got a good case and too often England talks itself down. Michael Howard says the costs should not put people off as it would be much cheaper than hosting the Olympics because the football stadiums are already in place. David Cameron's meeting Fifa president Sepp Blatter later about England's 2018 World Cup bid - what do the Daily Politics panellists think? Ben Bradshaw says we've got a good case and too often England talks itself down. Michael Howard says the costs should not put people off as it would be much cheaper than hosting the Olympics because the football stadiums are already in place. 1147 The first topic being discussed over in the Daily Politics studio is university funding - after Lord Browne's review suggested scrapping the cap on university tuition fees. Michael Howard says he was a late convert to tuition fees - which were introduced by Labour - but backs them now. Ed Miliband has suggested that he favours looking at a possible graduate tax - but his new shadow chancellor Alan Johnson is against one. Ben Bradshaw also says he has not heard arguments in favour of a graduate tax that convince him a graduate tax could work in practice. The first topic being discussed over in the Daily Politics studio is university funding - after Lord Browne's review suggested scrapping the cap on university tuition fees. Michael Howard says he was a late convert to tuition fees - which were introduced by Labour - but backs them now. Ed Miliband has suggested that he favours looking at a possible graduate tax - but his new shadow chancellor Alan Johnson is against one. Ben Bradshaw also says he has not heard arguments in favour of a graduate tax that convince him a graduate tax could work in practice. 1145 Hello and welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions - Ed Miliband's first as Labour leader. He says he's the underdog but he's looking forward to it. All eyes will be on which issues he chooses to raise in his first big Commons clash with David Cameron. Over in the Daily Politics studio, ex-Labour minister Ben Bradshaw and the former Tory leader Michael Howard will be discussing political matters. It's also Lady Thatcher's 85th birthday so expect that to be mentioned in the Commons. Hello and welcome to our live coverage of prime minister's questions - Ed Miliband's first as Labour leader. He says he's the underdog but he's looking forward to it. All eyes will be on which issues he chooses to raise in his first big Commons clash with David Cameron. Over in the Daily Politics studio, ex-Labour minister Ben Bradshaw and the former Tory leader Michael Howard will be discussing political matters. It's also Lady Thatcher's 85th birthday so expect that to be mentioned in the Commons.



Bookmark with: Delicious

Digg

reddit

Facebook

StumbleUpon What are these? E-mail this to a friend Printable version