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Nick Clegg launches Lib Dems' 2012 local election campaign: Politics live blog Nick Clegg launches Lib Dems' 2012 local election campaign: Politics live blog
(40 minutes later)
1.30pm: Here's a lunchtime summary.

• Sky News has revealed that James Murdoch is stepping down as chairman of BSkyB. We'll be covering all the reaction on a separate live blog.
• Nick Clegg has said the government's plans to extend internet surveillance will include safeguards to protect "hard-fought" civil liberties. He defended the proposals in an interview on the World at One. I'll post more details soon. Earlier, Ed Miliband urged David Cameron to "get a grip" on the government in the light of the ongoing controvery about the plans. The Labour leader argued that such a sensitive decision should be explained to the public in a more formal way. He spoke out after Theresa May, the home secretary, used an article in the Sun to defend the plans, which first emerged in the Sunday papers. May said: "No one is going to be looking through ordinary people's emails or Facebook posts. Only suspected terrorists, paedophiles or serious criminals will be investigated."
• Boris Johnson has repeatedly called Ken Livingstone a "fucking liar" after Livingstone suggested that Johnson had used a private company to cut his tax bill. The two men had a furious row in a lift after debating each other in public on LBC. (See 10.57am, 11.53am and 12.28pm.)

• Ed Davey, the energy secretary, has launched a £1bn competition to encourage companies to develop technology which captures and stores carbon from power stations. As the Press Association reports, tt is the second time the government has attempted to get carbon capture and storage (CCS) off the ground, after a previous bid ended in failure when plans for the technology at ScottishPower's coal plant at Longannet, Fife, were abandoned. Ministers are depending on getting the technology, which can capture up to 90% of carbon emissions and then permanently store them underground, working at scale as a major part of decarbonising electricity generation by 2030. This time the £1bn in funding will be available to a wider range of projects, including gas power stations and even industrial plants involved as part of group schemes, to develop CCS at commercial scale between 2016 and 2020. (See 10.14am.)
• Universities, headteachers and examiners have expressed concern over Michael Gove's plan to ask lecturers to set A-level exams in two years' time, claiming that the system is "not broken".
• David Cameron has issued an Easter message to the nation. In it, the prime minister came close to appropriating Jesus as a model Briton, saying the values he embraced were those that "make our country what it is". Here it is in full.
Easter week is a very important moment in the Christian calendar, so I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone here in the United Kingdom, and across the world, at this special time of year.
This is the time when, as Christians, we remember the life, sacrifice and living legacy of Christ. The New Testament tells us so much about the character of Jesus; a man of incomparable compassion, generosity, grace, humility and love. These are the values that Jesus embraced, and I believe these are values people of any faith, or no faith, can also share in, and admire.
It is values like these that make our country what it is - a place which is tolerant, generous and caring. A nation which has an established faith, that together is most content when we are defined by what we are for, rather than defined by what we are against. In the book of Luke, we are told that Jesus said, "Do to others as you would have them do to you" - advice that when followed makes for a happier, and better society for everyone.
So as families and friends get together this week, I would like to send my best wishes to you all, and I hope and pray you have a very happy and peaceful Easter.
• Labour have accused the government of forcing up petrol prices. According to official figures, on Monday the price of unleaded petrol was 141.0p/litre, this is 1.5p higher than the previous week. The price for diesel was 147.7p/litre, this is 1.1p higher than the previous week. Both figures are record highs. Owen Smith, a shadow Treasury minister, said: "These record petrol prices – 1.5p higher than just a week ago – are the government's own doing. By irresponsibly triggering panic-buying of petrol when there was no strike date ministers from David Cameron down not only created queues, shortages and inconvenience but caused pump prices to rise even further."
• Carwyn Jones, the Welsh first minister, has announced a £75m scheme intended to create 12,000 job opportunities for young people over the next three years.
• The Ministry of Defence has announced a £60m contract for laser-guided bombs that will sustain 450 jobs at Raytheon UK plants in Glenrothes, Scotland and Harlow, Essex.
• David Cameron has formally launched the government's new right-to-buy scheme for tenants in social housing.

• Lucy Panton, the former News of the World crime editor, has told the Leveson inquiry that she did not lead a champagne lifestyle while working for the paper. There are full details on our Leveson live blog.
12.53pm: Sky's Mark Kleinman says James Murdoch is going to stand down as chairman of BSkyB this afternoon. But he will remain on the board, Kleinman says.12.53pm: Sky's Mark Kleinman says James Murdoch is going to stand down as chairman of BSkyB this afternoon. But he will remain on the board, Kleinman says.
12.40pm: Ed Miliband has given an interview to the BBC this morning. As far as I can tell, it seemed to have been designed to give fresh quotes to two of the main stories running on the 24-hour news channels today. Here are the key points. I've taken the quotes from PoliticsHome.12.40pm: Ed Miliband has given an interview to the BBC this morning. As far as I can tell, it seemed to have been designed to give fresh quotes to two of the main stories running on the 24-hour news channels today. Here are the key points. I've taken the quotes from PoliticsHome.
• Miliband criticised the government for the way it has publicised its plans to extend internet surveillance.• Miliband criticised the government for the way it has publicised its plans to extend internet surveillance.
I do say to the prime minister that he has to get a gip on this government, on the way this government operates and the way that policy is made. It isn't a sensible way to make policy to have a briefing to the Sunday newspapers followed by an article in the Sun. That isn't the way policy is set out by government, that isn't a mature way or a calming way to run a government.I do say to the prime minister that he has to get a gip on this government, on the way this government operates and the way that policy is made. It isn't a sensible way to make policy to have a briefing to the Sunday newspapers followed by an article in the Sun. That isn't the way policy is set out by government, that isn't a mature way or a calming way to run a government.
But, on the substance of the proposals, he was more supportive. Stressing that Labour would have to look at the plans when they are published, he said powers had always been in place to stop serious crime.But, on the substance of the proposals, he was more supportive. Stressing that Labour would have to look at the plans when they are published, he said powers had always been in place to stop serious crime.
• He criticised Michael Gove as an education secretary "for the few, not the many". He said Labour would consider Gove's plan to let universities take charge of A-levels. (See 9.21am.) But he made it clear that he had broader objections to Gove's policies.• He criticised Michael Gove as an education secretary "for the few, not the many". He said Labour would consider Gove's plan to let universities take charge of A-levels. (See 9.21am.) But he made it clear that he had broader objections to Gove's policies.
He is a centralising secretary of state, creating lots of academies that will be run from central government. What we have to have is an education system that works for the many, not the few, and is run in a proper, co-ordinated way.He is a centralising secretary of state, creating lots of academies that will be run from central government. What we have to have is an education system that works for the many, not the few, and is run in a proper, co-ordinated way.
12.28pm: More on the Boris/Ken row. Ken Livingstone has now challenged Johnson to answer three questions about his private company, Finland Station, if Johnson wants to prove that his tax arrangments were quite unlike Livingstone's. Here are the questions.12.28pm: More on the Boris/Ken row. Ken Livingstone has now challenged Johnson to answer three questions about his private company, Finland Station, if Johnson wants to prove that his tax arrangments were quite unlike Livingstone's. Here are the questions.
1. Did [Johnson] pay income tax on all of his earnings from Finland Station? Can he categorically say that he didn't receive any income through dividends and instead pay capital gains tax of 18% (rather than paying income tax at 40%)?1. Did [Johnson] pay income tax on all of his earnings from Finland Station? Can he categorically say that he didn't receive any income through dividends and instead pay capital gains tax of 18% (rather than paying income tax at 40%)?
2. When he sold his shareholdings in Finland Station to David Jeffcock and Barnaby Spurrier - did he pay income tax on the money that he received at 40%, or capital gains tax at 18%?2. When he sold his shareholdings in Finland Station to David Jeffcock and Barnaby Spurrier - did he pay income tax on the money that he received at 40%, or capital gains tax at 18%?
3) Did he employ anyone?3) Did he employ anyone?
I'll let you know when we get an answer from the Johnson camp.I'll let you know when we get an answer from the Johnson camp.
12.10pm: 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.12.10pm: 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 articles and stories that are particularly interesting.As for the rest of the papers, here are some articles and stories that are particularly interesting.
• Mary Riddell in the Daily Telegraph says Ed Miliband has united his party, but only by failing to give it a sense of direction.• Mary Riddell in the Daily Telegraph says Ed Miliband has united his party, but only by failing to give it a sense of direction.
Mr Miliband has achieved the unusual feat of pacifying a party whose warring instincts were heightened by the fact that so many of his shadow team wanted his brother to win. However fragile, this harmony is real. The difficulty is that he owes some of the goodwill to his ability to see several sides of an argument. Or, as his critics might say, to his tendency to dither. The result is a message that seems, at best, encrypted.Mr Miliband has achieved the unusual feat of pacifying a party whose warring instincts were heightened by the fact that so many of his shadow team wanted his brother to win. However fragile, this harmony is real. The difficulty is that he owes some of the goodwill to his ability to see several sides of an argument. Or, as his critics might say, to his tendency to dither. The result is a message that seems, at best, encrypted.
Take crime, a centrepiece of his local election offer. Some in the Labour hierarchy want to make it the party of law and order, while others shun the Blairite crackdowns that led to a surge in prison numbers. The resulting fudge may be symbolised by Mr Miliband's suggestion in an interview that anti-social yobs should be frogmarched back to their victims to make amends. While those were not his exact words, the measure appears to mix restorative justice, invigilated by the police, with Tony Blair's doomed wheeze of "marching yobs to cashpoints". Coupled with an inscrutable line on Asbos (which Mr Miliband does not much like, but blames the Government for scrapping), this message is unlikely to resonate either in the leafy southern suburbs that Labour needs to recapture or the desolate post-industrial wastelands that it needs to retain.Take crime, a centrepiece of his local election offer. Some in the Labour hierarchy want to make it the party of law and order, while others shun the Blairite crackdowns that led to a surge in prison numbers. The resulting fudge may be symbolised by Mr Miliband's suggestion in an interview that anti-social yobs should be frogmarched back to their victims to make amends. While those were not his exact words, the measure appears to mix restorative justice, invigilated by the police, with Tony Blair's doomed wheeze of "marching yobs to cashpoints". Coupled with an inscrutable line on Asbos (which Mr Miliband does not much like, but blames the Government for scrapping), this message is unlikely to resonate either in the leafy southern suburbs that Labour needs to recapture or the desolate post-industrial wastelands that it needs to retain.


• Theresa May, the home secretary, uses an article in the Sun to defend her plan to extend internet surveillance.

• Theresa May, the home secretary, uses an article in the Sun to defend her plan to extend internet surveillance.
Last year, police smashed a major international child pornography website based in Lincolnshire. They then used internet data analysis to find other suspected paedophiles.Last year, police smashed a major international child pornography website based in Lincolnshire. They then used internet data analysis to find other suspected paedophiles.
Such data has been used in every security service terrorism investigation and 95 per cent of serious organised crime investigations over the last ten years.Such data has been used in every security service terrorism investigation and 95 per cent of serious organised crime investigations over the last ten years.
We cannot afford to lose this vital law enforcement tool. But currently online communication by criminals can't always be tracked.We cannot afford to lose this vital law enforcement tool. But currently online communication by criminals can't always be tracked.
That's why the Government is proposing to help the police stay one step ahead of the criminals.That's why the Government is proposing to help the police stay one step ahead of the criminals.
There are no plans for any big Government database. No one is going to be looking through ordinary people's emails or Facebook posts.There are no plans for any big Government database. No one is going to be looking through ordinary people's emails or Facebook posts.
Only suspected terrorists, paedophiles or serious criminals will be investigated.Only suspected terrorists, paedophiles or serious criminals will be investigated.
• Richard Evans in the Daily Telegraph says George Osborne's "granny tax" breaks a promise he made to pensioners in last year's budget.• Richard Evans in the Daily Telegraph says George Osborne's "granny tax" breaks a promise he made to pensioners in last year's budget.
In the 2012 Budget last month George Osborne froze pensioners' tax-free allowance. But last year the Government promised that the age-related personal allowance would be increased in line with the retail prices index until at least 2015, campaigners have discovered.In the 2012 Budget last month George Osborne froze pensioners' tax-free allowance. But last year the Government promised that the age-related personal allowance would be increased in line with the retail prices index until at least 2015, campaigners have discovered.
"To ensure ... older people do not lose out, for the duration of this Parliament the annual increases in ... the age related allowance and other thresholds for older people will ... increase by the equivalent of the RPI," the 2011 Red Book, the official document detailing Budget measures, said on page 35."To ensure ... older people do not lose out, for the duration of this Parliament the annual increases in ... the age related allowance and other thresholds for older people will ... increase by the equivalent of the RPI," the 2011 Red Book, the official document detailing Budget measures, said on page 35.
• Oliver Wright in the Independent says the government's statutory register of lobbyists would only cover 5% of lobbying directed at MPs and peers.• Oliver Wright in the Independent says the government's statutory register of lobbyists would only cover 5% of lobbying directed at MPs and peers.
Ministers plan to bring in legislation requiring all "those who undertake lobbying activities on behalf of a third party" to register as lobbyists. David Cameron has claimed the plan will "shine a light of transparency" on the political influence lobbyists enjoy.Ministers plan to bring in legislation requiring all "those who undertake lobbying activities on behalf of a third party" to register as lobbyists. David Cameron has claimed the plan will "shine a light of transparency" on the political influence lobbyists enjoy.
But an analysis for The Independent by the non-profit organisation Full Fact, which examines the accuracy of public statistics, suggests the influence of the lobbying register will be minimal. According to its findings, it would cover only 4.8 per cent of money and services recorded as given to parliamentarians.But an analysis for The Independent by the non-profit organisation Full Fact, which examines the accuracy of public statistics, suggests the influence of the lobbying register will be minimal. According to its findings, it would cover only 4.8 per cent of money and services recorded as given to parliamentarians.
• Tim Ross in the Daily Telegraphy says Ed Miliband is dampening expectations for the local elections.• Tim Ross in the Daily Telegraphy says Ed Miliband is dampening expectations for the local elections.
Ed Miliband is aiming to win a modest 300 council seats at next month's local elections as Labour strategists attempt to dampen expectations of a breakthrough at the polls ...Ed Miliband is aiming to win a modest 300 council seats at next month's local elections as Labour strategists attempt to dampen expectations of a breakthrough at the polls ...
However, the Local Government Information Unit, a think-tank specialising in council politics, said national opinion polls were predicting a 14% swing to Labour.However, the Local Government Information Unit, a think-tank specialising in council politics, said national opinion polls were predicting a 14% swing to Labour.
Andy Sawford, chief executive of the Local Government Information Unit, said: "If those polls were to be borne out Labour should be looking at more like 500 gains. That would look like real progress."Andy Sawford, chief executive of the Local Government Information Unit, said: "If those polls were to be borne out Labour should be looking at more like 500 gains. That would look like real progress."
• James Slack in the Daily Mail says the government's plans to extend internet surveillance will cost the taxpayer £2bn.• James Slack in the Daily Mail says the government's plans to extend internet surveillance will cost the taxpayer £2bn.
• Sam Coates in the Times (paywall) says the Ministry of Justice spends more on pot plants than any other government department.• Sam Coates in the Times (paywall) says the Ministry of Justice spends more on pot plants than any other government department.

Kenneth Clarke spent £14,000 in one year on plants for Ministry of Justice offices, saying that it represented a "very minimal" spending on foliage for his Whitehall empire.
Kenneth Clarke spent £14,000 in one year on plants for Ministry of Justice offices, saying that it represented a "very minimal" spending on foliage for his Whitehall empire.
Pot plants are needed in some courts and prison buildings "to give a welcoming atmosphere", according to a parliamentary answer published last week. The department spends more than any other on greenery, even though it "regularly reviews the policy to maximise value for money", according to the answer from Jonathan Djanogly, the Justice Minister.Pot plants are needed in some courts and prison buildings "to give a welcoming atmosphere", according to a parliamentary answer published last week. The department spends more than any other on greenery, even though it "regularly reviews the policy to maximise value for money", according to the answer from Jonathan Djanogly, the Justice Minister.
• Christian Gysin and Colin Fernandez in the Daily Mail says George Galloway got married for the fourth time on Saturday - to an anthropologist 30 years his junior.• Christian Gysin and Colin Fernandez in the Daily Mail says George Galloway got married for the fourth time on Saturday - to an anthropologist 30 years his junior.
11.53am: A spokesman for Ken Livingstone has sent me a statement about the great Boris/Ken "fucking liar" lift row, as I suppose we have to call it. (See 10.57am.)11.53am: A spokesman for Ken Livingstone has sent me a statement about the great Boris/Ken "fucking liar" lift row, as I suppose we have to call it. (See 10.57am.)

Boris Johnson lost his temper because he lost the debate - he talked about cable cars not cutting fares and the squeeze on Londoners.
Boris Johnson lost his temper because he lost the debate - he talked about cable cars not cutting fares and the squeeze on Londoners.
You'll notice it does not address the tax point that upset Johnson. Livingstone, who has been accused of cutting his tax bill by channelling income through a private company, said Johnson also had a private company, Finland Station. Andrew Gilligan (the Telegraph journalist and one of Livingstone's harshest critics) looked into this last month. He concluded that it was quite different from Livingstone's company, Silveta.You'll notice it does not address the tax point that upset Johnson. Livingstone, who has been accused of cutting his tax bill by channelling income through a private company, said Johnson also had a private company, Finland Station. Andrew Gilligan (the Telegraph journalist and one of Livingstone's harshest critics) looked into this last month. He concluded that it was quite different from Livingstone's company, Silveta.
11.26am: Nick Clegg is in Crewe announcing a £3m grant for Bentley Motors from the regional growth fund. The RGF is intended to draw in private sector investment and Clegg says it will safeguard 200 jobs and create another 500 jobs.11.26am: Nick Clegg is in Crewe announcing a £3m grant for Bentley Motors from the regional growth fund. The RGF is intended to draw in private sector investment and Clegg says it will safeguard 200 jobs and create another 500 jobs.
Here's an extract from the news release.Here's an extract from the news release.
The [£3m of funding] will be used by the world-famous company, which has manufactured luxury cars since 1919, to fund an innovative new engine research and development project which will help the business expand into new overseas markets, including China. Over £20m of private investment has been secured for the project alongside £3m government funding.The [£3m of funding] will be used by the world-famous company, which has manufactured luxury cars since 1919, to fund an innovative new engine research and development project which will help the business expand into new overseas markets, including China. Over £20m of private investment has been secured for the project alongside £3m government funding.
And here's a quote from Clegg.And here's a quote from Clegg.
Today's announcement is just the tip of the iceberg for the North West. All in all 47 bids to the Regional Growth Fund have been approved. This will mean over 13,000 new and protected jobs across the region and over 41,000 supply chain jobs.Today's announcement is just the tip of the iceberg for the North West. All in all 47 bids to the Regional Growth Fund have been approved. This will mean over 13,000 new and protected jobs across the region and over 41,000 supply chain jobs.
10.57am: The LBC mayoral debate seemed relatively tame from what I read on our live blog, but the debate in the lift afterwards between Boris Johnson (pictured) and Ken Livingstone was ferocious, according to my colleague Hélène Mulholland. This is what she has has posted on the blog.10.57am: The LBC mayoral debate seemed relatively tame from what I read on our live blog, but the debate in the lift afterwards between Boris Johnson (pictured) and Ken Livingstone was ferocious, according to my colleague Hélène Mulholland. This is what she has has posted on the blog.
We've learned that things did not go well in the lift after the hustings was over. Boris went nose to nose with Ken in a small lift and told Ken three times: "You're a fucking liar, you're a fucking liar, you're a fucking liar." Paddick and Jenny were also squeezed in, alongside James Rea, the LBC managing editor. Johnson's anger was due to claims made during the hustings by Livingstone about Johnson's tax arrangements, which the mayor flatly denies. He told me later that Ken's claims were "nonsense". Of course at that point we hadn't heard about the ding-dong in the lift.We've learned that things did not go well in the lift after the hustings was over. Boris went nose to nose with Ken in a small lift and told Ken three times: "You're a fucking liar, you're a fucking liar, you're a fucking liar." Paddick and Jenny were also squeezed in, alongside James Rea, the LBC managing editor. Johnson's anger was due to claims made during the hustings by Livingstone about Johnson's tax arrangements, which the mayor flatly denies. He told me later that Ken's claims were "nonsense". Of course at that point we hadn't heard about the ding-dong in the lift.
London Tonight's political correspondent Simon Harris has got more on Twitter.London Tonight's political correspondent Simon Harris has got more on Twitter.
Sources say Johnson and Livingstone"nose to nose". Johnson 's face "red with rage" @londontonightSources say Johnson and Livingstone"nose to nose". Johnson 's face "red with rage" @londontonight
— Simon Harris (@simonharrisitv) April 3, 2012— Simon Harris (@simonharrisitv) April 3, 2012
During the debate Livingstone said that Johnson had set up his own company called "Finland Station". Johnson said that he has never used a company to channel income, in the way that Livingstone has done. Johnson has just put out a news release accusing Livingstone of lying. Here's an extract.During the debate Livingstone said that Johnson had set up his own company called "Finland Station". Johnson said that he has never used a company to channel income, in the way that Livingstone has done. Johnson has just put out a news release accusing Livingstone of lying. Here's an extract.

My salary as Mayor is taxed as an employee of the GLA. In the same way as when I was an MP my salary was taxed as an employee. Any other income that I have received from outside endeavours has been received on a self-employed basis, to me as an individual (no company or other structure has been involved). No income earned by me has ever been paid to a "service" company, through which a person or person's freelance earnings can be channelled so that they pay corporation rather than income tax.
My salary as Mayor is taxed as an employee of the GLA. In the same way as when I was an MP my salary was taxed as an employee. Any other income that I have received from outside endeavours has been received on a self-employed basis, to me as an individual (no company or other structure has been involved). No income earned by me has ever been paid to a "service" company, through which a person or person's freelance earnings can be channelled so that they pay corporation rather than income tax.
To suggest otherwise is a complete and utter fabrication.To suggest otherwise is a complete and utter fabrication.
Of course the real point is not about my tax arrangements. It is about the hypocrisy of a man who for years has railed against those who use special arrangements to reduce their tax and who has then been caught – bang to rights – doing the very same thing himself.Of course the real point is not about my tax arrangements. It is about the hypocrisy of a man who for years has railed against those who use special arrangements to reduce their tax and who has then been caught – bang to rights – doing the very same thing himself.
10.40am: For the record, here are the YouGov GB polling figures from last night.10.40am: For the record, here are the YouGov GB polling figures from last night.
Labour: 43% (up 1 from YouGov in the Sunday Times)
Conservative: 33% (no change)
Lib Dems: 8% (no change)		Labour: 43% (up 1 from YouGov in the Sunday Times)
Conservative: 33% (no change)
Lib Dems: 8% (no change)
Labour lead: 10 points.Labour lead: 10 points.
Government approval: -43Government approval: -43
At -43, the government's approval rating has hit a new low. On Sunday, when it hit -40 for the first time, that was also a record low. Last week it was in the mid -30s. You can see how quickly it has fallen on the YouGov tracker (pdf). At the moment it seems to be in freefall.At -43, the government's approval rating has hit a new low. On Sunday, when it hit -40 for the first time, that was also a record low. Last week it was in the mid -30s. You can see how quickly it has fallen on the YouGov tracker (pdf). At the moment it seems to be in freefall.
10.37am: Here's a blow to the Big Society. The Press Association have just snapped this.10.37am: Here's a blow to the Big Society. The Press Association have just snapped this.
Surrey County Council's plans for 10 libraries to be run by volunteers was ruled unlawful by the High Court today.Surrey County Council's plans for 10 libraries to be run by volunteers was ruled unlawful by the High Court today.
10.27am: Ken Livingstone has published a plan to tackle London's gang culture, involving mediation and early intervention. The full details are on his website.10.27am: Ken Livingstone has published a plan to tackle London's gang culture, involving mediation and early intervention. The full details are on his website.
10.14am: Ed Davey (pictured), the energy secretary, has launched a competition today to encourage the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. The full details are in the Department of Energy's news release. Davey says this is one of the best offers available to the industry in the world.10.14am: Ed Davey (pictured), the energy secretary, has launched a competition today to encourage the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. The full details are in the Department of Energy's news release. Davey says this is one of the best offers available to the industry in the world.
What we are looking to achieve, in partnership with industry, is a new world-leading CCS industry, rather than just simply projects in isolation – an industry that can compete with other low-carbon sources to ensure security and diversity of our electricity supply, an industry that can make our energy intensive industries cleaner and an industry that can bring jobs and wealth to our shores. The CCS industry could be worth £6.5bn a year to the UK economy by late next decade as we export UK expertise and products.What we are looking to achieve, in partnership with industry, is a new world-leading CCS industry, rather than just simply projects in isolation – an industry that can compete with other low-carbon sources to ensure security and diversity of our electricity supply, an industry that can make our energy intensive industries cleaner and an industry that can bring jobs and wealth to our shores. The CCS industry could be worth £6.5bn a year to the UK economy by late next decade as we export UK expertise and products.
This is a really exciting time for the fledgling CCS industry. Our offer is one of the best anywhere in the world. We have £1bn available to support the upfront costs of early projects along with a commitment to further funding through low carbon Contracts for Difference, we have £125m to support research and development including a new UK CCS Research Centre, and we have the long term incentives in place through our Electricity Market Reforms.This is a really exciting time for the fledgling CCS industry. Our offer is one of the best anywhere in the world. We have £1bn available to support the upfront costs of early projects along with a commitment to further funding through low carbon Contracts for Difference, we have £125m to support research and development including a new UK CCS Research Centre, and we have the long term incentives in place through our Electricity Market Reforms.
9.21am: As Jessica Shepherd reports in the Guardian today, Michael Gove, the education secretary, wants universities to take charge of setting A-levels. Christine Blower, the National Union of Teachers general secretary, told the Today programme that she was disappointed that Gove had not consulted the profession first. I've taken her quote from PoliticsHome.9.21am: As Jessica Shepherd reports in the Guardian today, Michael Gove, the education secretary, wants universities to take charge of setting A-levels. Christine Blower, the National Union of Teachers general secretary, told the Today programme that she was disappointed that Gove had not consulted the profession first. I've taken her quote from PoliticsHome.
I think Michael Gove is always looking for a golden past, isn't he. But what I would say about this is it's a little disappointing that he's written to Ofqual without having had this discussion with the profession, because the fact is he also says in his letter that A-levels have a lot to commend them, and he also says that students becoming undergraduates have become much better at communication, at presentation, and at team work and that what he's actually looking for is a lot more independent thinking, a lot more critical thinking, wider reading and ability to experiment.I think Michael Gove is always looking for a golden past, isn't he. But what I would say about this is it's a little disappointing that he's written to Ofqual without having had this discussion with the profession, because the fact is he also says in his letter that A-levels have a lot to commend them, and he also says that students becoming undergraduates have become much better at communication, at presentation, and at team work and that what he's actually looking for is a lot more independent thinking, a lot more critical thinking, wider reading and ability to experiment.
Blower said she was not opposed to reforming A-levels. But she went on: "What we don't want is to have proposals put to us on a take-it-or-leave-it basis."Blower said she was not opposed to reforming A-levels. But she went on: "What we don't want is to have proposals put to us on a take-it-or-leave-it basis."
9.11am: The Lib Dems have released some comments from Nick Clegg about his local election launch later. Here's an extract.9.11am: The Lib Dems have released some comments from Nick Clegg about his local election launch later. Here's an extract.

This is the time to be proud to be a Liberal Democrat. We've always worked hard and delivered for people locally but for the first time in living memory, we are doing that nationally too ..
This is the time to be proud to be a Liberal Democrat. We've always worked hard and delivered for people locally but for the first time in living memory, we are doing that nationally too ..
The Liberal Democrats are delivering for ordinary people in government. Over the next week, our policies will mean nearly 25m people will get a £130 tax cut on top of the £200 tax cut we gave them last year.The Liberal Democrats are delivering for ordinary people in government. Over the next week, our policies will mean nearly 25m people will get a £130 tax cut on top of the £200 tax cut we gave them last year.
Schools will get over £1bn more through our Pupil Premium to help the most disadvantaged children and pensioners will see the biggest ever cash rise in the state pension of £5.30 a week.Schools will get over £1bn more through our Pupil Premium to help the most disadvantaged children and pensioners will see the biggest ever cash rise in the state pension of £5.30 a week.
My top priority is jobs and growth, in Stockport, Liberal Democrats are leading the way with the highest increase in the number of new business start-ups in the north west and the highest number of new 16-18 advanced and higher apprenticeships in Greater Manchester.My top priority is jobs and growth, in Stockport, Liberal Democrats are leading the way with the highest increase in the number of new business start-ups in the north west and the highest number of new 16-18 advanced and higher apprenticeships in Greater Manchester.
8.59am: There was a fascinating snippet from Mark Easton on the Today programme just now. Apparently at the Department for Communities they talk of TAFKARs - The Areas Formerly Known As Regions. That's because the coalition is so hostile to the (Labour and EU) notion of dividing the UK into regions. Tory geography tends to put more emphasis on towns, cities and shire counties.8.59am: There was a fascinating snippet from Mark Easton on the Today programme just now. Apparently at the Department for Communities they talk of TAFKARs - The Areas Formerly Known As Regions. That's because the coalition is so hostile to the (Labour and EU) notion of dividing the UK into regions. Tory geography tends to put more emphasis on towns, cities and shire counties.
8.50am: With parliament in recess, the political parties are now starting to focus on next month's local elections. Ed Miliband launched the Labour campaign yesterday, and Nick Clegg is launching the Lib Dem one this afternoon. In the Guardian today Tony Travers has an article explaining what's at stake.8.50am: With parliament in recess, the political parties are now starting to focus on next month's local elections. Ed Miliband launched the Labour campaign yesterday, and Nick Clegg is launching the Lib Dem one this afternoon. In the Guardian today Tony Travers has an article explaining what's at stake.
On 3 May, all three parties will be under pressure to elicit from voters a response that will be seen to outperform their present unpromising standing.On 3 May, all three parties will be under pressure to elicit from voters a response that will be seen to outperform their present unpromising standing.
The Conservatives badly need to steady nerves after their spate of unforced errors, Labour is recovering from its dreadful defeat in Bradford, and the Liberal Democrats will be fearful of another battering of the kind they got in last year's local elections.The Conservatives badly need to steady nerves after their spate of unforced errors, Labour is recovering from its dreadful defeat in Bradford, and the Liberal Democrats will be fearful of another battering of the kind they got in last year's local elections.
At stake is voting for a third of the council seats in each of the 36 English metropolitan districts; a third of seats in 16 unitary authorities (plus two, Hartlepool and Swindon where all seats are voting, due to boundary changes); and various proportions of the seats in 74 shire districts (63 by thirds, seven for half the seats, and four all-out).At stake is voting for a third of the council seats in each of the 36 English metropolitan districts; a third of seats in 16 unitary authorities (plus two, Hartlepool and Swindon where all seats are voting, due to boundary changes); and various proportions of the seats in 74 shire districts (63 by thirds, seven for half the seats, and four all-out).
I'll be covering the Lib Dem campaign in detail later.I'll be covering the Lib Dem campaign in detail later.
Otherwise, it's a patchy day. Here's the agenda.Otherwise, it's a patchy day. Here's the agenda.
9am: LBC hosts a London mayoral debate with Boris Johnson, Ken Livingstone, Brian Paddick and Jenny Jones. My colleague Paul Owen is covering it on our London mayoral elections live blog.9am: LBC hosts a London mayoral debate with Boris Johnson, Ken Livingstone, Brian Paddick and Jenny Jones. My colleague Paul Owen is covering it on our London mayoral elections live blog.
10am: Lucy Panton, the former News of the World crime editor, gives evidence to the Leveson inquiry.10am: Lucy Panton, the former News of the World crime editor, gives evidence to the Leveson inquiry.
Morning: David Cameron visits south west London today to publicise the government's new right-to-buy scheme for social housing. As Nicholas Watt reports, tenants will qualify for discounts worth up to £75,000.Morning: David Cameron visits south west London today to publicise the government's new right-to-buy scheme for social housing. As Nicholas Watt reports, tenants will qualify for discounts worth up to £75,000.
11am: Nick Clegg visits the Bentley factory in Crewe to announce that it has secured £3m from the regional growth fund.11am: Nick Clegg visits the Bentley factory in Crewe to announce that it has secured £3m from the regional growth fund.
3pm: Clegg launches the Lib Dem local election campaign at a meeting with apprentices in Stockport.3pm: Clegg launches the Lib Dem local election campaign at a meeting with apprentices in Stockport.
At some point today Stephen Twigg, the shadow education secretary, is addressing the Association of Teachers and Lecturers conference in Manchester. He is going to say that it is a "national scandal" that poorer pupils are lagging up to a year behind their richer classmates in their schooling.At some point today Stephen Twigg, the shadow education secretary, is addressing the Association of Teachers and Lecturers conference in Manchester. He is going to say that it is a "national scandal" that poorer pupils are lagging up to a year behind their richer classmates in their schooling.
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.