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PMQs and Vince Cable statement on executive pay: Politics live blog PMQs and Vince Cable statement on executive pay: Politics live blog
(40 minutes later)
12.43pm: Chuka Umunna, the shadow business secretary, is responding now.
He says excessive executive pay has been a growing as a problem for a long time.
Labour gave shareholders the right to vote on executive pay, he says.
He welcomes the binding vote on exit payments, and the measures to simplify the way wage figures are presented.
But it is "deeply disappointing" that Cable is just proposing a vote every three years, instead of a binding vote every year.
Umunna says this will encourage firms to produce very broad pay policies.
He also says there should have been a 75% threshold for pay deals to be agreed, not a 50% one.
He says Cable should have insisted on employees being allowed to sit on remuneration committees.
12.38pm: Vince Cable is speaking now.
There is a disconnect between pay and performance in companies, he says.
He is announcing a far-reaching package of measures. Shareholders will be given a binding vote on pay policy. It won't be a one-off vote. It will be long-term.
There will be a vote annually unless companies leave their pay policies unchanged, in which case the vote will take place every three years, he says.
Companies will have to set out their approach to exit payments. They will not be allowed to pay more than has been agreed by shareholders.
Cable says companies will have to produce a single figure for executives' pay every year, as well as a statement saying whether firms have met their performance targets.
He says he welcomes the engagement of institutional investors. More of them are disclosing their voting records, he says.
This is a strong package, he says. And it addresses public concerns about executive pay.
12.36am: Vince Cable, the business secretary, is about to make his statement on executive pay. But it's been well trailed already - he is going to say that companies will have to have binding shareholder votes every three years - and the reaction has been coming in all morning.
I normally post the reaction after the announcement but, just to clear the decks, here's the reaction we've had already.
Chuka Umunna, the shadow business secretary, says this amounts to a U-turn because the government was orginally considering annual binding votes on executive pay.
It is disappointing that the government is watering down its corporate governance proposals with an embarrassing climbdown on the proposal for annual binding shareholder votes on executive pay. On its own, this measure would not have been sufficient but it would have been a step in the right direction.

At a time when shareholders are becoming more assertive and engaged, the government is failing to do all it can to empower them to hold boards to account and act as a check against excess and rewards for failure. Now is not the time to be rowing back from reform, and Labour has called for ministers to go further.

This U-turn on what we were led to believe was a flagship policy further undermines the credibility of Vince Cable and the emasculated Business Department, and adds to the pervading sense of a Prime Minister and Chancellor out of touch with investor and mainstream opinion.
David Paterson, head of corportate governance at the National Association of Pension Funds, welcomes the plans.
Shareholders have become increasingly concerned about boardroom pay being ratcheted up in a cloud of complexity. A binding vote could help put the brakes on.
This is an opportunity for everyone to rethink pay policies and to aim for restraint, simplicity and transparency. The goal must be to better link pay and performance, so that it can be explained and justified.
A single figure which shows what top executives took home will help shareholders hold boardroom pay up to the light. Part of the problem is that deals have become increasingly complex. A headline number will focus minds and allow for clearer comparisons to be made between companies.
We are pleased that companies will have to inform shareholders about exit payments, or 'golden goodbyes', at an earlier stage. These can yield substantial pay-offs in cash, shares and pension rights. Through the binding vote investors will now get the greater say they have been looking for.
The reforms should help bring about a much-needed cultural change. They present a challenge to companies and investors as there will be a need for better communication by both.
Sir Mike Darrington, the former chief executive of Greggs, told the Today programme the proposals were missing the "big point" about executive pay.
The trouble is that we are missing the big point here, and the big point is that executive pay has got right out of hand and bears little relationship to performance over the last 10 or 12 years, and that's the issue that really needs to be addressed, and I don't think that the changes that are proposed are going to really do a lot about it.
John Cridland, the CBI director general, told the Today programme that he welcomed the plans.

I think if shareholders can see a single figure – salary, bonus and long-term incentives – they can then reach a judgement as to whether the growth in that single figure links to performance.
Jonathan Edwards MP, the Plaid Cymru Treasury spokesman, says the plans do not go far enough.
Executive pay has spiralled out of control in recent years based on the short-termist outlook of shareholders and remuneration committees who are in a race to the top, knowing that their own pay will depend on the earnings of those in similar jobs.
As I said while challenging Vince Cable on these proposals last week, strengthening safeguards against this will ensure a greater buy-in from employees.
However these proposals do not go far enough in preventing the repeat of the obscene pay rises that chief executives and senior board members have received.
I've taken some of the quotes from PoliticsHome.
12.35pm: Labour's Luciana Berger says David Cameron should have a more sober approach to relations with France.
Hague says London is the seventh largest city for French people in the world. They are welcome here.
12.32pm: Labour's Phil Wilson asks Hague if he agrees with the Conservative MP for Hexham who said there was no case for regional pay.
Hague says there are different views on regional pay. He has already quoted Gordon Brown's support for it. Labour introduced regional pay in the courts system.
12.31pm: Denis MacShane, the former Labour foreign minister, asks Hague to invite the Chinese dissident and Nobel peace prize winner Liu Xiaobo to London. He also asks Hague to name Liu from the despatch box.
Hague says he raises human rights issues with the Chinese. But he will decide what cases he raises, and how he chooses to raise them.
12.29pm: Peter Lilley, a Conservative, asks Hague to take a sceptical view of university chancellors who want their foreign students to be allowed to stay on in the UK after they finish their studies.
Hague says talented students are welcome in the UK. But all but the very best should go home after they finish, he says.
12.28pm: Angus Robertson, the SNP MP, says Scotland is outperforming England on foreign investment.
Hague says unemployment is going down. Scotland, "as part of the United Kingdom", is an attractive place to invest in, he says.
12.27pm: Simon Hart, a Conservative, asks the government to electrify the rail route to Swansea.
Hague says the Department for Transport is looking at this. A decision will be made by the summer.
12.26pm: Hague says that under Labour 150 families were receiving more than £50,000 a year in housing benefit. It is not fair that people on housing benefit can afford to live in homes that people who are working hard cannot afford to live in, he says.
12.24pm: Simon Hughes, the Lib Dem deputy leader, asks about tax avoidance. By mistake, he calls Hague "deputy prime minister".
Hague says he will keep Hughes's slip a secret. The government wants to crack down on aggressive tax avoidance, he says.
12.23pm: Labour's Fabian Hamilton invites Hague to express his support for human rights in Tibet.
Hague says he believes in the universality of human rights. He makes this point to the Chinese, he says. And he urges them to have a meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama.
12.21pm: Mel Stride, a Conservative, says that a farmer in his constituency has lost 300 cattle to bovine TB.
Hague says 26,000 cattle were slaughtered in England as a result of bovine TB. Tomorrow the Department of Environment will be making an announcement about this.
12.21pm: Labour's Adrian Bailey says some of the jobs created under the regional growth fund have cost £200,000.
Hague says it is important for the regional growth fund money to be spent appropriately.
12.19pm: Tessa Munt, a Lib Dem MP, says some hospitals are relying on charity to fund basic cancer services.
Hague says radiotherapy is important. Decisions should be made by clinicians. The government has introduced a £650m cancer drugs fund, he says.
12.18pm: Labour's David Hamilton asks Hague why, as a Yorkshire MP, he favours regional pay.
Hague says the pay review bodies are considering this. A chancellor once said that a more modern approach to regional pay made sense. That chancellor was Gordon Brown, he says.
12.15pm: PMQs Snap Verdict: NHS/LOL was cheesy, but fun nevertheless, but otherwise it was a scrappy and strangely passionless encounter that didn't reflect particularly well, or badly, on either Hague or Harman.
12.10pm: Harman says Labour does not want the GPs to go on strike. Labour is proud of what it is doing on health. Hague defends the government's stance on the NHS. But in his own constituency he marched against local NHS costs. Can Hague confirm that the government has broken its promise to increase the number of midwives?
Hague says it was easier for Harman not having Ed Balls there shouting. Perhaps Balls is commissioning another opinion poll into what people think of him. He is glad Harman wants the doctors to go to work; Diane Abbott, the shadow health minister, said she supported the doctors. He says what is happening in his constituency has nothing to do with the health reforms. He will tell Harman about it if she's interested. On the NHS generallly, waiting times are down, he says.
Harman says Hague dodged the question about midwives. Before the election it was "Yes, we Cam". Now it's "No we can't." David Cameron said he could sum up his priority in three letters: NHS. Isn't it more like LOL?
Hague says it must have taken Harman a long time to think up that one. The King's Fund says there is no evidence that NHS performance has got worse. Andy Burnham said it was irresponsible to increase health spending before the election.
12.07pm: Harman turns to the NHS. Some 90% of care trusts are restricting treatment, particularly to old people. If a patient has cataracts in both eyes, how can it be justified to treat just one?
Hague says trusts should not be withholding treatment on financial grounds.
Harman says 125 different treatments are being rationed on the grounds of cost. What would Hague say to a patient waiting? Wait in pain? Or go private?
Hague says patients had to wait for treatment for non-urgent cases under Labour. He also says doctors should be going to work tomorrow. He hopes Harman will encourage them to work too.
12.04pm: Harriet Harman starts with her own tribute to the dead soldiers.12.04pm: Harriet Harman starts with her own tribute to the dead soldiers.
She asks Hague to join her in expressing his admiration for Aung San Suu Kyi.She asks Hague to join her in expressing his admiration for Aung San Suu Kyi.
Hague says he was the first Western foreign minister to visit Burma this year. He found Suu Kyi an inspirational figure.Hague says he was the first Western foreign minister to visit Burma this year. He found Suu Kyi an inspirational figure.
Harman asks Hague to reassure MPs that sanctions will be reimposed on Burma unless there is continued progress towards democracy and the rule of law.Harman asks Hague to reassure MPs that sanctions will be reimposed on Burma unless there is continued progress towards democracy and the rule of law.
Hague says that is his position. He has said that explicitly. Sanctions have been suspended for 12 months. But the UK will review progress. Hague says that, having met the president of Burma, he thinks he is committed to reform.Hague says that is his position. He has said that explicitly. Sanctions have been suspended for 12 months. But the UK will review progress. Hague says that, having met the president of Burma, he thinks he is committed to reform.
12.03pm: Stephen Metcalfe, a Conservative, asks for a meeting about keeping the Coryton refinery opening.12.03pm: Stephen Metcalfe, a Conservative, asks for a meeting about keeping the Coryton refinery opening.
Hague says ministers are keeping in close contact with the Coryton administrators.Hague says ministers are keeping in close contact with the Coryton administrators.
12.02pm: The Rev William McCrea, a DUP MP, asks about landing slots at Belfast airport.12.02pm: The Rev William McCrea, a DUP MP, asks about landing slots at Belfast airport.
Hague says the government will publish an aviation strategy later this year. The Belfast/London link is important, he says.Hague says the government will publish an aviation strategy later this year. The Belfast/London link is important, he says.
12.01pm: William Hague starts with a tribute to two soldiers killed in Afghanistan. He visited Afghanstan last week, he says, and was reminded of the "exceptional work" done by British servicemen there.12.01pm: William Hague starts with a tribute to two soldiers killed in Afghanistan. He visited Afghanstan last week, he says, and was reminded of the "exceptional work" done by British servicemen there.
11.57am: PMQs is about to start. It's William Hague v Harriet Harman. In past encounters, Harman has often come out on top.11.57am: PMQs is about to start. It's William Hague v Harriet Harman. In past encounters, Harman has often come out on top.
11.35am: 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.11.35am: 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.
• Benedict Brogan in the Daily Telegraph says George Osborne is going to slash windfarm subsidies.• Benedict Brogan in the Daily Telegraph says George Osborne is going to slash windfarm subsidies.
Conservatives yearn for red meat policies to please the voters. They want a political Plan B for a Tory majority in 2015 to replace the one based on the assumption of economic recovery and tax cuts that blew up in George Osborne's hands last year. MPs wondering how to achieve a victory in today's darkened circumstances want compelling measures that can be described in a few crisp words on the doorstep.Conservatives yearn for red meat policies to please the voters. They want a political Plan B for a Tory majority in 2015 to replace the one based on the assumption of economic recovery and tax cuts that blew up in George Osborne's hands last year. MPs wondering how to achieve a victory in today's darkened circumstances want compelling measures that can be described in a few crisp words on the doorstep.
The Chancellor will shortly give them just that. In a few weeks, as part of the Energy Bill, ministers will announce a reduction of up to a quarter in the value of Renewable Obligation Certificates – or "Rocs". Yes, I realise that's hardly a sentence to set the pulse racing. But if one considers that Rocs are the means by which the taxpayer subsidises the wind farm industry, and that the Chancellor proposes to slash that giveaway by 25 per cent, then translated into plain English it means this: onshore wind farms will be killed stone dead.The Chancellor will shortly give them just that. In a few weeks, as part of the Energy Bill, ministers will announce a reduction of up to a quarter in the value of Renewable Obligation Certificates – or "Rocs". Yes, I realise that's hardly a sentence to set the pulse racing. But if one considers that Rocs are the means by which the taxpayer subsidises the wind farm industry, and that the Chancellor proposes to slash that giveaway by 25 per cent, then translated into plain English it means this: onshore wind farms will be killed stone dead.
A simple tweak of the financial incentives will halt the march of the turbines across the British landscape. An issue that has poisoned the relationship between millions of affected voters and the politicians who represent them will be resolved. Conservatives will be able to say: "We did that. We stopped the wind farm madness."A simple tweak of the financial incentives will halt the march of the turbines across the British landscape. An issue that has poisoned the relationship between millions of affected voters and the politicians who represent them will be resolved. Conservatives will be able to say: "We did that. We stopped the wind farm madness."
• Tim Shipman in the Daily Mail says George Osborne is under growing pressure to abandon the planned 3p fuel duty increase.• Tim Shipman in the Daily Mail says George Osborne is under growing pressure to abandon the planned 3p fuel duty increase.
Pressure from David Cameron to ditch the 3p fuel price rise planned for August is facing resistance from the Treasury.Pressure from David Cameron to ditch the 3p fuel price rise planned for August is facing resistance from the Treasury.
Senior ministers have voiced concerns that failure to axe the tax rise will damage support for the Tories from poorer voters.Senior ministers have voiced concerns that failure to axe the tax rise will damage support for the Tories from poorer voters.
Fifty MPs, including seven Tories, have now signed a Commons motion calling for the price rise to be scrapped. They were joined last night by leading businessmen, with the boss of Asda also demanding the tax hike is cancelled.Fifty MPs, including seven Tories, have now signed a Commons motion calling for the price rise to be scrapped. They were joined last night by leading businessmen, with the boss of Asda also demanding the tax hike is cancelled.
Sources in Whitehall say intense efforts are being made to find £1.5billion to plug the income gap if the fuel duty rise is pulled. Ideas under consideration include cutting the 3p rise to 1p or 2p, or deferring part or all of the rise until next spring.Sources in Whitehall say intense efforts are being made to find £1.5billion to plug the income gap if the fuel duty rise is pulled. Ideas under consideration include cutting the 3p rise to 1p or 2p, or deferring part or all of the rise until next spring.
• Nigel Morris in the Independent says David Cameron is facing the biggest rebellion of the parliament over Lords reform.• Nigel Morris in the Independent says David Cameron is facing the biggest rebellion of the parliament over Lords reform.
Senior Conservative backbenchers are threatening to mount their biggest rebellion since the general election in protest against the Government's plans to reform the House of Lords.Senior Conservative backbenchers are threatening to mount their biggest rebellion since the general election in protest against the Government's plans to reform the House of Lords.
The revolt has spread to all sections of the party, provoking a fresh crisis for Coalition unity. The scale of the backlash forced ministers to hold emergency talks designed to salvage the policy being championed by the Liberal Democrats ...The revolt has spread to all sections of the party, provoking a fresh crisis for Coalition unity. The scale of the backlash forced ministers to hold emergency talks designed to salvage the policy being championed by the Liberal Democrats ...
Rebel ringleaders say Tory opponents of the Bill now far outnumber the 81 who defied the Whips last year to vote for a referendum on Britain's place in the European Union. They told The Independent yesterday that feelings had been heightened by the Liberal Democrats' decision to abstain in a Commons debate last week calling for an investigation into the conduct of Jeremy Hunt, the Culture Secretary.Rebel ringleaders say Tory opponents of the Bill now far outnumber the 81 who defied the Whips last year to vote for a referendum on Britain's place in the European Union. They told The Independent yesterday that feelings had been heightened by the Liberal Democrats' decision to abstain in a Commons debate last week calling for an investigation into the conduct of Jeremy Hunt, the Culture Secretary.
One said: "People are spitting blood about being asked to vote for reform of the Lords. There are so many unanswered questions about what happens when you start unpicking our constitutional settlement." Another Tory source said: "It is not just the 'usual suspects' who are raising their concerns with the Whips. Sensible and thoughtful people are getting involved."One said: "People are spitting blood about being asked to vote for reform of the Lords. There are so many unanswered questions about what happens when you start unpicking our constitutional settlement." Another Tory source said: "It is not just the 'usual suspects' who are raising their concerns with the Whips. Sensible and thoughtful people are getting involved."


• Melanie Newman and Oliver Wright in the Independent say senior members of the House of Lords are failing to disclose their business interests.

• Melanie Newman and Oliver Wright in the Independent say senior members of the House of Lords are failing to disclose their business interests.
11.32am: The Press Association has just snapped this.11.32am: The Press Association has just snapped this.
No UK Government ministers will attend England's Euro2012 quarter final match against Italy on Sunday because of "widespread concerns about selective justice" in co-host nation Ukraine, Downing Street said today.No UK Government ministers will attend England's Euro2012 quarter final match against Italy on Sunday because of "widespread concerns about selective justice" in co-host nation Ukraine, Downing Street said today.
11.16am: And here's Liam Byrne (pictured), the shadow work and pensions secretary, on the unemployment figures. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.11.16am: And here's Liam Byrne (pictured), the shadow work and pensions secretary, on the unemployment figures. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.
What really worried me about today's figures is that there are now very clear signs of lasting and long-term damage by persistent high levels of long-term unemployment. So what we now see is about a third of people who are on the dole have been on the dole for over a year. We've still got youth unemployment over a million, and of course the number on jobseekers allowance went up yet again.What really worried me about today's figures is that there are now very clear signs of lasting and long-term damage by persistent high levels of long-term unemployment. So what we now see is about a third of people who are on the dole have been on the dole for over a year. We've still got youth unemployment over a million, and of course the number on jobseekers allowance went up yet again.
So when you take a step back and you look at those trends, there are some real worrying signs about the long-term damage that is being done to the British economy by the government's failure to get people back to work fast enough.So when you take a step back and you look at those trends, there are some real worrying signs about the long-term damage that is being done to the British economy by the government's failure to get people back to work fast enough.
10.41am: Here is some reaction to the unemployment figures.10.41am: Here is some reaction to the unemployment figures.
From Andrew Sissons, a researcher at the Work FoundationFrom Andrew Sissons, a researcher at the Work Foundation

We should welcome today's good news that conditions in the labour market are improving. Comparing the three months to April with the previous three months, employment increased by 166,000 and unemployment fell by 51,000. We saw our private sector create 205,000 jobs, more than making up for continuing losses in the public sector.
We should welcome today's good news that conditions in the labour market are improving. Comparing the three months to April with the previous three months, employment increased by 166,000 and unemployment fell by 51,000. We saw our private sector create 205,000 jobs, more than making up for continuing losses in the public sector.
These are the sort of figures we'd expect to see during a strong economic recovery. But it is difficult to reconcile these numbers with the ongoing problems in the economy. There are three possible explanations for this baffling trend. First, the good news on jobs may be a temporary blip, and we may see unemployment rise sharply later in the year. Second, the GDP figures may be underestimating the performance of the economy, and may eventually be revised upwards. Third, and perhaps most worrying, it is possible that we are seeing a transition to a lower wage economy, in which jobs bounce back, but at a lower level of pay and productivity.These are the sort of figures we'd expect to see during a strong economic recovery. But it is difficult to reconcile these numbers with the ongoing problems in the economy. There are three possible explanations for this baffling trend. First, the good news on jobs may be a temporary blip, and we may see unemployment rise sharply later in the year. Second, the GDP figures may be underestimating the performance of the economy, and may eventually be revised upwards. Third, and perhaps most worrying, it is possible that we are seeing a transition to a lower wage economy, in which jobs bounce back, but at a lower level of pay and productivity.
It is too early to tell which of these outcomes is correct. What is clear however, is that it is highly unlikely we will see a sustained labour market recovery without a return to growth or further significant hits to real wages and living standards.It is too early to tell which of these outcomes is correct. What is clear however, is that it is highly unlikely we will see a sustained labour market recovery without a return to growth or further significant hits to real wages and living standards.
From Tony Dolphin, chief economist at the IPPR thinktankFrom Tony Dolphin, chief economist at the IPPR thinktank
The headline fall in unemployment today is good news. It seems that private sector employment is expanding despite economic growth contracting over the same period. Youth unemployment has fallen slightly, showing that while there is still a long way to go, the Youth Contract job guarantee scheme is having an impact.The headline fall in unemployment today is good news. It seems that private sector employment is expanding despite economic growth contracting over the same period. Youth unemployment has fallen slightly, showing that while there is still a long way to go, the Youth Contract job guarantee scheme is having an impact.
But the bad news is that the number of people unemployed long-term is continuing to rise, with more people out of work for more than a year than at any time since the mid-1990s. There are also now more people working part-time who say they want a full-time job than ever before.But the bad news is that the number of people unemployed long-term is continuing to rise, with more people out of work for more than a year than at any time since the mid-1990s. There are also now more people working part-time who say they want a full-time job than ever before.
The government should expand the Youth Contract and offer a job guarantee to everyone who has been out of work for more than a year. Our economy still needs government help to strengthen demand so that employers can take on more young workers and can offer full- time work to those stuck in part-time employment.The government should expand the Youth Contract and offer a job guarantee to everyone who has been out of work for more than a year. Our economy still needs government help to strengthen demand so that employers can take on more young workers and can offer full- time work to those stuck in part-time employment.
From Paul Kenny, the GMB general secretaryFrom Paul Kenny, the GMB general secretary
Unemployment of 2.61m five years into recession is unacceptable, unnecessary and an unforgivable waste of human talents.Unemployment of 2.61m five years into recession is unacceptable, unnecessary and an unforgivable waste of human talents.
Cameron, Clegg, Osborne and Cable must conclude that Plan A to reduce the deficit to restore growth is not working and has stalled the recovery. We need an emergency budget to reflate the economy, torestore demand, which will get people back to work and reduce the deficit.Cameron, Clegg, Osborne and Cable must conclude that Plan A to reduce the deficit to restore growth is not working and has stalled the recovery. We need an emergency budget to reflate the economy, torestore demand, which will get people back to work and reduce the deficit.

From Brendan Barber, the TUC general secretary
From Brendan Barber, the TUC general secretary
Today's figures show some long overdue good news in the labour market. New full-time jobs have been created and employment is up while unemployment has fallen.

However, there are still real concerns about this being a sustainable recovery. Long-term youth unemployment has risen yet again, the claimant count is still going up and while male unemployment fell by 52,000 in the quarter, the number of unemployed women only fell by 3,000.

We now need to turn today's positive news into a steady fall in unemployment. The government must invest in jobs to get the economy growing again.		Today's figures show some long overdue good news in the labour market. New full-time jobs have been created and employment is up while unemployment has fallen.

However, there are still real concerns about this being a sustainable recovery. Long-term youth unemployment has risen yet again, the claimant count is still going up and while male unemployment fell by 52,000 in the quarter, the number of unemployed women only fell by 3,000.

We now need to turn today's positive news into a steady fall in unemployment. The government must invest in jobs to get the economy growing again.
From Dave Prentis, the Unison general secretaryFrom Dave Prentis, the Unison general secretary
While there may be a small reduction in unemployment, we know that the situation for our members working in the public sector - under the cosh of the coalition Government's relentless austerity agenda - is getting tougher by the day.While there may be a small reduction in unemployment, we know that the situation for our members working in the public sector - under the cosh of the coalition Government's relentless austerity agenda - is getting tougher by the day.
The figures also shine a harsh light on the hard-core of the unemployment crisis in the UK - that of long-term unemployment. The number of people unemployed for more than two years continues to rise. We know that the longer someone is out of work, the more difficult it is to get back into it.The figures also shine a harsh light on the hard-core of the unemployment crisis in the UK - that of long-term unemployment. The number of people unemployed for more than two years continues to rise. We know that the longer someone is out of work, the more difficult it is to get back into it.
9.55am: The Department for Work and Pensions have sent out their gloss on the unemployment figures. It's not available on the web yet, and I won't post the whole thing because it's long (and in parts dull), but here are the main points.9.55am: The Department for Work and Pensions have sent out their gloss on the unemployment figures. It's not available on the web yet, and I won't post the whole thing because it's long (and in parts dull), but here are the main points.
• The number of people employed in the private sector is up 205,000 on the quarter, more than offsetting a 39,000 fall in public sector employment. (This is important for ministers because the government claimed that the private sector would be able to take up the slack caused by public sector job cuts.)

• Since May 2010 the total number of people claiming key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 80,000.		• The number of people employed in the private sector is up 205,000 on the quarter, more than offsetting a 39,000 fall in public sector employment. (This is important for ministers because the government claimed that the private sector would be able to take up the slack caused by public sector job cuts.)

• Since May 2010 the total number of people claiming key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 80,000.
• Unemployment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds has fallen by 0.6%.• Unemployment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds has fallen by 0.6%.
• Although the number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance (the so-called claimant count) is up, the number of people claiming incapacity benefit fell by 10,800 in the year to November 2011. Since then, provisional figures suggest it has fallen by another 50,000.• Although the number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance (the so-called claimant count) is up, the number of people claiming incapacity benefit fell by 10,800 in the year to November 2011. Since then, provisional figures suggest it has fallen by another 50,000.
And here's a statement from Chris Grayling (pictured), the employment minister.And here's a statement from Chris Grayling (pictured), the employment minister.

Any fall in unemployment is very welcome but I remain cautious over the next few months given the continuing economic challenges we face ... These figures show that with the right support in place it is possible for the private sector to create jobs while the public sector employment is falling.
Any fall in unemployment is very welcome but I remain cautious over the next few months given the continuing economic challenges we face ... These figures show that with the right support in place it is possible for the private sector to create jobs while the public sector employment is falling.
9.44am: Here is some more on the unemployment figures. These are excerpts from the ONS statistical bulletin (pdf).9.44am: Here is some more on the unemployment figures. These are excerpts from the ONS statistical bulletin (pdf).
• Male unemployment is falling, but female unemployment isn't.• Male unemployment is falling, but female unemployment isn't.
The unemployment rate for the three months to April 2012 was 8.2 per cent of the economically active population, down 0.2 on the quarter. The total number of unemployed people fell by 51,000 over the quarter, but increased by 185,000 on the year, to reach 2.61 million. The quarterly fall in total unemployment was due to a fall of 99,000 in the number of people unemployed for up to six months to reach 1.21 million, while the number of people unemployed for more than six months increased by 49,000 to reach 1.41 million. The number of unemployed men fell by 49,000 on the quarter to reach 1.49 million while the number of unemployed women was little changed on the quarter at 1.12 million.The unemployment rate for the three months to April 2012 was 8.2 per cent of the economically active population, down 0.2 on the quarter. The total number of unemployed people fell by 51,000 over the quarter, but increased by 185,000 on the year, to reach 2.61 million. The quarterly fall in total unemployment was due to a fall of 99,000 in the number of people unemployed for up to six months to reach 1.21 million, while the number of people unemployed for more than six months increased by 49,000 to reach 1.41 million. The number of unemployed men fell by 49,000 on the quarter to reach 1.49 million while the number of unemployed women was little changed on the quarter at 1.12 million.
• The claimant count is broadly flat.• The claimant count is broadly flat.

In May 2012 there were 1.60 million people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). This was up 8,100 compared with April, but was 4,700 lower than the figure for March. The number of JSA claimants increased by 96,300 between May 2011 and May 2012 but has been broadly flat since October 2011.
In May 2012 there were 1.60 million people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). This was up 8,100 compared with April, but was 4,700 lower than the figure for March. The number of JSA claimants increased by 96,300 between May 2011 and May 2012 but has been broadly flat since October 2011.
9.33am: Here are the headline unemployment figures.9.33am: Here are the headline unemployment figures.
• Unemployment fell by 51,000 between February and April to 2.61m.• Unemployment fell by 51,000 between February and April to 2.61m.
• The number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance last month rose by 8,100 to 1.6m.

• Average earnings increased by 1.4% in the year to April, up 0.5% on the previous month. 		• The number of people claiming jobseeker's allowance last month rose by 8,100 to 1.6m.

• Average earnings increased by 1.4% in the year to April, up 0.5% on the previous month.
The Office for National Statistics headlines are here. And the ONS statistical bulletin, with all the details, is here (pdf).The Office for National Statistics headlines are here. And the ONS statistical bulletin, with all the details, is here (pdf).
9.20am: On Monday the Financial Times carried an interview with the Lib Dem energy secretary, Ed Davey (subscription). The FT interpreted his comments as a rebuke to Tories who want to cut windfarm subsidies. Here's how their story started.9.20am: On Monday the Financial Times carried an interview with the Lib Dem energy secretary, Ed Davey (subscription). The FT interpreted his comments as a rebuke to Tories who want to cut windfarm subsidies. Here's how their story started.

Ed Davey, energy secretary, has warned Conservative colleagues not to play "fast and loose" with investors in onshore wind farms, as a cabinet row looms over subsidy levels.
Ed Davey, energy secretary, has warned Conservative colleagues not to play "fast and loose" with investors in onshore wind farms, as a cabinet row looms over subsidy levels.
Downing Street is putting pressure on the Liberal Democrat minister to scale back subsidies, amid calls from more than 100 Tory MPs to reduce support for wind farms, which they say produce expensive power and ruin the countryside.Downing Street is putting pressure on the Liberal Democrat minister to scale back subsidies, amid calls from more than 100 Tory MPs to reduce support for wind farms, which they say produce expensive power and ruin the countryside.
Mr Davey, in a Financial Times interview, said if politics prevailed over evidence it would send a damaging message to international investors in the energy market, removing the predictability they seek ...Mr Davey, in a Financial Times interview, said if politics prevailed over evidence it would send a damaging message to international investors in the energy market, removing the predictability they seek ...
Decc, the energy department, plans to cut the subsidy 10 per cent between 2013-17. Mr Davey is reluctant to bow to Downing Street's desire for bigger cuts as that could jeopardise investment by energy companies.Decc, the energy department, plans to cut the subsidy 10 per cent between 2013-17. Mr Davey is reluctant to bow to Downing Street's desire for bigger cuts as that could jeopardise investment by energy companies.
"If you were to make the mistake of increasing the political risk premium of investing in the UK by playing fast and loose like this there will be a very heavy price," he warned."If you were to make the mistake of increasing the political risk premium of investing in the UK by playing fast and loose like this there will be a very heavy price," he warned.
But, on the Today programme this morning, Nick Clegg (pictured) delivered a very different matter. He said that he was not "fetishistic" about subsidies and that in an ideal world he would get rid of them altogether. Here's the key quote, which I've taken from PoliticsHome.But, on the Today programme this morning, Nick Clegg (pictured) delivered a very different matter. He said that he was not "fetishistic" about subsidies and that in an ideal world he would get rid of them altogether. Here's the key quote, which I've taken from PoliticsHome.
My own view is that I don't think anyone should sort of be fetishistic about subsidies. If you can support industries like offshore, indeed onshore and offshore wind and other forms of energy without any start up subsidy, all the better.My own view is that I don't think anyone should sort of be fetishistic about subsidies. If you can support industries like offshore, indeed onshore and offshore wind and other forms of energy without any start up subsidy, all the better.
So I don't think subsidies are something which are sort of chiseled in stone. We all accept that over time you want to move to an environment where lots of different ways of producing energy in a clean non-carbon way do not rely on taxpayer subsidies. But equally, it's obvious it seems to me that in the early stages of these technologies a bit of support from the taxpayer goes a long way, and let's remember there's a lot of people's jobs at stake.So I don't think subsidies are something which are sort of chiseled in stone. We all accept that over time you want to move to an environment where lots of different ways of producing energy in a clean non-carbon way do not rely on taxpayer subsidies. But equally, it's obvious it seems to me that in the early stages of these technologies a bit of support from the taxpayer goes a long way, and let's remember there's a lot of people's jobs at stake.
I'm not addicted to the subsidy. Far from it. If we can somehow promote a diverse, clean energy mix without asking taxpayers to subsidise it on a temporary basis then all the better. But all the evidence shows that if you want to get these renewable technologies going, they need a little bit of support in their early years and that's what this was always designed to do.I'm not addicted to the subsidy. Far from it. If we can somehow promote a diverse, clean energy mix without asking taxpayers to subsidise it on a temporary basis then all the better. But all the evidence shows that if you want to get these renewable technologies going, they need a little bit of support in their early years and that's what this was always designed to do.
Clegg was being interviewed about the Rio+20 summit which he is attending. He writes about that in an article for the Guardian today in which he also announces that the government will force large companies to publish information about their carbon emissions.Clegg was being interviewed about the Rio+20 summit which he is attending. He writes about that in an article for the Guardian today in which he also announces that the government will force large companies to publish information about their carbon emissions.
9.11am: Some 160,000 people in England live in park homes (fixed caravans on park home sites). According to the Commons communities committee, many of them have to deal with particularly unpleasant and unscrupulous landlords. The committee has published a report on the issue. Clive Betts, the committee chairman, says the legislation covering this area needs to be updated.9.11am: Some 160,000 people in England live in park homes (fixed caravans on park home sites). According to the Commons communities committee, many of them have to deal with particularly unpleasant and unscrupulous landlords. The committee has published a report on the issue. Clive Betts, the committee chairman, says the legislation covering this area needs to be updated.
We received an exceptionally large body of evidence showing the park homes industry has been infiltrated by a rogue element and our recommendations are designed to drive these operators out of the sector.We received an exceptionally large body of evidence showing the park homes industry has been infiltrated by a rogue element and our recommendations are designed to drive these operators out of the sector.
While we recognise that there are some good site operators, the vast majority of the evidence we received suggests that malpractice is widespread across the sector: Complaints from residents about unfair fees, poor maintenance and site owners making it difficult for residents to sell their homes are common.While we recognise that there are some good site operators, the vast majority of the evidence we received suggests that malpractice is widespread across the sector: Complaints from residents about unfair fees, poor maintenance and site owners making it difficult for residents to sell their homes are common.
The committee found that a quarter of park home residents had experienced problems with maintenance, security or safety standards; that nearly a fifth of residents had experienced problems with the written contracts they had with site owners; and that residents had experienced intimidation by site owners or managers at a significant number of sites in the UK.The committee found that a quarter of park home residents had experienced problems with maintenance, security or safety standards; that nearly a fifth of residents had experienced problems with the written contracts they had with site owners; and that residents had experienced intimidation by site owners or managers at a significant number of sites in the UK.
9.02am: As the Guardian reports, Mike Farrar, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, has said that the spending squeeze in the health service has left the NHS looking like "a super-tanker heading for an iceberg".9.02am: As the Guardian reports, Mike Farrar, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, has said that the spending squeeze in the health service has left the NHS looking like "a super-tanker heading for an iceberg".
In interviews this morning, Simon Burns, the health minister, has been rejecting this charge. According to PoliticsHome, this is what he told Radio 5 Live.In interviews this morning, Simon Burns, the health minister, has been rejecting this charge. According to PoliticsHome, this is what he told Radio 5 Live.

I don't agree with that and I'll tell you why I don't. Firstly what we are seeing is that waiting times are low and stable, we are seeing that hospital-acquired infections are at their lowest level, and when you look patient experience survey, which is 70,000 patients who have actually used the NHS in recent months, it shows an overwhelming majority - 92% - said that their experience of the NHS was good, very good or excellent.
I don't agree with that and I'll tell you why I don't. Firstly what we are seeing is that waiting times are low and stable, we are seeing that hospital-acquired infections are at their lowest level, and when you look patient experience survey, which is 70,000 patients who have actually used the NHS in recent months, it shows an overwhelming majority - 92% - said that their experience of the NHS was good, very good or excellent.
And frankly what is most important is knowing what patients who actually go into hospital or are treated by the NHS at out-patients, think of their treatment, and they are pleased with the way in which the NHS has responded in what I fully accept are difficult times.And frankly what is most important is knowing what patients who actually go into hospital or are treated by the NHS at out-patients, think of their treatment, and they are pleased with the way in which the NHS has responded in what I fully accept are difficult times.
8.50am: The G20 summit is over but David Cameron and Ed Miliband are sharply divided over whether it achieved anything. Speaking in Mexico, and referring to the news that Germany is willing to allow the eurozone bailout fund to buy Spanish and Italian debt, Cameron struck a positive note.8.50am: The G20 summit is over but David Cameron and Ed Miliband are sharply divided over whether it achieved anything. Speaking in Mexico, and referring to the news that Germany is willing to allow the eurozone bailout fund to buy Spanish and Italian debt, Cameron struck a positive note.
What I have sensed at this summit is that there is a fresh impetus with the eurozone members in terms of using all the mechanisms, institutions and firepower that they have to stand up and support their currency.What I have sensed at this summit is that there is a fresh impetus with the eurozone members in terms of using all the mechanisms, institutions and firepower that they have to stand up and support their currency.
But Ed Miliband believes that "no progress" was made at the summit. His aides have released an extract from a short speech he's giving later today describing it as a "summit of inaction".But Ed Miliband believes that "no progress" was made at the summit. His aides have released an extract from a short speech he's giving later today describing it as a "summit of inaction".
This G20 summit should have marked a decisive shift towards jobs and growth, which is vital if we are to get deficits down. Unfortunately this has not happened because too many governments, our own included, seem to think more of the same is the answer. The result is a summit that appears to offer no progress for Europe and no global plan for jobs and growth. It is a summit of division when the world needs unity. And a summit of inaction when people, in Britain and across the world, are crying out for action.This G20 summit should have marked a decisive shift towards jobs and growth, which is vital if we are to get deficits down. Unfortunately this has not happened because too many governments, our own included, seem to think more of the same is the answer. The result is a summit that appears to offer no progress for Europe and no global plan for jobs and growth. It is a summit of division when the world needs unity. And a summit of inaction when people, in Britain and across the world, are crying out for action.
On a normal Wednesday Cameron and Miliband would be in action at PMQs. But Cameron is still in Mexico - he's visiting Mexico City on a trade mission today - and Nick Clegg is at the Rio+20 conference, and so William Hague will be at the despatch box instead. He will be up against Harriet Harman.On a normal Wednesday Cameron and Miliband would be in action at PMQs. But Cameron is still in Mexico - he's visiting Mexico City on a trade mission today - and Nick Clegg is at the Rio+20 conference, and so William Hague will be at the despatch box instead. He will be up against Harriet Harman.
After PMQs we've got Vince Cable's statement on executive pay. Here's the full diary for the day.After PMQs we've got Vince Cable's statement on executive pay. Here's the full diary for the day.
9.30am: Unemployment figures are published.9.30am: Unemployment figures are published.
10am: Tim Loughton, the children's minister, speaks at the Assisted Boarding Network conference. Lord Adonis, the Labour former education minster, is also speaking.10am: Tim Loughton, the children's minister, speaks at the Assisted Boarding Network conference. Lord Adonis, the Labour former education minster, is also speaking.
10.30am: Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, holds a press conference to present Labour's NHS Check report. It's the first of what will be a monthly snapshot describing what is happening to NHS services on the ground.10.30am: Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, holds a press conference to present Labour's NHS Check report. It's the first of what will be a monthly snapshot describing what is happening to NHS services on the ground.
12pm: William Hague and Harriet Harman clash at PMQs.12pm: William Hague and Harriet Harman clash at PMQs.
12.30pm: Vince Cable, the business secretary, makes a statement in the Commons on executive pay. He will say shareholders have to have a binding vote on executive pay every three years.12.30pm: Vince Cable, the business secretary, makes a statement in the Commons on executive pay. He will say shareholders have to have a binding vote on executive pay every three years.
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.