Highlight of the week

"The highlight of the week was listening to William Hague's speech on the Queen's speech on Tuesday afternoon.

"It was remarkable occasion, because from a position of opposition the Conservative Party is still in a relatively difficult position, but he was able to take the offensive against a government which has got its priorities wrong.

"He did that, with some press support, to the extent that the prime minister in his speech spent most of his time attacking the Conservative Party."

Winner of the week

"There's no doubt, it is William Hague.

"His speech was the highlight during a major set piece occasion like the Queen's speech.

"Labour have this week and last week allowed their assault on the House of Lords to become the dominant story but at the last minute they tried to make it anything but that.

"When one looks at the Queen's speech and its legislation, it is clear they are getting their priorities wrong.

"In the Queen's speech and the prime minister's address, the emphasis was not on priorities like the economy or education, but it was on the House of Lords which people don't think is the government's first priority."

Loser of the week

"John Prescott has had a bad week.

"He did not get his bill on transport which is the most important issue for his department.

"After taking 14 to 15 months to produce a white paper, which didn't see many new ideas, it might take two years to pass into legislation.

"That's a very poor performance. Throughout the first parliament, he won't be able to deliver transport policies which aren't that controversial.

"It shows how much of a muddle Labour business managers have got into that they can't bring forward legislation which would pass without much difficulty.

"At the same time as we are not getting this legislation, the Treasury is pressing ahead with fuel duties. There is an imbalance in the government's transport policies."

Quote of the week

"I will remember William Hague's, 'The Nero of Sedgefield fiddling with the constitution while the economy burns'."

How many times have you been in the Commons chamber this week

"Just the once on Tuesday afternoon for William Hague's speech."

Forthcoming highlights

"There is a very important clash on Monday between Gordon Brown and Francis Maude.

"This is important because of the omission in the Queen's speech about economic advancement.

"The whole tax harmonisation debate on Europe has vindicated those who have been sceptical about what the EMU debate is about.

"I suspect the trade figures are going to be very bad, especially for a government which talks about the importance of competitiveness.

"After it has been in office for 18 months, the tangible aspect of its performance is that we have plunged into the red.