Parliament pays tribute

Westminster politicians with the Queen Mother in July 2000

Politicians from across the political spectrum have united to pay tribute to the Queen Mother who died on Saturday.

The Prime Minister Tony Blair began by recalling Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth as a "unifying force" and said she had commanded the affection and respect of the whole nation.

Opposition leader Iain Duncan Smith spoke of the Queen Mother "standing resolute in the face of danger" during the Blitz in London.

Unusual occasion

Both Houses of Parliament reconvened for the most unusual occasion: normally only war or natural disaster warrants the recall of Parliament, or indeed the attendance of MSPs at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, during a recess.

Behind the scenes there were a few disgruntled MPs who questioned why, on a day when Israeli forces laid siege to the Church recognised by Christians as the birthplace of Christ, should Parliament have spared a few moments of its time to discuss the crisis in the Middle East?

To hear Becky Milligan's report please click on the audio top right.