Gordon Brown back to Commons fray

Gordon Brown will signal his return to the political fray today by making his first Commons speech since leaving Downing Street.

The former prime minister will insist maintenance on Britain's two new aircraft carriers should be carried out at a Scottish shipyard near his constituency, rather than in France.

The last time Mr Brown addressed the House was in April, before he led Labour to election defeat. He has been seen in Westminster only a handful of times over the past six months, as he concentrated on writing a book about the financial crisis.

However, his spokeswoman confirmed he was due to speak on a motion proposed by Labour colleague Thomas Docherty.

Mr Brown will urge that 50-year carrier maintenance contracts be awarded to Rosyth, instead of a dry-dock in Brittany.