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Politics live blog: Thursday 10 May 2012 Politics live blog: Thursday 10 May 2012
(40 minutes later)
12.26pm: In his response to Andrew Lansley, Andy Burnham said that David Heath, the (Lib Dem) deputy leader of the Commons had said that some of the risk register should be published. He was referring to this post that Heath wrote for Liberal Democrat Voice two days ago.Here's an extract.
The principle of not releasing the private advice of civil servants as part of the process of policy formation was recognised even when we were arguing over the original legislation line-by-line. Indeed, I remember trying to persuade ministers then to differentiate between the information on which policy was based — statistics, factual information and the like — which ought to be made available, and the opinions expressed by policy-makers disclosure of which might harm the process.
And I pointed to the provisions in the New Zealand legislation, which we often took as a model, which has a qualified exemption for information to be withheld to "maintain the effective conduct of public affairs". So for the government to hold to the principle is not unreasonable.
But that shouldn't be used as a reason to withhold everything connected to that advice. That's why I've been arguing that, while it's right to maintain the exemption principle, it would also be right to publish as much of what is contained in the risk register as possible so that people can form their own judgements.
Apart from anything else, much of it is either already in the public domain or has been superseded by later amendments in the bill, so it's hard to see what damage could now be done. Indeed, probably the worst damage for those interested in ensuring transparency would be to set the precedent that the whole advice could be released, because of the effect on candour and disclosure in the future.
So we should publish, but not be damned for not releasing verbatim advice. It's not a conspiracy, it's a necessary protection of openness in the future. And while I would accept, if not agree with, criticism from those who have been entirely consistent in their views, the last people who should cry foul are Labour ex-ministers who, far from publishing risk registers in full, preferred to publish not at all.
12.25pm: Lansley says he has received no representations from Labour to publish risk registers produced when they were in office.
12.12pm: Andrew Lansley accuses Burnham of "synthetic indignation".
Lansley says it was not in the public interest to publish the risk register.
At some point in the future it will be published. There will come a time when publication would not have a damaging effect, he says.
Lord O'Donnell, the former cabinet secretary, supported the decision not to publish the risk register.
And when Burnham was a minister, he opposed the publication of risk register, Lansley says.
Lansley says a Conservative member recently submitted a request for a risk register in Wales, where Labour are in power. The Welsh government refused its publication. He quotes from the reply received, citing the need to protect the confidentiality of civil service advice.
Lansley says Burnham should "celebrate" what is happening in the NHS now, instead of worrying about a document that is out of date. Waiting times are down and performance is improving.
12.08pm: Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, says Andrew Lansley's decsion shows that the government is rolling back transparency.
On the three previous occasions ministers used a veto to block a Freedom of Information request, their decisions related to cabinet discussions. This decison relates to an operational matter.
The information tribunal considered the "safe space" argument used by Lansley. But this argument was tested in court.
Lansley says his decision is based on principle, not law. But publication should be a matter of principle and law, Burnham says.
If Lansley cannot be open about the risks he is taking, "then they are risks they should not be taking".
This is "a cabinet cover-up of epic proportions", he says.
11.58am: Andrew Lansley says he is allowed to exercise a ministerial veto and block publication of the risk register. He has the support of the cabinet, he says.
He decided to use the veto, rather than to appeal against the information tribunal's decision saying it should be published, because this was a matter of principle, not law.
Officials should have a "space" where they can think thoughts without the risk of disclosure.
Lansley says Jack Straw, the Labour former home secretary who was involved in introducing the Freedom of Information Act, endorsed this when he gave evidence to a Commons committee recently.
He says that if the risk register had been published, its contents would have been open to misinterpretation and misuse.
As a result, subsequent risk registers would be more "anodyne", he says.
The government's right to use the veto is written into the Act. It is a proper use of the Act.
The Health Act received 50 days' of debate in parliament. Very few pieces of legislation have ever received so much scrutiny.
Lansley says that on Tuesday he published a document about the risks relating to the Act (pdf).
He has also published a scheme for publication, which sets out how information relating to the NHS reform process will be published (pdf).
His decision to veto was "about long-term principles and good government", he says.
Much of the infomation about the risk register is already in the public domain.
(That seems to be a reference to the version of the risk register that was leaked - pdf.)
11.57am: Andrew Lansley, the health secretary, is making a statement now about his decision to veto publication of the risk register relating to the Health Act.11.57am: Andrew Lansley, the health secretary, is making a statement now about his decision to veto publication of the risk register relating to the Health Act.
11.45am: Here's the news release from the Ministry of Defence announcing the jump-jet U-turn. (It's an anacronym horrorshow.) Here's an extract.11.45am: Here's the news release from the Ministry of Defence announcing the jump-jet U-turn. (It's an anacronym horrorshow.) Here's an extract.
The MOD will move away from the Carrier Variant (CV) JSF and our Armed Forces will instead operate the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant JSF.The MOD will move away from the Carrier Variant (CV) JSF and our Armed Forces will instead operate the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant JSF.
Even with this change in JSF jet type, the MOD's plan to deliver Carrier Strike in 2020, as a key part of Future Force 2020, is still on schedule.Even with this change in JSF jet type, the MOD's plan to deliver Carrier Strike in 2020, as a key part of Future Force 2020, is still on schedule.
Speaking to the House of Commons this morning, Mr Hammond outlined the reasons this decision has been made. They included:Speaking to the House of Commons this morning, Mr Hammond outlined the reasons this decision has been made. They included:
• sticking with the Carrier Variant would delay Carrier Strike by at least three years to 2023 at the earliest;• sticking with the Carrier Variant would delay Carrier Strike by at least three years to 2023 at the earliest;
• the cost of fitting catapults and arrestor gear ('cats and traps') to the Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers to operate CV aircraft has doubled from around £1bn to £2bn; and• the cost of fitting catapults and arrestor gear ('cats and traps') to the Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers to operate CV aircraft has doubled from around £1bn to £2bn; and
• the STOVL aircraft offers the UK the ability to have an aircraft carrier available continuously. Although no decision on budgeting for crew and support costs will be taken until the next Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) in 2015, the second carrier would be able to provide capability while the first vessel is in maintenance.• the STOVL aircraft offers the UK the ability to have an aircraft carrier available continuously. Although no decision on budgeting for crew and support costs will be taken until the next Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) in 2015, the second carrier would be able to provide capability while the first vessel is in maintenance.
11.39am: James Arbuthnot, the Conservative chairman of the Commons defence secretary, says it takes courage to make a statement like this. How much would it have cost to add "cats and traps" to the Queen Elizabeth?11.39am: James Arbuthnot, the Conservative chairman of the Commons defence secretary, says it takes courage to make a statement like this. How much would it have cost to add "cats and traps" to the Queen Elizabeth?
Hammond says that fitting "cats and traps" to the Prince of Wales carrier while it was being built would have cost up to £2bn. Fitting them to the Queen Elizabeth carrier retrospectively would have cost up to £3bn, he says.Hammond says that fitting "cats and traps" to the Prince of Wales carrier while it was being built would have cost up to £2bn. Fitting them to the Queen Elizabeth carrier retrospectively would have cost up to £3bn, he says.
11.36am: Bob Ainsworth, the Labour former defence secretary, says Hammond has taken the right decision. But he does not accept that the facts have changed. The facts were available from the beginning, he says. David Cameron took the original decision not to order the jump-jet fighters against clear advice, Ainsworth says.11.36am: Bob Ainsworth, the Labour former defence secretary, says Hammond has taken the right decision. But he does not accept that the facts have changed. The facts were available from the beginning, he says. David Cameron took the original decision not to order the jump-jet fighters against clear advice, Ainsworth says.
Hammond says the facts have changed. Ainsworth is wrong.Hammond says the facts have changed. Ainsworth is wrong.
11.34am: Liam Fox, the former defence secretary, says there were two optimal choices. Larger carriers with "cats and traps", or smaller carriers with jump-jet fighters. Will Hammond agree that this proposal is "sub-optimal" and will he accept that that is because the delay in fitting the "cats and traps" created unacceptable risk?11.34am: Liam Fox, the former defence secretary, says there were two optimal choices. Larger carriers with "cats and traps", or smaller carriers with jump-jet fighters. Will Hammond agree that this proposal is "sub-optimal" and will he accept that that is because the delay in fitting the "cats and traps" created unacceptable risk?
Hammond says he agrees.Hammond says he agrees.
He says he is not interested in trading insults with Labour about what happened in the past.He says he is not interested in trading insults with Labour about what happened in the past.
11.28am: Hammond says that before Murphy climbs "too high up his high horse" he wants to remind MPs of some facts.11.28am: Hammond says that before Murphy climbs "too high up his high horse" he wants to remind MPs of some facts.
Labour ordered carriers that were too big for the jump-jet fighters. But it did not order them with "cats and traps".Labour ordered carriers that were too big for the jump-jet fighters. But it did not order them with "cats and traps".
It also offered a sweetheart deal to the suppliers, he says.It also offered a sweetheart deal to the suppliers, he says.
Expense has been incurred, Hammond says. But it has not cost £250m.Expense has been incurred, Hammond says. But it has not cost £250m.
The cost of the work already carried out is between £40m and £50m.The cost of the work already carried out is between £40m and £50m.
There may also be some exit costs to pay the American contractors, he says.There may also be some exit costs to pay the American contractors, he says.
When he knows the final cost of abandoning the order, he will tell MPs.When he knows the final cost of abandoning the order, he will tell MPs.
Flights from the Queen Elizabeth carrier will begin in 2018, he says. But it will not be fully operational until 2020.Flights from the Queen Elizabeth carrier will begin in 2018, he says. But it will not be fully operational until 2020.
11.22am: Jim Murphy, the shadow defence secretary, is replying for Labour.11.22am: Jim Murphy, the shadow defence secretary, is replying for Labour.
He says the government are claiming that this is a good announcement. Yet they are making it after the local election. It must be the first example of the government delaying good news, he says.He says the government are claiming that this is a good announcement. Yet they are making it after the local election. It must be the first example of the government delaying good news, he says.
This U-turn will cost up to £250m, he says.This U-turn will cost up to £250m, he says.
Nothing has been gained, he says. Two years have been wasted.Nothing has been gained, he says. Two years have been wasted.
Harriers have been sold to the Americans for a fraction of their value.Harriers have been sold to the Americans for a fraction of their value.
Britain will have no aircraft on its carriers for a decade. You do not have to be a strategist to know what should be on them, he says. "The clue is in the name," he says.Britain will have no aircraft on its carriers for a decade. You do not have to be a strategist to know what should be on them, he says. "The clue is in the name," he says.
The government's approach is "as incoherent as it is ludicrous".The government's approach is "as incoherent as it is ludicrous".
David Cameron ignored advice when he ordered the orginal F-35B fighters, he says.David Cameron ignored advice when he ordered the orginal F-35B fighters, he says.
The government cannot use Liam Fox as a scapegoat, Murphy says. (See 10.30am.)The government cannot use Liam Fox as a scapegoat, Murphy says. (See 10.30am.)
The Labour government got it right, he says.The Labour government got it right, he says.
This government has combined incompetence with hubris. The prime minister himself should apologise, Murphy says.This government has combined incompetence with hubris. The prime minister himself should apologise, Murphy says.
11.13am: Philip Hammond says that Labour's procurement plans were based on "fantasy".11.13am: Philip Hammond says that Labour's procurement plans were based on "fantasy".
Since becoming defence secretary, he has been reveiwing procurement plans, he says.Since becoming defence secretary, he has been reveiwing procurement plans, he says.
As he looked at the carrier programme, he realised some of the underlying facts were changing.As he looked at the carrier programme, he realised some of the underlying facts were changing.
He realised that the "cats and traps" system could not be delivered until 2023, not 2020 as orginally planned.He realised that the "cats and traps" system could not be delivered until 2023, not 2020 as orginally planned.
The estimated cost of fitting the "cats and traps" equipement to one new carrier had risen from £950m to £2bn, he said. The cost of adding it to a second carrier was even higher. The estimated cost of fitting the "cats and traps" equipment to one new carrier had risen from £950m to £2bn, he said. The cost of adding it to a second carrier was even higher.
Hammond also says that work with Britain's ally assured him that there were better ways to "optimise alliance capabilities".Hammond also says that work with Britain's ally assured him that there were better ways to "optimise alliance capabilities".
When the facts change, the responsible thing is to change your mind, he says.
It would be wrong to "bury your head in the sand and plough on regardless", as Labour did.		When the facts change, the responsible thing is to change your mind, he says.
It would be wrong to "bury your head in the sand and plough on regardless", as Labour did.
He says he is not prepared to accept any further delay.He says he is not prepared to accept any further delay.
That's why is is announcing that the National Security Council has decided not to covert both carriers to the "cats and traps" system. Instead they will carry the jump jet fighters, the F-35B. That's why is is announcing that the National Security Council has decided not to convert both carriers to the "cats and traps" system. Instead they will carry the jump jet fighters, the F-35B.
This was not an easy decision, he says. But the government has to make the right decision on the basis of the facts available.This was not an easy decision, he says. But the government has to make the right decision on the basis of the facts available.
He never expected decisions to be easy or pain free, he says.He never expected decisions to be easy or pain free, he says.
This announcement will give Britain two useable carriers. The first will be ready for sea trials in 2017, with fighters taking off from it in 2018 and it being ready for operations in 2020.This announcement will give Britain two useable carriers. The first will be ready for sea trials in 2017, with fighters taking off from it in 2018 and it being ready for operations in 2020.
11.11am: Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, is making his statement about the aircraft carrier fighter U-turn now.11.11am: Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, is making his statement about the aircraft carrier fighter U-turn now.
10.59am: I haven't read the South Wales Argus since I was a trainee reporter on the nearby South Wales Echo. But Labour HQ read it, and they've discovered that it's got a great scoop. A Conservative MP, David Davies, has written to the paper apologising to his constituents who feel let down by the government. He has attacked "incompetence of the highest levels of government". Here's an extract.10.59am: I haven't read the South Wales Argus since I was a trainee reporter on the nearby South Wales Echo. But Labour HQ read it, and they've discovered that it's got a great scoop. A Conservative MP, David Davies, has written to the paper apologising to his constituents who feel let down by the government. He has attacked "incompetence of the highest levels of government". Here's an extract.

The British government needs to look after Britain first.
The British government needs to look after Britain first.
David Cameron needs to change his tact very rapidly other wise he's not going to be in position for very long. I am sure he realises his supporters are not happy with what's going on.David Cameron needs to change his tact very rapidly other wise he's not going to be in position for very long. I am sure he realises his supporters are not happy with what's going on.
If I sound like I'm being critical I am. I have been a been loyal for the last couple of years, although I have voted against the government on certain things like the EU referendum question, but there comes a point when it is becoming more difficult to remain so loyal.If I sound like I'm being critical I am. I have been a been loyal for the last couple of years, although I have voted against the government on certain things like the EU referendum question, but there comes a point when it is becoming more difficult to remain so loyal.
10.30am: You can read all today's Guardian politics stories here. And all the politics stories filed yesterday, including some in today's paper, are here.10.30am: 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.

• Kiran Stacey and George Parker in the Financial Times (subscription) say Number 10 are blaming Liam Fox for the Ministry of Defence's decision to order the wrong fighter plane for Britain's new aircraft carriers.		As for the rest of the papers, here are some stories and articles that are particularly interesting.

• Kiran Stacey and George Parker in the Financial Times (subscription) say Number 10 are blaming Liam Fox for the Ministry of Defence's decision to order the wrong fighter plane for Britain's new aircraft carriers.
A person within Downing Street said: "The carrier variant option was put on the table [by the MoD] late in the day and only quickly discussed. Maybe some more thinking should have been done. It was presented to us as 'This needs to happen' but without work being done to look at the risk of delays and overspending."A person within Downing Street said: "The carrier variant option was put on the table [by the MoD] late in the day and only quickly discussed. Maybe some more thinking should have been done. It was presented to us as 'This needs to happen' but without work being done to look at the risk of delays and overspending."
Another official close to the 2010 defence review said Mr Fox had become convinced in opposition that Labour had chosen the wrong version of the F35 jet.Another official close to the 2010 defence review said Mr Fox had become convinced in opposition that Labour had chosen the wrong version of the F35 jet.
The official said Mr Fox had underestimated the cost of the option – he thought it would be £500m not £2bn – and thought there would be a short delay rather than the seven years needed to make changes to the carriers.The official said Mr Fox had underestimated the cost of the option – he thought it would be £500m not £2bn – and thought there would be a short delay rather than the seven years needed to make changes to the carriers.
• Sue Cameron in the Daily Telegraph says civil service advice, like the NHS risk register, should be published.• Sue Cameron in the Daily Telegraph says civil service advice, like the NHS risk register, should be published.
The real objection to making public the Civil Service's advice to ministers, according to the economist Sir Samuel Brittan, is that "it might reveal how banal and obvious the advice has been". Ouch! If that wasn't enough to make secretive ministers and mandarins wince, Sir Samuel was even more forthright. "We need to dump the doctrine of the confidentiality of advice given to ministers by officials," he said, and quoted Rudyard Kipling: "Power without responsibility has been the privilege of the harlot throughout the ages: and self-serving talk of 'telling truth to power' should not disguise this."The real objection to making public the Civil Service's advice to ministers, according to the economist Sir Samuel Brittan, is that "it might reveal how banal and obvious the advice has been". Ouch! If that wasn't enough to make secretive ministers and mandarins wince, Sir Samuel was even more forthright. "We need to dump the doctrine of the confidentiality of advice given to ministers by officials," he said, and quoted Rudyard Kipling: "Power without responsibility has been the privilege of the harlot throughout the ages: and self-serving talk of 'telling truth to power' should not disguise this."
Kipling's dictum, borrowed by his cousin Stanley Baldwin, was meant as a jibe against an over-powerful media. It is not often you see top civil servants likened to a bunch of tarts. Yet Sir Samuel has seen Whitehall up close. He was speaking at the launch of his latest book, Inside the Department of Economic Affairs. It is a diary that he kept – quite in breach of Civil Service rules – when he was an official in the Sixties. Ending the secrecy of civil service advice has been a theme of his writing ever since. Sadly, the forces of reaction are still doing all they can to resist openness.Kipling's dictum, borrowed by his cousin Stanley Baldwin, was meant as a jibe against an over-powerful media. It is not often you see top civil servants likened to a bunch of tarts. Yet Sir Samuel has seen Whitehall up close. He was speaking at the launch of his latest book, Inside the Department of Economic Affairs. It is a diary that he kept – quite in breach of Civil Service rules – when he was an official in the Sixties. Ending the secrecy of civil service advice has been a theme of his writing ever since. Sadly, the forces of reaction are still doing all they can to resist openness.
• The Financial Times in an editorial (subscription) says the government is suffering from "a growing perception of incompetence".• The Financial Times in an editorial (subscription) says the government is suffering from "a growing perception of incompetence".
The government as a whole is suffering from a growing perception of incompetence. Too many initiatives are launched, and too few delivered. An austerity government cannot fritter away scarce resources flip-flopping on military procurement, such as with the F35 fighter. Such U-turns are doubly unfortunate when Downing Street will later this year demand further cuts from spending departments.The government as a whole is suffering from a growing perception of incompetence. Too many initiatives are launched, and too few delivered. An austerity government cannot fritter away scarce resources flip-flopping on military procurement, such as with the F35 fighter. Such U-turns are doubly unfortunate when Downing Street will later this year demand further cuts from spending departments.
These problems with delivery stem partly from the failure to reform the civil service, where officials should be charged with making sure policy is translated into action. A few more grey hairs among the special advisers would do no harm. But above all, Mr Cameron desperately needs a proper political operation in Downing Street, with clear lines of command and control.These problems with delivery stem partly from the failure to reform the civil service, where officials should be charged with making sure policy is translated into action. A few more grey hairs among the special advisers would do no harm. But above all, Mr Cameron desperately needs a proper political operation in Downing Street, with clear lines of command and control.
While changes are needed, the coalition should not look for salvation in a new legislative programme. The modesty of yesterday's Queen's Speech is no bad thing. The government needs to focus on delivering the programme set out in its agreement. This must be accompanied by a renewed focus on growth. The test of all new legislative proposals should be whether they encourage investment and job creation.While changes are needed, the coalition should not look for salvation in a new legislative programme. The modesty of yesterday's Queen's Speech is no bad thing. The government needs to focus on delivering the programme set out in its agreement. This must be accompanied by a renewed focus on growth. The test of all new legislative proposals should be whether they encourage investment and job creation.
• The Daily Mail picture desk have been identifying animals that look like politicians.• The Daily Mail picture desk have been identifying animals that look like politicians.
10.10am: And here's our live blog of the Leveson inquiry. Viscount Rothermere, owner of the Daily Mail, is giving evidence now. Andy Coulson will be appearing this afternoon.10.10am: And here's our live blog of the Leveson inquiry. Viscount Rothermere, owner of the Daily Mail, is giving evidence now. Andy Coulson will be appearing this afternoon.
10.09am: The Press Assocation has just snapped this.10.09am: The Press Assocation has just snapped this.
Thousands of London bus workers are to vote on strikes in a row over pay during the Olympics, the Unite union said today.Thousands of London bus workers are to vote on strikes in a row over pay during the Olympics, the Unite union said today.
10.07am: Here's our live blog about today's public sector strike.10.07am: Here's our live blog about today's public sector strike.
9.55am: For the record, here are the YouGov GB polling figures from last night.

Labour: 44% (no change since Tuesday night)
Conservatives: 31% (no change)
Lib Dems: 9% (up 1)
Ukip: 8% (no change)		9.55am: For the record, here are the YouGov GB polling figures from last night.

Labour: 44% (no change since Tuesday night)
Conservatives: 31% (no change)
Lib Dems: 9% (up 1)
Ukip: 8% (no change)
Labour lead: 13 pointsLabour lead: 13 points
Government approval: -39Government approval: -39
9.47am: According to Paul Waugh, we're also getting a Commons statement from Andrew Lansley on his decision not to publish the risk register relating to the Health Act. That will come at around 12.30pm, after the business statement (10.30am) and the Hammond statement about fighter jets (around 11.30am).9.47am: According to Paul Waugh, we're also getting a Commons statement from Andrew Lansley on his decision not to publish the risk register relating to the Health Act. That will come at around 12.30pm, after the business statement (10.30am) and the Hammond statement about fighter jets (around 11.30am).
9.30am: Alan Johnson, the Labour former home secretary, told Radio 5 Live this morning that he would have resigned if he had made the mistake that Theresa May did in relation to Abu Qatada and the deadline for his appeal to the European court of human rights. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.9.30am: Alan Johnson, the Labour former home secretary, told Radio 5 Live this morning that he would have resigned if he had made the mistake that Theresa May did in relation to Abu Qatada and the deadline for his appeal to the European court of human rights. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.

On an issue like this, it is so difficult, I'd have resigned over it. For all kinds of reasons this is such an important issue that Theresa May was absolutely right to get this guy out of the country, but to mess up her dates is a horrendous mistake and it just looks like amateur hour in the government.
On an issue like this, it is so difficult, I'd have resigned over it. For all kinds of reasons this is such an important issue that Theresa May was absolutely right to get this guy out of the country, but to mess up her dates is a horrendous mistake and it just looks like amateur hour in the government.
9.22am: Nick Herbert, the policing minister, was on Sky this morning talking about today's protest by police officers. (It's not a strike, because they are not allowed to go on strike. The officers marching have had to take time off to join the protest.) Herbert said he thought the protests were mainly about pensions, and that the government's pension cuts were justified. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.9.22am: Nick Herbert, the policing minister, was on Sky this morning talking about today's protest by police officers. (It's not a strike, because they are not allowed to go on strike. The officers marching have had to take time off to join the protest.) Herbert said he thought the protests were mainly about pensions, and that the government's pension cuts were justified. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.

I think that many of those who are marching today are really marching about pay and conditions, and what I would point out is that these changes to pensions, which I believe are entirely justifiable, are applying across the public sector, as is the two year pay freeze, which is very important to help deal with the deficit. The fact is that actually people are now living longer - of course that's a good thing - but ten years longer than they would have been expected to in the 1970s. The costs of public sector pensions have gone up, just in the course of my lifetime, by a third, and most of that increase has actually fallen on the employer i.e. the British taxpayer.
I think that many of those who are marching today are really marching about pay and conditions, and what I would point out is that these changes to pensions, which I believe are entirely justifiable, are applying across the public sector, as is the two year pay freeze, which is very important to help deal with the deficit. The fact is that actually people are now living longer - of course that's a good thing - but ten years longer than they would have been expected to in the 1970s. The costs of public sector pensions have gone up, just in the course of my lifetime, by a third, and most of that increase has actually fallen on the employer i.e. the British taxpayer.
9.00am: There's a nationwide public sector strike today - you can read our story about it here - and even MPs are affected. There are pickets outside the House of Commons and yesterday, at the start of the Queen's Speech debate, the Speaker, John Bercow, took the unusual step of telling MPs that some of the police officers who are here normally on a Thursday would be away.9.00am: There's a nationwide public sector strike today - you can read our story about it here - and even MPs are affected. There are pickets outside the House of Commons and yesterday, at the start of the Queen's Speech debate, the Speaker, John Bercow, took the unusual step of telling MPs that some of the police officers who are here normally on a Thursday would be away.
Please be vigilant and tell the Serjeant at Arms about any concerns you have on the subject. Wear your photo identity pass while you are on the parliamentary estate—this is particularly important over the next 24 hours, as there will be a number of police officers on duty, covering for absent security officers, who cannot be expected to recognise members.Please be vigilant and tell the Serjeant at Arms about any concerns you have on the subject. Wear your photo identity pass while you are on the parliamentary estate—this is particularly important over the next 24 hours, as there will be a number of police officers on duty, covering for absent security officers, who cannot be expected to recognise members.
We'll be covering the strike on a separate live blog. Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office minister, has already put out a statement about it this morning.We'll be covering the strike on a separate live blog. Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office minister, has already put out a statement about it this morning.
It is very disappointing that a handful of unions insist on carrying on with futile strike action which will benefit no one. We would urge these union leaders to reconsider their position. Pension talks will not be reopened and nothing further will be achieved through strike action.It is very disappointing that a handful of unions insist on carrying on with futile strike action which will benefit no one. We would urge these union leaders to reconsider their position. Pension talks will not be reopened and nothing further will be achieved through strike action.
In March we set out our final proposed agreements on pension reform following more than a year of intensive discussions with trades unions. Our reforms ensure that public sector pensions will remain among the very best available and that they can be sustained for the future.In March we set out our final proposed agreements on pension reform following more than a year of intensive discussions with trades unions. Our reforms ensure that public sector pensions will remain among the very best available and that they can be sustained for the future.
Public sector workers are being asked to work a bit longer and pay a bit more, but they will continue to get a guaranteed pension which is index-linked and inflation-proofed. Most staff on low and middle incomes will receive a pension at retirement as good as what they expect today, and for many it will be even better.Public sector workers are being asked to work a bit longer and pay a bit more, but they will continue to get a guaranteed pension which is index-linked and inflation-proofed. Most staff on low and middle incomes will receive a pension at retirement as good as what they expect today, and for many it will be even better.
It's hard to tell what political effect the strike may have, but I'll be covering any reaction here.It's hard to tell what political effect the strike may have, but I'll be covering any reaction here.
As for the rest of the day, it's a bit mixed, although Andy Coulson's evidence to the Leveson inquiry should be interesting. Here's what's in the diary.

10am: Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor and David Cameron's former communications director, gives evidence to the Leveson inquiry. We'll be covering it live on a separate live blog.		As for the rest of the day, it's a bit mixed, although Andy Coulson's evidence to the Leveson inquiry should be interesting. Here's what's in the diary.

10am: Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor and David Cameron's former communications director, gives evidence to the Leveson inquiry. We'll be covering it live on a separate live blog.
10am: Michael Gove, the education secretary, speaks at the Brighton College conference.10am: Michael Gove, the education secretary, speaks at the Brighton College conference.
Around 11.30am: Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, makes a statement in the Commons confirming the government's decision to abandon its plan to buy the preferred fighter for the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers.Around 11.30am: Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, makes a statement in the Commons confirming the government's decision to abandon its plan to buy the preferred fighter for the Royal Navy's new aircraft carriers.
12pm: Off-duty police officers march through Westminster to protest about cuts to their pay and conditions of service.12pm: Off-duty police officers march through Westminster to protest about cuts to their pay and conditions of service.
Around 12.30pm: Theresa May and Yvette Cooper open the Queen's Speech debate on home affairs.Around 12.30pm: Theresa May and Yvette Cooper open the Queen's Speech debate on home affairs.
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.