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The Week in Westminster

Factual: Politics

Radio 4's weekly assessment of developments at Westminster

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Week in Westminster

The Week in Westminster: 03/11/2012

03/11/2012

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Andrew Pierce of the Daily Mail looks behind the scenes at Westminster.

Andrew Pierce of the Daily Mail on defeat for the prime minister in the Commons, the stunning impact of some parliamentary campaigns, and big plans to refurbish parliament.

Andrew Pierce of the Daily Mail looks behind the scenes at Westminster.

It's not what any prime minister could want. A few weeks before he sets off to a summit with other European leaders, his backbenchers defeat him in the Commons. They combined with Labour to demand David Cameron insists on a real-terms cut to the EU Budget - not a mere freeze as looks much more likely. 

Here the Conservative rebel, Sarah Wollaston, says her constituents are sick of wasteful spending by the EU. But the former Lib Dem leader, Sir Menzies Campbell, draws a comparison between the position of David Cameron and the fate of a predecessor at Number 10, John Major. 

Many observers were surprised that Labour supported a rebel Tory amendment. Is the Opposition's position on Europe hardening ? Or were they just taking political advantage? Labour MP Frank Field is a long-term Eurosceptic. His colleague, Keith Vaz, used to be the Minister for Europe. Here they look to the future.

There've been some stunning successes for MPs who wage particular parliamentary campaigns. Here, Labour's Andy Burnham tells the story of his involvement with the Hillsborough campaign. And the Conservative, Robert Halfon, describes his efforts to keep down the cost of fuel.

Finally, the Liberal Democrat, John Thurso, outlines the options for a massive refurbishment of the Palace of Westminster which could see MPs and peers move to temporary accommodation for up to five years. 


Peter Mulligan is the Editor.

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03/11/2012

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