The last thing we want is social workers to have more powers, the only extra power they need is of competence. How can anyone say that Cameron turned it party political? Who in their right minds think that the failing borough should review itself?

Adam, Nottingham,

Indeed Cameron used the tragedy to score cheap party political points. It made my flesh crawl. This shows how totally unsuitable he would be to lead the country.

Steve Chapman, Liverpool, UK

Victor, please would you list the questions that the Leader of the Opposition is allowed to ask in PMQs and explain why the presence of TV cameras should change the workings of the House.

Mark Fulford, Tiverton, UK

To say i feel sick and shocked would be understatement, 17 months baby gets 50 injuries during 8 months period in which was seen 60 times by social services, health workers as well police and end result the baby is parished in agony! 2 social workers and a lawyer get warnings in return!! MADNESS

Hamid Taheri, Leicester, England

Take one look at that Baby, thats all he was ..... If you can live with that so be it ..... This country cares for outsiders more than there OWN .... SHAME ON ALL OFF YOU

Karen Edwards , Cardiff, South Glamorgan

There were many places and times where Cameron could have asked his question. He decided to do that on live TV. Brown was rightly incensed. If that is not playing party politics with an awful tragedy, I don't know what is. Cameron was disgusting.

Victor, London,

If a private sector company systematically fails to implement safe conditions resulting in a death(s), the directors are liable to criminal prosecution for corporate manslaughter. The public sector should be similarly liable and here, all of those involved with this case should be so prosecuted.

Mike, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

I can't believe this has happened again! How can a council department full of so called professionals and governed by so much legislation get it so wrong. These people are never held accountable for their actions lest we upset THEIR feelings/sensibilities. Fire them all, that'll make them think.

Olly Pocknell, Stansted, Essex

Cameron asked what were relevant and searching questions that I had already asked myself. Brown should be ashamed of himself. It's all very well grandstanding as a world statesman but today he reverted to the parochial, egotistical, small-mindedness that has coloured/tarnished his political career.

Rev P Conneely, Preesall, UK

To hell with party politics. Do the right thing. Give social workers more powers and protection. Bring back severe punishment even the death penalty for parents who do this to their children. I can't believe someone is trying to score political points on this.

Annette, Birmingham, UK

Cameron went too far with the party politics thing, but Brown was absolutely shocking. What a disgrace. Cameron was making valid points about something which is absolutely wrong. Call a general election PLEASE!

Mike, Chester,

Mr Cameron was genuinely angry and no doubt deeply affected by this tragedy in his outburst in the Commons: a distinct contrast to Mrs Shoesmith on television who comes across as agressive in defence.of the council.Her words paraphrased :It wasnt the council that did the mistreatment!

Sam Duncan, Brighton,

Young children do not have a 'voice'. That is why legislation is put in place to protect their rights. If Sharon Shoesmith of Haringey council is not familiar with the fundamental rights of the child, which she is clearly not,sack her and others involved. A legal system makes them fully accountable?

Julie Sarker, Brighton, Engalnd

They're both in the wrong and both of them want to turn this into a politcal issue. But Cameron raised some relevant questions that Brown needs to address. The council should investigate its own shortcomings but they were the ones who did nothing to help the baby.

Sarah, Belfast,

What astounds me most is how both government and opposition have turned this horror into a point scoring exercise in mutual abuse which, while nothing like that suffered by the wretched Baby P, is almost as degrading to its exponents.

Maggie Stanfield, edinburgh, UK

Is that all? Good job I wasn't in David Cameron's shoes today and from what I hear, a good many other people feel the same.
If this miserable government wasn’t so obsessed with their own brand of right and wrong, that child would most probably be alive and happy today, in a good foster home.

TESS NASH, HELSTON, UK

It is very worrying that Gordon Brown cannot even say that the enquiry organised by Haringey council upon its own employees is wrong. Brown is so arrogant and out of touch all he really cares about is his own self-importance. Hardly the qualities we need in our Prime Minister.

Tom Cooke, Leeds, England

I find it disgusting that this local authority are again avoiding disciplining employees who are obviously and consistently failing in their duty

I also hope that you as a newspaper will pursue this with the same vigour that attended the Ross/Brand debacle as this is one hundred times as important

Robert Adams, Perth, UK

God help us - three out of four leading stories this morning about child mistreatment and these 'leaders' fail to lead and fight amongst themselves. When I was an abused child in the fifties the neighbours called the police dozens of times and they failed to act. Now all the laws are in place??

jim cormick, Buenos aires, argentina

The original story is horrifying and tragic. We should be grateful to politicians of all parties for injecting a little light relief.

Paul, Brussels,

If Gordon Brown had answered the very simple question there would have been no argument.

Mark Fulford, Tiverton, UK

I think Mr Cameron is right to address these issues. He is raising perfectly valid points of public interest and serious concern. Mr Brown is on the defensive shame on him using the excuse of party politics to deflect from matters he should be avidly supporting and addressing -even just as a father

Sharon, Cardiff, Wales

if you were to look at every occasion on which labour accused the opposition of trying to make party politcal points, you might be forced to consider the possibility that this is a stock deflecting defence brought out whenever labour doesn't have much ground for a reasonable argument.

jem, london, uk

I find it absolutley disgusting that the relevant agencies involved and the particular workers have not been sacked instantly!!

it seems like the mother had plenty of support from the workers but the child was abandoned and neglected by the system, and this definately did not safegaurd the child

Sharon , Nottingham,

Sack all of the so called 'health professionals'in 'Haringey Council' and employ a new team from scratch. These people are nearly as guilty as the perpetrators for not doing their job properly.

David Kinsley, Derby, UK

The Labour socialists will no doubt use this case to roll out yet more unnecessary laws, whereas the real problem is incompetent socialists blinded by their ideology not doing their job properly.

Mark, High Wycombe,