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Politics live blog: Monday 14 May Politics live blog: Monday 14 May
(40 minutes later)
12.30pm: A Conservative MP has claimed that his party will fight the next election promising a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU. Mark Reckless made the comment at a press conference organised by People's Pledge, the cross-party group campaigning for a referendum.
I believe my party will go into the next election committed to an in/out referendum on Europe ... [That's because of] the shift of mood among colleagues, the need to differentiate the Conservative party from the Coalition and basically to enthuse our members, our activists, our supporters, and indeed, backbench Conservative MPs. I think there has been some considerable effort in recent months to think what you could have as a referendum, what's the way to do this, how could you renegotiate that, and I think that work has failed to come up with a credible and coherent alternative to an in/out referendum. That's why I believe we are likely to go in that direction.

Reckless may have been reading this article by James Forsyth in the Spectator, which includes the line: "One source intimately involved in Tory electoral strategy told me recently that a referendum in the next manifesto was 'basically a certainty'."
The press conference was held to announce that the People's Pledge will be holding polls in three constituencies towards the end of July asking people if they want a referendum. They have already had one in Thurrock, in which 90% of people said yes on a 30% turnout.
12.23pm: Ed Miliband has issed a tribute to Peter Hain following his resignation from the shadow cabinet. (See 8.50am.) He says that Hain has made "an enormous contribution from the front bench over the past 16 years" and that he has been "an exceptional colleague and trusted friend".12.23pm: Ed Miliband has issed a tribute to Peter Hain following his resignation from the shadow cabinet. (See 8.50am.) He says that Hain has made "an enormous contribution from the front bench over the past 16 years" and that he has been "an exceptional colleague and trusted friend".
11.43am: Here are the main points from the Number 10 lobby briefing.11.43am: Here are the main points from the Number 10 lobby briefing.
• Number 10 played down speculation that Britain will contribute to a rescue fund if Greece is ejected from the euro. Asked about a story in the Daily Telegraph saying that Germany wants all 27 members of the EU to contribute to a fund that would deal with the consequences of a Greek exit, the prime minister's spokesman said: "We have been very clear all along that it's up to the Eurozone countries to support their currency." When it was put to him that, in the event of a Greek withdrawal, it would no longer be a member of the Eurozone, the spokesman repeated the point about the need for the Eurozone countries to support their own currency. He also pointed out that the EU-wide bail out fund is being wound up (although journalists pointed out that that has not happened yet).• Number 10 played down speculation that Britain will contribute to a rescue fund if Greece is ejected from the euro. Asked about a story in the Daily Telegraph saying that Germany wants all 27 members of the EU to contribute to a fund that would deal with the consequences of a Greek exit, the prime minister's spokesman said: "We have been very clear all along that it's up to the Eurozone countries to support their currency." When it was put to him that, in the event of a Greek withdrawal, it would no longer be a member of the Eurozone, the spokesman repeated the point about the need for the Eurozone countries to support their own currency. He also pointed out that the EU-wide bail out fund is being wound up (although journalists pointed out that that has not happened yet).
• Number 10 hinted that Britain would be willing to contribute £1bn to a European growth plan. Asked about a story in the Financial Times saying that David Cameron was considering contributing £1bn to the European Investment Bank as part of a plan to recapitalise the bank championed by new French president, François Hollande, the spokesman said:• Number 10 hinted that Britain would be willing to contribute £1bn to a European growth plan. Asked about a story in the Financial Times saying that David Cameron was considering contributing £1bn to the European Investment Bank as part of a plan to recapitalise the bank championed by new French president, François Hollande, the spokesman said:
There are no proposals on the table at the moment. We will obviously consider proposals that are made on their merit. We are open-minded about how the European Investment Bank can support infrastructure investment.There are no proposals on the table at the moment. We will obviously consider proposals that are made on their merit. We are open-minded about how the European Investment Bank can support infrastructure investment.
• Number 10 refused to endorse Philip Hammond's call for businesses to stop "whingeing" about the economy. Asked whether or not David Cameron agreed with what Hammond said (see 10.51am), the prime minister's spokesman repeatedly sidestepped the question and just stressed the measures the government was taking to encourage growth. He also said that he would not be briefing on the outcome of Cameron's meeting with his business advisory council this afternoon.• Number 10 refused to endorse Philip Hammond's call for businesses to stop "whingeing" about the economy. Asked whether or not David Cameron agreed with what Hammond said (see 10.51am), the prime minister's spokesman repeatedly sidestepped the question and just stressed the measures the government was taking to encourage growth. He also said that he would not be briefing on the outcome of Cameron's meeting with his business advisory council this afternoon.
• Cameron will meet François Hollande, at the G8 summit in the US at the end of this week, the spokesman said.

• Number 10 rejected claims from the Royal College of Nursing that 61,000 health workers face the sack. "We do not recognise their figures," said the spokesman.		• Cameron will meet François Hollande, at the G8 summit in the US at the end of this week, the spokesman said.

• Number 10 rejected claims from the Royal College of Nursing that 61,000 health workers face the sack. "We do not recognise their figures," said the spokesman.
• Cameron and Nick Clegg have a joint meeting today with the Dalai Lama.• Cameron and Nick Clegg have a joint meeting today with the Dalai Lama.
• Number 10 did not deny an FT story suggesting Cameron will meet Mitt Romney in London this summer. (See 10.51am.) "There will be lots of people in town during the Olympics," the spokesman said. "We have not confirmed meetings yet."

• Ed Vaizey, the culture minister, has announced measures to encourage overseas investment in UK film production.		• Number 10 did not deny an FT story suggesting Cameron will meet Mitt Romney in London this summer. (See 10.51am.) "There will be lots of people in town during the Olympics," the spokesman said. "We have not confirmed meetings yet."

• Ed Vaizey, the culture minister, has announced measures to encourage overseas investment in UK film production.
11.37am: I'm just back from the Number 10 lobby, where Europe and relations with business were the main themes. Full summary coming up soon.11.37am: I'm just back from the Number 10 lobby, where Europe and relations with business were the main themes. Full summary coming up soon.
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.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.As for the rest of the papers, here are some stories and articles that are particularly interesting.
• Iain Duncan Smith tells the Daily Telegraph in an interview that half a million people could lose disability benefits under his plans.• Iain Duncan Smith tells the Daily Telegraph in an interview that half a million people could lose disability benefits under his plans.

In an interview with today's Daily Telegraph, the Work and Pensions Secretary says that he is determined to introduce radical reforms to disability benefits which will see more than two million claimants reassessed in the next four years.
In an interview with today's Daily Telegraph, the Work and Pensions Secretary says that he is determined to introduce radical reforms to disability benefits which will see more than two million claimants reassessed in the next four years.
Iain Duncan Smith says that the number of claimants has risen by 30 percent in recent years "rising well ahead of any other gauge you might make about illness, sickness, disability". Losing a limb should not automatically entitle people to a pay-out, he suggests.Iain Duncan Smith says that the number of claimants has risen by 30 percent in recent years "rising well ahead of any other gauge you might make about illness, sickness, disability". Losing a limb should not automatically entitle people to a pay-out, he suggests.
The cost of disability living allowance, which is intended to help people meet the extra costs of mobility and care associated with their conditions, now outstrips unemployment benefit and will soon be £13 billion annually.The cost of disability living allowance, which is intended to help people meet the extra costs of mobility and care associated with their conditions, now outstrips unemployment benefit and will soon be £13 billion annually.
Under the reform plans, the existing benefit will be replaced with a simpler "more focused" allowance and only those medically assessed to be in genuine need of support will continue to qualify.Under the reform plans, the existing benefit will be replaced with a simpler "more focused" allowance and only those medically assessed to be in genuine need of support will continue to qualify.
An official impact assessment of the plans, released this month, reveals the scheme will cut benefit payments by £2.24 billion annually – and lead to about 500,000 fewer claimants.An official impact assessment of the plans, released this month, reveals the scheme will cut benefit payments by £2.24 billion annually – and lead to about 500,000 fewer claimants.
• George Parker and Helen Thomas in the Financial Times (subscription) say Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, told business leaders yesterday to stop whingeing.• George Parker and Helen Thomas in the Financial Times (subscription) say Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, told business leaders yesterday to stop whingeing.
In a sign of deteriorating relations between the coalition and business, Philip Hammond, defence secretary, said some large companies were sitting on large piles of cash and urged them to start investing it to meet future demand.In a sign of deteriorating relations between the coalition and business, Philip Hammond, defence secretary, said some large companies were sitting on large piles of cash and urged them to start investing it to meet future demand.
Asked by the BBC's John Pienaar about whether some in business were complaining excessively about the government's approach, he said: "Yes, I suppose they are in a way whingeing about it."Asked by the BBC's John Pienaar about whether some in business were complaining excessively about the government's approach, he said: "Yes, I suppose they are in a way whingeing about it."
Earlier William Hague fuelled an increasingly tense relationship when he said: "I think we should be getting on with the task of creating more of those jobs and more of those exports, rather than complaining about it."Earlier William Hague fuelled an increasingly tense relationship when he said: "I think we should be getting on with the task of creating more of those jobs and more of those exports, rather than complaining about it."
Mr Hague, interviewed in the Sunday Telegraph, added: "There's only one growth strategy: work hard."Mr Hague, interviewed in the Sunday Telegraph, added: "There's only one growth strategy: work hard."
• George Parker and Jim Pickard in the Financial Times (subscription) say Tony Blair is expected to support calls for more emphasis on growth.• George Parker and Jim Pickard in the Financial Times (subscription) say Tony Blair is expected to support calls for more emphasis on growth.
Tony Blair and Lord Mandelson are to add their weight to Labour's calls for a renewed emphasis on growth in a sign that the big beasts of the New Labour era are returning to the cause to help make the party's case on the economy.Tony Blair and Lord Mandelson are to add their weight to Labour's calls for a renewed emphasis on growth in a sign that the big beasts of the New Labour era are returning to the cause to help make the party's case on the economy.
Mr Blair has been holding regular talks with Ed Miliband, Labour leader, and is understood to share the view that austerity has become self-defeating and that a growth strategy – including at a European level – is vital.Mr Blair has been holding regular talks with Ed Miliband, Labour leader, and is understood to share the view that austerity has become self-defeating and that a growth strategy – including at a European level – is vital.
The former prime minister has also been meeting Labour MPs and is expected to use the fifth anniversary of his departure from Downing St this summer to put down markers of his views on the economy.The former prime minister has also been meeting Labour MPs and is expected to use the fifth anniversary of his departure from Downing St this summer to put down markers of his views on the economy.
A foretaste of that message is expected to come on Monday when Lord Mandelson appears alongside his one-time political foe Ed Balls, shadow chancellor, at a Centre for European Reform event.A foretaste of that message is expected to come on Monday when Lord Mandelson appears alongside his one-time political foe Ed Balls, shadow chancellor, at a Centre for European Reform event.


Mandelson's views on this are set out in a piece that he's written for the Guardian jointly with Ed Balls.

Mandelson's views on this are set out in a piece that he's written for the Guardian jointly with Ed Balls.
• The Financial Times (subscription) says David Cameron is hoping to meet Mitt Romney in London in the summer.• The Financial Times (subscription) says David Cameron is hoping to meet Mitt Romney in London in the summer.

David Cameron is hoping to meet Mitt Romney, the US presidential hopeful, in London this summer, as Downing Street draws up plans to avoid a repeat of this year's diplomatic snub of François Hollande.
David Cameron is hoping to meet Mitt Romney, the US presidential hopeful, in London this summer, as Downing Street draws up plans to avoid a repeat of this year's diplomatic snub of François Hollande.
By putting out the welcome mat for Mr Romney, Mr Cameron would be sending out a very different signal to that delivered to Mr Hollande in February, when the prime minister refused to meet the Socialist presidential candidate on a visit to London.By putting out the welcome mat for Mr Romney, Mr Cameron would be sending out a very different signal to that delivered to Mr Hollande in February, when the prime minister refused to meet the Socialist presidential candidate on a visit to London.


• Tom Newton Dunn in the Sun says Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, has banned military chiefs from giving speeches or interviews without permission.

• Tom Newton Dunn in the Sun says Philip Hammond, the defence secretary, has banned military chiefs from giving speeches or interviews without permission.

The move has been branded "insulting" and "paranoid" by senior sources.
The move has been branded "insulting" and "paranoid" by senior sources.
It shows how the bitter spat between Tory Ministers and Forces' commanders is worsening.It shows how the bitter spat between Tory Ministers and Forces' commanders is worsening.
David Cameron lost his temper with generals last year for criticising swingeing cuts and the Afghan withdrawal policy. The PM fumed: "You do the fighting — and I'll do the talking."David Cameron lost his temper with generals last year for criticising swingeing cuts and the Afghan withdrawal policy. The PM fumed: "You do the fighting — and I'll do the talking."
A senior source told The Sun last night: "Slapping a gag on the chiefs just goes to show how much trust has been lost on both sides.A senior source told The Sun last night: "Slapping a gag on the chiefs just goes to show how much trust has been lost on both sides.
"We're still fighting a war — now with even less resources — but the Government no longer trusts us to explain why.""We're still fighting a war — now with even less resources — but the Government no longer trusts us to explain why."
• Boris Johnson in the Daily Telegraph says the government should appoint a Tory to run the BBC.• Boris Johnson in the Daily Telegraph says the government should appoint a Tory to run the BBC.
If you are funded by the taxpayer, you are less likely to understand and sympathise with the difficulties of business; you are less likely to celebrate enterprise. I have sometimes wondered why BBC London never carries stories about dynamic start-ups or amazing London exports – and then concluded gloomily that it just not in the nature of that show. It's not in their DNA. Fully 75 per cent of the London economy is private sector – and yet it is almost completely ignored by our state broadcaster.If you are funded by the taxpayer, you are less likely to understand and sympathise with the difficulties of business; you are less likely to celebrate enterprise. I have sometimes wondered why BBC London never carries stories about dynamic start-ups or amazing London exports – and then concluded gloomily that it just not in the nature of that show. It's not in their DNA. Fully 75 per cent of the London economy is private sector – and yet it is almost completely ignored by our state broadcaster.
Well, folks, we have a potential solution. In a short while we must appoint a new director-general, to succeed Mark Thompson. If we are really going ahead with Lords reform (why?), then the Lib Dems should allow the Government to appoint someone to run the BBC who is free-market, pro-business and understands the depths of the problems this country faces. We need someone who knows about the work ethic, and cutting costs. We need a Tory, and no mucking around. If we can't change the Beeb, we can't change the country.Well, folks, we have a potential solution. In a short while we must appoint a new director-general, to succeed Mark Thompson. If we are really going ahead with Lords reform (why?), then the Lib Dems should allow the Government to appoint someone to run the BBC who is free-market, pro-business and understands the depths of the problems this country faces. We need someone who knows about the work ethic, and cutting costs. We need a Tory, and no mucking around. If we can't change the Beeb, we can't change the country.


• John Kampfner in the Independent says political journalism is too binary.

• John Kampfner in the Independent says political journalism is too binary.

Political journalism is notoriously fickle. It is also, with some exceptions, conformist, following the narrative established at the time. That narrative is invariably binary. Someone is either up or down. The advent of the Coalition produced a new ingredient, the Liberal Democrats, previously largely ignored. The cycle of eulogising and kicking had to be divided into three. First in the stocks was Nick Clegg, in the autumn of 2010, after the tuition fees U-turn. From then it was open season and the man could do nothing right.
Political journalism is notoriously fickle. It is also, with some exceptions, conformist, following the narrative established at the time. That narrative is invariably binary. Someone is either up or down. The advent of the Coalition produced a new ingredient, the Liberal Democrats, previously largely ignored. The cycle of eulogising and kicking had to be divided into three. First in the stocks was Nick Clegg, in the autumn of 2010, after the tuition fees U-turn. From then it was open season and the man could do nothing right.
I'm off to the Number 10 lobby briefing now. I'll post again after 11.30am.I'm off to the Number 10 lobby briefing now. I'll post again after 11.30am.
10.34am: The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is holding a public consulation on the subject of how much MPs should be paid. And, to coincide with this, it has launched something called the Month of Ideas. It does not seem to be generating many ideas - we're half way through the month, and the first submission on the Month of Ideas blog has only just gone up - but the first contribution is quite interesting. It's from Alastair Campbell. Here's an extract.10.34am: The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is holding a public consulation on the subject of how much MPs should be paid. And, to coincide with this, it has launched something called the Month of Ideas. It does not seem to be generating many ideas - we're half way through the month, and the first submission on the Month of Ideas blog has only just gone up - but the first contribution is quite interesting. It's from Alastair Campbell. Here's an extract.
I worry about the attitude that says being an MP is a privilege as well as public service because, though that statement is true, taken to its logical conclusion, we go down the road to a Parliament open only to the wealthy.I worry about the attitude that says being an MP is a privilege as well as public service because, though that statement is true, taken to its logical conclusion, we go down the road to a Parliament open only to the wealthy.
Parliament should attract a wide variety of people, among them the best and brightest in the country. The relentless negativity which surrounds politics puts many people off the idea of a political career. Talented people can earn more and with less pressure and opprobrium elsewhere. If we also decide they should not get a salary that befits a challenging and important job, then I fear we will narrow the field of talent willing to enter Parliament even further.Parliament should attract a wide variety of people, among them the best and brightest in the country. The relentless negativity which surrounds politics puts many people off the idea of a political career. Talented people can earn more and with less pressure and opprobrium elsewhere. If we also decide they should not get a salary that befits a challenging and important job, then I fear we will narrow the field of talent willing to enter Parliament even further.
10.24am: The Scottish government has announced its plans to set 50p as the minimum price for a unit of alcohol. Full details are on the Scottish government news release. Here's a statement from Nicola Sturgeon (pictured), the Scottish health secretary.10.24am: The Scottish government has announced its plans to set 50p as the minimum price for a unit of alcohol. Full details are on the Scottish government news release. Here's a statement from Nicola Sturgeon (pictured), the Scottish health secretary.

Too many Scots are drinking themselves to death. The problem affects people of all walks of life.
Too many Scots are drinking themselves to death. The problem affects people of all walks of life.
It's no coincidence that as affordability has increased, alcohol-related hospital admissions have quadrupled, and it is shocking that half of our prisoners now say they were drunk when they committed the offence. It's time for this to stop.It's no coincidence that as affordability has increased, alcohol-related hospital admissions have quadrupled, and it is shocking that half of our prisoners now say they were drunk when they committed the offence. It's time for this to stop.
Introducing a minimum price per unit will enable us to tackle these problems, given the clear link between affordability and consumption.Introducing a minimum price per unit will enable us to tackle these problems, given the clear link between affordability and consumption.
There is now a groundswell of support for the policy across the medical profession, police forces, alcohol charities and from significant parts of the drinks and licensed trade industry who recognise the benefits minimum pricing can bring – saving lives and reducing crime.There is now a groundswell of support for the policy across the medical profession, police forces, alcohol charities and from significant parts of the drinks and licensed trade industry who recognise the benefits minimum pricing can bring – saving lives and reducing crime.
Since 45p was first proposed as the minimum price 18 months ago, we have seen inflation of around five per cent. A minimum price of 50p takes this into account and will achieve a similar level of public health benefits to what 45p would have achieved in 2010.Since 45p was first proposed as the minimum price 18 months ago, we have seen inflation of around five per cent. A minimum price of 50p takes this into account and will achieve a similar level of public health benefits to what 45p would have achieved in 2010.
10.08am: The Leveson inquiry has started. Alastair Campbell and Lord O'Donnell are up today. You can follow the proceedings on our live blog.10.08am: The Leveson inquiry has started. Alastair Campbell and Lord O'Donnell are up today. You can follow the proceedings on our live blog.
9.35am: Les Hinton (pictured), the former News International boss who was accused by the Commons culture committee of misleading parliament about phone hacking, has hit back. Hinton disputed the committee's findings when its report was published earlier this month but he has now sent a more detailed response to the committee's chairman, John Whittingdale. Here's an extract from the story filed by the Press Association.9.35am: Les Hinton (pictured), the former News International boss who was accused by the Commons culture committee of misleading parliament about phone hacking, has hit back. Hinton disputed the committee's findings when its report was published earlier this month but he has now sent a more detailed response to the committee's chairman, John Whittingdale. Here's an extract from the story filed by the Press Association.
[Hinton] says of the committee's findings: "They are based on a misreading of evidence, and on a selective and misleading analysis of my testimonies to your committee."
He goes on to the claim that the report's conclusions "rest on a highly selective reading of the record, and unsupportable leaps in logic and inference".
And he insists "there is nothing credible ... to suggest that I was anything but candid with the committee".
The report concluded that Rupert Murdoch's News International had misled the hacking inquiry in a "blatant fashion".
Opposition MPs on the committee also branded Murdoch as unfit to be in charge of a major media firm, although Tory members refused to support this ...
In the robust rebuttal letter, Hinton questions the impartiality of the committee, which was deeply divided over elements of the report, and claims that "matters have gone seriously awry".
"It is hard to avoid the view that the committee has sometimes allowed preconceived judgments to cloud its objectivity and sense of fairness."
The committee accused Hinton of selective amnesia after he replied he could not remember 72 times during questioning.
But he insisted that number had been inflated by grouping together answers to the same or similar questions ...
Hinton added: "I have apologised publicly for the misconduct at the News of the World when I was executive chairman of News International. As a consequence, I resigned from News Corporation last year after a career that began 52 years before.
"My criticism of the report should in no way be taken as an effort to minimise the harm that has occurred as a result of the events at News of the World.
"But if this committee is going to accuse me of misleading parliament or being complicit in a cover-up, it should get its facts right and conduct a fair process. The committee has done neither."		[Hinton] says of the committee's findings: "They are based on a misreading of evidence, and on a selective and misleading analysis of my testimonies to your committee."
He goes on to the claim that the report's conclusions "rest on a highly selective reading of the record, and unsupportable leaps in logic and inference".
And he insists "there is nothing credible ... to suggest that I was anything but candid with the committee".
The report concluded that Rupert Murdoch's News International had misled the hacking inquiry in a "blatant fashion".
Opposition MPs on the committee also branded Murdoch as unfit to be in charge of a major media firm, although Tory members refused to support this ...
In the robust rebuttal letter, Hinton questions the impartiality of the committee, which was deeply divided over elements of the report, and claims that "matters have gone seriously awry".
"It is hard to avoid the view that the committee has sometimes allowed preconceived judgments to cloud its objectivity and sense of fairness."
The committee accused Hinton of selective amnesia after he replied he could not remember 72 times during questioning.
But he insisted that number had been inflated by grouping together answers to the same or similar questions ...
Hinton added: "I have apologised publicly for the misconduct at the News of the World when I was executive chairman of News International. As a consequence, I resigned from News Corporation last year after a career that began 52 years before.
"My criticism of the report should in no way be taken as an effort to minimise the harm that has occurred as a result of the events at News of the World.
"But if this committee is going to accuse me of misleading parliament or being complicit in a cover-up, it should get its facts right and conduct a fair process. The committee has done neither."
9.03am: Nick Clegg has done a round of interviews this morning to publicise his pupil premium initiative. PoliticsHome have been monitoring them all.9.03am: Nick Clegg has done a round of interviews this morning to publicise his pupil premium initiative. PoliticsHome have been monitoring them all.
Here are the key points.Here are the key points.
• Clegg said the pupil premium would help all pupils, not just the ones from poor families who are intended to be the main beneficiaries.• Clegg said the pupil premium would help all pupils, not just the ones from poor families who are intended to be the main beneficiaries.
I do want to stress is that focusing as much attention and money as we are on the children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds doesn't just help them. It helps all children from all backgrounds, because we know that the most successful schools are where classrooms and classes can move together as one, where you don't have a small number of children at the back messing around or completely switched off, which then holds everybody else back.I do want to stress is that focusing as much attention and money as we are on the children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds doesn't just help them. It helps all children from all backgrounds, because we know that the most successful schools are where classrooms and classes can move together as one, where you don't have a small number of children at the back messing around or completely switched off, which then holds everybody else back.


• He said the pupil premium was better than some Labour initiatives because it was not ring-fenced.

• He said the pupil premium was better than some Labour initiatives because it was not ring-fenced.
In the past, when these announcements were made, new pots of money were allocated by governments to schools and teachers, it would come with endless strings attached and a great, big instruction manual telling teachers what to do with the money. What we're saying is: "Here's the money, it's an unprecedented amount - £2.5bn by the end of this parliament - you are free to do with it what you will as along as you work hard to close that gap between children from different backgrounds."In the past, when these announcements were made, new pots of money were allocated by governments to schools and teachers, it would come with endless strings attached and a great, big instruction manual telling teachers what to do with the money. What we're saying is: "Here's the money, it's an unprecedented amount - £2.5bn by the end of this parliament - you are free to do with it what you will as along as you work hard to close that gap between children from different backgrounds."


• He said the way schools were funded needed to be reformed.

• He said the way schools were funded needed to be reformed.
The way in which school funding is very idiosyncratic. It's built up layer upon layer over years and we are moving towards making announcements on a more rational division of the pot. It's a very controversial thing to do because, just as much as there might be winner in Dorset, there might be losers in East London, so it's a very controversial thing to do. It's not something we're going to rush into.The way in which school funding is very idiosyncratic. It's built up layer upon layer over years and we are moving towards making announcements on a more rational division of the pot. It's a very controversial thing to do because, just as much as there might be winner in Dorset, there might be losers in East London, so it's a very controversial thing to do. It's not something we're going to rush into.
• He said he supported Iain Duncan's Smith's plans to cut the number of receiving disability living allowance. Duncan Smith has talks about this in an interview in the Daily Telegraph today. Clegg said: "I support reform because many people have received DLA, as it's known, without any personal, face-to-face tests for year upon year upon year without any assessment about whether their circumstances have changed."• He said he supported Iain Duncan's Smith's plans to cut the number of receiving disability living allowance. Duncan Smith has talks about this in an interview in the Daily Telegraph today. Clegg said: "I support reform because many people have received DLA, as it's known, without any personal, face-to-face tests for year upon year upon year without any assessment about whether their circumstances have changed."
8.54am: Peter Hain, the shadow Welsh secretary, has announced that he is leaving the shadow cabinet. There's expected to be a limited shadow cabinet reshuffle soon.8.54am: Peter Hain, the shadow Welsh secretary, has announced that he is leaving the shadow cabinet. There's expected to be a limited shadow cabinet reshuffle soon.
As Hain told BBC Wales this morning, he is leaving partly so that he can concentrate on campaigning for a Severn Barrage.As Hain told BBC Wales this morning, he is leaving partly so that he can concentrate on campaigning for a Severn Barrage.
8.50am: It's quite a busy day at Westminster, but nothing is probably quite as important as the crisis in the Eurozone, which is back at the top of the headlines again today. Greece's departure from the euro looks increasingly likely and, in early trading this morning, the FTSE 100 fell 70 points. My colleague Graeme Wearden has all the details in his Eurozone debt crisis live blog. Nick Clegg has been giving interviews this morning in advance of a speech on the pupil premium and he has reiterated the government's determination not to contribute to a Eurozone bailout.8.50am: It's quite a busy day at Westminster, but nothing is probably quite as important as the crisis in the Eurozone, which is back at the top of the headlines again today. Greece's departure from the euro looks increasingly likely and, in early trading this morning, the FTSE 100 fell 70 points. My colleague Graeme Wearden has all the details in his Eurozone debt crisis live blog. Nick Clegg has been giving interviews this morning in advance of a speech on the pupil premium and he has reiterated the government's determination not to contribute to a Eurozone bailout.
Here's the full agenda for the day.Here's the full agenda for the day.
10am: Nick Clegg delivers a speech on the pupil premium. As Rajeev Syal reports, he will announce that prizes will be awarded to schools that come up with the best ways of spending the pupil premium.

10am: The People's Pledge, the group campaigning for a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU, announces the constitutuencies where it is going to ballot voters on whether they want an EU referendum.		10am: Nick Clegg delivers a speech on the pupil premium. As Rajeev Syal reports, he will announce that prizes will be awarded to schools that come up with the best ways of spending the pupil premium.

10am: The People's Pledge, the group campaigning for a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU, announces the constitutuencies where it is going to ballot voters on whether they want an EU referendum.
10am: Alastair Campbell and Lord O'Donnell, the former cabinet secretary, are giving evidence to the Leveson inquiry.10am: Alastair Campbell and Lord O'Donnell, the former cabinet secretary, are giving evidence to the Leveson inquiry.
10am: Ed Vaizey, the cuture minister, publishes the government's response to Lord Smith's film review.10am: Ed Vaizey, the cuture minister, publishes the government's response to Lord Smith's film review.
2.30pm: Philip Hammond, the defene secretary, makes a statement in the Commons about the Ministry of Defence budget. He is expected to say that the MoD has balanced its budget for the first time in about a decade.2.30pm: Philip Hammond, the defene secretary, makes a statement in the Commons about the Ministry of Defence budget. He is expected to say that the MoD has balanced its budget for the first time in about a decade.
3.15pm: Dame Helen Ghosh, permanent secretary at Home Office, Lin Homer, the HM Revenue & Customs chief executive and Robert Whiteman, chief executive of the Border Agency, give evidence to the Commons public accounts committee about student immigration.3.15pm: Dame Helen Ghosh, permanent secretary at Home Office, Lin Homer, the HM Revenue & Customs chief executive and Robert Whiteman, chief executive of the Border Agency, give evidence to the Commons public accounts committee about student immigration.
At some point today David Cameron has also got a meeting with business leaders. Given that William Hague and other ministers have been telling business leaders to stop complaining about the economy and to just work harder, it could be an edgy encounter.At some point today David Cameron has also got a meeting with business leaders. Given that William Hague and other ministers have been telling business leaders to stop complaining about the economy and to just work harder, it could be an edgy encounter.
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 at about 4pm.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 at about 4pm.
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.