You are here: Home » Archives »

PMQs verdict: Cameron unveils Flashman 2.0

May 11, 2011 1:03 pm

Author:

Share this Article

FlashmanBy Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

No more Flashman. That was the briefing ahead of today’s PMQs. We were told his staff had warned him off the aggressive style that he usually adopts at PMQs. The style that had started to look bad on TV. The style that brought the unthinking “calm down dear”. All of that would be consigned to history.

If that was the plan for today then Cameron failed completely. If anything he was worse than ever. Evasive. Rude. Boorish. This was Flashman 2.0. Not the unthinking Flashman of before, but a self-knowing, confident, brash Flash, unafraid to trample over opposition MPs and the feelings of his Deputy Prime Minister.

Usually when Cameron adopts this crass arrogant posture he looks like he’s winning PMQs. That’s why he does it. He tries to crush the more measured Miliband underfoot.

Yet today Ed was holding all of the cards. The NHS reforms are a mess. The PM can’t decide whether or not to hold them close or throw Lansley overboard. His mind is more muddled than these metaphors are mixed. He is in disarray. As Miliband hit him with question after question he was forced into a defensive retreat. He accused Miliband of misleading the house over NHS waiting times, he misquoted John Healey (again) and he thrashed and wailed and upped the tempo.

He didn’t answer any questions though. Then again. Why would he, as Ed Miliband said today, “Flashman doesn’t answer questions”.

And today, despite his best efforts, the PM was purest Flashman.

Related posts:

  1. PMQs verdict: Calm down Cameron
  2. Rude, crude and Crass Cameron cornered by Miliband – PMQs verdict, March 30th
  3. PMQs verdict – What have I done?
  4. David Miliband unveils his ‘movement for change’
  5. PMQs liveblog – February 16th

Comments are closed

Latest

  • News

    Labour NEC Report – 21st May 2013

    By Johanna Baxter

    Party Organisation The General Secretary (GS) noted the party’s good performance in the recent Local, Mayoral and South Shields elections and thanked all members, activists and staff for their contribution to that success. The committee discussed the work of Blue State Digital who have been brought in to revolutionise the party’s use of new and social media as part of our suite of campaign tools. It was noted that Matthew McGregor, Head of Blue State Digital’s London Office and former [...]

    Read more →
  • News Labour’s London Assembly Leader responds to Woolwich attack

    Labour’s London Assembly Leader responds to Woolwich attack

    Following yesterday’s attack in Woolwich, Leader of the Labour Group on the London Assembly Len Duvall AM said: “The attack in Woolwich was horrific, the actions of local people in response and the head-teacher and staff at the school are a reflection of the values and strength of our community. “At this afternoon’s London Assembly Police and Crime Committee questions will be asked about yesterday’s attack and the response, and at a future assembly meeting we will come together to [...]

    Read more →
  • Comment If Labour is to build One Nation, it must be a safe and equal one for women

    If Labour is to build One Nation, it must be a safe and equal one for women

    By Ellie Cumbo

    Today End Violence Against Women (EVAW) releases a new report auditing the Government’s progress in acting to prevent violence against women and girls. And with the revelations from Operation Yewtree and group exploitation cases set to roll on for many months , we hope the response from Parliament, policy-makers and the media will be unanimous : that prevention must be at the top of the priority list for any government, of any colour, from now on. On that basis, it’s [...]

    Read more →
  • News The theories that will occupy security forces after Woolwich – Media roundup: May 23rd, 2013

    The theories that will occupy security forces after Woolwich – Media roundup: May 23rd, 2013

    Subscribers to our morning email get the best of LabourList – including the Media and blog round up – every weekday morning. If you were a subscriber you would have already received this in your inbox. You can sign up here. Woolwich – the theories that will occupy security forces “Counter-terrorism officers and security officials will doubtless fear that Woolwich fits into the category of crime that they can do little to thwart; random, lone-wolf, unsophisticated attacks, conducted by people who are not [...]

    Read more →
  • Featured This week, amid so much fear, hatred and confusion, let us not forget love

    This week, amid so much fear, hatred and confusion, let us not forget love

    By Emma Burnell

    Life can come out and shock you. The events of yesterday are unimaginable. The family of the poor victim are in indescribable pain. Those who knew the men who have done these terrible things will also be suffering. They too are victims of this awful crime. Over the next few days and weeks we will see the best and the worst of humanity. As John Lydon once sang, anger is an energy. Well directed anger is healthy. We should be [...]

    Read more →