Who won?

Conor Pope: This entirely depends on whether you think repeating the same stock phrases every week is ‘winning’ or not. Personally, I feel the mantra of ‘huge deficit’ and ‘last government’ is a little tiring, so I’d give it to Miliband on the back of that alone, without him having to do much. Although at least Cameron has that hilarious joke about Alan Johnson not being able to count to fall back on, again and again and again…

Hannah Blythyn: It’s fair to say that today’s PMQs won’t go down in history as a classic, with a lack of any real standout performances across the floor.

Ed Miliband came back from the Christmas break fighting, going in hard on Cameron on bankers’ bonuses and broken promises. The Labour leader came across as measured, composed and competent. In contrast, Cameron’s responses were petulant, petty and personal.

Ed’s assertion that Cameron was ‘out of touch’ appeared to hit a raw nerve, as it exposed Cameron at his condescending and patronising best. There was no knockout blow from either man today but Ed gets it on points for composure and his opening comment to Cameron enquiring on the progress of keeping his election promise to restrict banker bonuses to £2k.

Best backbencher?

CP: Nic Dakin, for the sole mention of cutting EMA in a debate that focused largely on the economy. It’s right for Miliband to get into specifics on a subject of his choosing, but I think it’s important for Labour backbenchers broaden out the debate and get Cameron on the defensive on all fronts – and with the EMA vote being next week, I’m glad someone brought it up.

HB: While none of the backbencher contributions today would earn anyone a BAFTA, the best backbencher award should go to Labour MP Nic Dakin on substance for highlighting the axing of EMA and revealing Cameron to be a PM presiding over a move that will deny access to further education for a whole swathe of young people. Cameron’s response illustrated another ill thought-out decision as his coalition are yet to replace EMA – they are still ‘looking into it’ – with no thought of those who will suffer soon from a lack of support.

Best question, answer, comment or joke?

CP: Cameron seemed to leave his exchange with Miliband a little rattled, which I assume is why he slapped down the SNP member about their broken promises for a referendum on independence. Hardly a memorable line, but better than his Wallace and Gromit jobe, or Miliband’s ‘Planet Cameron’ material.

HB: Or worst question… The villain of the piece (excluding Cameron of course) has to be the Conservative MP for Croydon South, Richard Ottaway, who asked Cameron if his government had any plans to change rules on ballots of industrial action. Cameron asserted that he believed that 1980s laws on trade unions and industrial action were working well but would be happy to look into any changes. Whilst any clampdown on workers’ rights doesn’t appear imminent, this does raise the alarm on prevailing ‘Same old Tory’ sentiments that we need to be aware of.

Photo: Screenshot, BBC Parliament