Gordon Brown 'Twinterview'

This afternoon Gordon Brown did an interview with a difference. Invited by Tweetminster he took part in the first Prime Ministerial ‘twinterview’ from Bristol’s Brunel Academy. Users of the social networking site could send their question for Gordon in by using the #askGB hashtag, which were then put to him by Tweetminster, with the answers posted onto Twitter for the audience.

The topics ranged from constitutional reform to investment in science and also revealed that he prefers marmalade but Sarah is a Marmite fan. Ensuring fairness within the economy was a running theme with questions about unemployment amongst those over 45, getting bankers and big business to support communities, and reducing poverty.

You can see a transcript of the interview below:

Q: (multiple people): Your take on take on #DEBill & will you allow the #deact to be re-debated in the next parliament? #askGB  
GB: #DEAct laid crucial foundations for promoting innovation, broadband access and protecting creative work  

Q @I_accusehistory: #askGB What are Labour's policies regarding funding in the sciences?  
GB: we have doubled science budget and pledged to ring-fence science spending - £30m project for semantic web too - more in our manifesto  


Q @ross_chmiel: #askGB Why should we trust Labour on electoral reform when your 1997 manifesto promised it and you backed out?  
GB; We have fixed date for referendum in 2011 - the people will decide on Lords reform and AV  


Q @TheSocBiz: Do the Tories have a point when they say we need a #bigsociety? If so, what's your response? #askGB  
GB; Tories' 'Big Society' is cover for DIY services. Big society = Big cuts.  


Q @stonewalluk: Nick Clegg has pledged to teach homosexuality is natural to combat homophobic bullying. Would Labour do the same? #askGB  
GB: Recent schools bill would hve made PHSE compulsory in all schools after 15, Tories opposed it. Wd have been big step fwd for #equality  

Q @KeefFan: How exactly will you reform the house of lords? #askGB  
GB; My speech on this on 7th April sets out detail on elected Lords - with no hereditary - speech is available at www.labour.org.uk  

Q @drhodesmumby: how important does the Prime Minister consider youth political participation and how does he intend to increase it? #askGB  
GB; I favour votes at 16, will be a free vote in the Commons, needs to be backed up with citizenship education and good youth facilities  


Q @Alheri #askGB - what practical measures will he take to reduce gender inequality?  
GB; Our equality bill sets out plans for equal pay, monitoring workplace diversity and lots more. Our record is at www.labour.org.uk/women  

Q @jdaykin: #askGB What can the Government do to make sure bankers & big business support communities on their doorsteps?  
GB; The measures for a bank account for everyone, to help credit unions and backing a bank levy are a key part of #futurefairforall  

Q @jobsker43: What sort of sanctions do you believe should be put 2 Iran? #askGB  
GB; need UN resolution quickly and the EU should extend sanctions in finance and oil to pressure Iran to engage  


Q @shinyoxfords: @tweetminster #askGB what new plans does Labour have for reducing poverty?  
GB: Child tax credits, minimum wage and child benefit will rise. Free school meals pilot will be extended and we will #saveoursurestart  

Q @Debmason6686: #askGB what do you intend to do about the unemployed people aged 45+?  
GB; More help through Job Centre Plus, Future Jobs Fund includes 50,000 opps for adults over 25s - key is to secure not risk recovery  


Q (multiples): #askGB what is the future of Scottish devolution? what would you do with regards to a referendum on Scottish Independence?  
GB: Calman recommends improved devolution to make Scot Parl work better and to give people more control over their own affairs  


And finally Q @humphreycushion: #askGB My 13 year old son wants to know whether Gordon is in the Love or Hate Party? #marmite  
GB; Sarah loves marmite I love marmalade. #marmite  

GB; Thanks for all questions and to @tweetminster for hosting me. #gameon  
Thanks to the PM, and everyone who asked questions and followed, transcript to follow #askGB