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Last Updated: Wednesday, 12 May, 2004, 12:21 GMT 13:21 UK

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Prime Minister's Questions

Tony Blair staunchly defends handling of human rights in Iraq

The prime minister opened with his sympathies over the collapse of a factory in Glasgow.

But it wasn't long before the coaltion troops' behaviour in Iraq held sway.

Michael Howard reminded him that: "Iraq is by far the most sensitive and difficult challenge facing this country."

But Mr Blair assured the House the matter was well in hand and censured the opposition leader for attempting "to extract the maximum political mischief".

Questions

David Heath (Somerset & Frome) was concerned about the damage to the country's reputation over revelations of abuses against prisoners-of-war in Iraq. And he wondered why no representations had been made to the US after the UK's special envoy to Iraq, Sir Jeremy Greenstock had received reports from the Red Cross.
The prime minister said Jack Straw had dealt with the handling of the report and the matter of investigating abuses was in hand.

Helen Liddell (Airdrie & Shotts, Labour) drew attention to the tenth anniversary of the death of the previous incumbent in her seat and former party leader John Smith. And she questioned the government's fulfillment of Mr Smith's vision for a Labour Government.
The prime minister joined in the commemoration and said Mr Smith would have been proud of several of New Labour's achievements.

Michael Howard (Folkestone & Hythe, Conservative) returned to the matter of the Red Cross report on the treatment of detainees in Iraq and when the government first saw that report.
The prime minister said no minister had seen the Red Cross report in February and stated. He detailed the allegations in the report saying that no evidence had been found of abuse of detainees in British custody and he praised the work of British forces. He said that any abuse by any coaltition troops was unacceptable, and there had been no known incidents that had not been investigated.

Roger Casale (Wimbledon, Labour) referred to the release of unemployment figures and called for more investment in the arts, to encourage more young people to work in the sector.
The prime minister acknowledged the importance of the country's vibrant arts' work and also drew attention to London's Olympic bid and overall improvements in employment.

Charles Kennedy (Ross Skye & Inverness West, Liberal Democrat) added his voice to the tributes to people involved in the blast oin Glasgow. He also picked up the thread of Red Cross reports into the treatment of Iraqi prisoners. He recalled that February's report was the culmination of a series of reports dating back to a year previously. Mr Kennedy mentioned public concerns over the abuses depicted and that future troop deployments be determined by commanders on the ground.
The prime minister agreed there had been a series of reports and said matters had been dealt with each time the Red Cross had raised concerns about the treatment of Iraqi detainees. He said he was happy to have a permanent Red Cross presence in the British detainment centres.

Rosemary McKenna (Cumbernauld & Kilsyth, Labour) called for urgent action for the children of drug addicted parents.
The prime minister said it was an important point and there were schemes - like Sure Start - in place to tackle the problems.

Dominic Grieve (Beaconsfield, Conservative) asked about the solution to dealing with asylum appeals, where the government had dropped plans to bypass the judicial system
The prime minister said the government's Asylum Bill had contained a workable solution, but that the House of Lords had blocked it. But even in these circumstances the government had improved the UK's handling of asylum matters.

Mike Hall (Weaver Vale, Labour) praised the reductions in unemployment in his constituency but said continued economic growth was dependent upon improving the transport infrastructure there, including a new crossing over the Mersey.
The prime minister pointed out that much of the improvement in job figures was to do with the New Deal - a scheme the opposition would scrap.

Michael Howard (Folkestone & Hythe, Conservative) asked for action on compensation payments for those who had suffered from failed pension schemes. He demanded practical proposals.
The prime minister said the matter was under review and he hoped to announce compensation soon. He explained the Pension Protection Fund legislation was the first time any government had introduced such a scheme.

Jon Owen Jones (Cardiff Central, Labour Co-op) referred to the last British invasion of Mesopotamia - in 1914 - and subsequent withdrawal to ask how the present government could withdraw from Iraq responsibly, to leave a more stable state.
The prime minister reminded the House that the military action had succeeded in deposing Saddam Hussein. He spoke of the requests of the Iraqi people in the settlement of their country.

Martin Smyth (Belfast South, UUP) offered his sympathies to the people of Glasgow and offered similar support to the Army and the important work they do - in Iraq as in Ireland - to prevent the prevailence of terrorism.
The prime minister quoted thanks from Iraqi people and officials for British help there.

Hugh Irranca-Davies (Ogmore, Labour) spoke again about the government's achievements in cutting unemployment.
The prime minister reiterated the reductions in unemployment, especially compared with the plans of the opposition.