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Politics live blog: MPs debate health bill Politics live blog: MPs debate health bill
(about 1 hour later)
1.45pm: Here's a lunchtime summary.
• Rebekah Brooks, the former News International chief executive, and her husband Charlie Brooks, a longstanding friend of David Cameron's, are among six people who have been arrested this morning as part of the phone hacking inquiry. They have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Mark Hanna, director of group security at News International, is also among the six suspects, a spokeswoman for the company said.
• Labour has announced that it will join forces with Lib Dem rebels in the Commons this afternoon and support an amendment that they have tabled saying they do not support the health bill. The amendment is going to get called by the Speaker so we are likely to see Labour MPs voting with the five Lib Dem MPs who have signed it: Andrew George, John Pugh, Adrian Sanders, Greg Mulholland and David Ward. This is what the motion, as amended by the Lib Dems, says:
That this House notes the e-petition signed by 170,000 people calling on the government to drop the health and social care bill; declines to support the bill in its current form; and calls for an urgent summit of the Royal Colleges, professional bodies, patients' organisations and the government to plan health reforms based on the coalition agreement.
This is no chance of Labour and the Lib Dem rebels winning when the vote takes place, at about 7.30pm, and the number of Lib Dem MPs voting against the government may turn out to be much the same as when Labour held a vote demanding the publication of the NHS risk register last month. But the politics of the move are interesting. In the past Labour have concentrated on condemning the Lib Dems for their supposed treachery. Now Andy Burnham seems to be adopting a "hug a Lib Dem" strategy. He praised them on Sunday for voting against Nick Clegg on the health and he is presenting today's move as an attempt to build an attempt to build a cross-party consensus. (See 10.59am.) As Nicholas Watt reports in the Guardian today, this coincides with Policy Network publishing a paper saying Labour should reach out to the Lib Dems if it wants to form a government after the election. You can read the full document here (pdf). And here's the key argument.

There is a compelling case for principled co-operation with progressive Liberal Democrats to fight for centre-left causes: maintaining Britain's role as a constructive partner in the European Union, and preventing the break-up of the United Kingdom. Making the case for co-operation in the Labour
party is hard given the drift of the Liberal Democrat leadership to the right on deficit reduction, tuition fees and the NHS. But that does not make it wrong ...
Even a much reduced vote for the Liberal Democrats may well leave them as a partner in the next government. Labour can either pretend that such a scenario is simply unimaginable, or it can begin to assess what a Coalition government of the centre-left might entail.
The move came as Clare Gerarda, chair of the Royal College of GPs, confirmed that she had written to David Cameron saying that she wanted to work with the government to "find a way through the tensions to achieve a better health service for our patients". In interviews this morning, she said this did not mean the RCGP was dropping its opposition to the bill. It was just that she recognised that, if the bill became law, GPs would have to implement the reforms.

• David Cameron in on the way to Washington for his three-day visit to President Obama. He left the UK jsut before 10am on board a chartered British Airways jet.

• Ed Vaizey, the culture minister, has told MPs that library services could be run be volunteers. Giving evidence to the Commons culture committee, he said: "If you said we are not going to have every library as a bells and whistles library staffed by professional librarians, you could have more libraries." Libraries run by volunteers could end up opening longer and providing books that are "more in tune" with local communities, he said. "We shouldn't let the best be the enemy of the good," he added.

I think libraries are very resilient. I don't think the library service is in crisis, which is what some people would like to give the impression of.
Vaizey's appearance at the committee coincided with a rally by campaigners fighting to protect library services. (See 12.37pm.)
• Two taxpayer-supported banks have been attacked for their "brutal" decision to cut 1,700 jobs. As the Press Association reports, Lloyds Banking Group is cutting 1,300 jobs, while Royal Bank of Scotland is axing 464 posts, unions were told. David Fleming, Unite national officer, said: "The announcement of 1,764 job cuts in these taxpayer-supported institutions today is truly brutal."
• Dick Fedorcio, the Scotland Yard communications chief, has told the Leveson inquiry that he let a News of the World reporter file a story from the Met press office.
• Ken Livingstone has said that he will offer grants worth up to £700 to low-income families to help them with the costs of childcare if elected London's mayor. A spokesman for the Boris Johnson campaign said: "Does anybody honestly think that at a time when public finances are so tight and every pound in every budget is being pored over to ensure it delivers real value for Londoners, that there is yet another pot of money that Ken Livingstone can dip into without him raising the cost of living for Londoners elsewhere?"

• The Department of Health has confirmed that pay will be frozen for NHS staff earning more than £21,000 for 2012-13. Staff earning less than that will get a pay rise of £250. The announcement came as the Treasury confirmed similar arrangements for other public sector workers. (See 12.22pm.)
• Four senior environmentalists have told David Cameron that his plans to build a new generation of nuclear power stations could hand control of British energy policy to the French.
• The Ministry of Defence is considering plans to install surface-to-air missiles in Blackheath and Shooters Hill during the Olympic Games, it has been revealed.
• Alan Johnson, the Labour former home secretary, has denied suggestions that the Home Office blocked an independent inquiry into the phone hacking affair in 2009. (See 9.30am.)
• Delegates from private security companies have been attending a "bidders' conference" on Tuesday for a £1.5bn contract to run a wide range of policing services in the West Midlands and Surrey.
12.37pm: A library rally is taking place today. It has been organised by Speak up for Libraries, a new alliance.12.37pm: A library rally is taking place today. It has been organised by Speak up for Libraries, a new alliance.
David Prentis, the Unison general secretary, issued this statement explaining why his union was supporting the alliance.David Prentis, the Unison general secretary, issued this statement explaining why his union was supporting the alliance.
Communities need libraries now more than ever before, but in their hour of need, drastic cuts to council budgets mean libraries are under serious threat. By speaking up for libraries, our alliance is sending the government a strong message that we will not take this threat to vital local services and to future generations lying down. The government will not get away with consigning libraries to the history books.Communities need libraries now more than ever before, but in their hour of need, drastic cuts to council budgets mean libraries are under serious threat. By speaking up for libraries, our alliance is sending the government a strong message that we will not take this threat to vital local services and to future generations lying down. The government will not get away with consigning libraries to the history books.
And, in a speech to the rally, Dan Jarvis (pictured), the shadow arts minister, described Ed Vaizey, the culture minister, as the "Dr Beeching of the libraries".And, in a speech to the rally, Dan Jarvis (pictured), the shadow arts minister, described Ed Vaizey, the culture minister, as the "Dr Beeching of the libraries".
It's a generation since Dr Richard Beeching published a report which led to the closure of a third of the UK rail network, in what was subsequently seen as an act of monumental short-sightedness.It's a generation since Dr Richard Beeching published a report which led to the closure of a third of the UK rail network, in what was subsequently seen as an act of monumental short-sightedness.
Today, the threat faced by our libraries may not yet be on quite the same scale - though with around 600 of them currently under threat, and hidden cutbacks in hours, staff and books undermining them from within, it is real enough.Today, the threat faced by our libraries may not yet be on quite the same scale - though with around 600 of them currently under threat, and hidden cutbacks in hours, staff and books undermining them from within, it is real enough.
But the greatest similarity to the 1960s is the lack of vision and the waste of opportunity. Ed Vaizey risks being remembered as the Dr Beeching of the libraries – a man who presided over the decline of what should have been one of our greatest assets.But the greatest similarity to the 1960s is the lack of vision and the waste of opportunity. Ed Vaizey risks being remembered as the Dr Beeching of the libraries – a man who presided over the decline of what should have been one of our greatest assets.
12.22pm: NHS pay is being frozen for the second year in a row for all staff apart from the low-paid, the goverment has announced.12.22pm: NHS pay is being frozen for the second year in a row for all staff apart from the low-paid, the goverment has announced.
This is what the Press Association have filed.This is what the Press Association have filed.
NHS workers earning less than £21,000 a year will receive a £250 rise next month, but the rest will have their pay frozen for a second year, the Government said today.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said he had accepted recommendations from the NHS pay review body, stressing the need for restraint in the current economic climate.
But unions attacked the announcement, saying health workers now face a second year without a pay rise, making it a "struggle" for them to make ends meet.
Lansley said: "NHS staff carry out a vital role in caring for the nation. Pay restraint is essential right across the public sector, and the NHS as the largest public service in the country cannot be exempt from that.
"That's why we are reducing spending on managers, cutting back office administration costs and giving more power to doctors and nurses so we can put patients at the heart of the NHS. Every penny saved from the reduction in management cost will be re-invested into frontline care.
"We made a commitment to protect those on low incomes, which is why I am pleased to confirm that lower-paid NHS staff earning £21,000 or less will receive a flat rate increase of £250 from April 1."
Brian Strutton, national officer of the GMB union, said: "A £250 pay rise for the lowest paid in the NHS is not enough to keep pace with the rising cost of living. All GMB members in the NHS will be struggling to make ends meet and this Government's pay restraint will lead to recruitment and retention problems across the health service and in our hospitals."		NHS workers earning less than £21,000 a year will receive a £250 rise next month, but the rest will have their pay frozen for a second year, the Government said today.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said he had accepted recommendations from the NHS pay review body, stressing the need for restraint in the current economic climate.
But unions attacked the announcement, saying health workers now face a second year without a pay rise, making it a "struggle" for them to make ends meet.
Lansley said: "NHS staff carry out a vital role in caring for the nation. Pay restraint is essential right across the public sector, and the NHS as the largest public service in the country cannot be exempt from that.
"That's why we are reducing spending on managers, cutting back office administration costs and giving more power to doctors and nurses so we can put patients at the heart of the NHS. Every penny saved from the reduction in management cost will be re-invested into frontline care.
"We made a commitment to protect those on low incomes, which is why I am pleased to confirm that lower-paid NHS staff earning £21,000 or less will receive a flat rate increase of £250 from April 1."
Brian Strutton, national officer of the GMB union, said: "A £250 pay rise for the lowest paid in the NHS is not enough to keep pace with the rising cost of living. All GMB members in the NHS will be struggling to make ends meet and this Government's pay restraint will lead to recruitment and retention problems across the health service and in our hospitals."
12.08pm: Our NHS health reforms live blog is up and running today. I'll be covering the opening of the Commons debate here, but the health blog will be covering all today's health bill developments in detail.12.08pm: Our NHS health reforms live blog is up and running today. I'll be covering the opening of the Commons debate here, but the health blog will be covering all today's health bill developments in detail.
In the Lords today's report stage debate is already underway. Various amendments are being debated, the most important of which may be one saying the parts of the bill dealing with competition and regulation should be delayed until 2016. Lady Thornton, a shadow health minister, has written a post on the Labour Lords blog explaining why the opposition are pushing this proposal.In the Lords today's report stage debate is already underway. Various amendments are being debated, the most important of which may be one saying the parts of the bill dealing with competition and regulation should be delayed until 2016. Lady Thornton, a shadow health minister, has written a post on the Labour Lords blog explaining why the opposition are pushing this proposal.
12.01pm: With David Cameron out of the country, tomorrow we're going to have Nick Clegg and Harriet Harman at PMQs. Harman obviously can't wait to get stuck in. She has just put out this statement.12.01pm: With David Cameron out of the country, tomorrow we're going to have Nick Clegg and Harriet Harman at PMQs. Harman obviously can't wait to get stuck in. She has just put out this statement.
The Liberal Democrats claim they are equal partners but you only need to look at who David Cameron has taken on his visit to America. While David Cameron, George Osborne and William Hague jet off on Air Force One, Nick Clegg gets left behind to deal with the disaster that is the health bill.The Liberal Democrats claim they are equal partners but you only need to look at who David Cameron has taken on his visit to America. While David Cameron, George Osborne and William Hague jet off on Air Force One, Nick Clegg gets left behind to deal with the disaster that is the health bill.
The Liberal Democrat leadership is no more than a prop to this out of touch Tory government.The Liberal Democrat leadership is no more than a prop to this out of touch Tory government.
11.45am: 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.11.45am: 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.
• James Chapman in the Daily Mail says a new poll shows that for the first time a majority of Britons want British troops withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately.• James Chapman in the Daily Mail says a new poll shows that for the first time a majority of Britons want British troops withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately.
The ComRes survey for ITV News last night found that almost three-quarters of Britons – 73 per cent – believe that the war in Afghanistan can't be won, up from 60 per cent last June.The ComRes survey for ITV News last night found that almost three-quarters of Britons – 73 per cent – believe that the war in Afghanistan can't be won, up from 60 per cent last June.
For the first time a majority – 55 per cent – think British troops should be withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately, with only 25 per cent disagreeing.For the first time a majority – 55 per cent – think British troops should be withdrawn from Afghanistan immediately, with only 25 per cent disagreeing.
• Gordon Rayner and Robert Winnett in the Daily Telegraph says David Cameron is "not particularly sympathetic" to the plight of the alleged arms dealer Christopher Tappin and does not intend to discuss his case during a meeting with President Obama.• Gordon Rayner and Robert Winnett in the Daily Telegraph says David Cameron is "not particularly sympathetic" to the plight of the alleged arms dealer Christopher Tappin and does not intend to discuss his case during a meeting with President Obama.
• Tim Bradshaw in the Financial Times (subscription) says the Wikipedia founder James Wales is going to advise Number 10.• Tim Bradshaw in the Financial Times (subscription) says the Wikipedia founder James Wales is going to advise Number 10.
Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, has been drafted in by Number 10 officials to advise the government on a new "crowdsourcing" approach to policymaking.Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, has been drafted in by Number 10 officials to advise the government on a new "crowdsourcing" approach to policymaking.
Work is expected to start before the end of next month when Mr Wales joins Whitehall meetings to ensure that new bills are shaped by the general public and not just lobbyists and interest groups.Work is expected to start before the end of next month when Mr Wales joins Whitehall meetings to ensure that new bills are shaped by the general public and not just lobbyists and interest groups.
"Mr Wales will act as an unpaid adviser to government to support its agenda to open up policy making to the public," said a Downing Street spokesman. "He will advise government on developing innovative new ways technology can be used to give the public a greater say in the policy making process.""Mr Wales will act as an unpaid adviser to government to support its agenda to open up policy making to the public," said a Downing Street spokesman. "He will advise government on developing innovative new ways technology can be used to give the public a greater say in the policy making process."
• Christopher Hope in the Daily Telegraph says internal emails and papers show that the government's commisison on a British Bill of Rights is fatally split.• Christopher Hope in the Daily Telegraph says internal emails and papers show that the government's commisison on a British Bill of Rights is fatally split.
The lack of agreement will make it difficult for the Prime Minister to persuade his Liberal Democrat colleagues to agree to a new British Bill of Rights when it reports back ...The lack of agreement will make it difficult for the Prime Minister to persuade his Liberal Democrat colleagues to agree to a new British Bill of Rights when it reports back ...
The leaked emails and papers reveal:The leaked emails and papers reveal:
The Commission could publish as many as three different reports from the chairman Sir Leigh Lewis and its different factions, allowing the Government to claim that it is split and so ignore its findings;The Commission could publish as many as three different reports from the chairman Sir Leigh Lewis and its different factions, allowing the Government to claim that it is split and so ignore its findings;
Sir Leigh, a former Whitehall mandarin who the papers disclose came close to quitting last week and last year, was criticised by one Conservative member Anthony Speaight QC as being "provocative and bullying", and trying to "pick us off one by one"Sir Leigh, a former Whitehall mandarin who the papers disclose came close to quitting last week and last year, was criticised by one Conservative member Anthony Speaight QC as being "provocative and bullying", and trying to "pick us off one by one"
Any new Bill of Rights law might only apply to England to avoid offending the Scots ahead of the key independence vote, likely in 2014;Any new Bill of Rights law might only apply to England to avoid offending the Scots ahead of the key independence vote, likely in 2014;
Ken Clarke, the Justice secretary, was warned by that allowing MPs to vote down unpopular decisions by the European Court was like a throwback to Nazi Germany, when a legislative assembly passed "many of its most objectionable laws".Ken Clarke, the Justice secretary, was warned by that allowing MPs to vote down unpopular decisions by the European Court was like a throwback to Nazi Germany, when a legislative assembly passed "many of its most objectionable laws".
• Steve Connor in the Independent says anti-smoking campaigners have questioned the independence of one fo David Cameron's advisers on red tape. • Steve Connor in the Independent says anti-smoking campaigners have questioned the independence of one of David Cameron's advisers on red tape.
Anti-smoking campaigners have voiced concerns that Mark Littlewood, the director of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), has been appointed as an "independent adviser" to the Government's Red Tape Challenge, which they believe might allow him to influence policy on plain cigarette packets.Anti-smoking campaigners have voiced concerns that Mark Littlewood, the director of the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), has been appointed as an "independent adviser" to the Government's Red Tape Challenge, which they believe might allow him to influence policy on plain cigarette packets.
Mr Littlewood is well known for his robust views on anti-smoking legislation and in the past his institute has received funding from the tobacco industry – although it refuses to say whether this is still the case.Mr Littlewood is well known for his robust views on anti-smoking legislation and in the past his institute has received funding from the tobacco industry – although it refuses to say whether this is still the case.
The All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health has asked Vince Cable, the Trade and Industry Minister, for reassurances that Mr Littlewood will not be advising on tobacco-related matters because of his "clear conflict of interest".The All Party Parliamentary Group on Smoking and Health has asked Vince Cable, the Trade and Industry Minister, for reassurances that Mr Littlewood will not be advising on tobacco-related matters because of his "clear conflict of interest".
11.39am: For the record, here are the YouGov GB polling figures from last night.11.39am: For the record, here are the YouGov GB polling figures from last night.
Labour: 42% (no change since YouGov in the Sunday Times on Sunday)
Conservatives: 37% (no change)
Lib Dems: 9% (no change)		Labour: 42% (no change since YouGov in the Sunday Times on Sunday)
Conservatives: 37% (no change)
Lib Dems: 9% (no change)
Labour lead: 5 pointsLabour lead: 5 points
Government approval: -27Government approval: -27
10.59am: Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, told BBC News that Labour was considering supporting the amendment to his health bill motion tabled by five Lib Dem MPs. (See 9.00am.) He also confirmed that Labour's strategy today was to try to find common ground with the Liberal Democrat party as a whole on this issue. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.10.59am: Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, told BBC News that Labour was considering supporting the amendment to his health bill motion tabled by five Lib Dem MPs. (See 9.00am.) He also confirmed that Labour's strategy today was to try to find common ground with the Liberal Democrat party as a whole on this issue. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.
I applaud the Lib Dem members who stood up for the NHS at the weekend in Gateshead, and that does give us a new opportunity to develop an agreement between Labour and the Liberal Democrats. So one of the tests of today is can that consensus emerge in the House? I think people outside, patients who depend on the NHS, staff who've devoted their lives to it, will be watching this debate today and willing that to happen ... I'm interested in an amendment that's been put down by a number of Liberal Democrats, and we're actively considering whether we could give that our support ... This is not about party politics; the NHS is way more important than that. People are looking to the parties to find common ground.I applaud the Lib Dem members who stood up for the NHS at the weekend in Gateshead, and that does give us a new opportunity to develop an agreement between Labour and the Liberal Democrats. So one of the tests of today is can that consensus emerge in the House? I think people outside, patients who depend on the NHS, staff who've devoted their lives to it, will be watching this debate today and willing that to happen ... I'm interested in an amendment that's been put down by a number of Liberal Democrats, and we're actively considering whether we could give that our support ... This is not about party politics; the NHS is way more important than that. People are looking to the parties to find common ground.
Although Labour are offering to support the Lib Dem amendment, there is no guarantee that it will actually be put to a vote.Although Labour are offering to support the Lib Dem amendment, there is no guarantee that it will actually be put to a vote.
10.30am: Here's the Metropolitan police press release about today's arrests in the phone hacking inquiry.10.30am: Here's the Metropolitan police press release about today's arrests in the phone hacking inquiry.
10.24am: Yesterday I posted an item about an attempt to amend the code of conduct for MPs to ensure that they could not be investigated by the parliamentary commissioner for standards for misconduct in their private lives. The debate took place out of my time, but in the comments RClayton has posted an update on what happened.10.24am: Yesterday I posted an item about an attempt to amend the code of conduct for MPs to ensure that they could not be investigated by the parliamentary commissioner for standards for misconduct in their private lives. The debate took place out of my time, but in the comments RClayton has posted an update on what happened.
Yesterday you previewed the debate on the Code of Conduct for MPs. In the end the House accepted without a division an amendment which says that:Yesterday you previewed the debate on the Code of Conduct for MPs. In the end the House accepted without a division an amendment which says that:
"the Commissioner may not investigate a specific matter under paragraph 16 which relates only to the conduct of a Member in their private and personal lives.""the Commissioner may not investigate a specific matter under paragraph 16 which relates only to the conduct of a Member in their private and personal lives."
On a earlier debate on the rules for elections to the Bankbench business Committee, the Leader and Shadow Leader were done over by practically every speaker; but carried the motion using the payroll vote (and also I think with a bit of help from the official opposition which didn't whip against the motion).On a earlier debate on the rules for elections to the Bankbench business Committee, the Leader and Shadow Leader were done over by practically every speaker; but carried the motion using the payroll vote (and also I think with a bit of help from the official opposition which didn't whip against the motion).
10.04am: Today's parliamentary debates on the health bill haven't started, but already there is a lot of comment around.10.04am: Today's parliamentary debates on the health bill haven't started, but already there is a lot of comment around.
• Andrew Lansley (left) has defended his reforms. In a new article, he has defended his reforms in robust terms.• Andrew Lansley (left) has defended his reforms. In a new article, he has defended his reforms in robust terms.
Not reforming the NHS would have been a much easier decision for me as secretary of state to have taken. We could have just protected the NHS from cuts, put in an extra £12.5bn and left it there. But sooner or later the cracks would have started to show ...Not reforming the NHS would have been a much easier decision for me as secretary of state to have taken. We could have just protected the NHS from cuts, put in an extra £12.5bn and left it there. But sooner or later the cracks would have started to show ...
So frankly I don't care if I come out of this reform process under attack from the professions and the opposition. All I care about is that we avert that crisis and give the NHS the support it needs for the future.So frankly I don't care if I come out of this reform process under attack from the professions and the opposition. All I care about is that we avert that crisis and give the NHS the support it needs for the future.
I didn't go into politics because I wanted to win a popularity contest. I decided to work in public service because I want to help improve my country for future generations and that is what we are working to do.I didn't go into politics because I wanted to win a popularity contest. I decided to work in public service because I want to help improve my country for future generations and that is what we are working to do.

• John Pugh, one of the Lib Dem rebels who has signed an amendment declining to support the bill (see 9.00am), told BBC News the concerns about the legislation are growing.
• John Pugh, one of the Lib Dem rebels who has signed an amendment declining to support the bill (see 9.00am), told BBC News the concerns about the legislation are growing.
Strangely enough, a consensus is emerging, I think everybody, including the government, including whips, and even the people who voted for this legislation, now believe that this is a risky piece of legislation. It's a huge centralised risky piece of legislation and people are concerned not just simply about the framework of the legislation, the words, the act and so on. What they're concerned about is implementation, what's going to happen over the next year, because this story isn't going to go away whatever happens with the legislation.Strangely enough, a consensus is emerging, I think everybody, including the government, including whips, and even the people who voted for this legislation, now believe that this is a risky piece of legislation. It's a huge centralised risky piece of legislation and people are concerned not just simply about the framework of the legislation, the words, the act and so on. What they're concerned about is implementation, what's going to happen over the next year, because this story isn't going to go away whatever happens with the legislation.
• Simon Burns, the health minister, told the BBC that he welcomed the more conciliatory tone adopted by the Royal College of GPs in its letter to David Cameron. (See 9.00am.)• Simon Burns, the health minister, told the BBC that he welcomed the more conciliatory tone adopted by the Royal College of GPs in its letter to David Cameron. (See 9.00am.)
All of us have the same total commitment to the NHS and allowing it to be able to evolve for the benefit of patients, that's the important thing, and if Clare Gerada is going to take this mature attitude, I welcome it.All of us have the same total commitment to the NHS and allowing it to be able to evolve for the benefit of patients, that's the important thing, and if Clare Gerada is going to take this mature attitude, I welcome it.
9.50am: In the Guardian today Jill Treanor reports on the latest figures for the number of women on FTSE 100 boards. The government has welcomed the fact that the numbers are going up although, as Jill reports, 11 of those 100 companies still do not have any female directors.9.50am: In the Guardian today Jill Treanor reports on the latest figures for the number of women on FTSE 100 boards. The government has welcomed the fact that the numbers are going up although, as Jill reports, 11 of those 100 companies still do not have any female directors.
Theresa May (left), the home secretary and minister for women, has taken the "glass half full" approach. This is what she said about the figures.Theresa May (left), the home secretary and minister for women, has taken the "glass half full" approach. This is what she said about the figures.
I'm delighted by this unprecedented progress. While there's still much to be done, today we should celebrate just how far we have come. It is particularly encouraging that this progress has been led by businesses.I'm delighted by this unprecedented progress. While there's still much to be done, today we should celebrate just how far we have come. It is particularly encouraging that this progress has been led by businesses.
At the launch of the report this morning, May said that the figures showed that the government was right to resist imposing quotas. And she claimed that, in the number of women on FTSE 100 boards continued to rise at this rate, Britain would meet the 25% target set by Lord Davies for 2015 when he published a review on this for the government.At the launch of the report this morning, May said that the figures showed that the government was right to resist imposing quotas. And she claimed that, in the number of women on FTSE 100 boards continued to rise at this rate, Britain would meet the 25% target set by Lord Davies for 2015 when he published a review on this for the government.
As today's reports shows, significant progress can be made through a business-led approach. Yes, it's hard work, and, yes, progress sometimes isn't as quick as we all might like. But, as a woman, I've never wanted to get anywhere because I was part of a quota. I've wanted to get there because I'd worked hard for a job and because I deserved it ... If such strong progress continues, then by 2015 the percentage of women on the boards of our top firms could more than double, outstripping even Lord Davies' ambitious target.As today's reports shows, significant progress can be made through a business-led approach. Yes, it's hard work, and, yes, progress sometimes isn't as quick as we all might like. But, as a woman, I've never wanted to get anywhere because I was part of a quota. I've wanted to get there because I'd worked hard for a job and because I deserved it ... If such strong progress continues, then by 2015 the percentage of women on the boards of our top firms could more than double, outstripping even Lord Davies' ambitious target.
9.30am: Alan Johnson (left), the former Labour home secretary and health secretary, was on Radio 5 Live this morning, talking about the health bill and phone hacking. PoliticsHome were monitoring. Here are the key points.9.30am: Alan Johnson (left), the former Labour home secretary and health secretary, was on Radio 5 Live this morning, talking about the health bill and phone hacking. PoliticsHome were monitoring. Here are the key points.
• Alan Johnson denied suggestions that the Home Office blocked an independent inquiry into the phone hacking affair in 2009. At the Leveson inquiry yesterday Sir Denis O'Connor, the chief inspector of police, said that the Home Office had "no appetite" for Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) to carry out an investigation. But, when Johnson was asked if he had said at the time that an investigation was unnecessary, he denied it.• Alan Johnson denied suggestions that the Home Office blocked an independent inquiry into the phone hacking affair in 2009. At the Leveson inquiry yesterday Sir Denis O'Connor, the chief inspector of police, said that the Home Office had "no appetite" for Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) to carry out an investigation. But, when Johnson was asked if he had said at the time that an investigation was unnecessary, he denied it.
That's absolutely wrong and I don't think Denis actually said that and if he did I will take it up with Denis. I asked whether the HMIC could do any independent inquiry in 2009 when the Gordon Taylor story came out. The advice I received is that they were up for it, but there were serious problems with how stretched they were with a number of big inquiries and it was an issue about the capacity they had to take it on.That's absolutely wrong and I don't think Denis actually said that and if he did I will take it up with Denis. I asked whether the HMIC could do any independent inquiry in 2009 when the Gordon Taylor story came out. The advice I received is that they were up for it, but there were serious problems with how stretched they were with a number of big inquiries and it was an issue about the capacity they had to take it on.


• Johnson said he did not think David Cameron or Andrew Lansley were anti-NHS.

• Johnson said he did not think David Cameron or Andrew Lansley were anti-NHS.
I've never thought that David Cameron is anti-NHS, I've never incidentally thought that Andrew Lansley is anti-NHS. The problem comes in the issue of the reorganisation ... They are introducing a top-down reorganisation and, because everything's been thrown in the air, and incidentally will be up in the air for a long time, this Spaghetti Junction of commissioning groups now, the NHS just can't deal with the real challenges it faces because it's mired in this reorganisation. That's the real problem with this bill.I've never thought that David Cameron is anti-NHS, I've never incidentally thought that Andrew Lansley is anti-NHS. The problem comes in the issue of the reorganisation ... They are introducing a top-down reorganisation and, because everything's been thrown in the air, and incidentally will be up in the air for a long time, this Spaghetti Junction of commissioning groups now, the NHS just can't deal with the real challenges it faces because it's mired in this reorganisation. That's the real problem with this bill.


• He said the bill would hinder NHS reform. "I don't oppose this bill because it reforms the NHS," he said. "I oppose this bill because it actually hinders the reform of the NHS."

• He said the bill would hinder NHS reform. "I don't oppose this bill because it reforms the NHS," he said. "I oppose this bill because it actually hinders the reform of the NHS."
9.00am: We've got another day of battle on the health bill. The Independent is splashing on a story headlined "Doctors give up fight with Government over NHS reforms". But Labour are still fighting. There's another report stage debate in the Lords and this afternoon MPs will debate a Labour motion saying the bill should be dropped.9.00am: We've got another day of battle on the health bill. The Independent is splashing on a story headlined "Doctors give up fight with Government over NHS reforms". But Labour are still fighting. There's another report stage debate in the Lords and this afternoon MPs will debate a Labour motion saying the bill should be dropped.
The Indie story is based on a letter that Clare Gerada, the chair of the Royal College of GPs, has written to David Cameron saying that the RCGP and the government should "find a way through the tensions". Gerada has been touring the broadcasting studios this morning saying that this does not mean that the RCGP is running up the white flag. She's just trying to be practical.The Indie story is based on a letter that Clare Gerada, the chair of the Royal College of GPs, has written to David Cameron saying that the RCGP and the government should "find a way through the tensions". Gerada has been touring the broadcasting studios this morning saying that this does not mean that the RCGP is running up the white flag. She's just trying to be practical.

The Royal College of GPs are still asking for this flawed bill to be withdrawn. We think this bill will cause irreversible damage to the NHS. But nevertheless, come what may, we're doctors and whatever happens, we have to work with the government and the Department of Health to make whatever happens work.
The Royal College of GPs are still asking for this flawed bill to be withdrawn. We think this bill will cause irreversible damage to the NHS. But nevertheless, come what may, we're doctors and whatever happens, we have to work with the government and the Department of Health to make whatever happens work.
And Labour are trying to be practical too. They have drafted their opposition day motion in a way that is designed to attract as much support as possible. This is what it actually says.And Labour are trying to be practical too. They have drafted their opposition day motion in a way that is designed to attract as much support as possible. This is what it actually says.
That this House notes the e-petition signed by 170,000 people calling on the government to drop the health and social care bill; and declines to support the bill in its current form.That this House notes the e-petition signed by 170,000 people calling on the government to drop the health and social care bill; and declines to support the bill in its current form.
In theory the entire Lib Dem parliamentary party should vote for this, because, following the vote at the Lib Dem spring conference on Sunday, not supporting the bill seem to be the party's official policy. But parliament doesn't work like that, not least because MPs are reluctant to vote with their opponents on declaratory motions of this kind that don't make law. Five Lib Dem MPs - Andrew George, John Pugh, Adrian Sanders, Greg Mulholland and David Ward - have tabled an amendment of their own saying that they also don't support the bill "in its current form" but, beyond that, we are not likely to see a wholesale Lib Dem rebellion.In theory the entire Lib Dem parliamentary party should vote for this, because, following the vote at the Lib Dem spring conference on Sunday, not supporting the bill seem to be the party's official policy. But parliament doesn't work like that, not least because MPs are reluctant to vote with their opponents on declaratory motions of this kind that don't make law. Five Lib Dem MPs - Andrew George, John Pugh, Adrian Sanders, Greg Mulholland and David Ward - have tabled an amendment of their own saying that they also don't support the bill "in its current form" but, beyond that, we are not likely to see a wholesale Lib Dem rebellion.
Here's the full agenda for the day.Here's the full agenda for the day.
9am: The cabinet meets.9am: The cabinet meets.
10am: Scotland Yard press officers Dick Fedorcio and Sara Cheesley give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry.10am: Scotland Yard press officers Dick Fedorcio and Sara Cheesley give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry.
10.05am: Sir David Higgins, chief executive of Network Rail, gives evidence to the Commons transport committee.10.05am: Sir David Higgins, chief executive of Network Rail, gives evidence to the Commons transport committee.
10.30am: Ed Vaizey, the culture minister, gives evidence to the Commons culture committee on library closures.

After 11.30am: Peers resume their debate on the health bill.

12pm: Tom Winsor gives evidence to the Commons home affairs committee about his review of police pay and conditions.		10.30am: Ed Vaizey, the culture minister, gives evidence to the Commons culture committee on library closures.

After 11.30am: Peers resume their debate on the health bill.

12pm: Tom Winsor gives evidence to the Commons home affairs committee about his review of police pay and conditions.
2.30pm: Sir Nicolas Bratza, president of the European court of human rights, gives evidence to the joint committee on human rights.2.30pm: Sir Nicolas Bratza, president of the European court of human rights, gives evidence to the joint committee on human rights.
3.30pm: Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, makes a Commons statement on the Nigeria hostage deaths.

4pm: Lord Heseltine is awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool.		3.30pm: Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, makes a Commons statement on the Nigeria hostage deaths.

4pm: Lord Heseltine is awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool.
Around 4.30pm: MPs begin debating a Labour motion on the health bill.Around 4.30pm: MPs begin debating a Labour motion on the health bill.
At some point today Iain Duncan Smith, the work and pensions secretary, is launching a social justice strategy. As Patrick Wintour reports in the Guardian, he wants the City and local authorities to invest up to £10bn to prevent social breakdown in a public-private partnership.At some point today Iain Duncan Smith, the work and pensions secretary, is launching a social justice strategy. As Patrick Wintour reports in the Guardian, he wants the City and local authorities to invest up to £10bn to prevent social breakdown in a public-private partnership.
David Cameron is flying to Washington today. But, by the time he arrives, it will be out of my time.David Cameron is flying to Washington today. But, by the time he arrives, it 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 lunchtime summary at around 1pm and another in the afternoon.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 lunchtime summary at around 1pm and another in the afternoon.
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.