Letter from Westminster
June 2, 2006 10:32 AM
By Stephen Williams MP in Clifton Chronicle
By Stephen Williams MP in Clifton Chronicle
Every week at Westminster offers a variety of attractions. But there is one weekly fixture that all MPs try not to miss. Each Wednesday at noon the House of Commons is packed for Prime Minister's Questions, or "PMQs" as we call it.
I've been watching PMQs on and off for several years on TV but for the last year I've had a ringside seat to savour the live action. And you really do get a different impression, both visually and aurally. TV usually shows only the PM or whoever is asking him a question. The microphones also pick up their voices so they are heard clearly by those viewing at home or in the office.
In the chamber it is quite different. The noise often drowns out the questioners. From my seat I have a panoramic view of the Labour benches. The body language is fascinating. When Blair is answering I can see the different reactions on the faces of backbenchers ranging from loyalists to rebels and sacked ministers to ministerial wannabes. When Blair is being questioned I can watch him frantically flick through the red ring binder on his lap with all the prepared answers and put-downs. And there are some seats at a right angle to the chamber, just to the side of the entrance. From that vantage point I can see the Tory benches and have a clearer look at my Lib Dem colleagues.
Over the last year things have changed. It started off with Blair triumphant after a third election victory, cheered on by the Labour benches as he slugged it out with Michael Howard. Then along came "Dave". Mr Cameron initially gave Blair a run for his money but soon normal service was restored. I have to admit that Blair at his best is a class act.
Then there was our own leadership change. All Lib Dem leaders find that the format of PMQs makes it hard to make an impression. Paddy Ashdown hated it and so did Charles Kennedy. The House is a bear pit and the Lib Dem leader is thrust into the arena with no forward protection. The Labour and Tory front bench speakers have the huge physical and psychological advantage of the table and dispatch box in front of them. They can lean on the box, grip it with their hands and leave their notes on it. Ming Campbell is exposed and the slightest verbal slip is pounced upon without mercy.
PMQs definitely has an element of bread and circuses about it for all three parties. If Emperor Tony's policies are displeasing some of his Labour followers then morale can be raised by a ritual slaughtering of an opposition leader. And we on the other side can be cheered by a good performance from our man or enjoy hooting with derision at the sycophancy of some Labour backbencher questions, giving easy meat for Blair.
But in recent weeks the atmosphere in the arena has changed. When the Emperor is performing, even when he is performing well, his troops no longer cheer so loudly. Most don't cheer at all. Many of them look at the floor or find something fascinating in the ceiling decorations. The arena is still packed for the performance but one side definitely isn't enjoying the show.
And of course, sitting beside the Emperor is the legions' choice for successor. I wonder if Gordon is looking for a way to poison the figs?
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