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Politics live blog: MPs debate health bill and Queen addresses Parliament Politics live blog: MPs debate health bill and Queen addresses Parliament
(40 minutes later)
12.41pm: In the light of the comment I made at 11.01am, I thought it was worth posting this.
Just had a lovely conversation with HM The Queen in the Royal Gallery
— Conor Burns MP (@Conor_BurnsMP) March 20, 2012
Thankfully she won't be using Twitter to tell us all about the lovely conversation she's just had with Conor Burns.
12.38pm: Do read Michael White's blog about the Queen's Westminster Hall speech, which encompasses a short history of Britain's constitutional monarchy. Here's an extract.
Two hundred years ago someone said that "the Power of the Crown has increased, is increasing and ought to be diminished" – this was in regard to George III's fightback. You don't have to be a free-market rightwinger to know that the state will expand unless there's a permanent push-back.
In recent decades, the state has been pushed out of many activities by the Thatcherite counter-revolution, but it finds other ways to justify its existence, much of it admirable, some of it petty and pointless. MPs are there to sustain the government in its lawful activities – and to assert itself against being pushed around. It is enjoying a mild upswing at present.
Not that anyone mentioned it today. Let's celebrate that modest development and ignore Speaker Bercow's bid for tomorrow morning's headline with his "kaleidoscope queen" remark. Did I imagine it – or did Her Maj flinch at that one?
12.29pm: For the record, here are the two sets of polling figures around today.12.29pm: For the record, here are the two sets of polling figures around today.
ICM in the GuardianICM in the Guardian
Conservatives: 39% (up 3 points from ICM last month)
Labour: 36% (down 1)
Lib Dems: 15% (up 1)		Conservatives: 39% (up 3 points from ICM last month)
Labour: 36% (down 1)
Lib Dems: 15% (up 1)
Conservative lead: 3 points

YouGov for the Sun		Conservative lead: 3 points

YouGov for the Sun
Labour: 42% (up 2 points from YouGov in the Sunday Times)
Conservatives: 36% (up 2)
Lib Dems: 9% (no change)		Labour: 42% (up 2 points from YouGov in the Sunday Times)
Conservatives: 36% (up 2)
Lib Dems: 9% (no change)
Labour lead: 6 pointsLabour lead: 6 points
Government approval: -26
/> 		Government approval: -26
12.25pm: Unions have lost their court appeal against the government's decision to increase pensions in line with the CPI measure of inflation, instead of the more generous RPI measure.12.25pm: Unions have lost their court appeal against the government's decision to increase pensions in line with the CPI measure of inflation, instead of the more generous RPI measure.
12.23pm: Boris Johnson claims he will create 200,000 jobs in London over the next four years if re-elected mayor.12.23pm: Boris Johnson claims he will create 200,000 jobs in London over the next four years if re-elected mayor.
12.04pm: There's no health bill live blog today, but I'm doubling up and looking after the issue. It should be the last day of parliamentary debate before the bill get's Royal Assent.12.04pm: There's no health bill live blog today, but I'm doubling up and looking after the issue. It should be the last day of parliamentary debate before the bill get's Royal Assent.
In the comments michaelsylvain asks:In the comments michaelsylvain asks:
Anyone go to an NHS vigil last night? The whole passage of the Bill has been like a year-long period of preparatory mourning. Today, we get to watch the NHS's corpse get danced on by the very people that poisoned it.Anyone go to an NHS vigil last night? The whole passage of the Bill has been like a year-long period of preparatory mourning. Today, we get to watch the NHS's corpse get danced on by the very people that poisoned it.
I've not felt as angry, as helpless, or as empty of hope in a very long time.I've not felt as angry, as helpless, or as empty of hope in a very long time.
And he's had this reply, from RobertSnozers.And he's had this reply, from RobertSnozers.

I did, at Southampton guildhall square - there's a link to my photos near the top of page 1.
I did, at Southampton guildhall square - there's a link to my photos near the top of page 1.
There was a sort of 'open mic' affair at the vigil I went to where anyone who wanted to could take the conch shell, sorry megaphone and say what was on their mind. There was a lot of anger at the government, and a lot of sadness that we appear to be on the brink of throwing away one of the best things about this country. I found most moving the elderly lady who recalled a time before the NHS when her father was ill so a doctor was called out - the half crown he charged meant that the family had to go without food that day. Another gentleman spoke, whose father had been a doctor who had lobbied vociferously for a national health service, and then when it was founded, devoted his life to making it work.There was a sort of 'open mic' affair at the vigil I went to where anyone who wanted to could take the conch shell, sorry megaphone and say what was on their mind. There was a lot of anger at the government, and a lot of sadness that we appear to be on the brink of throwing away one of the best things about this country. I found most moving the elderly lady who recalled a time before the NHS when her father was ill so a doctor was called out - the half crown he charged meant that the family had to go without food that day. Another gentleman spoke, whose father had been a doctor who had lobbied vociferously for a national health service, and then when it was founded, devoted his life to making it work.
Like you, I feel a total emptiness that our not-quite-elected leaders would be cruel and selfish enough to inflict this on us, and that we let them do it.Like you, I feel a total emptiness that our not-quite-elected leaders would be cruel and selfish enough to inflict this on us, and that we let them do it.
11.56am: That's all over. Now, back to the health bill. This is from PoliticsHome's Paul Waugh.11.56am: That's all over. Now, back to the health bill. This is from PoliticsHome's Paul Waugh.
No.10 reveals there was 'banging of desks' as Cabinet told NHS Bill set to become law. "It was cross party banging".No.10 reveals there was 'banging of desks' as Cabinet told NHS Bill set to become law. "It was cross party banging".
— Paul Waugh (@paulwaugh) March 20, 2012— Paul Waugh (@paulwaugh) March 20, 2012
11.41am: Here's the text of Lady D'Souza's speech welcoming the Queen.
11.41am: Here's the text of Lady D'Souza's speech welcoming the Queen.
And here's the text of John Bercow's speech.
And here's the text of John Bercow's speech.
11.33am: Alex Salmond, Scotland's first minister, is on BBC News now talking about the Queen's speech. At the Silver Jubilee she used her speech in Westminster Hall to signal her commitment to the Union, and perhaps Salmond was lined up in case she did the same again today. But her speech was entirely uncontroversial, and Salmond is praising her. He says she will remain "Queen of Scots" if Scotland does get its independence.11.33am: Alex Salmond, Scotland's first minister, is on BBC News now talking about the Queen's speech. At the Silver Jubilee she used her speech in Westminster Hall to signal her commitment to the Union, and perhaps Salmond was lined up in case she did the same again today. But her speech was entirely uncontroversial, and Salmond is praising her. He says she will remain "Queen of Scots" if Scotland does get its independence.
11.29am: If Chris Byrant is right, then MPs and peers mucked up the national anthem.11.29am: If Chris Byrant is right, then MPs and peers mucked up the national anthem.
I think we were meant to sing then weren't we? Not sure what went wrong. Shame.I think we were meant to sing then weren't we? Not sure what went wrong. Shame.
— Chris Bryant (@ChrisBryantMP) March 20, 2012— Chris Bryant (@ChrisBryantMP) March 20, 2012
11.25am: The full text of the Queen's speech is now on the Buckingham Palace website.11.25am: The full text of the Queen's speech is now on the Buckingham Palace website.
The Queen has gone off to a reception in the Houses of Parliament. MPs and peers are filing out of Westminster Hall.The Queen has gone off to a reception in the Houses of Parliament. MPs and peers are filing out of Westminster Hall.
11.23am: According to Huw Edwards on the BBC, the Commons can't sit without the Mace. If Andy Burnham grabs it and does a runner, does that mean he can block the health bill?11.23am: According to Huw Edwards on the BBC, the Commons can't sit without the Mace. If Andy Burnham grabs it and does a runner, does that mean he can block the health bill?
11.20am: Now it's national anthem time. I wonder if she finds it all a bit embarrassing. You can imagine others rather enjoying hearing a song about themselves, but the Queen seems rather above all that.11.20am: Now it's national anthem time. I wonder if she finds it all a bit embarrassing. You can imagine others rather enjoying hearing a song about themselves, but the Queen seems rather above all that.
11.19am: D'Souza and Bercow are going back to the Queen. She is giving them copies of her response to the humble addresses they gave her.11.19am: D'Souza and Bercow are going back to the Queen. She is giving them copies of her response to the humble addresses they gave her.
11.19am: MPs and peers are now giving her a standing ovation.11.19am: MPs and peers are now giving her a standing ovation.
11.16am: The Queen says she hopes the Diamond Jubilee will allow people to come together.11.16am: The Queen says she hopes the Diamond Jubilee will allow people to come together.
She also wants to celebrate those who contribute through voluntary service.She also wants to celebrate those who contribute through voluntary service.
(So the Queen supports the Big Society?)(So the Queen supports the Big Society?)
And she pays tribute to the armed forces. Much has changed over 60 years. But the valour of the armed services "remains undimmed".And she pays tribute to the armed forces. Much has changed over 60 years. But the valour of the armed services "remains undimmed".
She says she has signed more than 3,500 bills into law.She says she has signed more than 3,500 bills into law.
She is very touched by the gift of the stained glass window. If it adds some colour to Westminster Hall, she will be pleased, she says.She is very touched by the gift of the stained glass window. If it adds some colour to Westminster Hall, she will be pleased, she says.
She is reminded of our national story. She is pleased to rededicate herself to her people, now and in the years to come.She is reminded of our national story. She is pleased to rededicate herself to her people, now and in the years to come.
11.13am: The Queen is speaking now.11.13am: The Queen is speaking now.
She says Parliament is a cornerstone of our national life.She says Parliament is a cornerstone of our national life.
She is reassured that she is only the second sovereign to celebrate a diamond jubilee.She is reassured that she is only the second sovereign to celebrate a diamond jubilee.
Many MPs and peers were present 10 years ago, when she addressed Parliament for her Golden Jubilee, and some will remember the Silver one.Many MPs and peers were present 10 years ago, when she addressed Parliament for her Golden Jubilee, and some will remember the Silver one.
She says she has had the privilege of dealing with 12 prime ministers.She says she has had the privilege of dealing with 12 prime ministers.
(This line gets a round of applause.)(This line gets a round of applause.)
Venerable old age can be a mighty guide. But it is not a prerequisite to success in public office, she says. She is pleased to see younger people here.Venerable old age can be a mighty guide. But it is not a prerequisite to success in public office, she says. She is pleased to see younger people here.
Prince Philip is well known for declining compliments, she says. But throught he has been a constant guide to her.Prince Philip is well known for declining compliments, she says. But throught he has been a constant guide to her.
She says her children and grandchildren are touring all the Commonwealth countries this year.She says her children and grandchildren are touring all the Commonwealth countries this year.
11.12am: The window is now being unveiled.11.12am: The window is now being unveiled.
I guess that means we can use the picture.I guess that means we can use the picture.
11.07am: Now it's John Bercow's turn. He says the "faithful Commons" are honoured to be here.11.07am: Now it's John Bercow's turn. He says the "faithful Commons" are honoured to be here.
They are pleased to have contribued to the jubilee window. It will remain in Westminster Hall.They are pleased to have contribued to the jubilee window. It will remain in Westminster Hall.
Time is better preserved in this historic place than human memory, he says.Time is better preserved in this historic place than human memory, he says.
Sixty years ago a new Elizabethan era was awaited with enthusiasm, tinged with uncertainty.Sixty years ago a new Elizabethan era was awaited with enthusiasm, tinged with uncertainty.
Bercow quotes Gandhi. If the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others, then the Queen must have found herself many times.Bercow quotes Gandhi. If the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others, then the Queen must have found herself many times.
The Queen has contributed continuity. Her "unique capacity" has been to hold together that which could have been torn asunder.The Queen has contributed continuity. Her "unique capacity" has been to hold together that which could have been torn asunder.
In many ways Britain is "bigger, brigher and better". People are equal under the law, regardless of how they look, how they live and how they love. (Good to see he's slipped in gay rights.) The Queen is a "Kaleidoscope Queen", he says.In many ways Britain is "bigger, brigher and better". People are equal under the law, regardless of how they look, how they live and how they love. (Good to see he's slipped in gay rights.) The Queen is a "Kaleidoscope Queen", he says.
(Did the Queen realise she was an emblem of gay rights? Not sure. She's still got her inscrutable expression on, so heaven knows what she makes of it.)(Did the Queen realise she was an emblem of gay rights? Not sure. She's still got her inscrutable expression on, so heaven knows what she makes of it.)
Bercow finishes by saying thank you for all the Queen does for the country.Bercow finishes by saying thank you for all the Queen does for the country.
Bercow also presents the Queen with a humble address.Bercow also presents the Queen with a humble address.
11.06am: D'Souza presents a loyal address to the Queen. She accepts it.11.06am: D'Souza presents a loyal address to the Queen. She accepts it.
11.05am: D'Souza turns to the Commonwealth. It is s "tremendous force for good in the world", she says. And it is still growing. She says she knows how important it is to the Queen's.11.05am: D'Souza turns to the Commonwealth. It is s "tremendous force for good in the world", she says. And it is still growing. She says she knows how important it is to the Queen's.
Members of parliament are representing the Queen in all the lands where the Queen is head of state, she says.Members of parliament are representing the Queen in all the lands where the Queen is head of state, she says.
(That's quite a lot of freebies.)(That's quite a lot of freebies.)
11.02am: Lady D'Souza, the Lord Speaker, speaks first.11.02am: Lady D'Souza, the Lord Speaker, speaks first.
She says MPs and peers record the Queen's service "with warmth and dedication".She says MPs and peers record the Queen's service "with warmth and dedication".
We celebrate too her stewardship of high office, she says. The Queen has personified continuity. She is an integral part of our national life.We celebrate too her stewardship of high office, she says. The Queen has personified continuity. She is an integral part of our national life.
D'Souza says we're also celebrating Prince Philip's service.D'Souza says we're also celebrating Prince Philip's service.
Parliament has the honour of being the first institution to honour her jubilee, D'Souza says.Parliament has the honour of being the first institution to honour her jubilee, D'Souza says.
(You've probably got the drift of it by now. I'm not sure I need to go on.)(You've probably got the drift of it by now. I'm not sure I need to go on.)
11.01am: One of the Queen's more endearing features is that she always looks rather bored on these occasions. MPs may be tweeting about her. But she's certainly not going to be tweeting about meeting them.11.01am: One of the Queen's more endearing features is that she always looks rather bored on these occasions. MPs may be tweeting about her. But she's certainly not going to be tweeting about meeting them.
10.59am: She's here. Wearing yellow. Nick Clegg will be pleased.10.59am: She's here. Wearing yellow. Nick Clegg will be pleased.
10.50am: The Queen is on her way to Wesminster. The BBC helicopter is in action.10.50am: The Queen is on her way to Wesminster. The BBC helicopter is in action.
10.47am: MPs and peers have stumped up £85,000 to pay for a stained glass window in Wesminster Hall for the Queen.
10.47am: MPs and peers have stumped up £85,000 to pay for a stained glass window in Wesminster Hall for the Queen.
It's going to be unveiled later. But if the Queen has been reading the guardian.co.uk (as I'm sure she does), she may have already seen it.It's going to be unveiled later. But if the Queen has been reading the guardian.co.uk (as I'm sure she does), she may have already seen it.
10.43am: The ceremony is starting.10.43am: The ceremony is starting.
We're going to get speeches from John Bercow, the Speaker, and Lady D'Souza, his opposite number in the Lords, before the Queen speaks.We're going to get speeches from John Bercow, the Speaker, and Lady D'Souza, his opposite number in the Lords, before the Queen speaks.
10.42am: And here's more from Twitter10.42am: And here's more from Twitter
The stained glass window that Members of both Houses are giving to the queen as a gift is behind that curtain twitpic.com/8yuledThe stained glass window that Members of both Houses are giving to the queen as a gift is behind that curtain twitpic.com/8yuled
— Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) March 20, 2012— Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) March 20, 2012
10.28am: While MPs and peers wait for the Queen in Westminster Hall, some of them have been busy on Twitter. Here's a selection.10.28am: While MPs and peers wait for the Queen in Westminster Hall, some of them have been busy on Twitter. Here's a selection.
From Jeremy Hunt, the culture secretaryFrom Jeremy Hunt, the culture secretary
Looking forwrd to address by HM The Queen after she has unveiled breathtaking window designed by British artist John ReyntiensLooking forwrd to address by HM The Queen after she has unveiled breathtaking window designed by British artist John Reyntiens
From Labour MP Mary CreaghFrom Labour MP Mary Creagh
Off to see the Queen's speech in Westminster Hall. Real buzz about the place.Off to see the Queen's speech in Westminster Hall. Real buzz about the place.
From Conservative MP Claire PerryFrom Conservative MP Claire Perry
Much excitement in Westminster Hall as crowds assemble. Regretting not wearing a hat but many other plumes to admire.Much excitement in Westminster Hall as crowds assemble. Regretting not wearing a hat but many other plumes to admire.
From Conservative MP Conor BurnsFrom Conservative MP Conor Burns
What a beautiful sunny day for the Queen's address to ParliamentWhat a beautiful sunny day for the Queen's address to Parliament
From Labour peer Stewart WoodFrom Labour peer Stewart Wood

Waiting for the Queen in Westminster Hall, listening to the excellent warm-up band, and wondering if they do requests.
Waiting for the Queen in Westminster Hall, listening to the excellent warm-up band, and wondering if they do requests.
From Labour MP Chris BryantFrom Labour MP Chris Bryant
The TV camera looks like it was used on grandstand in the 1970sThe TV camera looks like it was used on grandstand in the 1970s
10.24am: Later this week I'm interviewing Andrew Mitchell, the international development secretary. If you'd like to suggest some questions, please post them on this blog.10.24am: Later this week I'm interviewing Andrew Mitchell, the international development secretary. If you'd like to suggest some questions, please post them on this blog.
10.19am: You can read all today's Guardian politics stories here. And all the Guardian politics stories filed yesterday, including some in today's paper, are here.10.19am: You can read all today's Guardian politics stories here. And all the Guardian politics stories filed yesterday, including some in today's paper, are here.
As for the rest of the papers, here are some stories and articles that are particularly interesting.As for the rest of the papers, here are some stories and articles that are particularly interesting.
• Robert Winnett and James Kirkup in the Daily Telegraph says George Osborne's plan to show people exactly how their tax is spend will reveal how much goes on welfare.• Robert Winnett and James Kirkup in the Daily Telegraph says George Osborne's plan to show people exactly how their tax is spend will reveal how much goes on welfare.
The move, which will come into force in 2014, is expected to help ministers persuade voters of the need for public spending cuts, including welfare payments, the biggest source of government expenditure and which accounts for about a third of all tax revenues.The move, which will come into force in 2014, is expected to help ministers persuade voters of the need for public spending cuts, including welfare payments, the biggest source of government expenditure and which accounts for about a third of all tax revenues.
For example, according to Treasury calculations based on current taxes, someone earning £50,000 would be informed that their taxes will fund £4,727 worth of welfare payments, including £493 of housing benefit annually and £860 in sickness benefits.For example, according to Treasury calculations based on current taxes, someone earning £50,000 would be informed that their taxes will fund £4,727 worth of welfare payments, including £493 of housing benefit annually and £860 in sickness benefits.
Somebody earning £25,000 spends the equivalent of £1,900 on welfare payments — almost four weeks of paid work, the figures show.Somebody earning £25,000 spends the equivalent of £1,900 on welfare payments — almost four weeks of paid work, the figures show.
One government source said: "When people see how much they pay towards welfare, the argument about whether to cap benefits will be brought into sharp relief."One government source said: "When people see how much they pay towards welfare, the argument about whether to cap benefits will be brought into sharp relief."
• Chris Giles in the Financial Times (subscription) says the Office for Budget Responsibility will slightly upgrade its growth forecast for 2012.• Chris Giles in the Financial Times (subscription) says the Office for Budget Responsibility will slightly upgrade its growth forecast for 2012.
Treasury officials have expressed relief that the OBR's forecasts, which were finalised on March 7, are moving in line with private sector forecasts and are therefore optimistic that there are no nasty surprises in the figures which will spook bond markets.Treasury officials have expressed relief that the OBR's forecasts, which were finalised on March 7, are moving in line with private sector forecasts and are therefore optimistic that there are no nasty surprises in the figures which will spook bond markets.
As evidence mounts that the economy hit a trough last October and has since begun to recover, economists are confident the OBR will raise its 0.7 per cent forecast for 2012 a touch to about 0.8 per cent and will not predict a technical recession of two consecutive quarters of negative growth.As evidence mounts that the economy hit a trough last October and has since begun to recover, economists are confident the OBR will raise its 0.7 per cent forecast for 2012 a touch to about 0.8 per cent and will not predict a technical recession of two consecutive quarters of negative growth.
• Mary Riddell in the Daily Telegraph says some Labour MPs are beginning to lose faith in Ed Balls.• Mary Riddell in the Daily Telegraph says some Labour MPs are beginning to lose faith in Ed Balls.
Santa, it seems, has smiled on Mr Balls, who is wondering "what planet" the Coalition is living on. The difficulty is that the 50p gift has been delivered at the precise moment when some Labour luminaries are becoming openly restive about life on Planet Balls. More than one senior figure is said to have met Ed Miliband privately to air concerns about Labour's dwindling credibility on the economy.Santa, it seems, has smiled on Mr Balls, who is wondering "what planet" the Coalition is living on. The difficulty is that the 50p gift has been delivered at the precise moment when some Labour luminaries are becoming openly restive about life on Planet Balls. More than one senior figure is said to have met Ed Miliband privately to air concerns about Labour's dwindling credibility on the economy.
As one doubter puts the Balls conundrum: "The more the Tories have messed up, and the more Ed Balls is vindicated, the further we fall behind." That "very tense" mood is said to have spread to the shadow cabinet, with those who acknowledge Mr Balls's economic brilliance and political bullishness growing anxious about Labour's inability to shift public opinion.As one doubter puts the Balls conundrum: "The more the Tories have messed up, and the more Ed Balls is vindicated, the further we fall behind." That "very tense" mood is said to have spread to the shadow cabinet, with those who acknowledge Mr Balls's economic brilliance and political bullishness growing anxious about Labour's inability to shift public opinion.
Some argue that with this Budget, Labour is about to miss a rare chance to set out just how it would impose fiscal discipline. In the absence of such a plan, sceptics fear that the Opposition cannot win in 2015. Mr Balls, who thinks mainstream party opinion is for more public spending, is not for turning. Despite some concessions on the "politics of pain" that Labour will have to impose, he considers that the party would appear "complete monkeys" if it had embraced Coalition-style austerity.Some argue that with this Budget, Labour is about to miss a rare chance to set out just how it would impose fiscal discipline. In the absence of such a plan, sceptics fear that the Opposition cannot win in 2015. Mr Balls, who thinks mainstream party opinion is for more public spending, is not for turning. Despite some concessions on the "politics of pain" that Labour will have to impose, he considers that the party would appear "complete monkeys" if it had embraced Coalition-style austerity.
• Rachel Sylvester in the Times (paywall) says George Osborne has been reminding colleagues what the average salary actually is.• Rachel Sylvester in the Times (paywall) says George Osborne has been reminding colleagues what the average salary actually is.
The Chancellor, who plays his politics more like chess than poker, understands the risk better than anyone. In interviews at the weekend, he repeatedly emphasised that this would be a "Budget for working people," aimed at "low and middle earners". In meetings at the Treasury and No 10, officials say that he has repeatedly reminded his colleagues that the average salary in Britain is only £26,000, less than a fifth of what a Cabinet minister earns.The Chancellor, who plays his politics more like chess than poker, understands the risk better than anyone. In interviews at the weekend, he repeatedly emphasised that this would be a "Budget for working people," aimed at "low and middle earners". In meetings at the Treasury and No 10, officials say that he has repeatedly reminded his colleagues that the average salary in Britain is only £26,000, less than a fifth of what a Cabinet minister earns.
According to one ally, he puts as much importance on the "empathy" described in Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments as on the free market economics championed in The Wealth of Nations. The search has been on for what officials call "this year's non-dom levy" — the proposal to charge those registered abroad for tax purposes that Mr Osborne announced alongside the inheritance tax cut at the Tory conference in 2007. It wrongfooted Mr Brown, forcing him to abandon plans to call an election, one of the Chancellor's proudest political achievements.According to one ally, he puts as much importance on the "empathy" described in Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments as on the free market economics championed in The Wealth of Nations. The search has been on for what officials call "this year's non-dom levy" — the proposal to charge those registered abroad for tax purposes that Mr Osborne announced alongside the inheritance tax cut at the Tory conference in 2007. It wrongfooted Mr Brown, forcing him to abandon plans to call an election, one of the Chancellor's proudest political achievements.
It is likely that Mr Osborne will announce a new minimum rate of tax that everyone will pay, irrespective of how they define their income, as part of a range of measures designed to squeeze the super-rich. A version of the "tycoon tax" floated by Mr Clegg, this is said to go beyond closing loopholes and clamping down on stamp duty evasion — "the Office for Budgetary Responsibility is a built-in defence against wishy-washiness," says one insider. Mr Osborne is also expected to make the case that the Budget measures will, overall, redistribute money from rich to poor.It is likely that Mr Osborne will announce a new minimum rate of tax that everyone will pay, irrespective of how they define their income, as part of a range of measures designed to squeeze the super-rich. A version of the "tycoon tax" floated by Mr Clegg, this is said to go beyond closing loopholes and clamping down on stamp duty evasion — "the Office for Budgetary Responsibility is a built-in defence against wishy-washiness," says one insider. Mr Osborne is also expected to make the case that the Budget measures will, overall, redistribute money from rich to poor.
9.49am: Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, was on Radio 5 Live this morning renewing his call for the publication of the NHS's transitional risk register (the one explaining the risk associated with the health bill). He insisted publication would not pose a risk.9.49am: Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, was on Radio 5 Live this morning renewing his call for the publication of the NHS's transitional risk register (the one explaining the risk associated with the health bill). He insisted publication would not pose a risk.
Let's clear this up. The information tribunal dealt very clearly with this issue. It said government shouldn't publish its assessment of on-going risks beyond direct control. They're the most serious risks such as a terrorist attack or a health pandemic. But it said it should publish a specific assessment of ministers' own policies. Let's be clear about this. It's this government that's chosen to reorganise the NHS at this moment of the greatest financial challenge and that policy is putting the NHS at risk and our argument is they should be honest about those risks before they ask Parliament to approve them.Let's clear this up. The information tribunal dealt very clearly with this issue. It said government shouldn't publish its assessment of on-going risks beyond direct control. They're the most serious risks such as a terrorist attack or a health pandemic. But it said it should publish a specific assessment of ministers' own policies. Let's be clear about this. It's this government that's chosen to reorganise the NHS at this moment of the greatest financial challenge and that policy is putting the NHS at risk and our argument is they should be honest about those risks before they ask Parliament to approve them.
And this is what Simon Burns, the health minister, told the same programme about why the government would not publish the risk register.And this is what Simon Burns, the health minister, told the same programme about why the government would not publish the risk register.

As you know the risk register is an internal management document issued by civil servants and ministers to formulate policy, and for those reasons we think it is wrong to put it in the public domain because it means you can't have full and frank discussions between civil servants and ministers which will consider a range of options.
As you know the risk register is an internal management document issued by civil servants and ministers to formulate policy, and for those reasons we think it is wrong to put it in the public domain because it means you can't have full and frank discussions between civil servants and ministers which will consider a range of options.
Having a risk register is one of the ways in which government, and it's across government, not just the Department of Health, formulates and considers policy from all angles. If one had that in the public domain immediately then you can just see people like Andy Burnham jumping on it, taking a worst case scenario and then distorting it and you could not have government functioning.Having a risk register is one of the ways in which government, and it's across government, not just the Department of Health, formulates and considers policy from all angles. If one had that in the public domain immediately then you can just see people like Andy Burnham jumping on it, taking a worst case scenario and then distorting it and you could not have government functioning.
I've taken the quotes from PoliticsHome.I've taken the quotes from PoliticsHome.
9.44am: Downing Street has released the text of a letter that David Cameron has sent to Nicolas Sakozy about the shootings at the Jewish school in Toulouse yesterday. Here it is.9.44am: Downing Street has released the text of a letter that David Cameron has sent to Nicolas Sakozy about the shootings at the Jewish school in Toulouse yesterday. Here it is.
Dear Nicolas,Dear Nicolas,
I was appalled to learn of the recent shootings that France has suffered, including in Toulouse this morning. People across Britain share the shock and grief that is being felt in France, and my thoughts are with the victims, their friends and their families. I know that France will draw strength and comfort from your resolute leadership at this difficult time. You can count on my every support in confronting these senseless acts of brutality and cowardice.I was appalled to learn of the recent shootings that France has suffered, including in Toulouse this morning. People across Britain share the shock and grief that is being felt in France, and my thoughts are with the victims, their friends and their families. I know that France will draw strength and comfort from your resolute leadership at this difficult time. You can count on my every support in confronting these senseless acts of brutality and cowardice.
Yours,Yours,
David.David.
9.32am: Here are the headline inflation figures.9.32am: Here are the headline inflation figures.
• The consumer prices index rate of inflation fell to 3.4% in February, from 3.6% in January.• The consumer prices index rate of inflation fell to 3.4% in February, from 3.6% in January.
• The headline retail prices index rate of inflation fell to 3.7% in February, from 3.9% in January.• The headline retail prices index rate of inflation fell to 3.7% in February, from 3.9% in January.
• The underlying RPI rate of inflation fell to 3.8% in February, from 4% in January.

Here's the Office for National Statistics bulletin, with the full details (pdf).		• The underlying RPI rate of inflation fell to 3.8% in February, from 4% in January.

Here's the Office for National Statistics bulletin, with the full details (pdf).
8.45am: It's special occasion time at the Houses of Parliament. The entrance to Westminster Hall has been spruced up, the security seems tighter than usual and the broadcasters are camping out on Abingdon Green. All this for the final day of the health and social security bill? No, it's because the Queen is coming to address Parliament. We don't know what she's going to say because, as a BBC correspondent was complaining on the Today programme this morning, Buckingham Palace doesn't go in for advance briefing (unlike the Treasury, which has been pumping out yet more information about tomorrow's budget, including plans for everyone to get a detailed statement about how their taxes are spent and details of its credit-easing scheme). It would be fun if the Queen were to use her speech to urge the government to drop the health bill. But somehow I think that's unlikely.8.45am: It's special occasion time at the Houses of Parliament. The entrance to Westminster Hall has been spruced up, the security seems tighter than usual and the broadcasters are camping out on Abingdon Green. All this for the final day of the health and social security bill? No, it's because the Queen is coming to address Parliament. We don't know what she's going to say because, as a BBC correspondent was complaining on the Today programme this morning, Buckingham Palace doesn't go in for advance briefing (unlike the Treasury, which has been pumping out yet more information about tomorrow's budget, including plans for everyone to get a detailed statement about how their taxes are spent and details of its credit-easing scheme). It would be fun if the Queen were to use her speech to urge the government to drop the health bill. But somehow I think that's unlikely.
MPs will be debating the health bill in the afternoon. The bill cleared the Lords last night and today's debate should be the final stage before the bill gets Royal Assent. My colleague Denis Campbell, the Guardian's health correspondent, will be contributing to the blog.MPs will be debating the health bill in the afternoon. The bill cleared the Lords last night and today's debate should be the final stage before the bill gets Royal Assent. My colleague Denis Campbell, the Guardian's health correspondent, will be contributing to the blog.
Here's the full agenda for the day.Here's the full agenda for the day.
9am: The cabinet meets.9am: The cabinet meets.
9.15am: Sir Michael Wilshaw, the Ofsted chief inspector, gives a speech to the Policy Exchange thinktank.9.15am: Sir Michael Wilshaw, the Ofsted chief inspector, gives a speech to the Policy Exchange thinktank.
9.30am: Inflation figures are published.9.30am: Inflation figures are published.
9.45am: Unions learn whether they have won their Court of Appeal battle against a government decision to change the way public sector pension increases are calculated.9.45am: Unions learn whether they have won their Court of Appeal battle against a government decision to change the way public sector pension increases are calculated.
10am: Bernard Hogan-Howe, the commissioner of the Metropolitan police, gives evidence to the Leveson Inquiry. Other witnesses will include crime correspondents Justin Penrose of the Sunday Mirror and Tom Pettifor of the Daily Mirror, and West Midlands Police chief constable Chris Sims.10am: Bernard Hogan-Howe, the commissioner of the Metropolitan police, gives evidence to the Leveson Inquiry. Other witnesses will include crime correspondents Justin Penrose of the Sunday Mirror and Tom Pettifor of the Daily Mirror, and West Midlands Police chief constable Chris Sims.
10.30am: The Queen addresses MPs and peers in Westminster Hall to mark her Diamond Jubilee.10.30am: The Queen addresses MPs and peers in Westminster Hall to mark her Diamond Jubilee.
1.30pm: Unison hold a protest in Westminster against the health bill.1.30pm: Unison hold a protest in Westminster against the health bill.
2.30pm: Nick Clegg answers deputy prime minister's questions in the Commons.2.30pm: Nick Clegg answers deputy prime minister's questions in the Commons.
3.40pm: MPs debate the emergency motion about whether the health bill should be postponed until the bill's risk register has been published. The debate will last for 90 minutes.3.40pm: MPs debate the emergency motion about whether the health bill should be postponed until the bill's risk register has been published. The debate will last for 90 minutes.
Around 5.30pm: MPs start their final debate on the health bill.Around 5.30pm: MPs start their final debate on the health bill.
At some point today Andrew Mitchell, the international development secretary, is giving a speech to the Africa Investment Summit.At some point today Andrew Mitchell, the international development secretary, is giving a speech to the Africa Investment Summit.
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.