Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, on Mumsnet for a webchat

[JustineMumsnet]

Do post your advance questions here.

Riven, let me assure you - they have downgraded Science completely. I say this as a Science teacher.

Good question Megcleary

AuntieMaggie - I do work in the public sector - I don't believe we can afford it all any more

why have you spent thirteen years sending more and more people to uni when it is not suitable for all and as is now blatantly obvious, we can't afford to fund it. Even without the dearth of graduate jobs brought on by the recession this was a ridiculous idea from the outset. Also, am trying to obtain hard copies of the party manifestos to read before thurs but can't. Surely these should be easily available everywhere. Any suggestions?

please do answer about first past the post.

i think any party that is in power too long gets tired and lazy as illustrated by Mr Hoon adn his 'Hoon' business.

Agree with Whomovedmychocolate

Mr. Brown
I appreciate your policies regarding immigration.Please do something to improve NHS's service as it concerns many of us on mumsnet
thanks and Good luck!

Thanks Mr.Brown. I do see your point, grandparents have contributed to our childs fund. It's too early to see how this is going to effect society - when all our children grow up and have this nest egg. I think it's fascinating, and could be a positive change.

I liked your deficit response.

Of all the important questions on here we get some rubbish about TV talent shows and a shameless attempt at appearing like a 'family man' by telling us what a wonderful job you are doing of seeing your boys... eurgh. We are mums not fools!

This is embarrassing and degrading and im logging off.

I think the problem with the tory millionaire Inheritance tax is that like me most people dont see that it affects them

Has anyone asked about the yet?

DH is a musician, and yes, he's registered for tax.

Since the smoking ban, his livelihood is being constantly threatened. More and more pubs are closing down, clubs etc are going the same way. In our town alone 4 pubs have closed in the last year and a half.

There are landlords who smoke, most of their customers smoke, and who would like to make the choice for themselves.

In the Isle of Mann they used to be able to buy a license which allowed them to choose to allow smoking in their pub. I don't know if this is the case now. Why can't you give us all the choice of whether we want to congregate in a smokey place or not? This blanket ban has decimated the pub industry, with many publicans losing their homes as well as their businesses. Staff lose their jobs. Musicians and other entertainers lose yet another place to play.

Justine, when are David Cameron and Nick Clegg coming on for last minute chats? Or are we being used by Labour to try and raise G. Brown's ratings by talking to "normal' people?

tulpa - yes with no charges, and we are increasing the number of hours to 15

"Our policy on NI, where nobody pays if they earn under 20 thousand, and pensioners are protected is far fairer than a VAT rise which hits everybody and is the traditional Tory policy."

This line of spin is really starting to annoy me. Being as Labour haven't ruled out a rise in VAT (just a pledge not to widen the range of products on which is is charged), why do you continue to peddle this invisible dividing line between you and the Tories? No-one has been able to rule out a rise in VAT, so trying to make out that you won't do it is a little disingenuous, surely?

Give him a bloody chance to answer the questions! There are over 400 posts on this thread...

TootingJo.... Fascinating? Are you serious?

Poor Sue. I think she's probably been put on typing duty.

Hello Gordon Brown,
Just wanted to say I think what you have done as both chancellor and prime minister regarding families, public health and managing the recession we are going through is great. I hope you get in on Thursday, it'll be a great birthday present for me on Friday despite living in a forever tory area!
Have you had a look at mydavidcameron.com? If not, have a look tonight and have a giggle over a bottle of wine!

Hello Gordon... do you think the tax credits system is better than the Lib dem proposal to introduce a tax free allowance of £10,000? I don't get tax credits, but it feels to me like you're taking money from people only to give it back again. Surely the system can become more cost effective and still achieve the same aims if you don't take the money from those who qualify in the first place?

Good luck on Thursday!

laughalout - there are 40 thousand more teachers and 120 thousand more classroom assistants since 1997, so we are trying to lower the pupil teacher ratio - we will continue to raise the schools budget, the Conservatives refuse to match this one.

Hear hear Jux.