Was a deal done or not?

The big news from PMQs was the revelation by David Cameron that he had a letter from Geoff Hoon which could be read as suggesting that that the Leicester MP would be rewarded for voting with the government in the 42 day detention period vote three weeks ago.

Until now Gordon Brown has flatly denied all suggestions that deals were done.

The handwritten note said “”Dear Keith … Just a quick note to thank you for all your help during the period leading up to last Wednesday’s vote. I wanted you to know how much I appreciated all your help..”I trust that it will be appropriately rewarded! … With thanks and best wishes, Geoff.”

At a crucial moment in the Cameron-Brown exchanges the Speaker intervened and he then moved onto the next questioner.

The big question is the meaning of the exclamation mark after “appropriately rewarded!” What does that mean.

Ben Brogan has more here.

Mike Smithson