David Cameron has said he feels "sorry" for Labour MPs for whom Christmas would be a "silent night" in his latest Commons clash with Ed Miliband.

 

The Prime Minister called the Labour leader a "waste of space" and added: "I have to say I almost feel sorry for Labour MPs - they can't talk about the deficit because it has fallen.

"They can't talk about growth because it is rising, they can't talk about jobs because we are increasing them, they can't talk about immigration because they have been told not to talk about immigration.

"They can't talk about their leader because he is a complete waste of space. No wonder for Labour MPs this year it's a silent night."

Mr Miliband provoked Mr Cameron by asking him to reflect on his year.

He said: "You have lost two MPs to Ukip, you lost 26 too in Europe and you brought a whole new meaning to the phrase conviction politician when Andy Coulson went to jail.

"The truth is you have given up on compassionate conservatism. They have been exposed for who they really are. Your plan for the 2020s is to go back to the 1930s. It isn't about balancing the books, it is about slashing the state and in just four months' time that is the election choice."