Key points
Jeremy Corbyn opened on the death of the “fifth Beatle”, George Martin, prompting a moment of unanimity, with David Cameron describing him as a “massive figure, a giant in popular music and responsible for tunes that will live on forever more”. The questions covered corporation tax cuts v benefit cuts, sixth-form funding and child poverty. It included Corbyn’s 100th question at prime minister’s questions.
Snap verdict
What was the point? Overall, that was dire, in a way that did not do credit to either of those involved. Corbyn was more scattergun than ever; his questions were perfectly sensible, but there was zero follow-through, and – taken as a whole – his script sounded rambling and unfocused. Cameron was slightly better, because he had answers on corporation tax and child poverty, but he did sound as if he was just reciting a dull brief and he completely ignored the first question about welfare cuts. Cameron’s “100 not out” was the only line that was remotely memorable.
Best lines
Corbyn pushed Cameron on his plans to cut corporation taxes and benefits for the poorest.
Corbyn gave over his 100th question to a constituent, Callum, to press the government on the importance of sixth-form colleges, which are facing cuts.
Cameron congratulated Corbyn on his 100th question saying: “100 not out ...”
• For more on PMQs and the day’s politics, read our politics live blog with Andrew Sparrow.
