The final PMQs of term didn’t move the issues any further on from last week’s Budget, but did once again highlight the significance of the SNP in this Parliament.
Who won?
Angus Robertson
In the final PMQs before Westminster breaks up for the summer, and in a week in which the scale of the SNP influence on Parliament began to dawn on many, the leader of the Scottish Nationalists came out on top of the exchanges. Whilst Harman and Cameron sparred on the usual welfare/trade union/hedge fund lines that dominated the Miliband era, Robertson quizzed the PM on potential oversights for rape victims in the scrapping on child benefit. It was a sensible and measured line of questioning from the increasingly impressive Robertson, nailing the Government on one issue that it has a very patchy record – the ‘protections’ (or lack thereof) created for those who may be unwittingly affected by welfare changes. In their first few weeks of being a serious presence at Westminster, the SNP have been a breath of fresh air.
Rowdiest Party?
Conservatives
Positively raised the crumbling roof of the palace of Westminster as Harriet Harman – alleged to be a ‘closet Tory’ by a number of Labour supporters this week for backing the Chancellor on changes to welfare policy – got to her feet.
Rising Star
Mhairi Black
Ok, so she didn’t speak in PMQs but there can be little doubt that the week has belonged to Black, whose rousing maiden speech on Tuesday has rightly won plaudits from all sides of the house.
Best Joke of the Week
The term ‘joke’ should be used very liberally here, however the clearly very pre-rehearsed gag from Cameron that “in the week we’re finding out more about Pluto, the opposition’s future leadership wants to colonise the Red Planet” was the source of mild mirth in the chamber.
Issue of the Week
The legacy of Obsorne’s Summer Budget – the ‘living wage’ (which Cameron urged all Tories to highlight on their campaign literature that Labour voted against) and tax credits were once again at the top of the agenda.
Sum it up in 140 Characters
#PMQs verdict:
Rowdy Tories enjoying Labour’s internal strife on living wage and welfare. SNP again proving to be an unexpected voice of reason
