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Politics live blog: Thursday 9 February 2012 Politics live blog: Thursday 9 February 2012
(40 minutes later)
12.33pm: There was some good news in the trade figures and the manufacturing figures today. Here's an extract from the Press Association story.12.33pm: There was some good news in the trade figures and the manufacturing figures today. Here's an extract from the Press Association story.
A surprise jump in factory output today boosted hopes of a trading revival within Britain's under-pressure manufacturing sector.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said manufacturing output rose by 1% between November and December, much better than City forecasts for a 0.2% rise.
While the sector still contracted in the final quarter of 2011, the performance in December builds on other recent surveys that have suggested trading conditions and confidence are slowly improving.
There was also encouragement in separate ONS figures revealing the UK trade deficit posted a sharp improvement in December, narrowing to £7.1 billion from £8.9 billion a month earlier and more than £10 billion in September. It was also the narrowest deficit since last April.
Alan Clarke, an economist at Scotiabank, said: "The fact that net trade is improving at a time when overseas demand was most shaky is a great result. The challenge is maintaining the improvement and it will be a challenge."		A surprise jump in factory output today boosted hopes of a trading revival within Britain's under-pressure manufacturing sector.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said manufacturing output rose by 1% between November and December, much better than City forecasts for a 0.2% rise.
While the sector still contracted in the final quarter of 2011, the performance in December builds on other recent surveys that have suggested trading conditions and confidence are slowly improving.
There was also encouragement in separate ONS figures revealing the UK trade deficit posted a sharp improvement in December, narrowing to £7.1 billion from £8.9 billion a month earlier and more than £10 billion in September. It was also the narrowest deficit since last April.
Alan Clarke, an economist at Scotiabank, said: "The fact that net trade is improving at a time when overseas demand was most shaky is a great result. The challenge is maintaining the improvement and it will be a challenge."
And here is the statement that Rachel Reeves (left), the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, has put out about the trade figures. And here is the statement that Rachel Reeves (pictured), the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, has put out about the trade figures.

These figures show the trade deficit narrowing, partly due to rising exports of goods but mostly down to a big fall in imports of goods.
These figures show the trade deficit narrowing, partly due to rising exports of goods but mostly down to a big fall in imports of goods.
But they also expose David Cameron and George Osborne's myth that Britain's flatlining economy last year was down to the eurozone crisis. While the economy went into reverse at the end of 2011, exports to the euro area actually rose. They were up by 7.4 per cent on the previous year and up by 0.8 per cent on the previous quarter.But they also expose David Cameron and George Osborne's myth that Britain's flatlining economy last year was down to the eurozone crisis. While the economy went into reverse at the end of 2011, exports to the euro area actually rose. They were up by 7.4 per cent on the previous year and up by 0.8 per cent on the previous quarter.
Far from the eurozone crisis having a chilling effect on Britain, only rising exports kept us out of recession last year while our domestic economy was shrinking. Raising taxes and cutting spending too far and too fast choked off the recovery well before the recent euro crisis and so we are now badly exposed if that crisis deepens this year.Far from the eurozone crisis having a chilling effect on Britain, only rising exports kept us out of recession last year while our domestic economy was shrinking. Raising taxes and cutting spending too far and too fast choked off the recovery well before the recent euro crisis and so we are now badly exposed if that crisis deepens this year.
12.21pm: And here is some more reaction to David Cameron's declaration that he would not rule out quotas for women in the boardroom.12.21pm: And here is some more reaction to David Cameron's declaration that he would not rule out quotas for women in the boardroom.
From Yvette Cooper (pictured), the shadow home secretary and shadow equalities ministerFrom Yvette Cooper (pictured), the shadow home secretary and shadow equalities minister
Increasing the number of women on boards is important, and helps business and the economy. But warm words from the prime minister are not enough when the reality is that his own Government policies are holding both women and the economy back. And 32,000 women chose not to look for work last year because of the costs associated with working, including childcare.Increasing the number of women on boards is important, and helps business and the economy. But warm words from the prime minister are not enough when the reality is that his own Government policies are holding both women and the economy back. And 32,000 women chose not to look for work last year because of the costs associated with working, including childcare.
Government economic policy has pushed women's unemployment up to record levels, and 32,000 women chose not to look for work last year because of the costs of working, including child care. As long as the Government is weakening action on the gender pay gap, pushing up women's unemployment, cutting support for childcare, and exploring options for weaker maternity rights, they are making it harder not easier for women to get promoted throughout their lives. And that makes it much harder to get women to board level too.Government economic policy has pushed women's unemployment up to record levels, and 32,000 women chose not to look for work last year because of the costs of working, including child care. As long as the Government is weakening action on the gender pay gap, pushing up women's unemployment, cutting support for childcare, and exploring options for weaker maternity rights, they are making it harder not easier for women to get promoted throughout their lives. And that makes it much harder to get women to board level too.
From Mark Littlewood, director general of the Institute of Economic AffairsFrom Mark Littlewood, director general of the Institute of Economic Affairs
Proposals to force companies to increase the number of women on boards are extremely ill-advised. Imposing a mandatory quota would be yet another irritant to UK firms. Burdensome overregulation of this kind is not a driver of economic growth.Proposals to force companies to increase the number of women on boards are extremely ill-advised. Imposing a mandatory quota would be yet another irritant to UK firms. Burdensome overregulation of this kind is not a driver of economic growth.
Companies themselves are best placed to decide the best commercial make up their board, and Government should have no part to play in these decisions.Companies themselves are best placed to decide the best commercial make up their board, and Government should have no part to play in these decisions.
Mr Cameron is trying to draw lessons from the Nordic countries, but in Norway a 40% quota has been in place since January 2008 without any discernible overall impact on company performance one way or another. The new board members have been disproportionately recruited from politics and the civil service,with many holding multiple directorships because of the dearth of suitable candidates.Mr Cameron is trying to draw lessons from the Nordic countries, but in Norway a 40% quota has been in place since January 2008 without any discernible overall impact on company performance one way or another. The new board members have been disproportionately recruited from politics and the civil service,with many holding multiple directorships because of the dearth of suitable candidates.
In a free market, people progress because of their skills and qualifications, not because of their race or gender. Forcing more women into boardrooms will not boost productivity, it is a distraction from the actual question of how to get the economy to grow.In a free market, people progress because of their skills and qualifications, not because of their race or gender. Forcing more women into boardrooms will not boost productivity, it is a distraction from the actual question of how to get the economy to grow.
12.10pm: I've had an email from Ivana Bartoletti, a Labour activist and a former adviser to the Italian government on equal opportunities, about David Cameron's comments on women in the boardroom. (See 8.40am and 9.22am.) Here's what she says.12.10pm: I've had an email from Ivana Bartoletti, a Labour activist and a former adviser to the Italian government on equal opportunities, about David Cameron's comments on women in the boardroom. (See 8.40am and 9.22am.) Here's what she says.
I know there are two things to guarantee more women at the top. One is quota. The other is affordable childcare, so women can go to work, let alone reach the boardrooms. Women need both, as Nordic countries have understood really well. Cameron doesn't obviously believe that, as he is making women bear the brunt of the cuts, being pushed out of the workforce, with childcare costs soaring, ripping up their ticket to a job and a career.I know there are two things to guarantee more women at the top. One is quota. The other is affordable childcare, so women can go to work, let alone reach the boardrooms. Women need both, as Nordic countries have understood really well. Cameron doesn't obviously believe that, as he is making women bear the brunt of the cuts, being pushed out of the workforce, with childcare costs soaring, ripping up their ticket to a job and a career.
11.45am: Kenneth Clarke, the justice secretary, has announced plans to increase the number of civil legal cases that go to mediation. The "small claim" threshold will be raised from £5,000 to £10,000, with the result that more claims will go to the Small Claims Mediation Service. This is one of several measures, set out in a Ministry of Justice news release. Clarke says the changes will "produce a service that helps people to resolve their disputes effectively and in the simplest and quickest way possible".11.45am: Kenneth Clarke, the justice secretary, has announced plans to increase the number of civil legal cases that go to mediation. The "small claim" threshold will be raised from £5,000 to £10,000, with the result that more claims will go to the Small Claims Mediation Service. This is one of several measures, set out in a Ministry of Justice news release. Clarke says the changes will "produce a service that helps people to resolve their disputes effectively and in the simplest and quickest way possible".
Without effective civil justice, businesses couldn't trade, individuals couldn't enforce their rights, and government couldn't fulfil its duties.Without effective civil justice, businesses couldn't trade, individuals couldn't enforce their rights, and government couldn't fulfil its duties.
But individuals and businesses tell me that the civil justice system at the moment can sometimes be intimidating and that.they don't know if using the system will be worth the time, expense and hassle of going to court.But individuals and businesses tell me that the civil justice system at the moment can sometimes be intimidating and that.they don't know if using the system will be worth the time, expense and hassle of going to court.
I want to make the system as easy and transparent as possible. I want people to be able to resolve their disputes cheaply and simply through the courts' very successful mediation service, and I want judges freed up to make quick and effective judgments based on the facts of a case, without unnecessary legal complication.I want to make the system as easy and transparent as possible. I want people to be able to resolve their disputes cheaply and simply through the courts' very successful mediation service, and I want judges freed up to make quick and effective judgments based on the facts of a case, without unnecessary legal complication.
11.32am: Lady Royall (left), the Labour leader in the Lords, is going to accuse the government of trying to change the role of the House of Lords in a speech this afternoon. She set out some of her thinking in a Guardian interview this morning, but her office have now sent out some extracts from the speech that flesh out our argument.11.32am: Lady Royall (left), the Labour leader in the Lords, is going to accuse the government of trying to change the role of the House of Lords in a speech this afternoon. She set out some of her thinking in a Guardian interview this morning, but her office have now sent out some extracts from the speech that flesh out our argument.

What the government is seeking to do here is to change the fundamental constitutional role of the House of Lords. Instead of it being a scrutinising and revising chamber, holding the government of the day to account – the very role described by the government in its white paper on further reform of the Lords – the coalition is seeking to return the House of Lords to the rubber-stamp role it used to have in the days of Conservative dominance.
What the government is seeking to do here is to change the fundamental constitutional role of the House of Lords. Instead of it being a scrutinising and revising chamber, holding the government of the day to account – the very role described by the government in its white paper on further reform of the Lords – the coalition is seeking to return the House of Lords to the rubber-stamp role it used to have in the days of Conservative dominance.
Royall supports this argument by looking at the way voting power in the Lords has changed since the election.Royall supports this argument by looking at the way voting power in the Lords has changed since the election.

Far from the position of broad balance in the Lords brought about by Labour, the coalition is now dominant in the Lords. Taken together, the coalition now outguns Labour. Looking at total numbers, there are now 309 coalition peers in the Lords, against 239 for Labour – giving the coalition 39.3 per cent of the total votes in the House, as against 30.4 per cent for Labour.
Far from the position of broad balance in the Lords brought about by Labour, the coalition is now dominant in the Lords. Taken together, the coalition now outguns Labour. Looking at total numbers, there are now 309 coalition peers in the Lords, against 239 for Labour – giving the coalition 39.3 per cent of the total votes in the House, as against 30.4 per cent for Labour.
Looked at among the political votes alone, excluding the crossbenchers, bishops and others, the coalition has 56.4 per cent of the votes, against Labour's 43.6 per cent – a political majority currently of 70 for the coalition.Looked at among the political votes alone, excluding the crossbenchers, bishops and others, the coalition has 56.4 per cent of the votes, against Labour's 43.6 per cent – a political majority currently of 70 for the coalition.
Now there are rumours that the government will create 60 new peers, she says: 40 Tories, 15 Lib Dems and five Labour ones.Now there are rumours that the government will create 60 new peers, she says: 40 Tories, 15 Lib Dems and five Labour ones.
The final numbers may be lower than this, but based on these figures, the coalition's already-dominant strength in the Lords would be substantially boosted – up from a total of 309 peers, with 56.4 per cent of the political vote, with Labour on 239 peers, or 43.6 per cent of the vote, to a total of 364 coalition peers, with 59.9 per cent of the political vote, as compared to 244 Labour peers, or 40.1 per cent of the political vote. Crucially, the coalition's majority among the political vote would rise from 70 to a whopping 120.The final numbers may be lower than this, but based on these figures, the coalition's already-dominant strength in the Lords would be substantially boosted – up from a total of 309 peers, with 56.4 per cent of the political vote, with Labour on 239 peers, or 43.6 per cent of the vote, to a total of 364 coalition peers, with 59.9 per cent of the political vote, as compared to 244 Labour peers, or 40.1 per cent of the political vote. Crucially, the coalition's majority among the political vote would rise from 70 to a whopping 120.
Nick Clegg was asked about the "60 new peers" rumour at a committee last week. He said it was "an absurdly large number".Nick Clegg was asked about the "60 new peers" rumour at a committee last week. He said it was "an absurdly large number".
11.03am: You can read all today's Guardian politics stories here. And all the politics stories filed yesterday, including some in today's paper, are here.11.03am: You can read all today's Guardian politics stories here. And all the politics stories filed yesterday, including some in today's paper, are here.
As for the rest of the papers, here are three stories that are particularly interesting.As for the rest of the papers, here are three stories that are particularly interesting.
• Oliver Wright and Jeremy Laurence in the Independent says that senior figures in Downing Street and the Conservative whips' office have urged David Cameron to drop the health bill.• Oliver Wright and Jeremy Laurence in the Independent says that senior figures in Downing Street and the Conservative whips' office have urged David Cameron to drop the health bill.
Senior figures in Downing Street and the Conservative whips' office have also suggested to the Prime Minister that the Bill, which last night suffered its first defeat in the House of Lords, should be dropped.Senior figures in Downing Street and the Conservative whips' office have also suggested to the Prime Minister that the Bill, which last night suffered its first defeat in the House of Lords, should be dropped.
The Government was defeated by 244 to 240 on an amendment to emphasise the importance of mental health in the Bill. The amendment had been rejected by the Government.The Government was defeated by 244 to 240 on an amendment to emphasise the importance of mental health in the Bill. The amendment had been rejected by the Government.
Senior Government figures have made the case to Mr Cameron that many of the changes to the health service could be carried out without legislation. They also told him they feared "pushing" the Bill through against widespread opposition would give Labour an "open goal" to blame all future problems in the NHS on their reforms. The concern was apparently backed up by private polling that shows the reforms are deeply unpopular.Senior Government figures have made the case to Mr Cameron that many of the changes to the health service could be carried out without legislation. They also told him they feared "pushing" the Bill through against widespread opposition would give Labour an "open goal" to blame all future problems in the NHS on their reforms. The concern was apparently backed up by private polling that shows the reforms are deeply unpopular.


• Andrew Grice in the Independent says boundary changes could leave the Lib Dems with just 11 seats.

• Andrew Grice in the Independent says boundary changes could leave the Lib Dems with just 11 seats.
The Liberal Democrats face a "double whammy" of declining support and boundary changes that could destroy their chances of holding the balance of power after the next election.The Liberal Democrats face a "double whammy" of declining support and boundary changes that could destroy their chances of holding the balance of power after the next election.
The latest "poll of polls" for The Independent suggests that Nick Clegg could see his number of MPs reduced from 57 to 19 unless the party improves its ratings. The figure slumps to just 11 MPs when the proposed new parliamentary map is taken into account.The latest "poll of polls" for The Independent suggests that Nick Clegg could see his number of MPs reduced from 57 to 19 unless the party improves its ratings. The figure slumps to just 11 MPs when the proposed new parliamentary map is taken into account.
In practice, election experts believe the Liberal Democrats would do better than that because they would target their resources on the most winnable constituencies and their MPs have often defied the odds by holding on to their seats. But the experts say the reduction in the number of MPs from 650 to 600 will hurt the Liberal Democrats proportionately more than Labour or the Conservatives.In practice, election experts believe the Liberal Democrats would do better than that because they would target their resources on the most winnable constituencies and their MPs have often defied the odds by holding on to their seats. But the experts say the reduction in the number of MPs from 650 to 600 will hurt the Liberal Democrats proportionately more than Labour or the Conservatives.
• James Chapman in the Daily Mail says Vince Cable "hit the roof" when a Commons committee rejected his choice for head of the Office for Fair Access, the university admissions regulator.• James Chapman in the Daily Mail says Vince Cable "hit the roof" when a Commons committee rejected his choice for head of the Office for Fair Access, the university admissions regulator.
Mr Cable, who has responsibility for higher education policy, is insisting that Professor Les Ebdon should still be made the £130,000-a-year head of the Office for Fair Access, sources said.Mr Cable, who has responsibility for higher education policy, is insisting that Professor Les Ebdon should still be made the £130,000-a-year head of the Office for Fair Access, sources said.
Tory MPs said that would be an 'insult' to the Commons and make a mockery of new powers for select committees to scrutinise public appointments.Tory MPs said that would be an 'insult' to the Commons and make a mockery of new powers for select committees to scrutinise public appointments.
The row is becoming a trial of strength in the Coalition, with Mr Cameron being urged to bring Mr Cable into line by forcing him to find a new candidate.The row is becoming a trial of strength in the Coalition, with Mr Cameron being urged to bring Mr Cable into line by forcing him to find a new candidate.
10.57am: David Cameron is to recruit a female adviser to analyse government policy and advise the cabinet on the impact its proposals will have on women. We're asking which policy areas you think are in need of review from a female perspective ahead of a roundtable event on Friday where your suggestions will be discussed. You can take part in the comments thread on this blog post:10.57am: David Cameron is to recruit a female adviser to analyse government policy and advise the cabinet on the impact its proposals will have on women. We're asking which policy areas you think are in need of review from a female perspective ahead of a roundtable event on Friday where your suggestions will be discussed. You can take part in the comments thread on this blog post:
In particular, we would like to know:In particular, we would like to know:
• What would you do, if you had the access and influence of Cameron's new adviser?• What would you do, if you had the access and influence of Cameron's new adviser?
• What new policies should be introduced?

• Which existing policies need to be reviewed - or abandoned?		• What new policies should be introduced?

• Which existing policies need to be reviewed - or abandoned?
10.48am: For the record, here are the YouGov GB polling figures from last night.10.48am: For the record, here are the YouGov GB polling figures from last night.
Conservatives: 40% (up 3 points from Tuesday night)
Labour: 38% (down 4)
Lib Dems: 10% (up 1)		Conservatives: 40% (up 3 points from Tuesday night)
Labour: 38% (down 4)
Lib Dems: 10% (up 1)
Conservative lead: 2 pointsConservative lead: 2 points
Government approval: -19Government approval: -19
And here are the figures from the Independents's latest "poll of polls" (an aggregate of all recent polls).And here are the figures from the Independents's latest "poll of polls" (an aggregate of all recent polls).
Conservatives: 39%
Labour: 38%
Lib Dems: 13%		Conservatives: 39%
Labour: 38%
Lib Dems: 13%
10.39am: The Department for Energy has announced changes to the Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) scheme. The full details are here, on the department's news release. The department says the changes are designed to make the system "more predictable".10.39am: The Department for Energy has announced changes to the Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) scheme. The full details are here, on the department's news release. The department says the changes are designed to make the system "more predictable".
Labour have tabled an urgent question on this. Greg Barker, the energy minister, will be responding to it at 11.30am.Labour have tabled an urgent question on this. Greg Barker, the energy minister, will be responding to it at 11.30am.
10.12am: Here's a picture of David Cameron at the summit in Sweden.10.12am: Here's a picture of David Cameron at the summit in Sweden.
And here's another extract from the joint letter written by all the leaders attending the summit. As well as looking at what can be done to get more women into senior positions in business, they will be considering what they can do to keep older people in the workforce.And here's another extract from the joint letter written by all the leaders attending the summit. As well as looking at what can be done to get more women into senior positions in business, they will be considering what they can do to keep older people in the workforce.

In 1950, life expectancy globally was around 46 years. Today it has risen to an average of nearly 70 globally, and almost 80 years for the EU. This is a fantastic development. It enables a longer and richer life for the individual. But in combination with low fertility rates and unreformed pension systems it also puts a heavy burden on the state. A smaller number of young people working and paying taxes will be expected to support a steadily growing number of older people.
In 1950, life expectancy globally was around 46 years. Today it has risen to an average of nearly 70 globally, and almost 80 years for the EU. This is a fantastic development. It enables a longer and richer life for the individual. But in combination with low fertility rates and unreformed pension systems it also puts a heavy burden on the state. A smaller number of young people working and paying taxes will be expected to support a steadily growing number of older people.
Experience shows that apart from increasing the pension age, older people can be encouraged to stay longer in the workforce. This is something that many older people welcome, especially as health is no longer a problem for many persons even in their 70's. It is rather a question of changing attitudes and norms of people in other age groups in society. One can also look at how to change education and career systems to allow for several careers. Working conditions can be adapted and working hours made more flexible. We will discuss all these issues in order to support an atmosphere of "active ageing" and a society for all generations.Experience shows that apart from increasing the pension age, older people can be encouraged to stay longer in the workforce. This is something that many older people welcome, especially as health is no longer a problem for many persons even in their 70's. It is rather a question of changing attitudes and norms of people in other age groups in society. One can also look at how to change education and career systems to allow for several careers. Working conditions can be adapted and working hours made more flexible. We will discuss all these issues in order to support an atmosphere of "active ageing" and a society for all generations.
9.52am: Brian Paddick (left), the Lib Dem candidate for London mayor (who is gay himself), has attacked Ken Livingstone for his comments about gay politicians. Paddick is particularly angry about this quote from his Labour rival: "As soon as Blair got in, if you came out as lesbian or gay you immediately got a job." Paddick says this implies that gay Labour ministers were not promoted on merit.9.52am: Brian Paddick (left), the Lib Dem candidate for London mayor (who is gay himself), has attacked Ken Livingstone for his comments about gay politicians. Paddick is particularly angry about this quote from his Labour rival: "As soon as Blair got in, if you came out as lesbian or gay you immediately got a job." Paddick says this implies that gay Labour ministers were not promoted on merit.
When the Daily Mail columnist Melanie Philips said similar things about me being promoted when I was a police officer, I sued her and won.When the Daily Mail columnist Melanie Philips said similar things about me being promoted when I was a police officer, I sued her and won.
When [Livingstone] talks about homosexuality in the Conservative party as being "riddled with it like everywhere else" his remarks are clearly homophobic. He is a political opportunist who likes to be controversial in order to draw attention to himself, I think his true feelings towards LGBT people have seeped out.When [Livingstone] talks about homosexuality in the Conservative party as being "riddled with it like everywhere else" his remarks are clearly homophobic. He is a political opportunist who likes to be controversial in order to draw attention to himself, I think his true feelings towards LGBT people have seeped out.
Both Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson are prone to careless, thoughtless and insulting gaffes. It's just not funny anymore. London deserves better.Both Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson are prone to careless, thoughtless and insulting gaffes. It's just not funny anymore. London deserves better.
9.43am: As Patrick Wintour reports in the Guardian today, Tory MPs complained about Ken Livingstone (left) yesterday after Livingstone talked about the Conservative party being "riddled" with homosexuality.

This morning Livingstone rejected the criticism on LBC.		9.43am: As Patrick Wintour reports in the Guardian today, Tory MPs complained about Ken Livingstone (left) yesterday after Livingstone talked about the Conservative party being "riddled" with homosexuality.

This morning Livingstone rejected the criticism on LBC.
When I, 10 years ago, introduced civil partnerships at City Hall, Boris Johnson wrote saying that he couldn't see the difference between a man marrying a man and a man marrying a dog. A bit over the top, a bit offensive – but not one of those MPs complained.When I, 10 years ago, introduced civil partnerships at City Hall, Boris Johnson wrote saying that he couldn't see the difference between a man marrying a man and a man marrying a dog. A bit over the top, a bit offensive – but not one of those MPs complained.
9.36am: If you're looking for updates from the Nordic/Baltic summit, here are two more journalists who are tweeting from it.

The Times's Michael Savage		9.36am: If you're looking for updates from the Nordic/Baltic summit, here are two more journalists who are tweeting from it.

The Times's Michael Savage
The Daily Mail's Kirsty WakerThe Daily Mail's Kirsty Waker
9.22am: The BBC's Robin Brant is tweeting from the Nordic/Baltic summit. According to his Twitter feed, David Cameron has said that he won't rule out quotas for women in the boardroom.9.22am: The BBC's Robin Brant is tweeting from the Nordic/Baltic summit. According to his Twitter feed, David Cameron has said that he won't rule out quotas for women in the boardroom.
Cameron says 'don't think we can rule out quotas' in effort to get more women on boards of top UK firms.Cameron says 'don't think we can rule out quotas' in effort to get more women on boards of top UK firms.
Cameron quotas more: PM tells Stockholm summit UK needs to 'accelerate measures' towards a 30% target of women in boardsCameron quotas more: PM tells Stockholm summit UK needs to 'accelerate measures' towards a 30% target of women in boards
Cameron asks one delegate to give more detail on Scandinavian idea of tax breaks for housework to encourage women into work.Cameron asks one delegate to give more detail on Scandinavian idea of tax breaks for housework to encourage women into work.
9.19am: The BBC were prominently reporting this morning the news that a record number of children in England are being taken into care. Here's an extract from the story the Press Association have filed about this.9.19am: The BBC were prominently reporting this morning the news that a record number of children in England are being taken into care. Here's an extract from the story the Press Association have filed about this.
A record number of children were taken into care in England last month.
Local authorities made 903 applications to protect youngsters from abuse or neglect, which is the highest number in a single month.
In January last year the number was 698, compared to 669 in 2010.
The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) said each month since last May it saw record monthly applications.
The body, which was set up in 2001 to look after the interests of children involved in court family proceedings, said the increase makes it more difficult to give vulnerable young people the protection they need.
Between April 2011 and last month, Cafcass received 8,403 new applications. This figure is 12.4% higher when compared to the same period last financial year.
If the figures climb at a similar rate to April, the figure will reach 10,000 for the financial year.
The jump in care applications has been seen since the furore sparked in November 2008 by the trial over the death of Baby P.		A record number of children were taken into care in England last month.
Local authorities made 903 applications to protect youngsters from abuse or neglect, which is the highest number in a single month.
In January last year the number was 698, compared to 669 in 2010.
The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) said each month since last May it saw record monthly applications.
The body, which was set up in 2001 to look after the interests of children involved in court family proceedings, said the increase makes it more difficult to give vulnerable young people the protection they need.
Between April 2011 and last month, Cafcass received 8,403 new applications. This figure is 12.4% higher when compared to the same period last financial year.
If the figures climb at a similar rate to April, the figure will reach 10,000 for the financial year.
The jump in care applications has been seen since the furore sparked in November 2008 by the trial over the death of Baby P.
9.12am: In his speech this morning Sir Michael Wilshaw, the new Ofsted chief inspector, is expected to defend his decision to scrap Ofsted's "satisfactory" rating for schools. Here's a Press Association preview story. And this is what Wilshaw said about the move on the Today programme. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.9.12am: In his speech this morning Sir Michael Wilshaw, the new Ofsted chief inspector, is expected to defend his decision to scrap Ofsted's "satisfactory" rating for schools. Here's a Press Association preview story. And this is what Wilshaw said about the move on the Today programme. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.

I don't thinks 'satisfactory' denotes acceptable provision. All parents want their children to go to good schools, children want to go to good schools and what we're saying in the redesignation is that if a school isn't good it will be placed in a "requirement to improve" category and given up to three years to improve before it goes into special measures. This, I think, will be a good way of raising standards in all our schools. That's the message of this - that only "good" and "outstanding" will be satisfactory.
I don't thinks 'satisfactory' denotes acceptable provision. All parents want their children to go to good schools, children want to go to good schools and what we're saying in the redesignation is that if a school isn't good it will be placed in a "requirement to improve" category and given up to three years to improve before it goes into special measures. This, I think, will be a good way of raising standards in all our schools. That's the message of this - that only "good" and "outstanding" will be satisfactory.
8.49am: David Cameron is supposed to be talking about women in the boardroom at the Nordic/Baltic summit today, but football seems to have taken over instead. The prime minister has been speaking to journalists this morning and all the Press Association have filed have been his comments on the departure of Fabio Capello.8.49am: David Cameron is supposed to be talking about women in the boardroom at the Nordic/Baltic summit today, but football seems to have taken over instead. The prime minister has been speaking to journalists this morning and all the Press Association have filed have been his comments on the departure of Fabio Capello.

I am sorry to see Fabio go. I think he was a good coach and a good man. I don't think he was right about the John Terry issue. You can't be captain with that question mark that needs to be answered. England now needs a new coach and a new captain and I hope we can get on with that and make the best of the opportunity this summer.
I am sorry to see Fabio go. I think he was a good coach and a good man. I don't think he was right about the John Terry issue. You can't be captain with that question mark that needs to be answered. England now needs a new coach and a new captain and I hope we can get on with that and make the best of the opportunity this summer.
And this is what he said when asked if Harry Redknapp should get the job.And this is what he said when asked if Harry Redknapp should get the job.

The day when the prime minister picks the England coach will be a very bad day for football but I am sure we will find someone really good and I am sure that we will play well when the time comes.
The day when the prime minister picks the England coach will be a very bad day for football but I am sure we will find someone really good and I am sure that we will play well when the time comes.
As I write, the Today programme are discussing the case for quotas for women in the boardroom. Sadly quotas for women football managers doesn't seem to be on the agenda yet.

Here's the Press Association story with more the Nordic/Baltic summit and Cameron's drive to get more women in the boardroom.		As I write, the Today programme are discussing the case for quotas for women in the boardroom. Sadly quotas for women football managers doesn't seem to be on the agenda yet.

Here's the Press Association story with more the Nordic/Baltic summit and Cameron's drive to get more women in the boardroom.
8.40am: Yesterday, after David Cameron made his announcement about buying a new C-17 military transport plane, FranzSherbet in the comments suggested that Cameron was imitating Borgen. I've only made it to episode five, so I missed the reference, but I have seen the "quotas for women in the boardroom" episode which Cameron seems to be re-enacting at the Nordic/Baltic summit in Sweden today.8.40am: Yesterday, after David Cameron made his announcement about buying a new C-17 military transport plane, FranzSherbet in the comments suggested that Cameron was imitating Borgen. I've only made it to episode five, so I missed the reference, but I have seen the "quotas for women in the boardroom" episode which Cameron seems to be re-enacting at the Nordic/Baltic summit in Sweden today.
Officially it's known as the Northern Future Forum. Before it started, Cameron and the leaders of the eight other countries attending (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden) published a joint letter. This is what they had to say about women in the boardroom.Officially it's known as the Northern Future Forum. Before it started, Cameron and the leaders of the eight other countries attending (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden) published a joint letter. This is what they had to say about women in the boardroom.

A generation ago working women were not the norm everywhere. Since then a quiet revolution has taken place. Within the EU women now make up nearly half of the workforce and are also becoming increasingly better educated than men. Women account for almost 60 % of university degrees in the US and Europe.
A generation ago working women were not the norm everywhere. Since then a quiet revolution has taken place. Within the EU women now make up nearly half of the workforce and are also becoming increasingly better educated than men. Women account for almost 60 % of university degrees in the US and Europe.
But despite this progress, women's potential on the labour market is far from fulfilled. Only 31 % of European entrepreneurs are women. Women also continue to be under-represented in senior positions. Today, according to the European Commission, only one out of 10 board members of the largest companies listed on the national stock exchange of EU Member States is a woman. The disparity is widest at the very top, where only 3% of the largest companies have a woman directing the highest decision-making body. Progress is slow even if research shows that there is a positive correlation between women in leadership and business performance.But despite this progress, women's potential on the labour market is far from fulfilled. Only 31 % of European entrepreneurs are women. Women also continue to be under-represented in senior positions. Today, according to the European Commission, only one out of 10 board members of the largest companies listed on the national stock exchange of EU Member States is a woman. The disparity is widest at the very top, where only 3% of the largest companies have a woman directing the highest decision-making body. Progress is slow even if research shows that there is a positive correlation between women in leadership and business performance.
At our meeting in Stockholm we will listen to each-others' experiences and discuss different solutions for how to support more women to become entrepreneurs and take up leading business positions. One thing is obvious, if we were more successful in unlocking women's full potential on the labour market, we would add billions of GDP across Europe. Our view is simple: we can't afford not to.At our meeting in Stockholm we will listen to each-others' experiences and discuss different solutions for how to support more women to become entrepreneurs and take up leading business positions. One thing is obvious, if we were more successful in unlocking women's full potential on the labour market, we would add billions of GDP across Europe. Our view is simple: we can't afford not to.

At the summit Cameron has also been saying this morning that he is sorry to see Fabio Capello quit as England manager. I'll post his comments in full shortly. I'm not sure how much we will get from the summit today, but I'll be reporting all I can. There is a press conference due this afternoon.
At the summit Cameron has also been saying this morning that he is sorry to see Fabio Capello quit as England manager. I'll post his comments in full shortly. I'm not sure how much we will get from the summit today, but I'll be reporting all I can. There is a press conference due this afternoon.
Otherwise, it's a thin day (although the Leveson inquiry should be sparky.) Here's the agenda.Otherwise, it's a thin day (although the Leveson inquiry should be sparky.) Here's the agenda.
9am: Sir Michael Wilshaw, the new Ofsted chief inspector, gives his first major speech since taking up the post.9am: Sir Michael Wilshaw, the new Ofsted chief inspector, gives his first major speech since taking up the post.
9.30am: The Leveson inquiry resumes. Today's witnesses include Sir Paul McCartney's ex-wife Heather Mills, the Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre, publicist Max Clifford, and former News of the World head of news Ian Edmondson.9.30am: The Leveson inquiry resumes. Today's witnesses include Sir Paul McCartney's ex-wife Heather Mills, the Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre, publicist Max Clifford, and former News of the World head of news Ian Edmondson.
12.15pm: Jeremy Hunt, the culture secretary, launches four-year VisitBritain global advertising campaign.12.15pm: Jeremy Hunt, the culture secretary, launches four-year VisitBritain global advertising campaign.
3pm: Lady Royall, the Labour leader in the Lords, delivers a speech to the Centre for Opposition Studies. As Patrick Wintour reports today, she told the Guardian in an interview that getting Cameron's chances of getting his next legislative programme through the Lords later this year are "zero to slim" if he presses ahead with a bill introducing an elected second chamber.3pm: Lady Royall, the Labour leader in the Lords, delivers a speech to the Centre for Opposition Studies. As Patrick Wintour reports today, she told the Guardian in an interview that getting Cameron's chances of getting his next legislative programme through the Lords later this year are "zero to slim" if he presses ahead with a bill introducing an elected second chamber.
Ed Miliband is also making a speech on "fairness in tough times" today, but it's at 6pm, which will be out of my time.Ed Miliband is also making a speech on "fairness in tough times" today, but it's at 6pm, which will be out of my time.
As usual, I'll be covering all the breaking political news, as well as looking at the papers and bringing you the best politics from the web. I'll post a summary at lunchtime and another at around 4pm.As usual, I'll be covering all the breaking political news, as well as looking at the papers and bringing you the best politics from the web. I'll post a summary at lunchtime and another at around 4pm.
If you want to follow me on Twitter, I'm on @AndrewSparrow.If you want to follow me on Twitter, I'm on @AndrewSparrow.
And if you're a hardcore fan, you can follow @gdnpoliticslive. It's an automated feed that tweets the start of every new post that I put on the blog.And if you're a hardcore fan, you can follow @gdnpoliticslive. It's an automated feed that tweets the start of every new post that I put on the blog.