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New view of PMQs as Speaker allows 'eye level shots'

TV cameras will be allowed into the bear pit at Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) to capture eye level shots of the debate, the Speaker has said.

Cameras have a restricted view of the Commons which means speakers can only be seen from this angle. Credit: PA

John Bercow has allowed two members of a TV crew access to capture eye-level shots of the exchanges, in a bid to move away from the limited view of the remote control cameras which hang from the ceiling.

The footage is for four-part BBC series Inside the Commons, fronted by respected documentary-maker Michael Cockerell and due to be aired early next year.

A spokeswoman for Mr Bercow said: "The established fixed filming in the House of Commons was not sufficient for the documentary makers, so they requested permission from the Speaker.

"Events in the House are a matter of public record, MPs are not unused to being filmed and PMQs have been broadcast live since 1980, so it seemed quite reasonable to grant this request."