Emily Thornberry:My friend would like to get married, but her boyfriend is not so keen. Should the Government give them some money to tie the knot, and if so how much?
The Prime Minister: It is the Conservative party that is tied in knots. Now that the shadow Business Secretary is in his place, I shall tell the House what he has said about this married couples allowance:
"I really don't think it's anything to do with politicians whether you"- get married-"and most of the younger people I know don't seem very keen on it. My view of Conservatism is that it's not for us to tell you"-what to do through "the tax system-my wife didn't put up with me because I was getting £150 by way of tax allowance. This is social engineering for God's sake and when I joined the party we weren't in favour of it."
That is a verdict on the Leader of the Opposition from the shadow Business Secretary.-- [Interruption.]
