Sussex MPs clashed today on whether Parliament should have been recalled to pay tribute to the Queen Mother.

Lewes Liberal Democrat Norman Baker questioned the value of today's recall. But staunch royalist Nicholas Soames, Tory MP for Mid Sussex, insisted it was the right thing to do.

Mr Baker said: "At the weekend, all of us as MPs had the opportunity to express our sympathy.

"We have the funeral coming up and another opportunity will come then. I just wonder what will be achieved by today other than to repeat what has already been said."

At the very least, Parliament should take the opportunity to discuss the Middle East, said Mr Baker.

He added: "In retrospect, it will look very odd to come back to repeat what has already been said but not to discuss a situation where we are facing a melt-down between Israel and the Palestinians."

Mr Soames said: "It would be wrong for Parliament not to be recalled, to have this opportunity to pay its tribute to her Majesty the Queen Mother."

It was not the time, he argued, to discuss the situation in the Middle East, adding: "I think today is a very special day when Parliament will wish to concentrate its thoughts on the passing of a very remarkable and wonderful person.

"We are in a period of mourning.

"There is a terrible war going on between the Palestinians and Israelis, which is deeply regrettable, but I think this is not the occasion to hijack Parliament for this particular purpose."