Some classic encounters at Prime Minister's Questions

Prime minister's questions, or PMQs, is a high point of the parliamentary week. Each week, at noon on Wednesday the prime minister must come to the House of Commons to answer oral questions for half an hour.

MPs are not obliged to give the prime minister prior notice of the subjects that they are going to raise. This element of surprise allows opposition MPs in particular to try to catch the prime minister out with an awkward question. The prime minister must respond without delay, thinking on his or her feet - but he or she is guaranteed the last word in any exchange.

Government backbenchers can normally be relied upon to ask "helpful" questions, often planted by the Whips, which will allow the prime minister to tell the House about successful government policies. The relative performance of each of the main party leaders is closely watched and each is under great pressure to get the better of their opponent.

This BBC webpage collects videos of some of the great encounters of the past - enjoy ...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/hi/comment/newsid_9617000/9617609.stm