PM launches online 'question time'

Gordon Brown is trying to harness new means of communication by launching an online prime minister's questions through YouTube.

 

In an introductory video on the Downing Street YouTube site, Brown says the "regular" online sessions will enable members of the public to question him on a range of subjects.

 

"Politicians get a chance in prime minister's question time and other question times - I think it's time the public had a chance," he said.

 

Users are asked to file their questions for the Ask The PM sessions via the site by June 21.

 

Brown also delivered a speech to the Google Zeitgeist conference, in which he said he wants to make the UK the most attractive place for technology companies to do business.

  

The prime minister said: "I know that achieving the right regulatory environment is particularly important in the technology sector, and I am determined that Britain maintains the light touch framework necessary to stay world-leading in technology and creative industries in the future.

 

"Over the last ten years the British government has set bold and broadly free-market approach with the world's leading regulatory system for the communications industries and the setting of new standards for light touch regulation and transparency in a raft of other sectors too.

 

"I will do all we can to ensure we remain the investment and cultural destination of choice for the creative industries and the technological businesses of the world," he said.

 

Brown went on to say that technological change is transforming the delivery of public services and changing the nature of the relationship between individuals and the government.

 

"My aim too is to ensure we utilise all the innovation at our disposal to improve public services in this country and to give more power to those who use them," he added.

 

"So we will go beyond today's successes - broadband in every school in the country; electronic border controls to stop criminals entering and leaving the country; the transformation of our health services with electronic data records and better patient information - to do more with: crime mapping to back up neighbourhood policing; electronic school report cards to back up our search for higher standards; new channels of communication so citizens can access their child's school records or book hospital appointments at the touch of a button; electronic whiteboards bringing greater life and excitement to whole class teaching; diagnostic tests in hospitals discussed with patients using computer images; video-identification dramatically speeding up identification of suspects."