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David Cameron's interviews and Lords reform: Politics live blog David Cameron's interviews and Lords reform: Politics live blog
(40 minutes later)
10.51am: 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 and articles that are particularly interesting.
• Mary Ann Seighart in the Independent says David Cameron and Nick Clegg should abandon full Lords reform.
If Clegg and Cameron were realistic, they would concede now that Lords reform has little chance of coming into force. If it isn't voted down in the Commons by a coalition of backbench Tories and Labour (who can oppose the Bill on the ground that it doesn't offer a referendum), then it will certainly be defeated in the Lords. The Commons could then only push it through by using the Parliament Act. That would require another Commons vote, which would be unlikely to pass ...
Here is a solution, which would be better for both parties. Allow peers to be elected by their peers, to shrink the size of the House and weed out the doddery and the lazy. Chuck out any with criminal records. Reduce the patronage power of party leaders. Make the hereditaries compete for places with other peers. Then Clegg can say that he has reformed the House of Lords – and he and Cameron can get on with running the country.
• Jim Pickard and Helen Warrell in the Financial Times (subscription) say the government will not give peers who leave the Lords a pay off.
The Tory minister in charge of a bill on reforming the House of Lords has said there will be no pay-offs for departing peers.
Speaking ahead of a report due on Monday from the joint committee on revamping the upper chamber, Mark Harper, the minister for constitutional reform, poured scorn on proposals from Lord Steel, former leader of the Liberal party, that lords should receive pay-offs of up to £30,000.
"At a time of austerity . . . the public would think that was bizarre," Mr Harper said in an interview with the Financial Times.


• Ed Ball in the Financial Times (subscription) says the government is making the governor of the Bank of England's job impossible.
Wanted, a new governor of the Bank of England. Only superhumans need apply. Because, as things stand, I fear he or she will face a near-impossible task.
Being governor was a tough job even before the bank was made independent in 1997, when the power to set interest rates was handed to the Monetary Policy Committee. Sir Mervyn King's successor will, however, assume leadership of a massively enlarged central bank, at a time of economic stress, with new, onerous and complex responsibilities in prudential and consumer regulation as well as its role in monetary policy and financial stability ...
It is quite possibly an impossible job. In my view, it is made all the harder by the flaws in the Bank of England reform bill, which parliament debates today. There are three things the government can do now that will give the new governor at least a better chance of success.
I'm off to the Number 10 lobby briefing now. I'll post again after 11.30am.
10.30am: If you've got a question from David Cameron, tweet Nick Robinson.
On tour with Cameron. He clearly leaving door open to referendum on Lords reform. Interview later - any questions? Other leaders to follow
— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) April 23, 2012
10.27am: The joint committee on the draft House of Lords reform bill has just published its report. Here's a comment from Lord Richard, the committee chairman.10.27am: The joint committee on the draft House of Lords reform bill has just published its report. Here's a comment from Lord Richard, the committee chairman.
We have undertaken a thorough and detailed analysis of the proposals put forward in the government's draft bill. The committee decided, on a majority, that they agreed that a reformed House of Lords should have a democratic mandate and that the division between elected and unelected members should be an 80%/20% split.We have undertaken a thorough and detailed analysis of the proposals put forward in the government's draft bill. The committee decided, on a majority, that they agreed that a reformed House of Lords should have a democratic mandate and that the division between elected and unelected members should be an 80%/20% split.
We also made a range of other recommendations in areas – particularly those relating to transitional arrangements – where we felt the proposals might be improved. It is now for the government to consider our proposals before coming forward with a final bill which it can present to parliament for further scrutiny.We also made a range of other recommendations in areas – particularly those relating to transitional arrangements – where we felt the proposals might be improved. It is now for the government to consider our proposals before coming forward with a final bill which it can present to parliament for further scrutiny.
9.57am: And here is some more reaction to and comment on the David Cameron interview.9.57am: And here is some more reaction to and comment on the David Cameron interview.
• Steve Richards on Twitter on Cameron's media skills.• Steve Richards on Twitter on Cameron's media skills.
Cameron is a Blair-like master of the interview-calm, uses humour, treats it as a conversation. For some reason v.few can do it.Cameron is a Blair-like master of the interview-calm, uses humour, treats it as a conversation. For some reason v.few can do it.
— steve richards (@steverichards14) April 23, 2012— steve richards (@steverichards14) April 23, 2012
• Labour's Chris Bryant thinks Cameron was hypocritical on tax.• Labour's Chris Bryant thinks Cameron was hypocritical on tax.
So today Cameron won't comment on someone's tax affairs on air. Last Wednesday I recall that's all he wanted to talk about. #justsayingSo today Cameron won't comment on someone's tax affairs on air. Last Wednesday I recall that's all he wanted to talk about. #justsaying
— Chris Bryant (@ChrisBryantMP) April 23, 2012— Chris Bryant (@ChrisBryantMP) April 23, 2012

• James Forsyth at Coffee House says the most important part of the interview was the section on Lords reform.
• James Forsyth at Coffee House says the most important part of the interview was the section on Lords reform.
Perhaps the most politically significant part of the interview was on Lords reform. Cameron kept stressing that it would 'only ever happen if all the parties work together on it'. To my ears, this sounded like Cameron saying that if Labour won't play ball then he won't try and push it through. He also sounded far more open to a referendum than Clegg did on the Sunday Politics, saying that the coalition 'shouldn't rule a referendum out of hand.'Perhaps the most politically significant part of the interview was on Lords reform. Cameron kept stressing that it would 'only ever happen if all the parties work together on it'. To my ears, this sounded like Cameron saying that if Labour won't play ball then he won't try and push it through. He also sounded far more open to a referendum than Clegg did on the Sunday Politics, saying that the coalition 'shouldn't rule a referendum out of hand.'
• Paul Waugh at PoliticsHome says David Cameron is on a rescue mission.• Paul Waugh at PoliticsHome says David Cameron is on a rescue mission.
The PM has launched a veritable media blitz today, appearing on the Today prog and being tailed by Nick Robinson for one of his 'day in the life' specials for the BBC 10 O'Clock News tonight.The PM has launched a veritable media blitz today, appearing on the Today prog and being tailed by Nick Robinson for one of his 'day in the life' specials for the BBC 10 O'Clock News tonight.
Labour's Michael Dugher has dubbed this a 'relaunch' (though some would say that as an ex member of the Brown bunker, Dugher would know all about that) of the Coaltion. Downing Street would prefer to call it a Fightback, I suspect.Labour's Michael Dugher has dubbed this a 'relaunch' (though some would say that as an ex member of the Brown bunker, Dugher would know all about that) of the Coaltion. Downing Street would prefer to call it a Fightback, I suspect.
Either way, it certainly feels like a 'rescue mission' (the PM's own phrase for his determination on the deficit) for the Tories' local election fortunes.Either way, it certainly feels like a 'rescue mission' (the PM's own phrase for his determination on the deficit) for the Tories' local election fortunes.

• Tim Montgomerie at ConservativeHome posts a summary of the interview. He says David Cameron is attempting to "restate" rather than relaunch his Government's purpose.
• Tim Montgomerie at ConservativeHome posts a summary of the interview. He says David Cameron is attempting to "restate" rather than relaunch his Government's purpose.
• The BBC's Robert Peston on Twitter.• The BBC's Robert Peston on Twitter.
Is it significant that Cameron agreed with JH on #R4Today that it would be "sensible" NOT to have "dealings" with aggressive tax avoiders?Is it significant that Cameron agreed with JH on #R4Today that it would be "sensible" NOT to have "dealings" with aggressive tax avoiders?
— Robert Peston (@Peston) April 23, 2012— Robert Peston (@Peston) April 23, 2012
• And the Guardian's Polly Curtis on Twitter, who is trying to answer the question.• And the Guardian's Polly Curtis on Twitter, who is trying to answer the question.
Trying to work out which friends Cameron just lost by agreeing not to meet with people who aggressively avoid taxesTrying to work out which friends Cameron just lost by agreeing not to meet with people who aggressively avoid taxes
— polly curtis (@pollycurtis) April 23, 2012— polly curtis (@pollycurtis) April 23, 2012
• Glenys Kinnock on Twitter on Cameron's call for children to stand up for their teachers.• Glenys Kinnock on Twitter on Cameron's call for children to stand up for their teachers.
Cameron says pupils should stand when teachers come in . Is that what he means by 'our children soaring?'@BBCr4todayCameron says pupils should stand when teachers come in . Is that what he means by 'our children soaring?'@BBCr4today
— Glenys Kinnock (@GlenysKinnock) April 23, 2012— Glenys Kinnock (@GlenysKinnock) April 23, 2012
8.43am: After all the headlines about "omnishambles", it is easy to forget that David Cameron is still about the best communicator at the top of British politics. He gave a good illustration on the Today programme this morning.8.43am: After all the headlines about "omnishambles", it is easy to forget that David Cameron is still about the best communicator at the top of British politics. He gave a good illustration on the Today programme this morning.
First, without saying anything at face value particularly radical, he gently recalibrated the government's stance on Lords reform. It will only happen if all the parties agree to work "rationally, reasonably, sensibly", he said. This sounds uncontentious, but it means a) that a referendum is much more likely, because Labour are insisting upon one and b) that Cameron seems to be accepting that reform itself may never happen, because the cross-party consensus he wants to achieve may prove impossible to find.First, without saying anything at face value particularly radical, he gently recalibrated the government's stance on Lords reform. It will only happen if all the parties agree to work "rationally, reasonably, sensibly", he said. This sounds uncontentious, but it means a) that a referendum is much more likely, because Labour are insisting upon one and b) that Cameron seems to be accepting that reform itself may never happen, because the cross-party consensus he wants to achieve may prove impossible to find.
Second, on a personal level, he addressed rather well the claim that he is not on top of the job. You may not find the idea that being prime minister is all about keeping your good-decision batting average reasonable high a very profound description of the constitutional duties that the job entails, but I can imagine it making sense to some listeners. And that's because, third, he just sounded genuinely calm and good-humoured throughout. That doesn't make him right. But generally it's better to sound calm than tetchy.Second, on a personal level, he addressed rather well the claim that he is not on top of the job. You may not find the idea that being prime minister is all about keeping your good-decision batting average reasonable high a very profound description of the constitutional duties that the job entails, but I can imagine it making sense to some listeners. And that's because, third, he just sounded genuinely calm and good-humoured throughout. That doesn't make him right. But generally it's better to sound calm than tetchy.
Here are the maing points.Here are the maing points.
• Cameron said that Lords reform would only happen by cross-party agreement.• Cameron said that Lords reform would only happen by cross-party agreement.
One of the reasons why Lords reform never goes ahead is although there's actually a majority for it in the Commons, and the three main political parties are in favour of it, all the parties are split on it. That is the fact. So the only way it can ever happen is if actually all the parties agree to work together, rationally, reasonably, sensibly on trying to deliver what I think the British public would see as not a priority, but a perfectly sensible reform that we have people legislating in the House of Lords who are elected by the people.One of the reasons why Lords reform never goes ahead is although there's actually a majority for it in the Commons, and the three main political parties are in favour of it, all the parties are split on it. That is the fact. So the only way it can ever happen is if actually all the parties agree to work together, rationally, reasonably, sensibly on trying to deliver what I think the British public would see as not a priority, but a perfectly sensible reform that we have people legislating in the House of Lords who are elected by the people.
He said that he was personally in favour of Lords reform.He said that he was personally in favour of Lords reform.
I'm in favour of reform of the House of Lords. I've always thought that getting an elected element into the House of Lords would actually strengthen our parliament and strengthen the House of Lords and I think it is the right thing to do.I'm in favour of reform of the House of Lords. I've always thought that getting an elected element into the House of Lords would actually strengthen our parliament and strengthen the House of Lords and I think it is the right thing to do.
But his comments about Lords reform only happen "if actually all the parties agree to work together, rationally, reasonably, sensibly" suggest that he is unwilling to use the government's majority to bulldoze the plans through parliament. As well as opening the door for a referendum, he may well this morning have killed Lords reform for another generation.But his comments about Lords reform only happen "if actually all the parties agree to work together, rationally, reasonably, sensibly" suggest that he is unwilling to use the government's majority to bulldoze the plans through parliament. As well as opening the door for a referendum, he may well this morning have killed Lords reform for another generation.
• He indicated that he would not block a referendum on Lords reform. He said that he was not persuaded of the need for one.• He indicated that he would not block a referendum on Lords reform. He said that he was not persuaded of the need for one.
There is quite a strong case against a referendum, which is that it would cost a lot of money, and as all three parties said they were in favour of a mainly elected House of Lords, it does not strike me as an incredibly powerful argument.There is quite a strong case against a referendum, which is that it would cost a lot of money, and as all three parties said they were in favour of a mainly elected House of Lords, it does not strike me as an incredibly powerful argument.
But he did not rule one out, and he sounded less opposed to a referendum than Nick Clegg has been in his comments on this subject. Cameron actually hinted that the government could concede a referendum as the bill goes through parliament.But he did not rule one out, and he sounded less opposed to a referendum than Nick Clegg has been in his comments on this subject. Cameron actually hinted that the government could concede a referendum as the bill goes through parliament.
We live in a democracy. Parliament is going to debate and discuss this.We live in a democracy. Parliament is going to debate and discuss this.
• He said he would not entertain people who practiced aggressive tax avoidance. John Humphrys asked him about Philip Green, the Topshop billionaire who (legally) avoided tax when his company paid a £1.2bn dividend to his wife, who lives in Monaco. Cameron repeatedly said it would be wrong to comment on an individual. But, at the end of this part of the interview, he did suggest he would shun some tax avoiders. Here's the exchange.• He said he would not entertain people who practiced aggressive tax avoidance. John Humphrys asked him about Philip Green, the Topshop billionaire who (legally) avoided tax when his company paid a £1.2bn dividend to his wife, who lives in Monaco. Cameron repeatedly said it would be wrong to comment on an individual. But, at the end of this part of the interview, he did suggest he would shun some tax avoiders. Here's the exchange.
Q: All right, forget about that particular case, forget it completely, all I'm saying to you is, [following on from] what George Osborne said in that budget, and the strength of the language that he used, will you make sure from now on that you will not have dealings with people who behave like that, generally.?Q: All right, forget about that particular case, forget it completely, all I'm saying to you is, [following on from] what George Osborne said in that budget, and the strength of the language that he used, will you make sure from now on that you will not have dealings with people who behave like that, generally.?
A: Generally speaking, yes I think that's sensible.A: Generally speaking, yes I think that's sensible.
• Cameron said the Home Office were told by the European court of human rights that the deadline for Abu Qatada to lodge an appeal expired last Monday night. In a sign that he is not blaming Theresa May or the Home Office for what went wrong, he said that Home Office acted in his view "entirely correctly".• Cameron said the Home Office were told by the European court of human rights that the deadline for Abu Qatada to lodge an appeal expired last Monday night. In a sign that he is not blaming Theresa May or the Home Office for what went wrong, he said that Home Office acted in his view "entirely correctly".
• He said soldiers could now provide more than half the nation with fuel in the event of a strike because the government had improved its emergency planning. The government inherited a plan that would allow the military to provide 10% of the nation's fuel supplies, he said. "What has happened in terms of policies and action is that we now have the ability to provide 50, 60% - perhaps more – of the nation's fuel supplies because we have taken the right tough, long-term difficult decisions to get the military more involved."• He said soldiers could now provide more than half the nation with fuel in the event of a strike because the government had improved its emergency planning. The government inherited a plan that would allow the military to provide 10% of the nation's fuel supplies, he said. "What has happened in terms of policies and action is that we now have the ability to provide 50, 60% - perhaps more – of the nation's fuel supplies because we have taken the right tough, long-term difficult decisions to get the military more involved."
• He accepted that the goverment made mistakes when it urged people to stockpile fuel. He said the government had to "learn lessons in terms of communication" from what happened when the fuel panic occured before Easter.• He accepted that the goverment made mistakes when it urged people to stockpile fuel. He said the government had to "learn lessons in terms of communication" from what happened when the fuel panic occured before Easter.
• He rejected claims that he did not work hard enough as prime minister. This is a charge that has been repeatedly levelled against Cameron by commentators like Max Hastings (suscription) and Anthony King, who labelled Cameron a "dilettante" prime minister in the Financial Times (subscription). Cameron said he worked hard.• He rejected claims that he did not work hard enough as prime minister. This is a charge that has been repeatedly levelled against Cameron by commentators like Max Hastings (suscription) and Anthony King, who labelled Cameron a "dilettante" prime minister in the Financial Times (subscription). Cameron said he worked hard.

It is extremely hard work. I work very, very hard at it. I am normally at my kitchen table at a quarter to six in the morning going through my boxes and papers.
It is extremely hard work. I work very, very hard at it. I am normally at my kitchen table at a quarter to six in the morning going through my boxes and papers.
Humphrys asked him about a comment from an anonymous Tory MP quoted in an FT profile (subscription) who said: "Frankly, he is putting the school run ahead of the national interest." Cameron replied:Humphrys asked him about a comment from an anonymous Tory MP quoted in an FT profile (subscription) who said: "Frankly, he is putting the school run ahead of the national interest." Cameron replied:
Maybe once a week, sometimes once a fortnight, tragically sometimes once a month, I manage to take my children to school. But it's got to be possible to be a decent husband, a good father and a good prime minister at the same time. If it isn't possible, then there's something wrong.Maybe once a week, sometimes once a fortnight, tragically sometimes once a month, I manage to take my children to school. But it's got to be possible to be a decent husband, a good father and a good prime minister at the same time. If it isn't possible, then there's something wrong.
Actually, I would go further than that. The big thing you have to do as prime minister is make a lot of judment calls and decisions. The British public are incredibly fair minded. They know that you will get, hopefully, a lot of them right. They know you will get some of them wrong. What they want to know is that your average doesn't fall too low. I completely understand that.Actually, I would go further than that. The big thing you have to do as prime minister is make a lot of judment calls and decisions. The British public are incredibly fair minded. They know that you will get, hopefully, a lot of them right. They know you will get some of them wrong. What they want to know is that your average doesn't fall too low. I completely understand that.
But if you are completely fried and exhausted and have no time for your family and never go for a jog or play a game of tennis or whatever, if you never do those things, you will get into a situation where you will make very bad judgments because you will be exhausted and stressed and all the rest of it.But if you are completely fried and exhausted and have no time for your family and never go for a jog or play a game of tennis or whatever, if you never do those things, you will get into a situation where you will make very bad judgments because you will be exhausted and stressed and all the rest of it.
• Cameron said that he does not expect children to stand up when their parents walk into the room at home. The remarks he made about this last week were misinterpeted, he said. He was talking about wanting children to stand up when teachers come into the room at school

• He said the government needed to raise its game. "You have difficult weeks and difficult months," he said. "I want us to raise our game and do better, but the vision and the long-term is what matters.		• Cameron said that he does not expect children to stand up when their parents walk into the room at home. The remarks he made about this last week were misinterpeted, he said. He was talking about wanting children to stand up when teachers come into the room at school

• He said the government needed to raise its game. "You have difficult weeks and difficult months," he said. "I want us to raise our game and do better, but the vision and the long-term is what matters.
I've taken some of the quotes from PoliticsHome.I've taken some of the quotes from PoliticsHome.
8.35am: I'll summarise the key points from the interview in a moment. But the Guardian's Patrick Wintour and the Daily Mail's James Chapman have both picked up the key point.8.35am: I'll summarise the key points from the interview in a moment. But the Guardian's Patrick Wintour and the Daily Mail's James Chapman have both picked up the key point.
Here's Patrick Wintour.Here's Patrick Wintour.
David cameron "We will only get lords reform if we all behave like reasonable rational and sensible people"so zero chanceDavid cameron "We will only get lords reform if we all behave like reasonable rational and sensible people"so zero chance
— Patrick Wintour (@patrickwintour) April 23, 2012— Patrick Wintour (@patrickwintour) April 23, 2012
And here's James Chapman.And here's James Chapman.
David Cameron: Lords reform will only happen if MPs on all sides behave in 'grown up' fashion. That's the end of that, thenDavid Cameron: Lords reform will only happen if MPs on all sides behave in 'grown up' fashion. That's the end of that, then
— James Chapman (Mail) (@jameschappers) April 23, 2012— James Chapman (Mail) (@jameschappers) April 23, 2012
8.30am: Nick Robinson is giving his gloss on the interview. But Cameron is still in the studio. He repeats his point about not seeing the case for a referendum on Lords reform. Lords reform will only happen if all the parties cooperate, he says.8.30am: Nick Robinson is giving his gloss on the interview. But Cameron is still in the studio. He repeats his point about not seeing the case for a referendum on Lords reform. Lords reform will only happen if all the parties cooperate, he says.
Robinson says Cameron seems to be saying that he doesn't want a referendum, but that he will have one if necessary.Robinson says Cameron seems to be saying that he doesn't want a referendum, but that he will have one if necessary.
Previously when Cameron has been on the programme he has picked some racing tips. But this time he doesn't. James Naughtie says Cameron isn't being asked because his tips were so poor last time. But perhaps all the jibes about being a dilettante prime minister (which were covered in the interview) have got to him.Previously when Cameron has been on the programme he has picked some racing tips. But this time he doesn't. James Naughtie says Cameron isn't being asked because his tips were so poor last time. But perhaps all the jibes about being a dilettante prime minister (which were covered in the interview) have got to him.
8.25am: Humphrys changes subject.8.25am: Humphrys changes subject.
Q: Are you too relaxed as prime minister?Q: Are you too relaxed as prime minister?
It's a very hard job, says Cameron. He is normally at work at his kitchen table at 5.45am.It's a very hard job, says Cameron. He is normally at work at his kitchen table at 5.45am.
He says he is fighting for people who deserve a better deal.He says he is fighting for people who deserve a better deal.
Q: Can you have a normal life?Q: Can you have a normal life?
Cameron says he tries to spend time with his wife. Having dinner with his wife is what he means by a "date night", he says.

Q: One of your colleagues said you put the school run above the national interest?		Cameron says he tries to spend time with his wife. Having dinner with his wife is what he means by a "date night", he says.

Q: One of your colleagues said you put the school run above the national interest?
Cameron says he does sometimes take his children to school. It is possible to be prime minister and a father, he says.Cameron says he does sometimes take his children to school. It is possible to be prime minister and a father, he says.
Being prime minister is about taking decisions. You can't get them all right. But voters want to know that your average does not fall too low.Being prime minister is about taking decisions. You can't get them all right. But voters want to know that your average does not fall too low.
If prime ministers are too tired, they won't take the right decisions.

Q: Do you really want children to stand up when adults enter the room?		If prime ministers are too tired, they won't take the right decisions.

Q: Do you really want children to stand up when adults enter the room?
Cameron says he was talking about school when he made that point.Cameron says he was talking about school when he made that point.
Q: Do you get members of your cabinet to stand up when you enter room?Q: Do you get members of your cabinet to stand up when you enter room?
No, says Cameron. He jokes about what would happen if he tried it.No, says Cameron. He jokes about what would happen if he tried it.
8.22am: They are now on Lords reform.8.22am: They are now on Lords reform.
Cameron says he has always been in favour of Lords reform. All three main parties proposed it in their manifestos.Cameron says he has always been in favour of Lords reform. All three main parties proposed it in their manifestos.
Q: And there should be a referendum, shouldn't there?Q: And there should be a referendum, shouldn't there?
Cameron says he would not rule it out of hand. The committee today will call for one. But there is a strong case against, because the main parties included it in their manifestos.Cameron says he would not rule it out of hand. The committee today will call for one. But there is a strong case against, because the main parties included it in their manifestos.
Q: What's your personal view?Q: What's your personal view?
Cameron says he personally does not see the case for a referendum as a strong one.

Q: But you are having referendums for city mayors?		Cameron says he personally does not see the case for a referendum as a strong one.

Q: But you are having referendums for city mayors?
That's because in these cities the establishment is often against mayors. The only way to get mayors is to appeal to the public over the heads of local politicians.That's because in these cities the establishment is often against mayors. The only way to get mayors is to appeal to the public over the heads of local politicians.
Having an elected Lords is a sensible change. But it will only go ahead if the parties work together, he says.Having an elected Lords is a sensible change. But it will only go ahead if the parties work together, he says.
8.16am: They are still talking about Abu Qatada. Cameron says that, in his view, the Home Office, acted entirely correctly.8.16am: They are still talking about Abu Qatada. Cameron says that, in his view, the Home Office, acted entirely correctly.
Q: In the past you said "we're all in it together".Q: In the past you said "we're all in it together".
Yes, says Cameron. He does believe we're all in it together. And he thinks the government is acting fairly. The richest 10% are paying 10 times as much as the poorest 10%.Yes, says Cameron. He does believe we're all in it together. And he thinks the government is acting fairly. The richest 10% are paying 10 times as much as the poorest 10%.
Q: What do you mean by aggressive tax avoidance? {He cites a case that sounds similar to Philip Green.]Q: What do you mean by aggressive tax avoidance? {He cites a case that sounds similar to Philip Green.]
Camerons says there is a form of aggressive tax avoidance that is wrong.Camerons says there is a form of aggressive tax avoidance that is wrong.
Q: But what about this case? [Without naming Green, Humphrys says Cameron recruited him to advise the government.]Q: But what about this case? [Without naming Green, Humphrys says Cameron recruited him to advise the government.]
Cameron says he is not getting into this individual case.Cameron says he is not getting into this individual case.
Q: But what about that sort of thing.

Yes, that sort of thing, says Cameron. [He seems to be criticising Green.]		Q: But what about that sort of thing.

Yes, that sort of thing, says Cameron. [He seems to be criticising Green.]
Q: But you gave him a job.Q: But you gave him a job.
Cameron names Green for the first time. He was asked to advise the government, he says. But he won't discuss his tax affairs. He says setting up a company specifically to avoid tax would be unacceptable.Cameron names Green for the first time. He was asked to advise the government, he says. But he won't discuss his tax affairs. He says setting up a company specifically to avoid tax would be unacceptable.
The government has given the Revenue extra money to target tax evasion, he says.The government has given the Revenue extra money to target tax evasion, he says.
Q: And you invite these people for dinner?Q: And you invite these people for dinner?
Everyone should pay their taxes, says Cameron. He again says he does not want to comment on individuals.Everyone should pay their taxes, says Cameron. He again says he does not want to comment on individuals.
Q: What about generally?Q: What about generally?
Generally speaking, that's sensible, Cameron says.Generally speaking, that's sensible, Cameron says.
8.10am: John Humphrys is doing the interview. He says it's worrying when a government starts to look incompetent.

Q: Are you worried?		8.10am: John Humphrys is doing the interview. He says it's worrying when a government starts to look incompetent.

Q: Are you worried?
Cameron says he wants the government to do better. But the "big picture" is what really matters. The government came together "on an economic rescue mission". But they are not just hard-edged accountants. They want to make Britain better for "hard-working people who do the right thing". And they want to make it more pro-enterprise.Cameron says he wants the government to do better. But the "big picture" is what really matters. The government came together "on an economic rescue mission". But they are not just hard-edged accountants. They want to make Britain better for "hard-working people who do the right thing". And they want to make it more pro-enterprise.
Cameron says he wants the government to raise its game.Cameron says he wants the government to raise its game.
Q: But the omnishambles phrase, and the other problems, suggest you are not running the country well. You made a mess over Abu Qatada.Q: But the omnishambles phrase, and the other problems, suggest you are not running the country well. You made a mess over Abu Qatada.
Cameron picks up Humphrys' point about the fuel strike. The last government had a plan that would allow the miltary to provide 10% of the nation's fuel supplies. Now it could supply 50 to 60%. But he says he accepts the need to learn lessons around communication.

Q: Why did you not wait 24 hours before arresting Abu Qatada.		Cameron picks up Humphrys' point about the fuel strike. The last government had a plan that would allow the miltary to provide 10% of the nation's fuel supplies. Now it could supply 50 to 60%. But he says he accepts the need to learn lessons around communication.

Q: Why did you not wait 24 hours before arresting Abu Qatada.
Cameron says the Home Office was very clear that it had the right day. It checked. The case law was also clear.Cameron says the Home Office was very clear that it had the right day. It checked. The case law was also clear.
Q: But did the Home Office check?Q: But did the Home Office check?
Cameron said it had checked with the court.Cameron said it had checked with the court.
Q: What were you told?Q: What were you told?
Cameron says the Home Office believed, and checked during the process ....Cameron says the Home Office believed, and checked during the process ....
Q: What were they told?Q: What were they told?
They were told the deadline expired on the Monday night, Cameron says.They were told the deadline expired on the Monday night, Cameron says.
The key point is, was the government right to move as quickly as possible.The key point is, was the government right to move as quickly as possible.
Q: But why did they not wait another 24 hours? It was because you wanted to make a splash.Q: But why did they not wait another 24 hours? It was because you wanted to make a splash.
No, says Cameron. It was because they wanted to move as quickly as possible.No, says Cameron. It was because they wanted to move as quickly as possible.
8.00am: We'll be hearing a lot from David Cameron today. He is on the Today programme at 8.10, he has got other interviews lined up and he is giving a campaign speech in Bristol. Inevitably, it's being billed by Labour as a relaunch. In Bristol, he is going to urge people in the cities with a referendum on whether to have an elected mayor to vote for the proposal.8.00am: We'll be hearing a lot from David Cameron today. He is on the Today programme at 8.10, he has got other interviews lined up and he is giving a campaign speech in Bristol. Inevitably, it's being billed by Labour as a relaunch. In Bristol, he is going to urge people in the cities with a referendum on whether to have an elected mayor to vote for the proposal.

It's a once-in-a-generation chance to change the way our country is run. I passionately want those cities – from Bristol to Birmingham, Nottingham to Newcastle, Sheffield to Wakefield – to give a resounding, emphatic yes next week.
It's a once-in-a-generation chance to change the way our country is run. I passionately want those cities – from Bristol to Birmingham, Nottingham to Newcastle, Sheffield to Wakefield – to give a resounding, emphatic yes next week.
But, with the joint committee on the draft House of Lords reform bill publishing its report this morning, and the Tories at war over the plans, he may spend more time in his interviews talking about that.But, with the joint committee on the draft House of Lords reform bill publishing its report this morning, and the Tories at war over the plans, he may spend more time in his interviews talking about that.
Here's the agenda for the day.Here's the agenda for the day.
10am: Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury, gives a speech to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. As Nicholas Watt reports, Alexander will say Whitehall departments will face tough new spending rules because the Treasury wants to ensure there can be no repeat of the "mess" that landed Britain with its largest fiscal deficit in peacetime.10am: Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury, gives a speech to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. As Nicholas Watt reports, Alexander will say Whitehall departments will face tough new spending rules because the Treasury wants to ensure there can be no repeat of the "mess" that landed Britain with its largest fiscal deficit in peacetime.
10am: The joint committee on on the draft Lords reform bill publishes its report. As the Guardian reports, it will call for Lords reporm to be put to the voters in a referendum. Lord Richard, the committee chairman, holds a press conference at 11am.10am: The joint committee on on the draft Lords reform bill publishes its report. As the Guardian reports, it will call for Lords reporm to be put to the voters in a referendum. Lord Richard, the committee chairman, holds a press conference at 11am.
10.45am: The McKay Commission on the West Lothian Question is holding a public evidence session.10.45am: The McKay Commission on the West Lothian Question is holding a public evidence session.
11.30am: Aidan Barclay, chairman of the Telegraph Media Group, Evgeny Lebedev, chairman of the companies that run the Independent and the Evening Standard, and John Ryley, head of Sky News, give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry.11.30am: Aidan Barclay, chairman of the Telegraph Media Group, Evgeny Lebedev, chairman of the companies that run the Independent and the Evening Standard, and John Ryley, head of Sky News, give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry.
11.40am: A cross-party group of MPs calling for an elected Lords hold a press conference.11.40am: A cross-party group of MPs calling for an elected Lords hold a press conference.
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.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.
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.