“In Liverpool, work is progressing on the business case for redevelopment, with work scheduled to begin, I understand, at the Royal in 2011. That’s what the plan is at the moment, but obviously we will look at it.”

Meanwhile, GPs across Merseyside have been accused of dragging their heels on opening at weekends and in the evenings – a key pledge of Mr Brown’s – although Liverpool GPs finally signed a deal before Christmas.

The Prime Minister said: “In every area, we want to see more GP openings that suit people’s working habits. I’m very happy to look at what you say.”

George Howarth (Knowsley North and Sefton East), Frank Field (Birkenhead) and Peter Kilfoyle (Walton) were among the Labour MPs who tried to force Mr Brown out four months ago.

But, asked if he harboured any ill-feeling towards them, the prime minister replied: “No. We get on with the job. The only thing that matters is helping people through these difficult economic times.”

Many commentators blame Mr Brown’s inflating of Britain’s debt bubble and lax regulation of the banking system, during his decade as Chancellor, for deepening the current recession.

But, asked if he had made mistakes, he replied: “When you look at what has happened in every country and every continent, everyone is affected by this. It’s really the global financial system that has not been working well and we’ve got to sort it out.”

On Gaza – where 100 MPs have called for him to condemn Israel – the Prime Minister said: “We called for an immediate ceasefire right at the beginning and some of our proposals are being looked at at the moment.

“I think that is the best way we can have a resolution of what is a set of tragedies.”

Finally, praising Liverpool as a “great sporting city”, the Prime Minister – an avid football watcher – added: “I'm very impressed by both Liverpool and Everton. They are both having very good seasons.

“Liverpool are top of the league at the moment, and there is everything to play for.”