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Politics live blog: Monday 20 February 2012 Politics live blog: Monday 20 February 2012
(40 minutes later)
11.38am: I'm just back from the Number 10 lobby briefing. Downing Street are very defensive about today's NHS summit, with the prime minister's spokesman repeatedly describing it as just one of many meetings being held on the subject. I'll post a full summary shortly.
10.55am: I'm interviewing the Unite general secretary Len McCluskey tomorrow. If you'd like to suggest some questions, please do post them on this "what do you want to ask" blog.10.55am: I'm interviewing the Unite general secretary Len McCluskey tomorrow. If you'd like to suggest some questions, please do post them on this "what do you want to ask" blog.
I'm off to the lobby briefing now. I'll post again after 11.30am.I'm off to the lobby briefing now. I'll post again after 11.30am.
10.46am: 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.10.46am: 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 some stories that are particularly interesting.As for the rest of the papers, here are some stories that are particularly interesting.
• Sam Greenhill and Daniel Martin in the Daily Mail say David Cameron is facing demands to suspend his "back to work" tsar Emma Harrison after police launched a fraud inquiry.
• Sam Greenhill and Daniel Martin in the Daily Mail say David Cameron is facing demands to suspend his "back to work" tsar Emma Harrison after police launched a fraud inquiry.
A senior MP will today table a parliamentary question asking if he will block the A4e company's contracts.A senior MP will today table a parliamentary question asking if he will block the A4e company's contracts.
Mrs Harrison, appointed to help problem families find jobs, caused uproar this month when it was revealed she had paid herself £8.6million of mainly taxpayers' cash.Mrs Harrison, appointed to help problem families find jobs, caused uproar this month when it was revealed she had paid herself £8.6million of mainly taxpayers' cash.
On Friday, detectives visited her company A4e's offices amid claims that it took funding for putting some clients back to work for only a day.On Friday, detectives visited her company A4e's offices amid claims that it took funding for putting some clients back to work for only a day.
Whitehall sources say ministers are demanding urgent reassurance there is no 'systematic fraud' designed to rip off the taxpayer.Whitehall sources say ministers are demanding urgent reassurance there is no 'systematic fraud' designed to rip off the taxpayer.
Margaret Hodge, chairman of the influential Public Accounts Committee, went further.Margaret Hodge, chairman of the influential Public Accounts Committee, went further.
She said she would be asking the Department of Work and Pensions 'whether, given the allegations of fraud, they will be suspending their contracts with A4e until this matter is resolved'.She said she would be asking the Department of Work and Pensions 'whether, given the allegations of fraud, they will be suspending their contracts with A4e until this matter is resolved'.
• Roland Watson in the Times (paywall) says rebel Tory MPs are threatening to block the government's legislative programme if it pushes ahead with its plans for Lords reform.• Roland Watson in the Times (paywall) says rebel Tory MPs are threatening to block the government's legislative programme if it pushes ahead with its plans for Lords reform.

A group of about 20 Tories has said that it is ready to go on strike, refusing to support any government Bill while doing everything possible to obstruct reform to the upper chamber.
A group of about 20 Tories has said that it is ready to go on strike, refusing to support any government Bill while doing everything possible to obstruct reform to the upper chamber.
Mr Clegg has received a separate warning from 15 Liberal Democrat peers that Lords reform, his party's constitutional priority, will "gum up completely" Parliament for at least a year.Mr Clegg has received a separate warning from 15 Liberal Democrat peers that Lords reform, his party's constitutional priority, will "gum up completely" Parliament for at least a year.
Peers from all parties have started a fighting fund to help them to campaign against an elected chamber.Peers from all parties have started a fighting fund to help them to campaign against an elected chamber.
The growing rebellion has forced ministers into making extraordinary contingency plans, including proposals to clear the Lords of any other business and looking to postpone for ten years the key question of what powers the new-look upper house should have ...The growing rebellion has forced ministers into making extraordinary contingency plans, including proposals to clear the Lords of any other business and looking to postpone for ten years the key question of what powers the new-look upper house should have ...
The Tory revolt centres on some 20 peers who have told Lord Strathclyde, the Tory leader of the Lords, that they would provide a road-block to reform.The Tory revolt centres on some 20 peers who have told Lord Strathclyde, the Tory leader of the Lords, that they would provide a road-block to reform.
It is understood that many others are considering their position. Peers estimate that the "critical mass" of rebels, at which point the Government would be in serious trouble, would be about 40. "If we got it to 60 it would all be over," said one ...It is understood that many others are considering their position. Peers estimate that the "critical mass" of rebels, at which point the Government would be in serious trouble, would be about 40. "If we got it to 60 it would all be over," said one ...
Tory diehards in the Lords could load up all government Bills with hundreds of amendments and refuse to give ground, as convention dictates, when the Commons returns the measures to peers. In theory, it could mean the Government failing to pass a single piece of legislation, and having to invoke the Parliament Act in the next session to override peers' objections.Tory diehards in the Lords could load up all government Bills with hundreds of amendments and refuse to give ground, as convention dictates, when the Commons returns the measures to peers. In theory, it could mean the Government failing to pass a single piece of legislation, and having to invoke the Parliament Act in the next session to override peers' objections.
• Sarah Neville in the Financial Times (subscription) says research being published today shows that competition within the NHS improves efficiency.• Sarah Neville in the Financial Times (subscription) says research being published today shows that competition within the NHS improves efficiency.
Contentious moves to stimulate competition in the health service have been bolstered by a groundbreaking study of 2m patients that shows forcing NHS hospitals to compete with one another saves money and improves efficiency.Contentious moves to stimulate competition in the health service have been bolstered by a groundbreaking study of 2m patients that shows forcing NHS hospitals to compete with one another saves money and improves efficiency.
Critics are likely to seize on separate findings in the report which show that letting public hospitals compete with the private sector does not produce the same positive effects ...Critics are likely to seize on separate findings in the report which show that letting public hospitals compete with the private sector does not produce the same positive effects ...
The LSE analysis suggests that competition between public sector hospitals, introduced by the Labour government from 2006, led to "moderate but statistically significant" reductions in patients' length of stay. "These seven to nine per cent gains would have produced non-trivial savings," the report concludes.The LSE analysis suggests that competition between public sector hospitals, introduced by the Labour government from 2006, led to "moderate but statistically significant" reductions in patients' length of stay. "These seven to nine per cent gains would have produced non-trivial savings," the report concludes.
Ensuring that people wait as short a time as possible before being taken to the operating theatre is an internationally recognised measure of an efficient hospital because it saves money and is safer for the patient.Ensuring that people wait as short a time as possible before being taken to the operating theatre is an internationally recognised measure of an efficient hospital because it saves money and is safer for the patient.
It was a different story after it was decided in 2008 to open up the market for NHS care by allowing patients to choose treatment in the private sector. A private hospital was allowed to reject severely ill patients if it lacked critical care facilities.It was a different story after it was decided in 2008 to open up the market for NHS care by allowing patients to choose treatment in the private sector. A private hospital was allowed to reject severely ill patients if it lacked critical care facilities.
Even adjusting for the more difficult mix of cases that NHS hospitals faced when younger and healthier patients opted for private treatment, length of stay increased at public hospitals that faced the most competition from the private sector. The researchers could find no single explanation for this.Even adjusting for the more difficult mix of cases that NHS hospitals faced when younger and healthier patients opted for private treatment, length of stay increased at public hospitals that faced the most competition from the private sector. The researchers could find no single explanation for this.
• Roland Watson and Billy Kenber in the Times (paywall) says a group of Tory MPs wants the government to make it easier for small firms to sack workers.• Roland Watson and Billy Kenber in the Times (paywall) says a group of Tory MPs wants the government to make it easier for small firms to sack workers.
The Free Enterprise group of Tory MPs is urging George Osborne to follow the example of Germany in exempting micro businesses from dismissal rules. The idea is included in a pamphlet extolling the measures Germany has taken to encourage flexible working and making it easier for mothers to go back to work.The Free Enterprise group of Tory MPs is urging George Osborne to follow the example of Germany in exempting micro businesses from dismissal rules. The idea is included in a pamphlet extolling the measures Germany has taken to encourage flexible working and making it easier for mothers to go back to work.


• Rowena Mason and James Kirkup in the Daily Telegraph say a group of Conservative MPs has described the coalition's plans for university admissions as a "direct assault" on the academic quality of higher education in Britain.

• Rowena Mason and James Kirkup in the Daily Telegraph say a group of Conservative MPs has described the coalition's plans for university admissions as a "direct assault" on the academic quality of higher education in Britain.
In an escalation of the Coalition row over admissions, a group of senior Conservatives says Liberal Democrat-driven plans to make universities take account of applicants backgrounds are tantamount to "social engineering".In an escalation of the Coalition row over admissions, a group of senior Conservatives says Liberal Democrat-driven plans to make universities take account of applicants backgrounds are tantamount to "social engineering".
The MPs demand a major overhaul of the admissions rules, including the abolition of the UCAS points system used to score the value of A-Levels and other qualifications.The MPs demand a major overhaul of the admissions rules, including the abolition of the UCAS points system used to score the value of A-Levels and other qualifications.
They also call for changes in the way state schools prepare children for university applications, and suggest a new system for using taxpayers' money to send the brightest children from poor homes to independent schools.They also call for changes in the way state schools prepare children for university applications, and suggest a new system for using taxpayers' money to send the brightest children from poor homes to independent schools.
The Fair Access to University Group (FAUG) of Conservatives is publishing its report on admissions to coincide with the controversial appointment of Professor Les Ebdon as head of the Office for Fair Access, the admissions watchdog.The Fair Access to University Group (FAUG) of Conservatives is publishing its report on admissions to coincide with the controversial appointment of Professor Les Ebdon as head of the Office for Fair Access, the admissions watchdog.
10.21am: Vince Cable, the business secretary, has today confirmed that Professor Les Ebdon will become the director of the Office for Fair Access, the university admissions regulator.10.21am: Vince Cable, the business secretary, has today confirmed that Professor Les Ebdon will become the director of the Office for Fair Access, the university admissions regulator.
10.08am: Our NHS reforms live blog is back in action today to cover the Number 10 summit. It has just launched.10.08am: Our NHS reforms live blog is back in action today to cover the Number 10 summit. It has just launched.
9.15am: And here are some more critical comments on today's NHS summit.9.15am: And here are some more critical comments on today's NHS summit.
From Andy Burnham (pictured), the shadow health secretaryFrom Andy Burnham (pictured), the shadow health secretary
The NHS matters too much to too many people for Mr Cameron to play what is a dangerous game of divide-and-rule. People have got strong and sincerely held views about what's happening to the NHS now and they deserve a hearing, they don't deserve to have the door of Number 10 shut in their faces.The NHS matters too much to too many people for Mr Cameron to play what is a dangerous game of divide-and-rule. People have got strong and sincerely held views about what's happening to the NHS now and they deserve a hearing, they don't deserve to have the door of Number 10 shut in their faces.
From Peter Carter, general secretary of the Royal College of NursingFrom Peter Carter, general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing
We are committed to work with the government even though we have huge reservations about this bill and we really don't think it's a very sensible way forward to have a meeting – it's been called an emergency summit – without involving many of the key organisation that are intrinsic to ensuring that the NHS is successful.We are committed to work with the government even though we have huge reservations about this bill and we really don't think it's a very sensible way forward to have a meeting – it's been called an emergency summit – without involving many of the key organisation that are intrinsic to ensuring that the NHS is successful.
When you say 'those that are opposed', let's be clear, these are the organisations that represent the vast majority of the people who work in the NHS. We have honestly held, sincere concerns about this bill. What we know is that this bill when it came to the Lords had hundreds of amendments, just a few weeks ago Earl Howe had to table another 130 amendments and this would indicate to us this is a piece of legislation that's not been properly thought through. In parallel with that the NHS is going through this huge challenge of trying to save £20bn. This is a costly set of reforms which the NHS we do not believe needs.When you say 'those that are opposed', let's be clear, these are the organisations that represent the vast majority of the people who work in the NHS. We have honestly held, sincere concerns about this bill. What we know is that this bill when it came to the Lords had hundreds of amendments, just a few weeks ago Earl Howe had to table another 130 amendments and this would indicate to us this is a piece of legislation that's not been properly thought through. In parallel with that the NHS is going through this huge challenge of trying to save £20bn. This is a costly set of reforms which the NHS we do not believe needs.
From Phi Gray, chief executive of the Chartered Society of PhysiotherapyFrom Phi Gray, chief executive of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
It is extremely concerning that many of the key professional bodies and healthcare organisations which will be expected to work with the changes that the Bill will bring, have been excluded from what is clearly a crucial meeting. If new legislation is to succeed it is vital that those raising concerns are listened to and it is disappointing to see that so many organisations are being shut out of the process.It is extremely concerning that many of the key professional bodies and healthcare organisations which will be expected to work with the changes that the Bill will bring, have been excluded from what is clearly a crucial meeting. If new legislation is to succeed it is vital that those raising concerns are listened to and it is disappointing to see that so many organisations are being shut out of the process.
9.04am: On Radio 5 Live this morning Jon Skewes, director of employment relations and development at Royal College of Midwives, said that representatives of only 5% of professionals in the NHS were being invited to the health summit. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.9.04am: On Radio 5 Live this morning Jon Skewes, director of employment relations and development at Royal College of Midwives, said that representatives of only 5% of professionals in the NHS were being invited to the health summit. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.
What's happening here is effectively that about 5% of professionals in the health service are being invited to this summit; the people who agree or possibly, a better way of putting it, haven't publicly disagreed with the government on this bill. Ninety five percent, including the Royal College of GPs, including ourselves, the nurses, pretty much most professions in the NHS, have disagreed fundamentally with this bill as it goes into the Lords now.What's happening here is effectively that about 5% of professionals in the health service are being invited to this summit; the people who agree or possibly, a better way of putting it, haven't publicly disagreed with the government on this bill. Ninety five percent, including the Royal College of GPs, including ourselves, the nurses, pretty much most professions in the NHS, have disagreed fundamentally with this bill as it goes into the Lords now.
8.40am: The health bill is back at the top of the news. David Cameron is hosting a health summit at Number 10 and, as the Guardian reports this morning, he has angered some in the health lobby by excluding organisations like the BMA and the Royal College of General Practitioners who are opposed to the bill. On the Today programme, after recovering from the shock of being introduced by Sarah Montague as a Liberal Democrat, the (Conservative) health minister Simon Burns said there was nothing unusual about this.8.40am: The health bill is back at the top of the news. David Cameron is hosting a health summit at Number 10 and, as the Guardian reports this morning, he has angered some in the health lobby by excluding organisations like the BMA and the Royal College of General Practitioners who are opposed to the bill. On the Today programme, after recovering from the shock of being introduced by Sarah Montague as a Liberal Democrat, the (Conservative) health minister Simon Burns said there was nothing unusual about this.
I don't think it's odd at all because this is part of an ongoing dialogue. We have had hundreds of meetings. There have been thousands of people involved in talking and looking into ways of improving and engaging on the health bill ... We are on this occasion meeting those organisations who are constructively engaged in implementing the modernisation.I don't think it's odd at all because this is part of an ongoing dialogue. We have had hundreds of meetings. There have been thousands of people involved in talking and looking into ways of improving and engaging on the health bill ... We are on this occasion meeting those organisations who are constructively engaged in implementing the modernisation.
I'm not sure what we're going to learn from it, but I'll be covering it anyway.I'm not sure what we're going to learn from it, but I'll be covering it anyway.
Here's the full diary for the day.Here's the full diary for the day.
10.30am: Public sector unions launch an appeal after losing their legal challenge to the government's decision to change the way pensions are uprated in line with inflation.10.30am: Public sector unions launch an appeal after losing their legal challenge to the government's decision to change the way pensions are uprated in line with inflation.
Afternoon: David Cameron hosts an NHS summit at Number 10. As Patrick Wintour reports, Cameron has triggered a row by excluding groups opposed to the health bill.

2pm: Ed Miliband holds a Q&A with staff and patients on a visit to Homerton University hospital in London		Afternoon: David Cameron hosts an NHS summit at Number 10. As Patrick Wintour reports, Cameron has triggered a row by excluding groups opposed to the health bill.

2pm: Ed Miliband holds a Q&A with staff and patients on a visit to Homerton University hospital in London
2.30pm: Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, takes questions in the Commons.2.30pm: Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, takes questions in the Commons.
3.30pm: MPs start debating a backbench motion tabled by the Tory MP John Baron saying "the use of force against Iran would be wholly counter-productive and would serve only to encourage any development of nuclear weapons".3.30pm: MPs start debating a backbench motion tabled by the Tory MP John Baron saying "the use of force against Iran would be wholly counter-productive and would serve only to encourage any development of nuclear weapons".
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.