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Politics live blog: Monday 13 February Politics live blog: Monday 13 February
(about 1 hour later)
3.37pm: Here's some more reaction to the release of Abu Qatada.
From the Conservative MP Peter Bone
Send him back to Jordan and worry about the consequences of the European Court later. Other countries have done this in the past: Italy's done it, they put their national interests first. They put the interests of saving the lives of men, women, and children in Italy before the so called rights of an extremist terrorist and nothing really happened to Italy and I think we can take a leaf out of what the Italians did and we should act in that way. Send him home.
From Alan Johnson, the Labour former home secretary

Once you start ignoring judicial decisions, at whatever level, you are on the road to anarchy.
From Lord Carlile, the Lib Dem peer and former independent reviewer of terror legislation
This should all have been sorted out long ago – the European court of human rights seems to have accepted that a memorandum of understanding, reached with the government of Jordan, has integrity - I believe that to be right. So whatever is in that memorandum of understanding would have the same integrity. Therefore I believe that a guarantee by the Jordanians that at his retrial, Abu Qatada would not face evidence obtained by torture, would be well worth the paper it was written on.
3.20pm: Owen Smith, a shadow Treasury minister, has put out this statement about the government's review of public sector bonuses.

Labour has been arguing for months that we need to tackle the culture of excessive bonuses at the top that are paid regardless of performance. This is especially true when both private and public sector workers in the squeezed middle are facing pay restraint and being hit hard by tax rises and spending cuts that go too far and too fast.

But the government must be judged on its actions rather than its words. Last week they voted against Labour's motion on the bonus culture, greater transparency on top pay and the need for a new tax on bank bonuses to fund 100,000 jobs for young people. And George Osborne has not heeded Labour's call for public sector pay restraint to be delivered in a fair way, with tougher settlements at the top to give bigger pay rises to those on lower incomes.
2.21pm: The UKIP leader Nigel Farage (left) has also criticised the government for not doing enough to get Abu Qatada out of the UK.2.21pm: The UKIP leader Nigel Farage (left) has also criticised the government for not doing enough to get Abu Qatada out of the UK.
Downing Street can make all the noises it wishes about finding a way of removing Qatada from this country, but ultimately it is impotent and can do nothing. David Cameron is hamstrung by the European court of human rights on one side, and his coalition partners on the other. He would not dare defy either, so instead we have a man who is a real threat to national security being released from jail. It hardly sends a tough message to other preachers of hate or would-be terrorists around the world.Downing Street can make all the noises it wishes about finding a way of removing Qatada from this country, but ultimately it is impotent and can do nothing. David Cameron is hamstrung by the European court of human rights on one side, and his coalition partners on the other. He would not dare defy either, so instead we have a man who is a real threat to national security being released from jail. It hardly sends a tough message to other preachers of hate or would-be terrorists around the world.
2.07pm: Yvette Cooper (left), the shadow home secretary, has issued a statement blasting Theresa May for not doing enough to keep Abu Qatada locked up. Here's an extract.2.07pm: Yvette Cooper (left), the shadow home secretary, has issued a statement blasting Theresa May for not doing enough to keep Abu Qatada locked up. Here's an extract.
It is clear the government has not done all it can to stop Abu Qatada being released from high-security prison today.It is clear the government has not done all it can to stop Abu Qatada being released from high-security prison today.
As soon as the European court judgement was delivered a month ago now the government could have appealed the decision and begun urgent negotiations with the Jordanian government. Instead the government did nothing, leaving a judge to decide there was little progress being made in deporting Qatada and that bail was the only option.As soon as the European court judgement was delivered a month ago now the government could have appealed the decision and begun urgent negotiations with the Jordanian government. Instead the government did nothing, leaving a judge to decide there was little progress being made in deporting Qatada and that bail was the only option.
And still the Government have failed to appeal, while activity with the Jordanians seems restricted to belated calls from the PM and a trip to Jordan for James Brokenshire.And still the Government have failed to appeal, while activity with the Jordanians seems restricted to belated calls from the PM and a trip to Jordan for James Brokenshire.
1.58pm: If David Cameron has decided to gave in to Alex Salmond on the timing of the Scottish independence referendum (see 11.43am and 1.30am), no one seems to have told Michael Moore, the Scottish secretary. After his meeting with Alex Salmdon, Moore was still talking about his desire to to hold the referendum before autumn 2014.1.58pm: If David Cameron has decided to gave in to Alex Salmond on the timing of the Scottish independence referendum (see 11.43am and 1.30am), no one seems to have told Michael Moore, the Scottish secretary. After his meeting with Alex Salmdon, Moore was still talking about his desire to to hold the referendum before autumn 2014.
As far as the timing's concerned, I think it's self-evident common sense that the sooner we can resolve this, the better for the country as a whole. We want to ensure we minimise the economic uncertainty that comes from delaying this for the best part of three years.As far as the timing's concerned, I think it's self-evident common sense that the sooner we can resolve this, the better for the country as a whole. We want to ensure we minimise the economic uncertainty that comes from delaying this for the best part of three years.
So we've got officials who are going to work away to ensure that the process doesn't get in the way of an earlier referendum, but I think the balance of the argument across Scotland will also be that we want this sooner rather than later. I think that when people are asked the question about this, they don't quite understand why it has to take most of three years to get to this hugely important decision.So we've got officials who are going to work away to ensure that the process doesn't get in the way of an earlier referendum, but I think the balance of the argument across Scotland will also be that we want this sooner rather than later. I think that when people are asked the question about this, they don't quite understand why it has to take most of three years to get to this hugely important decision.
Salmond is meeting Cameron to discuss this later this week. But, according to PoliticsHome, Moore was also keen to stress that he was in charge when he gave interviews after his meeting with Salmond.Salmond is meeting Cameron to discuss this later this week. But, according to PoliticsHome, Moore was also keen to stress that he was in charge when he gave interviews after his meeting with Salmond.
The important point is the prime minister put me in charge of this process last spring. He tasked me to bring forward the referendum proposals – that's what I set out to parliament only a few weeks ago. And that's the reasons I'm here talking to the first minister here today. Of course it's right and proper the prime minister and the first minister will discuss a whole range of issues. But on this it's clear it's for me and the first minister to work through all the issues before us.The important point is the prime minister put me in charge of this process last spring. He tasked me to bring forward the referendum proposals – that's what I set out to parliament only a few weeks ago. And that's the reasons I'm here talking to the first minister here today. Of course it's right and proper the prime minister and the first minister will discuss a whole range of issues. But on this it's clear it's for me and the first minister to work through all the issues before us.
1.46pm: My colleague Alan Travis points out that Theresa May, the home secretary, seemed to rule out sending Abu Qatada back to Jordan in defiance of the European court of human rights in the Commons last week. This is what she said to the Tory MP Peter Bone when he urged her to put Qatada on a plane that night.1.46pm: My colleague Alan Travis points out that Theresa May, the home secretary, seemed to rule out sending Abu Qatada back to Jordan in defiance of the European court of human rights in the Commons last week. This is what she said to the Tory MP Peter Bone when he urged her to put Qatada on a plane that night.
I am always grateful for my honourable friend's contributions to these debates but as I have said, the right course for the government to take at this time is to pursue negotiations with the Jordanians to see whether we can receive the assurances that would enable us to deport Abu Qatada, at the same time as looking at our legal options.I am always grateful for my honourable friend's contributions to these debates but as I have said, the right course for the government to take at this time is to pursue negotiations with the Jordanians to see whether we can receive the assurances that would enable us to deport Abu Qatada, at the same time as looking at our legal options.
1.30pm: Here's a lunchtime summary.

• Abu Qatada, the radical Islamist cleric, is being released from released imminently from Long Lartin maximum security prison in Worcestershire. Downing Street said the government was still committed to sending him back to Jordan and refused to rule out deporting him in defiance of a ruling from the European court of human rights. (See 11.43am.)		1.30pm: Here's a lunchtime summary.

• Abu Qatada, the radical Islamist cleric, is being released from released imminently from Long Lartin maximum security prison in Worcestershire. Downing Street said the government was still committed to sending him back to Jordan and refused to rule out deporting him in defiance of a ruling from the European court of human rights. (See 11.43am.)
• Alex Salmond, Scotland's first minister, has indicated that the UK government has agreed to hold the independence referendum in the autumn of 2014. Speaking after a meeting with Michael Moore, the Scottish secretary, Salmond said that there were now only two main areas of disagreement between the UK government and the Scottish government. "I think there was some modest progress this morning but I suspect the key points of disagreement have been identified as [whether to have one question or two, as the SNP want, and whether to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote, as the SNP want]." At the morning lobby briefing Number 10 indicated that David Cameron would no longer object to the referendum being held in late 2014.• Alex Salmond, Scotland's first minister, has indicated that the UK government has agreed to hold the independence referendum in the autumn of 2014. Speaking after a meeting with Michael Moore, the Scottish secretary, Salmond said that there were now only two main areas of disagreement between the UK government and the Scottish government. "I think there was some modest progress this morning but I suspect the key points of disagreement have been identified as [whether to have one question or two, as the SNP want, and whether to allow 16 and 17-year-olds to vote, as the SNP want]." At the morning lobby briefing Number 10 indicated that David Cameron would no longer object to the referendum being held in late 2014.
Salmond also indicated that London and Edinburgh were now broadly agreed about the role of the Electoral Commission in the process.Salmond also indicated that London and Edinburgh were now broadly agreed about the role of the Electoral Commission in the process.
The role of the electoral commission was clarified today, and what has been suggested is no different to the role of the commissioner of the Westminster Parliament. If that is the case, I don't see any big disagreement there. That means in terms of the question, the government proposes, the commissioner advises and Parliament decides. That is what happens in Westminster. On that basis I don't think these are big issues.The role of the electoral commission was clarified today, and what has been suggested is no different to the role of the commissioner of the Westminster Parliament. If that is the case, I don't see any big disagreement there. That means in terms of the question, the government proposes, the commissioner advises and Parliament decides. That is what happens in Westminster. On that basis I don't think these are big issues.
Number 10 has also announced that Cameron will meet Salmond in Scotland on Thursday.Number 10 has also announced that Cameron will meet Salmond in Scotland on Thursday.
• Lady D'Souza, the Lord Speaker, has granted an urgent question in the Lords on the role of management consultants in the NHS. The question was tabled by Lady Royall, the Labour leader in the Lords, and it seems to relate to yesterday's revelations in the Mail on Sunday about McKinsey and Company and the NHS.• Lady D'Souza, the Lord Speaker, has granted an urgent question in the Lords on the role of management consultants in the NHS. The question was tabled by Lady Royall, the Labour leader in the Lords, and it seems to relate to yesterday's revelations in the Mail on Sunday about McKinsey and Company and the NHS.
• A YouGov poll has put Boris Johnson narrowly ahead of Ken Livingstone in the London mayoral contest, by 51% to 49% once second preferences are taken into account. Previously Livingstone was narrowly ahead.• A YouGov poll has put Boris Johnson narrowly ahead of Ken Livingstone in the London mayoral contest, by 51% to 49% once second preferences are taken into account. Previously Livingstone was narrowly ahead.
• The Bank of England has said that bank lending to businesses contracted by £9.6bn in 2011 and that the banks missed their target for lending to small businesses. Chris Leslie, a Labour Treasury spokesman, said the figures showed that Project Merlin, the deal that was supposed to increase lending, was a failure.• The Bank of England has said that bank lending to businesses contracted by £9.6bn in 2011 and that the banks missed their target for lending to small businesses. Chris Leslie, a Labour Treasury spokesman, said the figures showed that Project Merlin, the deal that was supposed to increase lending, was a failure.
After a year it's now clear that George Osborne's backroom deal with the banks has been a total failure. It's been a good deal for the banks, but a bad deal for small businesses and taxpayers. Last year David Cameron boasted that he was going to get £10bn more lending for small businesses. But as the Bank of England is tellingly pointing out today, net lending to businesses has fallen by almost £10bn in the last year. And even Project Merlin's weak targets on lending to small businesses, which the Bank of England is raising question marks over the reliability of, have been missed.After a year it's now clear that George Osborne's backroom deal with the banks has been a total failure. It's been a good deal for the banks, but a bad deal for small businesses and taxpayers. Last year David Cameron boasted that he was going to get £10bn more lending for small businesses. But as the Bank of England is tellingly pointing out today, net lending to businesses has fallen by almost £10bn in the last year. And even Project Merlin's weak targets on lending to small businesses, which the Bank of England is raising question marks over the reliability of, have been missed.
But Number 10 has defended Project Merlin. (See 11.43am.)But Number 10 has defended Project Merlin. (See 11.43am.)
• Nick Clegg has said that Andrew Lansley should stay as health secretary. Lansley was "the right man for the job", Clegg said this morning. Yesterday Simon Hughes, the Lib Dem deputy leader, said Lansley should be replaced after the health bill becomes law.• Nick Clegg has said that Andrew Lansley should stay as health secretary. Lansley was "the right man for the job", Clegg said this morning. Yesterday Simon Hughes, the Lib Dem deputy leader, said Lansley should be replaced after the health bill becomes law.
• Clegg has urged businesses to support the government's £1bn Youth Contract employment scheme. • Clegg has urged businesses to support the government's £1bn Youth Contract employment scheme.
• John Prescott, the Labour former deputy prime minister, has said that elected police commissioners should be able to interfer with operational decisions made by the police. The Home Office says they shouldn't. Prescott is standing for election as a police commissioner in Humberside. (See 9.16am.)• John Prescott, the Labour former deputy prime minister, has said that elected police commissioners should be able to interfer with operational decisions made by the police. The Home Office says they shouldn't. Prescott is standing for election as a police commissioner in Humberside. (See 9.16am.)
• A judge has said that Kenneth Clarke, the justice secretary, acted unlawfully when applying rules which allow women prisoners to be temporarily released to spend time at home with their children. As the Press Association reports, Mrs Justice Lang said Clarke misinterpreted policy, acted in a way which was incompatible with human rights legislation and "fettered his discretion" by applying a blanket policy without considering individual circumstances of prisoners. The judge ruled against Clarke at a High Court hearing in London after two women prisoners challenged decisions not to allow them to take "childcare resettlement leave". She ordered that decisions taken about the two women, who were not identified, must be reconsidered. Lawyers representing Clarke were given seven days to consider an appeal application.• A judge has said that Kenneth Clarke, the justice secretary, acted unlawfully when applying rules which allow women prisoners to be temporarily released to spend time at home with their children. As the Press Association reports, Mrs Justice Lang said Clarke misinterpreted policy, acted in a way which was incompatible with human rights legislation and "fettered his discretion" by applying a blanket policy without considering individual circumstances of prisoners. The judge ruled against Clarke at a High Court hearing in London after two women prisoners challenged decisions not to allow them to take "childcare resettlement leave". She ordered that decisions taken about the two women, who were not identified, must be reconsidered. Lawyers representing Clarke were given seven days to consider an appeal application.
• Ministers have launched a review of bonus arrangements across the entire public sector. "The idea is to look at the levers government has to make sure that the remuneration rules are fit for purpose and command public confidence," Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury, said.• Ministers have launched a review of bonus arrangements across the entire public sector. "The idea is to look at the levers government has to make sure that the remuneration rules are fit for purpose and command public confidence," Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury, said.
12.49pm: The Daily Mail's Tim Shipman has just posted an intriguing tweet with more about the government's stance on the timing of the Scottish independence referendum. (See 11.43am.)12.49pm: The Daily Mail's Tim Shipman has just posted an intriguing tweet with more about the government's stance on the timing of the Scottish independence referendum. (See 11.43am.)
Seems to be standoff over Scottish referendum date. Govt ready to cave but only in exchange for single question and no under 18s votingSeems to be standoff over Scottish referendum date. Govt ready to cave but only in exchange for single question and no under 18s voting
11.43am: Today's Number 10 lobby briefing was unusually productive. Here are the key points.11.43am: Today's Number 10 lobby briefing was unusually productive. Here are the key points.
• Number 10 refused to rule out sending Abu Qatada back to Jordan in defiance of the European Court of Human Rights. "We are very clear that we want to remove Abu Qatada from this country at the earliest opportunity," the spokesman said. "We are looking at all the options." When it was put to him that he was not ruling out just ignoring the ECHR and sending Qatada to back Jordan without the assurance the court has requested about Qatada not being prosecuted on the basis of evidence obtained by torture, the spokesman replied: "I'm just not going to get into details about how we are going to go about this."• Number 10 refused to rule out sending Abu Qatada back to Jordan in defiance of the European Court of Human Rights. "We are very clear that we want to remove Abu Qatada from this country at the earliest opportunity," the spokesman said. "We are looking at all the options." When it was put to him that he was not ruling out just ignoring the ECHR and sending Qatada to back Jordan without the assurance the court has requested about Qatada not being prosecuted on the basis of evidence obtained by torture, the spokesman replied: "I'm just not going to get into details about how we are going to go about this."
• Downing Street hinted that David Cameron now accepts that the referendum on Scottish independence will be held in the autumn of 2014. Last month Cameron said that he wanted it to be held soon to end the "uncertainty" about Scotland's future, and earlier this month Nick Clegg said it should be held "as rapidly as possible". But today, when asked whether Cameron agreed with Alex Salmond's claim that there was a "broad agreement" that the poll should be held in late 2014, the spokesman kept saying that this was a matter for consultation instead of stressing the arguments for an early referendum that Cameron was using a few weeks ago. When a journalist suggested that the government had "given in" to the SNP, the spokesman just that he could not be expected to comment on the outcome of a consultation that was still going on.• Downing Street hinted that David Cameron now accepts that the referendum on Scottish independence will be held in the autumn of 2014. Last month Cameron said that he wanted it to be held soon to end the "uncertainty" about Scotland's future, and earlier this month Nick Clegg said it should be held "as rapidly as possible". But today, when asked whether Cameron agreed with Alex Salmond's claim that there was a "broad agreement" that the poll should be held in late 2014, the spokesman kept saying that this was a matter for consultation instead of stressing the arguments for an early referendum that Cameron was using a few weeks ago. When a journalist suggested that the government had "given in" to the SNP, the spokesman just that he could not be expected to comment on the outcome of a consultation that was still going on.
(Incidentally, Salmond is wrong about there being a "broad agreement" about 2014 being the right date. According to this YouGov poll [pdf], 38% of Scots think it should be in 2012 or 2013 and only 33% of them think it should be in 2014.)

• Number 10 played down suggestions that the police investigation into News International was threatening press freedom. (This is a claim made by Trevor Kavanagh in the Sun today.) "The prime minister has always been very clear that we want to see in this country a robust, independent press that challenges the government," the spokesman said. The police investigation was taking place in the light of "widespread concern" about press behaviour. When asked (by the Sun) if the number of officers being deployed was disproportionate, the spokesman said: "It is for the police to decide how they deploy police officers."		(Incidentally, Salmond is wrong about there being a "broad agreement" about 2014 being the right date. According to this YouGov poll [pdf], 38% of Scots think it should be in 2012 or 2013 and only 33% of them think it should be in 2014.)

• Number 10 played down suggestions that the police investigation into News International was threatening press freedom. (This is a claim made by Trevor Kavanagh in the Sun today.) "The prime minister has always been very clear that we want to see in this country a robust, independent press that challenges the government," the spokesman said. The police investigation was taking place in the light of "widespread concern" about press behaviour. When asked (by the Sun) if the number of officers being deployed was disproportionate, the spokesman said: "It is for the police to decide how they deploy police officers."
• Downing Street hinted that Cameron would make a fresh attempt to win public support for the health bill. "He is very committed to reforming and modernising the health service," the spokesman said. "I would expect him to be out in the coming weeks and months explaining why we need to do that." Asked if Cameron agreed with Simon Hughes that it would be a good idea to move Andrew Lansley, the spokesman said: "That's not an issue for Simon Hughes."• Downing Street hinted that Cameron would make a fresh attempt to win public support for the health bill. "He is very committed to reforming and modernising the health service," the spokesman said. "I would expect him to be out in the coming weeks and months explaining why we need to do that." Asked if Cameron agreed with Simon Hughes that it would be a good idea to move Andrew Lansley, the spokesman said: "That's not an issue for Simon Hughes."
• Downing Street played down the prospect of Cameron trying to stop Vince Cable, the business secretary, appointing Professor Les Ebdon as head of the Office for Fair Access. This is currently a point of division within the coalition. But, when the spokesman was asked if Cameron would try to veto Ebdon's appointment, the spokesman said: "That's an appointment for the secretary of state for business ... I believe that's what the legislation says."• Downing Street played down the prospect of Cameron trying to stop Vince Cable, the business secretary, appointing Professor Les Ebdon as head of the Office for Fair Access. This is currently a point of division within the coalition. But, when the spokesman was asked if Cameron would try to veto Ebdon's appointment, the spokesman said: "That's an appointment for the secretary of state for business ... I believe that's what the legislation says."
• Number 10 played down the prospect bonus arrangements being changed retrospectively for public sector executives as a result of the review being carried out by the Treasury and the Cabinet Office. The spokesman did not not have much to add to the details released earlier this morning. But, when asked if this initiative would lead to contracts guaranteeing bonuses being "ripped up", the spokesman replied: "I would not say ripped up. We have to abide by the law." That implies existing contracts will be honoured, although I suppose public sector "fat cats" could be invited to forgo bonuses voluntarily.• Number 10 played down the prospect bonus arrangements being changed retrospectively for public sector executives as a result of the review being carried out by the Treasury and the Cabinet Office. The spokesman did not not have much to add to the details released earlier this morning. But, when asked if this initiative would lead to contracts guaranteeing bonuses being "ripped up", the spokesman replied: "I would not say ripped up. We have to abide by the law." That implies existing contracts will be honoured, although I suppose public sector "fat cats" could be invited to forgo bonuses voluntarily.
• Downing Street defended Project Merlin even though today's figures show that the banks have narrowly missed their target for lending to small businesses. (See 9.50am.)• Downing Street defended Project Merlin even though today's figures show that the banks have narrowly missed their target for lending to small businesses. (See 9.50am.)
What the figures show is that after a weak start to the year, the banks have met their targets in the final three quarters of 2011. Lending to business was up 20% on the previous year. Lending to small business was up 13% compared with the previous year.What the figures show is that after a weak start to the year, the banks have met their targets in the final three quarters of 2011. Lending to business was up 20% on the previous year. Lending to small business was up 13% compared with the previous year.
11.39am: I'm just back from the lobby. Number 10 aren't ruling out sending Abu Qatada to Jordan in defiance of the European Court of Human Rights. And it sounds as if the government has caved in on holding the Scottish independence referendum in the autumn of 2014. I'll post a full summary in a moment.11.39am: I'm just back from the lobby. Number 10 aren't ruling out sending Abu Qatada to Jordan in defiance of the European Court of Human Rights. And it sounds as if the government has caved in on holding the Scottish independence referendum in the autumn of 2014. I'll post a full summary in a moment.
10.54am: I'm off to the Number 10 lobby briefing. I'll post again after 11.30am.10.54am: I'm off to the Number 10 lobby briefing. I'll post again after 11.30am.
10.48am: Here are some more lending figures, relating to mortgages. This is from the Press Association.10.48am: Here are some more lending figures, relating to mortgages. This is from the Press Association.
A scramble to get on the property ladder before the end of a duty concession has sparked a 7% jump in loans to first-time buyers, lenders said today.
The withdrawal of the two-year amnesty on stamp duty for first-time buyers purchasing homes worth between £125,000 and £250,000 happens on March 24, fuelling expectations of a rush of purchases before then.
The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) said this appeared to be the case after figures today showed its members advanced 18,700 loans worth £2.3bn to potential new homeowners in December, up 7% and 10% respectively on November.
The overall number of loans for home purchase was 2% lower on the previous month at 28,700, but the CML said there was an increase in overall lending last year for the first time since 2007, when the financial crisis struck.		A scramble to get on the property ladder before the end of a duty concession has sparked a 7% jump in loans to first-time buyers, lenders said today.
The withdrawal of the two-year amnesty on stamp duty for first-time buyers purchasing homes worth between £125,000 and £250,000 happens on March 24, fuelling expectations of a rush of purchases before then.
The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) said this appeared to be the case after figures today showed its members advanced 18,700 loans worth £2.3bn to potential new homeowners in December, up 7% and 10% respectively on November.
The overall number of loans for home purchase was 2% lower on the previous month at 28,700, but the CML said there was an increase in overall lending last year for the first time since 2007, when the financial crisis struck.
10.38am: 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.10.38am: 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, I've already covered Trevor Kavanagh's outburst about the supposed "witch-hunt" against the Sun (see 8.30am) and the Prescott interview in the Independent (see 9.16am). Here are some other stories that are particularly interesting.As for the rest of the papers, I've already covered Trevor Kavanagh's outburst about the supposed "witch-hunt" against the Sun (see 8.30am) and the Prescott interview in the Independent (see 9.16am). Here are some other stories that are particularly interesting.
• Robert Winnett and James Kirkup in the Daily Telegraph say the government will impose new restrictions on the bonuses in the public sector.• Robert Winnett and James Kirkup in the Daily Telegraph say the government will impose new restrictions on the bonuses in the public sector.

Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office minister, and Danny Alexander, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, have written to all government departments asking them to review their bonus structures.
Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office minister, and Danny Alexander, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, have written to all government departments asking them to review their bonus structures.
In future, bonuses should only be paid for "genuine excellence" and not "run-of-the-mill performance" after it emerged that up to a quarter of officials automatically qualified for rewards.In future, bonuses should only be paid for "genuine excellence" and not "run-of-the-mill performance" after it emerged that up to a quarter of officials automatically qualified for rewards.
Mr Alexander told The Daily Telegraph that the review would ensure that there was no suggestion of "rewards for failure" in publicly-funded bodies.Mr Alexander told The Daily Telegraph that the review would ensure that there was no suggestion of "rewards for failure" in publicly-funded bodies.
"The idea is to look at the levers government has, to make sure that the remuneration rules are fit for purpose and command public confidence," he said."The idea is to look at the levers government has, to make sure that the remuneration rules are fit for purpose and command public confidence," he said.
"This is not about getting rid of performance pay. It is about making sure that performance pay is there for genuine excellence and not just run-of-the-mill performance.""This is not about getting rid of performance pay. It is about making sure that performance pay is there for genuine excellence and not just run-of-the-mill performance."


• Daniel Martin and James Clayton in the Daily Mail say the number of pensioners dying from hypothermia has doubled in five years.

• Daniel Martin and James Clayton in the Daily Mail say the number of pensioners dying from hypothermia has doubled in five years.
The number of pensioners dying from hypothermia has nearly doubled in five years, a period when a succession of cold winters has been coupled with drastic rises in energy bills.The number of pensioners dying from hypothermia has nearly doubled in five years, a period when a succession of cold winters has been coupled with drastic rises in energy bills.
The official figures emerged after several days of Arctic conditions which drove temperatures across the whole country as low as minus 10C (14F).The official figures emerged after several days of Arctic conditions which drove temperatures across the whole country as low as minus 10C (14F).
They showed that 1,876 patients were treated in hospital for hypothermia in 2010/11, up from 950 in 2006/07.They showed that 1,876 patients were treated in hospital for hypothermia in 2010/11, up from 950 in 2006/07.
The number of sufferers who died within 30 days of admission shot up from 135 to 260.The number of sufferers who died within 30 days of admission shot up from 135 to 260.
Three-quarters of victims were pensioners, with cases soaring among the over-60s more than any other age group.Three-quarters of victims were pensioners, with cases soaring among the over-60s more than any other age group.
• Sam Coates and Richard Ford in the Times (paywall) say spin doctors have been ordered to produce three "positive" Olympic games-related stories every day for nearly three months.• Sam Coates and Richard Ford in the Times (paywall) say spin doctors have been ordered to produce three "positive" Olympic games-related stories every day for nearly three months.
Even the Scotland Office has been drafted in to the massive cross-government effort, preparing press releases on how Scottish companies and tourism will benefit from the event taking place 400 miles away.Even the Scotland Office has been drafted in to the massive cross-government effort, preparing press releases on how Scottish companies and tourism will benefit from the event taking place 400 miles away.
Godric Smith, a former spokesman for Tony Blair, has been brought in to oversee the production of news stories so that they can begin daily Olympic-themed announcements from May 18, when the torch arrives in Liverpool from Greece.Godric Smith, a former spokesman for Tony Blair, has been brought in to oversee the production of news stories so that they can begin daily Olympic-themed announcements from May 18, when the torch arrives in Liverpool from Greece.
This period until the closing ceremony on August 12 has been dubbed "Games Time" inside Whitehall. Departments were informed of the requirement to generate Olympic-related news in a letter sent by Mr Smith in the past fortnight.This period until the closing ceremony on August 12 has been dubbed "Games Time" inside Whitehall. Departments were informed of the requirement to generate Olympic-related news in a letter sent by Mr Smith in the past fortnight.
Insiders said that the Government was desperate to capitalise on any political credit for the Games. However, this risks undermining the broad political consensus behind the event, and opponents are warning of "retaliation" if Mr Cameron and Boris Johnson, the Conservative Mayor of London, hog the limelight.Insiders said that the Government was desperate to capitalise on any political credit for the Games. However, this risks undermining the broad political consensus behind the event, and opponents are warning of "retaliation" if Mr Cameron and Boris Johnson, the Conservative Mayor of London, hog the limelight.
• George Parker in the Financial Times (subscription) says Tony Blair has told Labour MPs that the party needs to stick to the centre ground.• George Parker in the Financial Times (subscription) says Tony Blair has told Labour MPs that the party needs to stick to the centre ground.
Almost five years after stepping down as prime minister, last week's meeting with MPs is a sign that Mr Blair is ready to re-engage in domestic British politics and to deploy his experience in helping Labour return to power.Almost five years after stepping down as prime minister, last week's meeting with MPs is a sign that Mr Blair is ready to re-engage in domestic British politics and to deploy his experience in helping Labour return to power.
But Mr Blair's audience with seven Labour MPs at his Grosvenor Square headquarters is likely to be seen by some as an attempt to steer Ed Miliband on to New Labour territory and away from his crusade against "predatory" capitalism and City excess.But Mr Blair's audience with seven Labour MPs at his Grosvenor Square headquarters is likely to be seen by some as an attempt to steer Ed Miliband on to New Labour territory and away from his crusade against "predatory" capitalism and City excess.
One MP at the meeting said: "Blair said we have to be credible with business. We can't go into the next election without the support of a single CEO from a big company, as we did at the last election.One MP at the meeting said: "Blair said we have to be credible with business. We can't go into the next election without the support of a single CEO from a big company, as we did at the last election.
"He also believes that if you want to win, you have to be convincingly in the centre ground. This is someone who has won three elections: you can't do that if you don't have a strategic brain.""He also believes that if you want to win, you have to be convincingly in the centre ground. This is someone who has won three elections: you can't do that if you don't have a strategic brain."
10.13am: David Mundell (left), the Scotland Office minister, told BBC Scotland this morning that we should not expect too much out of today's meeting between Alex Salmond and Michael Moore.10.13am: David Mundell (left), the Scotland Office minister, told BBC Scotland this morning that we should not expect too much out of today's meeting between Alex Salmond and Michael Moore.
Today's meeting is likely to be the first in a series of meetings. We shouldn't expect to have a definitive position emerging from today's meeting. We certainly wouldn't have a definitive position emerging from any meeting this week between the prime minister and Mr Salmond. The Scotland Office and the Scottish government will be the vehicle for reaching that agreement.Today's meeting is likely to be the first in a series of meetings. We shouldn't expect to have a definitive position emerging from today's meeting. We certainly wouldn't have a definitive position emerging from any meeting this week between the prime minister and Mr Salmond. The Scotland Office and the Scottish government will be the vehicle for reaching that agreement.
9.50am: Under Project Merlin, the banks were supposed to lend £76bn to small and medium-sized businesses in 2011. According to the figures just released by the Bank of England, they only lent £74.9bn.9.50am: Under Project Merlin, the banks were supposed to lend £76bn to small and medium-sized businesses in 2011. According to the figures just released by the Bank of England, they only lent £74.9bn.
9.44am: Abu Qatada will be released from jail this week. But, according to the Press Association, he won't be allowed to do the school run.9.44am: Abu Qatada will be released from jail this week. But, according to the Press Association, he won't be allowed to do the school run.
A radical cleric described as Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe will be banned from taking his youngest child to school when he is released from prison, sources said today.
Abu Qatada, who will be released from a maximum security prison this week while he fights deportation to Jordan, will not be allowed out of his home during school opening and closing times.
Under the terms of his release, Qatada, who Home Secretary Theresa May has said poses a real threat to the UK's national security, must obey a 22-hour curfew and will be kept in during the school run, sources said.		A radical cleric described as Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe will be banned from taking his youngest child to school when he is released from prison, sources said today.
Abu Qatada, who will be released from a maximum security prison this week while he fights deportation to Jordan, will not be allowed out of his home during school opening and closing times.
Under the terms of his release, Qatada, who Home Secretary Theresa May has said poses a real threat to the UK's national security, must obey a 22-hour curfew and will be kept in during the school run, sources said.
9.16am: I'll post a full paper round-up later, but Oliver Wright's interview with John Prescott in the Independent is worth a special mention because it's such good copy.9.16am: I'll post a full paper round-up later, but Oliver Wright's interview with John Prescott in the Independent is worth a special mention because it's such good copy.
Here are the key points.Here are the key points.
• Prescott defended the right of politicians to interfer with operational decisions being made by the police. This is important. Prescott gave the interview because he's campaigning for election as Humberside's police commissioner. Elected police commissioners are supposed to hold chief constables to account. But they are not supposed to get involved in operational policing matters. As the Home Office explains on its website, "the statutory protocol sets out the roles and responsibilities of the PCC [police and crime commissioner], chief constable, Home Office, police and crime panel ... and makes clear that operational independence of the police will be safeguarded."• Prescott defended the right of politicians to interfer with operational decisions being made by the police. This is important. Prescott gave the interview because he's campaigning for election as Humberside's police commissioner. Elected police commissioners are supposed to hold chief constables to account. But they are not supposed to get involved in operational policing matters. As the Home Office explains on its website, "the statutory protocol sets out the roles and responsibilities of the PCC [police and crime commissioner], chief constable, Home Office, police and crime panel ... and makes clear that operational independence of the police will be safeguarded."
But Prescott said he did not accept this.But Prescott said he did not accept this.
The police always argue that [many things they do] are a matter of operations and politicians should not be involved. Well, I'm afraid I have a big argument with that.The police always argue that [many things they do] are a matter of operations and politicians should not be involved. Well, I'm afraid I have a big argument with that.
To back his case, he described what happened when the police conducted a terror raid in Forest Gate in East London in 2006.To back his case, he described what happened when the police conducted a terror raid in Forest Gate in East London in 2006.
At one stage the police were going to turn out all the residents of the street at 2am in the morning. John Reid was the home secretary and I was working with him. Andy Hayman, who was in charge, wanted to turn them out and I said to John Reid – no, you can't do that.At one stage the police were going to turn out all the residents of the street at 2am in the morning. John Reid was the home secretary and I was working with him. Andy Hayman, who was in charge, wanted to turn them out and I said to John Reid – no, you can't do that.
He said: 'John, it's operational'. I said sod operational, there are political considerations here. Turning out a street of Asians at 2am with the allegations of a gas plot and we don't know what the evidence is for that. I am not against the police running the organisation, but there are times someone should just say: Hang on I don't think that's right. Convince me about it.He said: 'John, it's operational'. I said sod operational, there are political considerations here. Turning out a street of Asians at 2am with the allegations of a gas plot and we don't know what the evidence is for that. I am not against the police running the organisation, but there are times someone should just say: Hang on I don't think that's right. Convince me about it.
In that case, as we now know, one person was shot and was eventually found quite innocent.In that case, as we now know, one person was shot and was eventually found quite innocent.

Sir Hugh Orde, the president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, won't be happy. Yesterday, in an interview on Sky, he repeated his promise to resign if the creation of elected police commissioners led to the operational independence of chief constables being criticised.
Sir Hugh Orde, the president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, won't be happy. Yesterday, in an interview on Sky, he repeated his promise to resign if the creation of elected police commissioners led to the operational independence of chief constables being criticised.
• Prescott said he always thought the Metropolitian police were "questionable".• Prescott said he always thought the Metropolitian police were "questionable".
Twenty years ago, I remember looking at how many police officers retired from the Met – for obviously very funny reasons. And they kept their pensions and nobody ever got sacked. We've been through four or five commissioners who said they were going to change that and nothing's happened.Twenty years ago, I remember looking at how many police officers retired from the Met – for obviously very funny reasons. And they kept their pensions and nobody ever got sacked. We've been through four or five commissioners who said they were going to change that and nothing's happened.
He made it clear that he had much more respect for police forces outside London.He made it clear that he had much more respect for police forces outside London.
• He claimed that he was badly let down by Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson after the News of the World discovered that his wife Pauline had given a son up for adoption when she was young.• He claimed that he was badly let down by Rebekah Brooks and Andy Coulson after the News of the World discovered that his wife Pauline had given a son up for adoption when she was young.
The press had heard about it and went looking for him. They found him. He was a Lieutenant Colonel up in Scotland, and they knocked on the door and said, 'We're printing the story about who your mother is'. I had to say to Rebekah Brooks [then editing the News of the World]: 'Look, let them get together first'.The press had heard about it and went looking for him. They found him. He was a Lieutenant Colonel up in Scotland, and they knocked on the door and said, 'We're printing the story about who your mother is'. I had to say to Rebekah Brooks [then editing the News of the World]: 'Look, let them get together first'.
But then [Brooks] moved to become editor of The Sun and Andy Coulson took over. She tried to take the exclusive with her. Les Hinton [chief executive of News International] had to call them both in.But then [Brooks] moved to become editor of The Sun and Andy Coulson took over. She tried to take the exclusive with her. Les Hinton [chief executive of News International] had to call them both in.
He decided that one paper could have the photographs and one paper could have the interview. But then Coulson went and found photographs of my wife's son dressed as a woman in a kind of army show – suggesting he was kind of gay. You know these two bastards are employed by the same Murdoch operation.He decided that one paper could have the photographs and one paper could have the interview. But then Coulson went and found photographs of my wife's son dressed as a woman in a kind of army show – suggesting he was kind of gay. You know these two bastards are employed by the same Murdoch operation.
8.56am: The CBI has published its latest economic predictions today. It is saying that Britain will avoid a double-dip recession although, as the BBC reports, other economic surveys out today are more negative.8.56am: The CBI has published its latest economic predictions today. It is saying that Britain will avoid a double-dip recession although, as the BBC reports, other economic surveys out today are more negative.
John Cridland (left), the CBI director general, was talking about this on the Today programme earlier. According to PoliticsHome, he stressed that the signs of growth were "very tentative".John Cridland (left), the CBI director general, was talking about this on the Today programme earlier. According to PoliticsHome, he stressed that the signs of growth were "very tentative".
CBI member companies are just beginning to see the storm cloud that's hit us over the winter slightly move over, so business investment is picking up a little bit, and export growth is picking up a little bit because things are going well elsewhere in the world outside of Europe. For those on the high street, for the avoidance of doubt, CBI companies in leisure and retail, that's not getting better, because the domestic consumer is still constrained.CBI member companies are just beginning to see the storm cloud that's hit us over the winter slightly move over, so business investment is picking up a little bit, and export growth is picking up a little bit because things are going well elsewhere in the world outside of Europe. For those on the high street, for the avoidance of doubt, CBI companies in leisure and retail, that's not getting better, because the domestic consumer is still constrained.
I want to stress these signs of restarting of growth are very tentative, but all the evidence now I think is, in our latest forecast, that the worst moment was in October, not in December. So we're just seeing the first tentative signs of a turn.I want to stress these signs of restarting of growth are very tentative, but all the evidence now I think is, in our latest forecast, that the worst moment was in October, not in December. So we're just seeing the first tentative signs of a turn.
8.30am: The Commons is not sitting today. That's a shame, because it would be nice to have culture questions and find out what MPs find out about the latest arrests at the Sun. In the Sun Trevor Kavanagh, the paper's former political editor, says that the paper is the victim of a "witch-hunt" that has put Britain behind ex-Soviet states in terms of press freedom.8.30am: The Commons is not sitting today. That's a shame, because it would be nice to have culture questions and find out what MPs find out about the latest arrests at the Sun. In the Sun Trevor Kavanagh, the paper's former political editor, says that the paper is the victim of a "witch-hunt" that has put Britain behind ex-Soviet states in terms of press freedom.
The Sun is not a "swamp" that needs draining.The Sun is not a "swamp" that needs draining.
Nor are those other great News International titles, The Times and The Sunday Times.Nor are those other great News International titles, The Times and The Sunday Times.
Yet in what would at any other time cause uproar in Parliament and among civil liberty and human rights campaigners, its journalists are being treated like members of an organised crime gang.Yet in what would at any other time cause uproar in Parliament and among civil liberty and human rights campaigners, its journalists are being treated like members of an organised crime gang.
They are subjects of the biggest police operation in British criminal history — bigger even than the Pan Am Lockerbie murder probe ...They are subjects of the biggest police operation in British criminal history — bigger even than the Pan Am Lockerbie murder probe ...
Under the draconian terms of police bail, many journalists are barred from speaking to each other. They are treated like threats to national security. And there is no end in sight to their ordeal.Under the draconian terms of police bail, many journalists are barred from speaking to each other. They are treated like threats to national security. And there is no end in sight to their ordeal.
Their alleged crimes? To act as journalists have acted on all newspapers through the ages, unearthing stories that shape our lives, often obstructed by those who prefer to operate behind closed doors.Their alleged crimes? To act as journalists have acted on all newspapers through the ages, unearthing stories that shape our lives, often obstructed by those who prefer to operate behind closed doors.
These stories sometimes involve whistleblowers. Sometimes money changes hands. This has been standard procedure as long as newspapers have existed, here and abroad.These stories sometimes involve whistleblowers. Sometimes money changes hands. This has been standard procedure as long as newspapers have existed, here and abroad.

In the Guardian we've got an editorial expressing a different view.
In the Guardian we've got an editorial expressing a different view.
As police arrested five more Sun journalists in connection with the possible corruption of public officials at the weekend, there were inevitably voices asking whether, on the tail of the closure of the Sun's sister paper, there was now a wholesale witch-hunt against tabloid journalism in general.As police arrested five more Sun journalists in connection with the possible corruption of public officials at the weekend, there were inevitably voices asking whether, on the tail of the closure of the Sun's sister paper, there was now a wholesale witch-hunt against tabloid journalism in general.
There is no evidence that the police, the courts or Lord Justice Leveson have any such thing in mind. Saturday's arrests appear to have been provoked by information handed to the police by News Corporation itself, as part of the company's belated attempt to understand, and deal with, the systemic failings within the company that have been laid bare in civil proceedings. Only last month Rupert Murdoch's company accepted, for the purpose of assessing damages, that News Group Newspapers – which published his two British tabloids – had engaged in lying, obstruction, criminal intrusion and the destruction of evidence. Getting to the bottom of what happened while the company had lost its ethical compass is legally and morally necessary – though fraught with the difficulties inherently involved in co-operating with the authorities while protecting journalistic sources.There is no evidence that the police, the courts or Lord Justice Leveson have any such thing in mind. Saturday's arrests appear to have been provoked by information handed to the police by News Corporation itself, as part of the company's belated attempt to understand, and deal with, the systemic failings within the company that have been laid bare in civil proceedings. Only last month Rupert Murdoch's company accepted, for the purpose of assessing damages, that News Group Newspapers – which published his two British tabloids – had engaged in lying, obstruction, criminal intrusion and the destruction of evidence. Getting to the bottom of what happened while the company had lost its ethical compass is legally and morally necessary – though fraught with the difficulties inherently involved in co-operating with the authorities while protecting journalistic sources.

If there's any more political reaction to this throught the day, I'll be reporting it here.
If there's any more political reaction to this throught the day, I'll be reporting it here.
Although the Commons is having a mini-recess (because it's half-term week), the Lords is sitting. Here's the agenda for the day (such as it is).Although the Commons is having a mini-recess (because it's half-term week), the Lords is sitting. Here's the agenda for the day (such as it is).
9.30am: The Bank of England publishes figures showing whether the banks have met their Project Merlin lending targets.9.30am: The Bank of England publishes figures showing whether the banks have met their Project Merlin lending targets.
9.30am: Alex Salmond, Scotland's first minister, and Michael Moore, the Scottish secretary, meet in Edinburgh to discuss the devolution referendum. As the Guardian reports, the Scottish government indicated before the meeting that it would not compromise on its plan to hold the poll in the autumn of 2014.9.30am: Alex Salmond, Scotland's first minister, and Michael Moore, the Scottish secretary, meet in Edinburgh to discuss the devolution referendum. As the Guardian reports, the Scottish government indicated before the meeting that it would not compromise on its plan to hold the poll in the autumn of 2014.
Around 3pm: Peers resume their debate on the health bill. We'll be covering the debate on our health bill live blog.Around 3pm: Peers resume their debate on the health bill. We'll be covering the debate on our health bill live blog.
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 around 1pm 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 around 1pm 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.