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Theresa May statement on deportation and human rights: Politics live blog Theresa May statement on deportation and human rights: Politics live blog
(40 minutes later)
5.28pm: Here are the key points from the May statement on family migration.
• MPs will vote on new immigration rules saying that if you are a serious criminal, you cannot use a right to a family life to avoid deportation. The rules, which are intended to act as guidance to the courts, are designed to ensure that anyone who has not behaved "according to the standards we expect in this country", cannot use article 8 of the European convention on human rights, the right to a family life, to avoid deportation.
If a foreign criminal has received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, deportation will normally be proportionate.

Even if a criminal has received a shorter sentence, deportation will still normally be proportionate if their offending has caused serious harm or they are a persistent offender who shows particular disregard for the law.

And for the most serious foreign criminals – those sentenced to four or more years in prison – Article 8 rights will only prevent deportation in the most exceptional of circumstances.
• Anyone wanting to sponsor a partner to settle in the UK will have to have a minimum income of £18,600. If they have a child, the threshold will be £22,400. For every extra child, the threshold will rise by £2,400.
• Anyone who wants to sponsor a dependent relative requiring care to come to the UK will have to show that they can look after their relative without recourse to public funds.
• People will only be allowed to sponsor close relatives - parents, grandparents, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters - to come to the UK this way. Aunts and uncles will no longer be able to use the family route. And applications will have to be made from abroad, not while relatives are in the UK as a visitor.
• Applicants wanting to settle in the UK will, from October 2013, have to pass the "life in the UK" test. And they will also have to pass an English language test at an intermediate level.

• The minimum probationary period for new spouses and partners will go up from two years to five years.
• New guidance will be issued to caseworkers to help them identify sham marriages.
• The full right of appeal for people denied a family visa will be removed.
• The new immigration rules will come into effect on 9 July.
5.20pm: Pete Wishart, the SNP MP, says Scotland should have control over migration to Scotland.
May says that if the rules were different in different parts of the UK, migrants could take advantage of lax rules in one place and then move to another.
5.18pm: Labour's Frank Field welcomes the plans. He asks what impact all the government policies will have on immigration.
May says the government wants to cut immigration to the tens of thousands. All measures will have an impact, she says.
5.16pm: Keith Vaz, the Labour chair of the home affairs committee, says he cannot support the plans for a threshold for spousal migration. This will affect Britain Asians, people who are based her. May should consider what affect the plan will have on a city live Leicester.
May says it is reasonable to ask people to be able to support a spouse financially if they are bringing them into the country.
5.12pm: Jack Straw, the Labour former home secretary, says he welcomes the guidance that the government is issuing in relation to article 8. Amy Houston was killed in his constituency at the age of 12 by a driver whose application for asylum failed. That driver used an invented family life to argue that he should remain in the UK, Straw says. Straw says the court's decision to accept his claim was incomprehensible.
5.10pm: May is responding to Cooper.
She says the government has cracked down on the abuse of student visas.
Claims that the government is failing on immigration ignore Labour's record, she says.
5.03pm: Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, is responding.5.03pm: Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, is responding.
She thanks May for early sight of the statement, including early sight of it in the Sunday Times yesterday.She thanks May for early sight of the statement, including early sight of it in the Sunday Times yesterday.
She says Labour accept that article 8 rights have been abused.She says Labour accept that article 8 rights have been abused.
But she says it might be better to use primary legislation to amend the rules.But she says it might be better to use primary legislation to amend the rules.
On family migration, she says there has to be a fair framework.On family migration, she says there has to be a fair framework.
Stronger safeguards are necessary, she says.Stronger safeguards are necessary, she says.
But focusing on the sponsor's salary is not necessarily the best way to protect the taxpayer, she says. What happens if someone loses their job?But focusing on the sponsor's salary is not necessarily the best way to protect the taxpayer, she says. What happens if someone loses their job?
Why did the government rule out consulting on a family bond?Why did the government rule out consulting on a family bond?
May herself said these plans would not cut migration in large numbers. So how will the government keep its promise to cut immigration below 100,000?May herself said these plans would not cut migration in large numbers. So how will the government keep its promise to cut immigration below 100,000?
Why has the number of foreign prisoners being deported fallen?Why has the number of foreign prisoners being deported fallen?
Too many foreign criminals are staying in the UK, not because of article 8, but because of the problems the Border Agency has enforcing the law.Too many foreign criminals are staying in the UK, not because of article 8, but because of the problems the Border Agency has enforcing the law.
Statements and parliamentary motions are not enough, Cooper says. May needs to address the administrative problems occuring on her watch.Statements and parliamentary motions are not enough, Cooper says. May needs to address the administrative problems occuring on her watch.
5.01pm: May is still speaking.5.01pm: May is still speaking.
She says courts have had to decide whether people can use their right to a family life under article 8 of the European convention on human rights to stay in the UK on the basis of case law.She says courts have had to decide whether people can use their right to a family life under article 8 of the European convention on human rights to stay in the UK on the basis of case law.
But parliament should have a say, she says.But parliament should have a say, she says.
She will soon ask the Commons to approve a motion setting out new immigration rules. These will make it clear that article 8 rights are qualified, she says.She will soon ask the Commons to approve a motion setting out new immigration rules. These will make it clear that article 8 rights are qualified, she says.
4.56pm: Theresa May says the governement has already reformed other aspects of the immigration system. Now it is turning to family migration.4.56pm: Theresa May says the governement has already reformed other aspects of the immigration system. Now it is turning to family migration.
Ministers want to get annual migration down below 100,000, she says.Ministers want to get annual migration down below 100,000, she says.
Family migration accounts for 18% of immigration, she says.Family migration accounts for 18% of immigration, she says.
Three conditions should apply to family migration: marriages should be genuine, people should be able to pay their way and migrants should be able to integrate, she says.Three conditions should apply to family migration: marriages should be genuine, people should be able to pay their way and migrants should be able to integrate, she says.
For too long the immigration system did not take into account whether people coming to the UK would be able to pay their way.For too long the immigration system did not take into account whether people coming to the UK would be able to pay their way.
In future there will be a threshold, set at £18,600 for a partner. The threshold will be higher if they have children.In future there will be a threshold, set at £18,600 for a partner. The threshold will be higher if they have children.
A threshold will also apply if people want to bring in relatives who require care.A threshold will also apply if people want to bring in relatives who require care.
4.55pm: Theresa May, the home secretary, is making her statement on family migration.4.55pm: Theresa May, the home secretary, is making her statement on family migration.
4.39pm: Ed Balls has been speaking at the GMB conference this afternoon. LabourList's Mark Ferguson has been been posting about it on Twitter.4.39pm: Ed Balls has been speaking at the GMB conference this afternoon. LabourList's Mark Ferguson has been been posting about it on Twitter.
Balls finishes his questions with "if the Tories think we are annoying now, they haven't seen anything yet". Applause from the delegatesBalls finishes his questions with "if the Tories think we are annoying now, they haven't seen anything yet". Applause from the delegates
— Mark Ferguson (@Markfergusonuk) June 11, 2012— Mark Ferguson (@Markfergusonuk) June 11, 2012
I thought Balls would get monstered by delegates today, but he leaves to applause. Bullet dodged #GMBC12I thought Balls would get monstered by delegates today, but he leaves to applause. Bullet dodged #GMBC12
— Mark Ferguson (@Markfergusonuk) June 11, 2012— Mark Ferguson (@Markfergusonuk) June 11, 2012
4.25pm: John Maples, a former Conservative Treasury minister and shadow foreign secretary when William Hague was leader, has died at the age of 69.4.25pm: John Maples, a former Conservative Treasury minister and shadow foreign secretary when William Hague was leader, has died at the age of 69.
4.20pm: We've had another U-turn from Downing Street. This morning the Sun reported that David Cameron had left his daughter in a pub after lunch and that he had returned to collect her. Number 10 confirmed the story. But this afternoon the prime minister's spokesman told journalists that the Camerons were at the pub for drinks, not for a lunch, and that it was Samantha Cameron, not her husband, who returned to collect Nancy.4.20pm: We've had another U-turn from Downing Street. This morning the Sun reported that David Cameron had left his daughter in a pub after lunch and that he had returned to collect her. Number 10 confirmed the story. But this afternoon the prime minister's spokesman told journalists that the Camerons were at the pub for drinks, not for a lunch, and that it was Samantha Cameron, not her husband, who returned to collect Nancy.
4.18pm: Scotland Yard has asked the Crown Prosecution Service to consider charging five journalists in relation to phone hacking. This is from the Press Association.4.18pm: Scotland Yard has asked the Crown Prosecution Service to consider charging five journalists in relation to phone hacking. This is from the Press Association.
Scotland Yard has handed the Crown Prosecution Service files on five journalists for charging advice in relation to Operation Weeting.
The files all relate to allegations of offences under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, the CPS said.
A CPS spokeswoman said: "We are not prepared to discuss the identities of those involved or the alleged offences in any greater detail at this stage as a number of related investigations are ongoing.
"We are unable to give any timescale for charging decisions, except to say that these cases are being considered very carefully and thoroughly, and the decisions will be made as soon as is practicable."		Scotland Yard has handed the Crown Prosecution Service files on five journalists for charging advice in relation to Operation Weeting.
The files all relate to allegations of offences under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, the CPS said.
A CPS spokeswoman said: "We are not prepared to discuss the identities of those involved or the alleged offences in any greater detail at this stage as a number of related investigations are ongoing.
"We are unable to give any timescale for charging decisions, except to say that these cases are being considered very carefully and thoroughly, and the decisions will be made as soon as is practicable."
4.04pm: Guy Opperman, MP for Hexham and the only Tory MP in the north east of England, has told the Newcastle-based Journal paper that regional pay for public sector workers would be "wrong and divisive".4.04pm: Guy Opperman, MP for Hexham and the only Tory MP in the north east of England, has told the Newcastle-based Journal paper that regional pay for public sector workers would be "wrong and divisive".
I see no economic argument for introducing regional pay. Our current pay system, which sets a base pay rate, already allows for adjustments in high cost areas like London ...I see no economic argument for introducing regional pay. Our current pay system, which sets a base pay rate, already allows for adjustments in high cost areas like London ...
I do not believe reducing public sector pay will help stimulate private economic growth ...I do not believe reducing public sector pay will help stimulate private economic growth ...
To me someone working in the NHS in a deprived part of the North East probably deserves more pay, certainly not less, than a nurse in leafy Surrey. I will be making this case to the Government over the coming months.To me someone working in the NHS in a deprived part of the North East probably deserves more pay, certainly not less, than a nurse in leafy Surrey. I will be making this case to the Government over the coming months.
The full story is on the Journal website.The full story is on the Journal website.
4.00pm: The Treasury urgent question is now over. I don't think we really learnt very much.4.00pm: The Treasury urgent question is now over. I don't think we really learnt very much.
William Hague is making a statement about Syria now.William Hague is making a statement about Syria now.
3.57pm: John Bercow is not accepting questions on other budget measures. At least two Labour MPs have asked Gauke to U-turn on other proposals, only for Bercow to say Gauke does not have to respond to those points.3.57pm: John Bercow is not accepting questions on other budget measures. At least two Labour MPs have asked Gauke to U-turn on other proposals, only for Bercow to say Gauke does not have to respond to those points.
3.52pm: Gauke says the government has not changed its position on the "skip tax". But HM Revenue & Customs has issued fresh guidance about how it will apply because the original guidance was misunderstood.3.52pm: Gauke says the government has not changed its position on the "skip tax". But HM Revenue & Customs has issued fresh guidance about how it will apply because the original guidance was misunderstood.
3.51pm: Tony Baldry, a Conservative, says Labour should just have said "thank you". Gauke says that was never going to happen.3.51pm: Tony Baldry, a Conservative, says Labour should just have said "thank you". Gauke says that was never going to happen.
3.46pm: Here's an extract from Gauke's opening statement.3.46pm: Here's an extract from Gauke's opening statement.
These changes are small in the context of a budget that lowered tax for 24 million people by £350. They amount to £150m compared to the 2bn in tax and spending reductions announced in this budget – less than 0.01 per cent of government spending. The budget continues to have a neutral impact on the public finances, and we remain on track to tackle the unprecedented debt and deficits we inherited.

This in a budget that improves the country's competitiveness by cutting the top rate of tax; that reduces corporation tax to give the UK the most competitive rate in the G20; and that rewards and supports hard working families by helping take 2 million people out of tax altogether.		These changes are small in the context of a budget that lowered tax for 24 million people by £350. They amount to £150m compared to the 2bn in tax and spending reductions announced in this budget – less than 0.01 per cent of government spending. The budget continues to have a neutral impact on the public finances, and we remain on track to tackle the unprecedented debt and deficits we inherited.

This in a budget that improves the country's competitiveness by cutting the top rate of tax; that reduces corporation tax to give the UK the most competitive rate in the G20; and that rewards and supports hard working families by helping take 2 million people out of tax altogether.
3.45pm: Simon Hughes, the Lib Dem deputy leader, says the Lib Dems welcome the changes to the pasty tax and the caravan tax. They would have liked the 50p top rate to stay as well, he says, but they accept they cannot win everything.3.45pm: Simon Hughes, the Lib Dem deputy leader, says the Lib Dems welcome the changes to the pasty tax and the caravan tax. They would have liked the 50p top rate to stay as well, he says, but they accept they cannot win everything.
3.44pm: Gauke says, in the overall scope of the public finances, these changes will not make a "significant difference".3.44pm: Gauke says, in the overall scope of the public finances, these changes will not make a "significant difference".
3.43pm: Peter Bone, a Conservative, says the government should be proud of having done the right thing.3.43pm: Peter Bone, a Conservative, says the government should be proud of having done the right thing.
3.41pm: Gauke is responding now.3.41pm: Gauke is responding now.
He says Reeves accused the government of wanting to raise money. That's because of the mess left by Labour, he says.He says Reeves accused the government of wanting to raise money. That's because of the mess left by Labour, he says.
Four years ago Labour's Alistair Darling had to announce tax cuts worth £3bn because Gordon Brown made a mistake in his last budget when he abolished the 10p rate, Gauke says.Four years ago Labour's Alistair Darling had to announce tax cuts worth £3bn because Gordon Brown made a mistake in his last budget when he abolished the 10p rate, Gauke says.
3.38pm: Rachel Reeves quotes some of the words used by Gauke before the U-turns to defend the budget measures. What has changed?3.38pm: Rachel Reeves quotes some of the words used by Gauke before the U-turns to defend the budget measures. What has changed?
This is not consultation, she says. It is "total incompetence".This is not consultation, she says. It is "total incompetence".
The government was so desperate to raise revenue that it took money whereever it thought it could get away with it.The government was so desperate to raise revenue that it took money whereever it thought it could get away with it.
But other mistakes remain, such as the tax cut for millionaires, she says.But other mistakes remain, such as the tax cut for millionaires, she says.
She says the government should listen to those complaining about the granny tax, and about the recession generally.She says the government should listen to those complaining about the granny tax, and about the recession generally.
The country is crying out for the government to change course, she says.The country is crying out for the government to change course, she says.
3.34pm: David Gauke, the Treasury minister, is responding.3.34pm: David Gauke, the Treasury minister, is responding.
He says the budget contained 282 measures. It has decided to change three, relating to the so-called pasty tax, the tax on static caravans and tax reliefs for charitable donations.He says the budget contained 282 measures. It has decided to change three, relating to the so-called pasty tax, the tax on static caravans and tax reliefs for charitable donations.
He says these changes are tiny in terms of the amount of money raised by the budget and in relation to the main impact of the budget, which will cut tax for 24m people.He says these changes are tiny in terms of the amount of money raised by the budget and in relation to the main impact of the budget, which will cut tax for 24m people.
3.34pm: Rachel Reeves, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, asks for a statement on the changes made to the budget.3.34pm: Rachel Reeves, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, asks for a statement on the changes made to the budget.
3.23pm: The Labour urgent question on the Treasury's budget U-turn is coming up shortly. Rachel Reeves, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, is asking the question, and David Gauke, the Treasury minister, is responding.

George Osborne, of course, is otherwise engaged.		3.23pm: The Labour urgent question on the Treasury's budget U-turn is coming up shortly. Rachel Reeves, the shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, is asking the question, and David Gauke, the Treasury minister, is responding.

George Osborne, of course, is otherwise engaged.
The three budget U-turns announced during the Whitsun recess related to the pasty tax, the caravan tax and the cap on tax relief for charitable donations. There's more detail about them on the Guardian's comprehensive list of government U-turns.The three budget U-turns announced during the Whitsun recess related to the pasty tax, the caravan tax and the cap on tax relief for charitable donations. There's more detail about them on the Guardian's comprehensive list of government U-turns.
3.11pm: Paul Kenny (pictured), the GMB's general secretary, has told his union's annual conference that the GMB will not be giving any extra money to Labour until there have been "major changes" in the way the party operates. Here's the top of the story that the Press Association has filed.3.11pm: Paul Kenny (pictured), the GMB's general secretary, has told his union's annual conference that the GMB will not be giving any extra money to Labour until there have been "major changes" in the way the party operates. Here's the top of the story that the Press Association has filed.
The Labour leadership came under attack from one of the party's biggest union affiliates today amid warnings that the two wings of the movement are at a "crossroads" in their historic links.
The GMB called for changes in how Labour draws up its policies and signalled a new direction for the union's political campaigning which will hit the party's finances.
General secretary Paul Kenny said that apart from the union's £1.4 million a year affiliation fees, and other money to campaign at local elections, the money box was "shut and will remain shut until we see major changes".
He told the union's annual conference in Brighton: "People feel frustrated, angry and let down. They wanted to be proud of Labour in government, they didn't want more of the same. Well, we are not going to put up with more of the same any longer, because people are crying out for social justice.
"I don't believe the public will vote for a Tory-lite approach from a Labour government - they want social advances for working people. We cannot say to the public that the best reason to vote Labour is that they are not the Tories.
"We want Labour to be the party of working people."
Unions had been "locked out" of Labour's policy making process for too long, said Kenny, adding: "This has brought us to a crossroads. This is not a party that belongs to pseudo intellectuals - it should serve the mass of working people in this country."		The Labour leadership came under attack from one of the party's biggest union affiliates today amid warnings that the two wings of the movement are at a "crossroads" in their historic links.
The GMB called for changes in how Labour draws up its policies and signalled a new direction for the union's political campaigning which will hit the party's finances.
General secretary Paul Kenny said that apart from the union's £1.4 million a year affiliation fees, and other money to campaign at local elections, the money box was "shut and will remain shut until we see major changes".
He told the union's annual conference in Brighton: "People feel frustrated, angry and let down. They wanted to be proud of Labour in government, they didn't want more of the same. Well, we are not going to put up with more of the same any longer, because people are crying out for social justice.
"I don't believe the public will vote for a Tory-lite approach from a Labour government - they want social advances for working people. We cannot say to the public that the best reason to vote Labour is that they are not the Tories.
"We want Labour to be the party of working people."
Unions had been "locked out" of Labour's policy making process for too long, said Kenny, adding: "This has brought us to a crossroads. This is not a party that belongs to pseudo intellectuals - it should serve the mass of working people in this country."
3.04pm: Here's an afternoon reading list.3.04pm: Here's an afternoon reading list.
• Jonathan Portes at Not the Treasury View says the government's claim that there are 120,000 troubled families is "completely discredited".• Jonathan Portes at Not the Treasury View says the government's claim that there are 120,000 troubled families is "completely discredited".
Even leaving aside the morality of using the language of "stigmatising" with respect to a set of families many of whom neither deserve nor will benefit from any such thing, this is a terrible way to make policy. Using data - and a completely arbitrary national target number - that everyone knows are simply wrong, solely because it would be embarrassing to admit a mistake, will make the programme less effective and risks wasting public money. Not only does it reflect badly on Ministers, it also does no credit to the senior civil servants who allow the publication of information which - at the most charitable - appears to reflect a complete lack of understanding of the relevant data. This is a clear case for the National Audit Office.Even leaving aside the morality of using the language of "stigmatising" with respect to a set of families many of whom neither deserve nor will benefit from any such thing, this is a terrible way to make policy. Using data - and a completely arbitrary national target number - that everyone knows are simply wrong, solely because it would be embarrassing to admit a mistake, will make the programme less effective and risks wasting public money. Not only does it reflect badly on Ministers, it also does no credit to the senior civil servants who allow the publication of information which - at the most charitable - appears to reflect a complete lack of understanding of the relevant data. This is a clear case for the National Audit Office.
• Fraser Nelson at Coffee House says the story about David Cameron leaving his daughter in the pub won't do him any harm.• Fraser Nelson at Coffee House says the story about David Cameron leaving his daughter in the pub won't do him any harm.
These stories only hurt if they seem to fit a trend of behaviour, or confirm what everyone suspects. But no one, even the prime minister's harshest critic, could accuse him of neglecting his family or failing to prioritise his children.These stories only hurt if they seem to fit a trend of behaviour, or confirm what everyone suspects. But no one, even the prime minister's harshest critic, could accuse him of neglecting his family or failing to prioritise his children.


• Mark Ferguson at LabourList says Labour politicians are telling the GMB conference that the party needs to change the way it selects candidates.

• Mark Ferguson at LabourList says Labour politicians are telling the GMB conference that the party needs to change the way it selects candidates.

The key message so far (Watson and McNicol spoke this morning, Balls will be here this afternoon) is that Labour understands the need to not only represent, but also reflect, the people we seek to serve. At present the PLP doesn't do that. You all know the depressing statistics so I won't rehash them here. Parliament, and the PLP is disproportionately white, middle class men.
The key message so far (Watson and McNicol spoke this morning, Balls will be here this afternoon) is that Labour understands the need to not only represent, but also reflect, the people we seek to serve. At present the PLP doesn't do that. You all know the depressing statistics so I won't rehash them here. Parliament, and the PLP is disproportionately white, middle class men.
To be frank, the PLP is full of people who look like me.To be frank, the PLP is full of people who look like me.
• Guido Fawkes on his blog rounds up some of the incredulous journalistic reaction to Gordon Brown's evidence to the Leveson inquiry.

• Dan Hodges at the Telegraph says there are rumours that Labour wants to expel him from the party.		• Guido Fawkes on his blog rounds up some of the incredulous journalistic reaction to Gordon Brown's evidence to the Leveson inquiry.

• Dan Hodges at the Telegraph says there are rumours that Labour wants to expel him from the party.
• Jesse Norman, the Tory MP, profiles the late Lord Bingham, his father-in-law.• Jesse Norman, the Tory MP, profiles the late Lord Bingham, his father-in-law.
2.30pm: John Bercow, the Commons Speaker, and his counterpart in the Lords, Lady D'Souza, have published the report of a working group they set up to review the working of all-party parliamentary groups. It was chaired by Jack Straw and it says that the rules governing these groups should be tightened. Here's an extract.2.30pm: John Bercow, the Commons Speaker, and his counterpart in the Lords, Lady D'Souza, have published the report of a working group they set up to review the working of all-party parliamentary groups. It was chaired by Jack Straw and it says that the rules governing these groups should be tightened. Here's an extract.
Concerns have been expressed about the potential combined effect of the involvement of outside interests and misconceptions about the Groups' status. The most striking statistic from the survey we conducted was that of those Members and Peers who responded 48% "agreed strongly" or "tended to agree" with the proposition that "APGs [all-party groups] are prone to be manipulated by public affairs and lobby groups for their own purposes" (25% "tended to disagree" or "disagreed strongly"). APGs must not be seen as enabling outside interests to 'buy the logo' of Parliament. That risk requires the Houses to demand the highest standards of transparency from APGs, both in terms of their funding and the rules on how they present themselves to the media and the wider world.

Our view is that a degree of reform is needed and will be accepted, indeed welcomed, by Members and Peers. The recommendations we make would increase the transparency – financial and non-financial – of APG work. We also make the case for measures which would ensure that parliamentarians establishing, or becoming qualifying members of, APGs fulfil certain additional requirements. An important principle which underlies our conclusions is that it must be the responsibility of Members and Peers to run APGs, no matter who provides the secretariat. Members' freedom of association must be exercised responsibly either when deciding to establish a new Group or becoming a qualifying member.		Concerns have been expressed about the potential combined effect of the involvement of outside interests and misconceptions about the Groups' status. The most striking statistic from the survey we conducted was that of those Members and Peers who responded 48% "agreed strongly" or "tended to agree" with the proposition that "APGs [all-party groups] are prone to be manipulated by public affairs and lobby groups for their own purposes" (25% "tended to disagree" or "disagreed strongly"). APGs must not be seen as enabling outside interests to 'buy the logo' of Parliament. That risk requires the Houses to demand the highest standards of transparency from APGs, both in terms of their funding and the rules on how they present themselves to the media and the wider world.

Our view is that a degree of reform is needed and will be accepted, indeed welcomed, by Members and Peers. The recommendations we make would increase the transparency – financial and non-financial – of APG work. We also make the case for measures which would ensure that parliamentarians establishing, or becoming qualifying members of, APGs fulfil certain additional requirements. An important principle which underlies our conclusions is that it must be the responsibility of Members and Peers to run APGs, no matter who provides the secretariat. Members' freedom of association must be exercised responsibly either when deciding to establish a new Group or becoming a qualifying member.
Various Commons committees will now consider how these recommendations can be implemented.Various Commons committees will now consider how these recommendations can be implemented.
2.03pm: Geoffrey Robinson, the Labour former Treasury minster and at one point a key member of the Gordon Brown inner circle, was on the World at One talking about Brown's evidence to the Leveson inquiry. According to PoliticsHome, Robinson said "Tony's people" were normally to blame for starting the briefing war between the Blairites and the Brownites.2.03pm: Geoffrey Robinson, the Labour former Treasury minster and at one point a key member of the Gordon Brown inner circle, was on the World at One talking about Brown's evidence to the Leveson inquiry. According to PoliticsHome, Robinson said "Tony's people" were normally to blame for starting the briefing war between the Blairites and the Brownites.
In general it was the press people in Gordon's office and not civil servants. It was usually in my experience started by Tony's people. The spin doctors are simply too many.In general it was the press people in Gordon's office and not civil servants. It was usually in my experience started by Tony's people. The spin doctors are simply too many.
1.20pm: Here's a lunchtime summary.1.20pm: Here's a lunchtime summary.
• Gordon Brown has effectively accused Rupert Murdoch of lying by saying that Murdoch was wrong to say that Brown threatened to declare war on News Corporation after the Sun dropped its support for Labour before the 2010 election. Murdoch made the claim under oath in his evidence to the Leveson inquiry. Brown said the call never took place.• Gordon Brown has effectively accused Rupert Murdoch of lying by saying that Murdoch was wrong to say that Brown threatened to declare war on News Corporation after the Sun dropped its support for Labour before the 2010 election. Murdoch made the claim under oath in his evidence to the Leveson inquiry. Brown said the call never took place.
I couldn't be unbalanced on a call that I didn't have, and a threat that was not made. I found it shocking that we should get to this situation, sort of some time later, when there is no evidence of this call happening at the time that he says it happened, and you to be told under oath that this was the case and to be backed up by other people from News International who had been continuing to make comments about such a position.I couldn't be unbalanced on a call that I didn't have, and a threat that was not made. I found it shocking that we should get to this situation, sort of some time later, when there is no evidence of this call happening at the time that he says it happened, and you to be told under oath that this was the case and to be backed up by other people from News International who had been continuing to make comments about such a position.
In his evidence to the inquiry, Brown also claimed that he did not lose temper when he was under pressure, that he was not obsessed with what was in the papers and that he did not allow his aides to brief against his colleagues.In his evidence to the inquiry, Brown also claimed that he did not lose temper when he was under pressure, that he was not obsessed with what was in the papers and that he did not allow his aides to brief against his colleagues.

The one thing I can say to you that is absolutely clear ... is that nobody in my position would have instructed any briefing against a senior minister, and Alastair Darling was a friend of mine as well as a senior colleague.
The one thing I can say to you that is absolutely clear ... is that nobody in my position would have instructed any briefing against a senior minister, and Alastair Darling was a friend of mine as well as a senior colleague.
Journalists have used Twitter to express their disbelief at his evidence on this point. Here's ITN's political editor Tom Bradby.Journalists have used Twitter to express their disbelief at his evidence on this point. Here's ITN's political editor Tom Bradby.
Gordon Brown's comments on the activities of his press aides are prompting gasps of incredulity in the parliamentary lobby.Gordon Brown's comments on the activities of his press aides are prompting gasps of incredulity in the parliamentary lobby.
— tom bradby (@tombradby) June 11, 2012— tom bradby (@tombradby) June 11, 2012
Bradby also said: "One is forced to conclude GB has a problem facing reality." There are more details on our Leveson live blog.Bradby also said: "One is forced to conclude GB has a problem facing reality." There are more details on our Leveson live blog.
• NHS Fife has said that a member of its staff was probably responsible for leaking the information about Brown's son Fraser having cystic fibrosis. John Wilson, chief executive of NHS Fife, put out this statement as Brown was giving evidence to Leveson.• NHS Fife has said that a member of its staff was probably responsible for leaking the information about Brown's son Fraser having cystic fibrosis. John Wilson, chief executive of NHS Fife, put out this statement as Brown was giving evidence to Leveson.
Any breach of confidentiality in the NHS is unacceptable. We now accept that it is highly likely that, sometime in 2006, a member of staff in NHS Fife spoke, without authorisation, about the medical condition of Mr Brown's son, Fraser. With the passage of time it has not been possible to identify all the circumstances. We believe, however, that there was no inappropriate access to the child's medical records. We are quite clear that conversations about patients are just as much a breach of confidentiality as looking into their medical records.Any breach of confidentiality in the NHS is unacceptable. We now accept that it is highly likely that, sometime in 2006, a member of staff in NHS Fife spoke, without authorisation, about the medical condition of Mr Brown's son, Fraser. With the passage of time it has not been possible to identify all the circumstances. We believe, however, that there was no inappropriate access to the child's medical records. We are quite clear that conversations about patients are just as much a breach of confidentiality as looking into their medical records.
In the six years which have passed, NHS Fife has tightened up its procedures on patient confidentiality, and staff have had appropriate training. I have apologised to Mr and Mrs Brown and we have taken steps to ensure that what happened to Mr and Mrs Brown and their family should not happen again.In the six years which have passed, NHS Fife has tightened up its procedures on patient confidentiality, and staff have had appropriate training. I have apologised to Mr and Mrs Brown and we have taken steps to ensure that what happened to Mr and Mrs Brown and their family should not happen again.
In his evidence Brown said that, contrary to the evidence given by Rebekah Brooks, editor of the Sun at the time, he and his wife did not give the paper permission to run its story about Fraser's condition. He also explained why he and his wife remained on good terms with Brooks after the story was published.In his evidence Brown said that, contrary to the evidence given by Rebekah Brooks, editor of the Sun at the time, he and his wife did not give the paper permission to run its story about Fraser's condition. He also explained why he and his wife remained on good terms with Brooks after the story was published.
Sarah is one of the most forgiving people I know ... We had to get on with the job of doing what is expected.Sarah is one of the most forgiving people I know ... We had to get on with the job of doing what is expected.
• Lord Justice Leveson has urged the political parties not to turn his inquiry into a political football. In a statement at the opening of today's hearing, he said the News Corporation bid for BSkyB, which has been n embarrassment to the Tories, was only a "small" part of his inquiry.• Lord Justice Leveson has urged the political parties not to turn his inquiry into a political football. In a statement at the opening of today's hearing, he said the News Corporation bid for BSkyB, which has been n embarrassment to the Tories, was only a "small" part of his inquiry.
It remains essential that cross-party support for this inquiry is not jeopardised ... I am specifically not concerned – and am very keen to avoid – inter-party politics and the politics of personality. I am simply not interest in either.It remains essential that cross-party support for this inquiry is not jeopardised ... I am specifically not concerned – and am very keen to avoid – inter-party politics and the politics of personality. I am simply not interest in either.


• Martin McGuinness has announced that he will resign his Westminster seat as Sinn Féin seeks to end "double jobbing". As Henry McDonald reports, McGuinness will step down as MP for Mid Ulster in order to continue as Northern Ireland's deputy first minister. He will continue as the assembly member for the mainly rural constituency. His resignation means a byelection will be held in Mid Ulster, posing a challenge to the two main unionist parties to find a common unity candidate to wrest back the constituency from Sinn Féin.

• Eric Pickles, the communities secretary, has said that troubled families should not be seen as victims. He made the comment as he launched plans to break the "cycle of deprivation" costing the state £9bn a year.

• Martin McGuinness has announced that he will resign his Westminster seat as Sinn Féin seeks to end "double jobbing". As Henry McDonald reports, McGuinness will step down as MP for Mid Ulster in order to continue as Northern Ireland's deputy first minister. He will continue as the assembly member for the mainly rural constituency. His resignation means a byelection will be held in Mid Ulster, posing a challenge to the two main unionist parties to find a common unity candidate to wrest back the constituency from Sinn Féin.

• Eric Pickles, the communities secretary, has said that troubled families should not be seen as victims. He made the comment as he launched plans to break the "cycle of deprivation" costing the state £9bn a year.
• Downing Street has confirmed that David Cameron left his eight-year-old daughter in a pub following a mix-up with his wife Samantha.• Downing Street has confirmed that David Cameron left his eight-year-old daughter in a pub following a mix-up with his wife Samantha.
12.30pm: The Labour party has just posted this on Twitter.12.30pm: The Labour party has just posted this on Twitter.
Treasury ministers to be forced to answer urgent Commons question on Budget u-turns at 3.30pmTreasury ministers to be forced to answer urgent Commons question on Budget u-turns at 3.30pm
— EdMPress (@EdMPress) June 11, 2012— EdMPress (@EdMPress) June 11, 2012
12.21pm: The BBC have just posted this on Twitter.12.21pm: The BBC have just posted this on Twitter.
Martin McGuinness to stand down as an MP to concentrate on being Northern Ireland's deputy first minister. More soon. bbc.in/LfdpwbMartin McGuinness to stand down as an MP to concentrate on being Northern Ireland's deputy first minister. More soon. bbc.in/Lfdpwb
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) June 11, 2012— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) June 11, 2012
12.02pm: Michael Gove, the education secretary, has today published draft primary national curriculum programmes for English, maths and science. The Department for Education's news release about the plans is here and here is the story by our education editor, Jeevan Vasagar, saying that all children will be taught a foreign language from the age of seven. Other reports have focused on the fact that children will be made to learn and recite poetry.12.02pm: Michael Gove, the education secretary, has today published draft primary national curriculum programmes for English, maths and science. The Department for Education's news release about the plans is here and here is the story by our education editor, Jeevan Vasagar, saying that all children will be taught a foreign language from the age of seven. Other reports have focused on the fact that children will be made to learn and recite poetry.
Christine Blower (pictured), the National Union for Teachers general secretary, has now issued a response. Here's an extract.Christine Blower (pictured), the National Union for Teachers general secretary, has now issued a response. Here's an extract.
Much of what is in the proposals can already be seen in schools. Children learn poems, do mental arithmetic and learn grammar. By making this prescriptive along with a whole raft of other requirements, Michael Gove's cries for 'freedom' and 'choice' in the way teachers teach are ringing increasingly hollow.Much of what is in the proposals can already be seen in schools. Children learn poems, do mental arithmetic and learn grammar. By making this prescriptive along with a whole raft of other requirements, Michael Gove's cries for 'freedom' and 'choice' in the way teachers teach are ringing increasingly hollow.
Languages have been in and out of the primary curriculum over the past ten years. As a consequence there is a significant shortage of qualified teachers in this area. For languages to be taught successfully in primary schools we need to see proper investment in training and support both in schools and initial teacher training.Languages have been in and out of the primary curriculum over the past ten years. As a consequence there is a significant shortage of qualified teachers in this area. For languages to be taught successfully in primary schools we need to see proper investment in training and support both in schools and initial teacher training.
11.52am: At the GMB conference the union has put out a report (pdf) about the blacklisting of potential employees. It focuses on Carillion, a services firm. Paul Kenny, the GMB general secretary, said: "This report pulls back the curtain of secrecy to give a glimpse as to the way employers like Carillion have illegally used their power and money to blacklist citizens and to deny them their rights to employment."11.52am: At the GMB conference the union has put out a report (pdf) about the blacklisting of potential employees. It focuses on Carillion, a services firm. Paul Kenny, the GMB general secretary, said: "This report pulls back the curtain of secrecy to give a glimpse as to the way employers like Carillion have illegally used their power and money to blacklist citizens and to deny them their rights to employment."
Carillion has put out a statement in response.Carillion has put out a statement in response.

Carillion does not condone or engage in blacklisting. It is not against unions and recognises trade unions for some of its workforce nationally. These allegations of blacklisting are believed to concern matters that took place many years ago and relate to businesses acquired by Carillion. The law has changed significantly in the intervening period. Nonetheless, Carillion takes any allegation of this nature very seriously and is investigating.
Carillion does not condone or engage in blacklisting. It is not against unions and recognises trade unions for some of its workforce nationally. These allegations of blacklisting are believed to concern matters that took place many years ago and relate to businesses acquired by Carillion. The law has changed significantly in the intervening period. Nonetheless, Carillion takes any allegation of this nature very seriously and is investigating.
11.39am: William Hague is making a statement in the Commons at 3.30pm on Syria. That means Theresa May's statement on deportation and human rights will not start until about 4.30pm.11.39am: William Hague is making a statement in the Commons at 3.30pm on Syria. That means Theresa May's statement on deportation and human rights will not start until about 4.30pm.
11.30am: 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.11.30am: 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.

• Nigel Morris in the Independent says a "poll of polls" gives Labour its biggest lead since the general election.		As for the rest of the papers, here are some stories and articles that are particularly interesting.

• Nigel Morris in the Independent says a "poll of polls" gives Labour its biggest lead since the general election.

Labour has opened its biggest opinion poll lead since the general election as the Conservatives struggle to recover from the aftershocks of the much-criticised Budget, according to the latest "poll of polls" for The Independent ...
Labour has opened its biggest opinion poll lead since the general election as the Conservatives struggle to recover from the aftershocks of the much-criticised Budget, according to the latest "poll of polls" for The Independent ...
Labour's support rose to an average of 42 per cent last month, with the Conservatives on 34 per cent and the Liberal Democrats on 10 per cent.Labour's support rose to an average of 42 per cent last month, with the Conservatives on 34 per cent and the Liberal Democrats on 10 per cent.
An eight-point lead would be enough to deliver a handsome Commons majority of 80 for Mr Miliband in an election fought on the proposed new constituency boundaries.An eight-point lead would be enough to deliver a handsome Commons majority of 80 for Mr Miliband in an election fought on the proposed new constituency boundaries.
By contrast, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary party would come close to being wiped out, holding on to just 10 of its 57 seats.By contrast, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary party would come close to being wiped out, holding on to just 10 of its 57 seats.
• Sam Coates in the Times (paywall) says a Populus poll for the paper suggests 82% of voters want a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU, either now or at some point in the future.• Sam Coates in the Times (paywall) says a Populus poll for the paper suggests 82% of voters want a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU, either now or at some point in the future.
An overwhelming majority of British people favour a referendum on Europe, according to a Populus poll for The Times.An overwhelming majority of British people favour a referendum on Europe, according to a Populus poll for The Times.
It indicates that 82 per cent of voters now want a say, and 49 per cent believe that there should be a public vote right away on Britain's relationship with the EU, without waiting for European leaders to find a solution to the turmoil pushing continental economies to the brink of collapse.It indicates that 82 per cent of voters now want a say, and 49 per cent believe that there should be a public vote right away on Britain's relationship with the EU, without waiting for European leaders to find a solution to the turmoil pushing continental economies to the brink of collapse.
A third - 33 per cent - think that there should be a referendum "in the next few years". Only 18 per cent say that there is no need for one "in the foreseeable future".A third - 33 per cent - think that there should be a referendum "in the next few years". Only 18 per cent say that there is no need for one "in the foreseeable future".
• Anushka Asthana and Leah Milner in the Times (paywall) say four million callers to HM Revenue & Customs have hung up in frustration.• Anushka Asthana and Leah Milner in the Times (paywall) say four million callers to HM Revenue & Customs have hung up in frustration.

Four million callers to Revenue & Customs hung up in frustration last year after waiting times trebled to almost six minutes on average, The Times can reveal.
Four million callers to Revenue & Customs hung up in frustration last year after waiting times trebled to almost six minutes on average, The Times can reveal.
Labour has accused HMRC of "chaos and incompetence", questioning how much money the Government was losing as some callers tried in vain to pay tax back.Labour has accused HMRC of "chaos and incompetence", questioning how much money the Government was losing as some callers tried in vain to pay tax back.
The figures, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, show that 28 per cent of callers gave up midway through their call to the pay-as-you-earn helpline. That has risen from 10 per cent in 2009, when the average waiting time was one minute 53 seconds. By last year it was five minutes 45 seconds.The figures, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, show that 28 per cent of callers gave up midway through their call to the pay-as-you-earn helpline. That has risen from 10 per cent in 2009, when the average waiting time was one minute 53 seconds. By last year it was five minutes 45 seconds.
• Douglas Carswell, the Tory MP, tells the Independent in an interview that the government has become "just another managerialist post-war administration".• Douglas Carswell, the Tory MP, tells the Independent in an interview that the government has become "just another managerialist post-war administration".

[Carswell] believes that Britain should pull out of the EU and model its European policy on that of Norway or Switzerland – brushing aside any talk of the economic dislocation that the tearing up of 40-year-old treaty arrangements would bring, saying it would work out to the general good in the end.
[Carswell] believes that Britain should pull out of the EU and model its European policy on that of Norway or Switzerland – brushing aside any talk of the economic dislocation that the tearing up of 40-year-old treaty arrangements would bring, saying it would work out to the general good in the end.
But his reasons are not those of the old Tory squires. Some of the things he says make him sound more like a Spanish anarchist than a member of the party Lord Salisbury once led. He wants to pull out of the EU as a precursor to dismantling much of the apparatus of the Westminster government. This would include dismantling a large part of Margaret Thatcher's and John Major's legacy. He would scrap the national curriculum, scrap council tax, and restore councils' right to tax local businesses. He describes himself as a "libertarian". He says he was inspired by a speech David Cameron made in Milton Keynes three years ago, setting out the vision of the Big Society, but is the Tory leader still a "big person with a big vision"? There was a long pause. "The jury is still out. To get us out of this economic mess we're going to have to do things that nothing in the past 30 or 40 years has prepared us for, and that's going to require real leadership. Where's the vision? We sort of got the idea of a vision with the Big Society, but this has become, I'm afraid, just another managerialist post-war administration. The Sir Humphreys are carrying on as usual. The bold changes we were promised haven't materialised."But his reasons are not those of the old Tory squires. Some of the things he says make him sound more like a Spanish anarchist than a member of the party Lord Salisbury once led. He wants to pull out of the EU as a precursor to dismantling much of the apparatus of the Westminster government. This would include dismantling a large part of Margaret Thatcher's and John Major's legacy. He would scrap the national curriculum, scrap council tax, and restore councils' right to tax local businesses. He describes himself as a "libertarian". He says he was inspired by a speech David Cameron made in Milton Keynes three years ago, setting out the vision of the Big Society, but is the Tory leader still a "big person with a big vision"? There was a long pause. "The jury is still out. To get us out of this economic mess we're going to have to do things that nothing in the past 30 or 40 years has prepared us for, and that's going to require real leadership. Where's the vision? We sort of got the idea of a vision with the Big Society, but this has become, I'm afraid, just another managerialist post-war administration. The Sir Humphreys are carrying on as usual. The bold changes we were promised haven't materialised."
• Oliver Wright in the Independent says Labour have dubbed Grant Shapps "the minister for Daybreak" because he has made so many repeat announcements on daytime TV.• Oliver Wright in the Independent says Labour have dubbed Grant Shapps "the minister for Daybreak" because he has made so many repeat announcements on daytime TV.
11.10am: Liam Fox (pictured), the Conservative former defence secretary, is launching Give Us Time, a charity initiative to provide week-long holidays for service families recovering from trauma. He is asking people to donate the use of holiday homes. There are more details on the Give Us Time website. In a statement, Fox said that as a doctor he learnt the importance of treating wounded soliders in a family context.11.10am: Liam Fox (pictured), the Conservative former defence secretary, is launching Give Us Time, a charity initiative to provide week-long holidays for service families recovering from trauma. He is asking people to donate the use of holiday homes. There are more details on the Give Us Time website. In a statement, Fox said that as a doctor he learnt the importance of treating wounded soliders in a family context.

As a doctor working with the Armed Forces I learned the importance of seeing our personnel, not as isolated individuals, but as members of a wider family and community dynamic. Give Us Time has been made possible thanks to generously donated week-long holidays in second homes, holiday homes and timeshares across the UK and beyond. We now look forward to helping those returning from active service recover through this scheme.
As a doctor working with the Armed Forces I learned the importance of seeing our personnel, not as isolated individuals, but as members of a wider family and community dynamic. Give Us Time has been made possible thanks to generously donated week-long holidays in second homes, holiday homes and timeshares across the UK and beyond. We now look forward to helping those returning from active service recover through this scheme.
10.41am: Lord Justice Leveson (pictured) started this morning's hearing with what sounded like an appeal to the media not to report the inquiry in partisan terms. As the Press Association reports, he said failure to address the "impact of press behaviour" or the "consequence of press interests" was not confined to one government or one political party.10.41am: Lord Justice Leveson (pictured) started this morning's hearing with what sounded like an appeal to the media not to report the inquiry in partisan terms. As the Press Association reports, he said failure to address the "impact of press behaviour" or the "consequence of press interests" was not confined to one government or one political party.
For that reason, it remains essential that cross-party support for this inquiry is not jeopardised ... It may be more interesting for some to report this inquiry by reference to the politics or personality or the impact of the evidence on current political issues: that is not my focus.For that reason, it remains essential that cross-party support for this inquiry is not jeopardised ... It may be more interesting for some to report this inquiry by reference to the politics or personality or the impact of the evidence on current political issues: that is not my focus.
10.35am: Back to David Cameron for a moment. My colleague Hannah Waldram has compiled a round up of some of the most interesting reader reaction to this story. As she says, on Twitter there are two camps: the 'haven't we all done it' lot, and the 'PM can't run a family, let alone the country' crowd.10.35am: Back to David Cameron for a moment. My colleague Hannah Waldram has compiled a round up of some of the most interesting reader reaction to this story. As she says, on Twitter there are two camps: the 'haven't we all done it' lot, and the 'PM can't run a family, let alone the country' crowd.
10.23am: Here's the news release from the Department for Communities about Eric Pickles' troubled families programme. In interviews this morning, Pickles said what was new about this initiative was that it involved "bringing together the police, health authority, employment, local authorities, social security, social services, education authorities, so that rather than having 20 agencies dealing with individual authority, those agencies will be coordinated".10.23am: Here's the news release from the Department for Communities about Eric Pickles' troubled families programme. In interviews this morning, Pickles said what was new about this initiative was that it involved "bringing together the police, health authority, employment, local authorities, social security, social services, education authorities, so that rather than having 20 agencies dealing with individual authority, those agencies will be coordinated".
According to PoliticsHome, Hilary Benn, the shadow communities secretary, told BBC News that local authorities needed more money to help these troubled families.According to PoliticsHome, Hilary Benn, the shadow communities secretary, told BBC News that local authorities needed more money to help these troubled families.

Local authorities need funding to make this happen. All the government is doing today is giving back to local councils some of the money that they have taken away from them.
Local authorities need funding to make this happen. All the government is doing today is giving back to local councils some of the money that they have taken away from them.
10.11am: Gordon Brown is about to start his evidence to the Leveson inquiry. You can follow the proceedings on our Leveson live blog.10.11am: Gordon Brown is about to start his evidence to the Leveson inquiry. You can follow the proceedings on our Leveson live blog.
9.14am: Does Eric Pickles think that the Camerons are a troubled family? No. He has just been interviewed on BBC News about his problem families initiative, and he was asked what he thought about David Cameron leaving his daughter Nancy in the public. "It could happen to anyone," Pickles said.9.14am: Does Eric Pickles think that the Camerons are a troubled family? No. He has just been interviewed on BBC News about his problem families initiative, and he was asked what he thought about David Cameron leaving his daughter Nancy in the public. "It could happen to anyone," Pickles said.
9.00am: MPs are back from their recess today, I'm back from my holiday, the prospects for the economy seem as grim as ever, but at least David Cameron has done something to contribute to the gaiety of the nation. Downing Street has confirmed that (a couple of months ago) he left his daughter in the pub. The Sun has the story as an exclusive, and here's an extract from our version.9.00am: MPs are back from their recess today, I'm back from my holiday, the prospects for the economy seem as grim as ever, but at least David Cameron has done something to contribute to the gaiety of the nation. Downing Street has confirmed that (a couple of months ago) he left his daughter in the pub. The Sun has the story as an exclusive, and here's an extract from our version.
David Cameron left his eight-year-old daughter in the pub following a Sunday lunch, after a mix-up with his wife Samantha, Downing Street has admitted.David Cameron left his eight-year-old daughter in the pub following a Sunday lunch, after a mix-up with his wife Samantha, Downing Street has admitted.
The couple's daughter Nancy wandered off to the toilets while they were arranging lifts and they only realised she was not with them when they got home, the Sun said.The couple's daughter Nancy wandered off to the toilets while they were arranging lifts and they only realised she was not with them when they got home, the Sun said.
The prime minister rushed back to the Plough Inn in Cadsden, Buckinghamshire, where he found his daughter with staff.The prime minister rushed back to the Plough Inn in Cadsden, Buckinghamshire, where he found his daughter with staff.
A Downing Street spokesman said: "The prime minister and Samantha were distraught when they realised Nancy wasn't with them."A Downing Street spokesman said: "The prime minister and Samantha were distraught when they realised Nancy wasn't with them."
With Eric Pickles launching a scheme today addressing the problems caused by poor parents, this is all rather embarrassing. But, according to the Today programme, which has been inviting listeners who have done the same thing to contact the programme, there seem to be very few parents in the UK who haven't at one stage left a child in the pub, and so at this stage it is hard to tell whether the story will establish Cameron as an incompetent buffoon, or whether it will make him appear just a bit more fallible and ordinary.With Eric Pickles launching a scheme today addressing the problems caused by poor parents, this is all rather embarrassing. But, according to the Today programme, which has been inviting listeners who have done the same thing to contact the programme, there seem to be very few parents in the UK who haven't at one stage left a child in the pub, and so at this stage it is hard to tell whether the story will establish Cameron as an incompetent buffoon, or whether it will make him appear just a bit more fallible and ordinary.
As for the heavy politics, it's a big day at the Leveson inquiry, and we've got an important statement from Theresa May. Here's the agenda.As for the heavy politics, it's a big day at the Leveson inquiry, and we've got an important statement from Theresa May. Here's the agenda.
10am: Gordon Brown and George Osborne give evidence to the Leveson inquiry. There will be full coverage on our Leveson live blog.

3.30pm: Theresa May, the home secretary, makes a statement to MPs about her plans to curb the use of human rights laws by individuals seeking to avoid deportation.		10am: Gordon Brown and George Osborne give evidence to the Leveson inquiry. There will be full coverage on our Leveson live blog.

3.30pm: Theresa May, the home secretary, makes a statement to MPs about her plans to curb the use of human rights laws by individuals seeking to avoid deportation.
The GMB annual conference is also taking place in Brighton, where Ed Balls, the shadow chancellor, will be taking part in a Q&A in the afternoon.The GMB annual conference is also taking place in Brighton, where Ed Balls, the shadow chancellor, will be taking part in a Q&A 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.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.