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Politics live blog: Thursday 14 June Politics live blog: Thursday 14 June
(40 minutes later)
2.51pm: Iain McNichol, the Labour party's general secretary, has written to the party's 300 staff today saying some jobs are going to have to go to help the party cut its £1.7m debts. PoliticsHome have the story. Here's an extract from the letter.

The objective of all of us is that the Party should be a "one term opposition". To achieve this we need to make changes which are sometimes painful but necessary like those I've described above. I know this is not easy, but if we are to show people we are serious about cutting the debts of the country then we must also cut the debts of The Labour party.
The party is inviting people to apply if they are interested in taking voluntary redundancy. According to a party source, job losses are expected to be limited to "a handful".
1.46pm: Here's an afternoon reading list. It's all about child poverty today.1.46pm: Here's an afternoon reading list. It's all about child poverty today.
• Nick Pearce at the IPPR says today's child poverty statistics enable experts to pass judgment on Labour's poverty record.• Nick Pearce at the IPPR says today's child poverty statistics enable experts to pass judgment on Labour's poverty record.
Another standard criticism is that Labour didn't achieve very much, given the resources it ploughed into tax credits, childcare and other services for poor families. True, Labour clearly missed its halfway mark target to halve child poverty by 2010. But academic experts like Jane Waldfogel and Mike Brewer believe that this was a substantial achievement nonetheless, bucking the international trend. Brewer's provisional estimates (prior to the publication of the 2010/11 statistics) is that the number of children in poverty would have risen to around 4.3 million by 2010 had Labour not invested in substantial increases in tax credits and other measures, instead of falling from 3.4 million to 2.5 million children, or by slightly more than a quarter.Another standard criticism is that Labour didn't achieve very much, given the resources it ploughed into tax credits, childcare and other services for poor families. True, Labour clearly missed its halfway mark target to halve child poverty by 2010. But academic experts like Jane Waldfogel and Mike Brewer believe that this was a substantial achievement nonetheless, bucking the international trend. Brewer's provisional estimates (prior to the publication of the 2010/11 statistics) is that the number of children in poverty would have risen to around 4.3 million by 2010 had Labour not invested in substantial increases in tax credits and other measures, instead of falling from 3.4 million to 2.5 million children, or by slightly more than a quarter.
Last year, Nick Clegg notoriously argued that this record amounted to little more than 'poverty plus a pound'. Yet if you look at DWP figures they demonstrate a fall in child poverty across a spectrum of households, from families in severe poverty at 43 per cent of the median, to those at 100 per cent.Last year, Nick Clegg notoriously argued that this record amounted to little more than 'poverty plus a pound'. Yet if you look at DWP figures they demonstrate a fall in child poverty across a spectrum of households, from families in severe poverty at 43 per cent of the median, to those at 100 per cent.
Lying behind Clegg's charge, and that of the conservative thinktanks, is a more fundamental point. This is the argument that raising household incomes does nothing substantial to address the underlying causes of what makes people poor and doesn't therefore transform children's life chances. On this score, Alan Milburn is surely right to say that income and opportunity are not opposites but two sides of the same coin. Children who grow up in households with very little money experience significant disadvantages which impair their chances in life considerably. There is copious evidence to that effect.Lying behind Clegg's charge, and that of the conservative thinktanks, is a more fundamental point. This is the argument that raising household incomes does nothing substantial to address the underlying causes of what makes people poor and doesn't therefore transform children's life chances. On this score, Alan Milburn is surely right to say that income and opportunity are not opposites but two sides of the same coin. Children who grow up in households with very little money experience significant disadvantages which impair their chances in life considerably. There is copious evidence to that effect.
• Mark Easton on his BBC blog says Iain Duncan Smith's speech could reignite the debate about whether poverty actually exists in the UK.• Mark Easton on his BBC blog says Iain Duncan Smith's speech could reignite the debate about whether poverty actually exists in the UK.
The politics of poverty in the UK has moved markedly with both Labour and Conservative now considering it a real and debilitating consequence of social inequality. Tony Blair walked into No 10 in 1997 promising to "eliminate child poverty" by 2020. David Cameron walked into No 10 in 2010 promising his party was "best placed to fight poverty in our country".The politics of poverty in the UK has moved markedly with both Labour and Conservative now considering it a real and debilitating consequence of social inequality. Tony Blair walked into No 10 in 1997 promising to "eliminate child poverty" by 2020. David Cameron walked into No 10 in 2010 promising his party was "best placed to fight poverty in our country".
Gone are the days when senior British politicians argue whether relative poverty exists ...Gone are the days when senior British politicians argue whether relative poverty exists ...
The terror is that a debate on the meaning of poverty will see, in [the words of the Child Poverty Action Group] "the gains of the last decade squandered". Questions about the very existence of poverty, once the centrepiece of political debate in this country, may be asked once more.The terror is that a debate on the meaning of poverty will see, in [the words of the Child Poverty Action Group] "the gains of the last decade squandered". Questions about the very existence of poverty, once the centrepiece of political debate in this country, may be asked once more.
• Neil O'Brien at the Telegraph says the child poverty target should be changed.• Neil O'Brien at the Telegraph says the child poverty target should be changed.
To cut a long story short, if the government does doing things that reduce poverty over the long term, it is not "rewarded" by the current poverty measure nearly as much as if it just hands out benefit cheques.To cut a long story short, if the government does doing things that reduce poverty over the long term, it is not "rewarded" by the current poverty measure nearly as much as if it just hands out benefit cheques.
• George Eaton at the New Statesman says that David Cameron used to be strongly committed to the relative poverty measure that the government is now trying to sideline.• George Eaton at the New Statesman says that David Cameron used to be strongly committed to the relative poverty measure that the government is now trying to sideline.
[Cameron] now cynically rejects this measure in order to mask his failure on child poverty and Labour's success. Was Cameron's brief flirtation with the concept of relative poverty merely an exercise in detoxification, or has the Prime Minister undergone a genuine intellectual shift? It is hard to say, but we should ensure he is forced to explain.[Cameron] now cynically rejects this measure in order to mask his failure on child poverty and Labour's success. Was Cameron's brief flirtation with the concept of relative poverty merely an exercise in detoxification, or has the Prime Minister undergone a genuine intellectual shift? It is hard to say, but we should ensure he is forced to explain.
• Mike Brewer at the Guardian says there is "no doubt that there is a very close link between the nearly sustained above-inflation increases in financial support for families with children over the past decade and the nearly sustained fall in child poverty".• Mike Brewer at the Guardian says there is "no doubt that there is a very close link between the nearly sustained above-inflation increases in financial support for families with children over the past decade and the nearly sustained fall in child poverty".
1.15pm: Here's a lunchtime summary.1.15pm: Here's a lunchtime summary.
• David Cameron has dismissed as "nonsense" the suggestion that the Conservatives promised to wave through News Corporation's bid for BSkyB in return for its papers' support at the 2010 general election. He made the comment in his evidence to the Leveson inquiry.• David Cameron has dismissed as "nonsense" the suggestion that the Conservatives promised to wave through News Corporation's bid for BSkyB in return for its papers' support at the 2010 general election. He made the comment in his evidence to the Leveson inquiry.
On this idea of overt deals, this idea that somehow the Conservative party and News International got together and said: 'You give us your support and we'll wave through this merger' – which by the way we didn't even know about at that stage – I think the idea of overt deals is nonsense.On this idea of overt deals, this idea that somehow the Conservative party and News International got together and said: 'You give us your support and we'll wave through this merger' – which by the way we didn't even know about at that stage – I think the idea of overt deals is nonsense.
I also don't believe in this theory that there was a nod and a wink and some sort of covert agreement. Of course I wanted to win over newspapers and other journalists, editors, proprietors, broadcasters; I worked very hard at that because I wanted to communicate what the Conservative party and my leadership could bring to the country. I made my arguments.I also don't believe in this theory that there was a nod and a wink and some sort of covert agreement. Of course I wanted to win over newspapers and other journalists, editors, proprietors, broadcasters; I worked very hard at that because I wanted to communicate what the Conservative party and my leadership could bring to the country. I made my arguments.
But I didn't do it on the basis of saying either overtly or covertly 'your support will mean I'll give you a better time on this policy or that policy' and there are plenty of examples of policies that I believed in that the people who were backing me [in the media] didn't believe in.But I didn't do it on the basis of saying either overtly or covertly 'your support will mean I'll give you a better time on this policy or that policy' and there are plenty of examples of policies that I believed in that the people who were backing me [in the media] didn't believe in.


There are more details on our Leveson live blog.

There are more details on our Leveson live blog.
• Iain Duncan Smith, the work and pensions secretary, has said that "life change", not extra money, is the key to lifting families out of poverty. (See 11.49am.) He also confirmed that the government will downgrade the former Labour government's commitment to eradicating child poverty in 2020 with a green paper looking at new non-income indicators of poverty. Alison Garnham, chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group, said it would be a mistake to dilute the relative income poverty measure.• Iain Duncan Smith, the work and pensions secretary, has said that "life change", not extra money, is the key to lifting families out of poverty. (See 11.49am.) He also confirmed that the government will downgrade the former Labour government's commitment to eradicating child poverty in 2020 with a green paper looking at new non-income indicators of poverty. Alison Garnham, chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group, said it would be a mistake to dilute the relative income poverty measure.
By measuring whether the poor are getting poorer compared to the rest of society, the relative income poverty measure is the single best indicator of whether 'we're all in it together'. It would be shameful if the coalition's approach on child poverty was moving the goalposts rather than tackling the problem.By measuring whether the poor are getting poorer compared to the rest of society, the relative income poverty measure is the single best indicator of whether 'we're all in it together'. It would be shameful if the coalition's approach on child poverty was moving the goalposts rather than tackling the problem.
Families and children have been made the main target of the coalition's austerity agenda and experts now predict child poverty will rise dramatically. If we side-line income poverty it will backfire and we will see an increase in problems like debt, family breakdown, poor health and addiction.Families and children have been made the main target of the coalition's austerity agenda and experts now predict child poverty will rise dramatically. If we side-line income poverty it will backfire and we will see an increase in problems like debt, family breakdown, poor health and addiction.
• Official figures have revealed that child poverty fell by 2% last year.

• David Davis has condemned the Home Office's plans to extend internet surveilliance as "incredibly intrusive".

• Michael Gove, the education secretary, has announced plans to triple the number of top graduates joining the Teach First programme.		• Official figures have revealed that child poverty fell by 2% last year.

• David Davis has condemned the Home Office's plans to extend internet surveilliance as "incredibly intrusive".

• Michael Gove, the education secretary, has announced plans to triple the number of top graduates joining the Teach First programme.
• Gove has also announced plans to give schools a larger role in the training of teachers. He made the announcement in a speech to the National College annual conference in Birmingham.• Gove has also announced plans to give schools a larger role in the training of teachers. He made the announcement in a speech to the National College annual conference in Birmingham.
The idea is a simple one: take the very best schools, ones that are already working to improve other schools, and put them in charge of teacher training and professional development for the whole system.The idea is a simple one: take the very best schools, ones that are already working to improve other schools, and put them in charge of teacher training and professional development for the whole system.
The impact of these changes on initial teacher training will be revolutionary. By the end of this parliament well over half of all training places will be delivered by schools.The impact of these changes on initial teacher training will be revolutionary. By the end of this parliament well over half of all training places will be delivered by schools.
• The Department for Education has revealed that around 3.7m school days were missed last autumn as pupils skipped lessons without permission. As the Press Association reports, on a typical day in autumn 2011, around 55,600 youngsters missed class through truancy, according to an analysis of government statistics. Around 48,000 children missed a month or more of lessons, making them "persistent absentees".

• Lord Archer of Sandwell, the Labour peer and solicitor general from 1974 to 1979, has died.		• The Department for Education has revealed that around 3.7m school days were missed last autumn as pupils skipped lessons without permission. As the Press Association reports, on a typical day in autumn 2011, around 55,600 youngsters missed class through truancy, according to an analysis of government statistics. Around 48,000 children missed a month or more of lessons, making them "persistent absentees".

• Lord Archer of Sandwell, the Labour peer and solicitor general from 1974 to 1979, has died.
12.29pm: Liam Byrne, the shadow work and pensions secretary, has put out a response to Iain Duncan Smith's speech. (See 11.49am.)12.29pm: Liam Byrne, the shadow work and pensions secretary, has put out a response to Iain Duncan Smith's speech. (See 11.49am.)
This government has decided that the best way to tackle the problem of child poverty is to run away from it.This government has decided that the best way to tackle the problem of child poverty is to run away from it.
But they cannot escape the bottom line – this government has created a perfect storm leaving thousands of families at sea.But they cannot escape the bottom line – this government has created a perfect storm leaving thousands of families at sea.
Iain Duncan Smith's response is to tell hard-pressed families to simply get a new job, but there are five people chasing every vacancy - he has become the Marie Antoinette of British politics. While parents struggle to juggle the bills, he says; 'let them eat cake'.Iain Duncan Smith's response is to tell hard-pressed families to simply get a new job, but there are five people chasing every vacancy - he has become the Marie Antoinette of British politics. While parents struggle to juggle the bills, he says; 'let them eat cake'.
11.49am: There's no sign of Iain Duncan Smith's poverty speech on the Department for Work and Pensions' website. But that's what I'm here for. I've just read it. It wasn't particularly profound or surprising, but it does set out quite clearly Duncan Smith's philosophy on poverty.11.49am: There's no sign of Iain Duncan Smith's poverty speech on the Department for Work and Pensions' website. But that's what I'm here for. I've just read it. It wasn't particularly profound or surprising, but it does set out quite clearly Duncan Smith's philosophy on poverty.
Here are the key points.Here are the key points.
• Duncan Smith said that that "life change", not extra money, was the key to lifting families out of poverty.• Duncan Smith said that that "life change", not extra money, was the key to lifting families out of poverty.

Of course money is important. But increased income from welfare transfers is temporary if nothing changes.

Just take the example of a poor family where the parents are suffering from a drug addiction. Giving the parents extra money moves them over the line and out of 'poverty' on paper.

Yet because much of the money will almost certainly go on drugs, the family still lives in poverty. Coming off drugs is a therefore a vital step for them
getting out of poverty and staying there ...
Of course money is important. But increased income from welfare transfers is temporary if nothing changes.

Just take the example of a poor family where the parents are suffering from a drug addiction. Giving the parents extra money moves them over the line and out of 'poverty' on paper.

Yet because much of the money will almost certainly go on drugs, the family still lives in poverty. Coming off drugs is a therefore a vital step for them
getting out of poverty and staying there ...
Income through benefits maintains people on a low income and can risk feeding social problems.

Whereas research shows that work and the income it brings can change lives – boosting confidence and self-esteem, providing a structure to people's lives and giving them a stake in their community ...		Income through benefits maintains people on a low income and can risk feeding social problems.

Whereas research shows that work and the income it brings can change lives – boosting confidence and self-esteem, providing a structure to people's lives and giving them a stake in their community ...
The objective should be to show that life change is the key to moving people out of poverty, helping them to effect the change they need to rise above the dependency which has so reduced the quality of their lives.The objective should be to show that life change is the key to moving people out of poverty, helping them to effect the change they need to rise above the dependency which has so reduced the quality of their lives.
He said that "life change" could involving getting a family into work, having strong relationships, getting parents off drug or getting them out of debt.He said that "life change" could involving getting a family into work, having strong relationships, getting parents off drug or getting them out of debt.
He also said he wanted to change "the culture of welfare" so that "it acts as a springboard rather than a trap".He also said he wanted to change "the culture of welfare" so that "it acts as a springboard rather than a trap".
• He said that the vast majority of children would be lifted out of poverty if at least one parent worked 35 hours a week at the minimum wage under his plans for universal credit. A lone parent would have to work 24 hours a week to be lifted out of poverty.

• He criticised the "poverty plus a pound" approach to measuring poverty.		• He said that the vast majority of children would be lifted out of poverty if at least one parent worked 35 hours a week at the minimum wage under his plans for universal credit. A lone parent would have to work 24 hours a week to be lifted out of poverty.

• He criticised the "poverty plus a pound" approach to measuring poverty.
If a family has less than 60% of the median income it is said to be poor, if it has 60% or more it is not.

By this narrow measure, if you have a family who sit one pound below the poverty line you can do a magical thing ...		If a family has less than 60% of the median income it is said to be poor, if it has 60% or more it is not.

By this narrow measure, if you have a family who sit one pound below the poverty line you can do a magical thing ...
What today's figures make clear is that as the years rolled by, the 'poverty plus a pound' approach did not do enough to transform the lives of those in need.What today's figures make clear is that as the years rolled by, the 'poverty plus a pound' approach did not do enough to transform the lives of those in need.

Using relative poverty as a measure meant that "the simplest way of reducing child poverty is to collapse the economy", he said. This was "perverse".
Using relative poverty as a measure meant that "the simplest way of reducing child poverty is to collapse the economy", he said. This was "perverse".
(Earlier this week the Child Poverty Action Group published a report claiming that the "povery plus a pound" theory had been "decisively disproved".)

• He said the government would be consulting on new ways of measuring child poverty in the autumn.		(Earlier this week the Child Poverty Action Group published a report claiming that the "povery plus a pound" theory had been "decisively disproved".)

• He said the government would be consulting on new ways of measuring child poverty in the autumn.
• He said the government was still committed to the targets set out in the child poverty act.

• He said today's figures showed that Labour missed its target of halving child poverty by 2010. In 2010-11 18% of children - some 2.3m - were growing up in homes below the poverty line, "meaning overall Labour missed their target by 600,000 children", he said.		• He said the government was still committed to the targets set out in the child poverty act.

• He said today's figures showed that Labour missed its target of halving child poverty by 2010. In 2010-11 18% of children - some 2.3m - were growing up in homes below the poverty line, "meaning overall Labour missed their target by 600,000 children", he said.
• He claimed that Labour's strategy of tackling child poverty by increasing benefits and tax credits "failed to have the impact it was supposed to". Labour increased welfare spending by 40% in real terms, he said. But, after making progress on cutting the poverty in its early years, in its final years in office it "just about managed to keep the poverty rate flat".

• He said he was today publishing a practical guide to "what works" in terms of poverty reduction. (I haven't seen it yet, and can't find it on the DWP website.)		• He claimed that Labour's strategy of tackling child poverty by increasing benefits and tax credits "failed to have the impact it was supposed to". Labour increased welfare spending by 40% in real terms, he said. But, after making progress on cutting the poverty in its early years, in its final years in office it "just about managed to keep the poverty rate flat".

• He said he was today publishing a practical guide to "what works" in terms of poverty reduction. (I haven't seen it yet, and can't find it on the DWP website.)
11.30am: Nick Pearce, director of the IPPR thinktank, has challenged the BBC claim that the fall in child poverty was caused primarily by the drop in median income. (See 11.18am.)11.30am: Nick Pearce, director of the IPPR thinktank, has challenged the BBC claim that the fall in child poverty was caused primarily by the drop in median income. (See 11.18am.)
The latest child poverty stats show a complex picture. It's wrong to think that relative child poverty was cut simply because median incomes fell during the recession, as some are claiming today. The child element of child tax credit increased by £20 above indexation in 2010/11, giving an effective uprating of 2.9 per cent. This increased the incomes of families with children, particularly those with lower incomes or with more children, relative to others.The latest child poverty stats show a complex picture. It's wrong to think that relative child poverty was cut simply because median incomes fell during the recession, as some are claiming today. The child element of child tax credit increased by £20 above indexation in 2010/11, giving an effective uprating of 2.9 per cent. This increased the incomes of families with children, particularly those with lower incomes or with more children, relative to others.
11.18am: Child poverty fell by 2% between 2009-10 and 2010-11, according to the government figures released today. That amounts to 300,000 children. Here's the BBC story about the figures and here are the actual Households Below Average Income statistics on the the Department for Work and Pensions' website. According to the BBC's Mark Easton, the fall is largely explained by the fact that the poverty benchmark - 60% of median household income - fell from £259 a week to £251 a week over the year, meaning that some families whose income did not fall would have been lifted over the poverty line.11.18am: Child poverty fell by 2% between 2009-10 and 2010-11, according to the government figures released today. That amounts to 300,000 children. Here's the BBC story about the figures and here are the actual Households Below Average Income statistics on the the Department for Work and Pensions' website. According to the BBC's Mark Easton, the fall is largely explained by the fact that the poverty benchmark - 60% of median household income - fell from £259 a week to £251 a week over the year, meaning that some families whose income did not fall would have been lifted over the poverty line.
Here's some reaction from Julia Unwin from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.Here's some reaction from Julia Unwin from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Any reduction in the number of people in poverty has to be welcomed. However, whichever measure you use, the fact remains millions of people are still trapped by poverty.
Any reduction in the number of people in poverty has to be welcomed. However, whichever measure you use, the fact remains millions of people are still trapped by poverty.
JRF evidence shows a quarter of all children will be in poverty in just eight years' time, both in absolute and relative terms – a worrying prospect no matter how you look at the statistics.JRF evidence shows a quarter of all children will be in poverty in just eight years' time, both in absolute and relative terms – a worrying prospect no matter how you look at the statistics.
We know that changes to the tax and benefits system, along with a hollowing out of the labour market, will mean more people living in poverty by 2020, despite the beneficial impact of Universal Credit.We know that changes to the tax and benefits system, along with a hollowing out of the labour market, will mean more people living in poverty by 2020, despite the beneficial impact of Universal Credit.
I've just got hold of a text of the speech on poverty that Iain Duncan Smith gave this morning. I'll post a summary shortly.I've just got hold of a text of the speech on poverty that Iain Duncan Smith gave this morning. I'll post a summary shortly.
11.05am: The Crown Prosecution Service has said that my Guardian colleague David Leigh will not be prosecuted for phone hacking. Here's what the Press Association have filed.11.05am: The Crown Prosecution Service has said that my Guardian colleague David Leigh will not be prosecuted for phone hacking. Here's what the Press Association have filed.
A Guardian journalist who admitted phone hacking will not be prosecuted, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said today.
David Leigh, the paper's investigations executive editor, admitted hacking an arms company executive's phone.
But today the CPS said that although the police investigation was not complete, its view was that Leigh should not be prosecuted and the police have been advised accordingly.
Leigh made the admission in an article after former News of the World royal reporter Clive Goodman pleaded guilty in December 2006 to intercepting voicemail messages left on royal aides' phones.
He said in the article that he had got a "voyeuristic thrill" from listening to the voicemail messages.
The CPS statement said: "As we said on April 18, the CPS was passed a file relating to one journalist with relation to alleged offences under RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act).
"The journalist in question is David Leigh of The Guardian and the request for advice related to an article he wrote on December 4, 2006 and the evidence he gave to the Leveson Inquiry on that subject.
"We have now considered this file and, although the investigation is not complete, the view has been taken that this is one of those rare cases in which it is clear that, prior to the collection and consideration of all the evidence, the public interest does not require a prosecution. The police have been advised accordingly."		A Guardian journalist who admitted phone hacking will not be prosecuted, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said today.
David Leigh, the paper's investigations executive editor, admitted hacking an arms company executive's phone.
But today the CPS said that although the police investigation was not complete, its view was that Leigh should not be prosecuted and the police have been advised accordingly.
Leigh made the admission in an article after former News of the World royal reporter Clive Goodman pleaded guilty in December 2006 to intercepting voicemail messages left on royal aides' phones.
He said in the article that he had got a "voyeuristic thrill" from listening to the voicemail messages.
The CPS statement said: "As we said on April 18, the CPS was passed a file relating to one journalist with relation to alleged offences under RIPA (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act).
"The journalist in question is David Leigh of The Guardian and the request for advice related to an article he wrote on December 4, 2006 and the evidence he gave to the Leveson Inquiry on that subject.
"We have now considered this file and, although the investigation is not complete, the view has been taken that this is one of those rare cases in which it is clear that, prior to the collection and consideration of all the evidence, the public interest does not require a prosecution. The police have been advised accordingly."
10.50am: We're also getting an urgent question today according to Mary Creagh, the shadow environment secretary.10.50am: We're also getting an urgent question today according to Mary Creagh, the shadow environment secretary.
There is an Urgent Question on CFP reform and discards in Parliament at 11.30am. You can watch it here: tinyurl.com/cmxdota #fishfightThere is an Urgent Question on CFP reform and discards in Parliament at 11.30am. You can watch it here: tinyurl.com/cmxdota #fishfight
— mary creagh (@marycreagh_mp) June 14, 2012— mary creagh (@marycreagh_mp) June 14, 2012
10.33am: You can read all today's Guardian politics stories here. And all the politics stories filed yesterday, including some in today's papers, are here.10.33am: You can read all today's Guardian politics stories here. And all the politics stories filed yesterday, including some in today's papers, 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.
• Tony Blair tells the Financial Times in an interview (subscription) that Germany should rescue the euro.• Tony Blair tells the Financial Times in an interview (subscription) that Germany should rescue the euro.
Tony Blair has delivered a stark warning of a popular backlash against austerity policies in the eurozone ahead of this Sunday's re-run election in Greece.Tony Blair has delivered a stark warning of a popular backlash against austerity policies in the eurozone ahead of this Sunday's re-run election in Greece.
"You look at what the Greeks are being asked to accept: it's beyond tough," Mr Blair said in an interview with the Financial Times in Jerusalem."You look at what the Greeks are being asked to accept: it's beyond tough," Mr Blair said in an interview with the Financial Times in Jerusalem.
The former long-standing UK prime minister, a self-professed pro-European, said the risk of unrest applied to Europe as a whole. "In the end, what people will ask is: 'Is the single currency worth it if that's what we're being asked to accept'."The former long-standing UK prime minister, a self-professed pro-European, said the risk of unrest applied to Europe as a whole. "In the end, what people will ask is: 'Is the single currency worth it if that's what we're being asked to accept'."
Mr Blair's said the remedy should be a "grand bargain" between Germany and the rest of Europe to rescue the single currency. This would involve a pooling of European debt and a new push for growth, matched by deficit reduction through pension and welfare reforms.Mr Blair's said the remedy should be a "grand bargain" between Germany and the rest of Europe to rescue the single currency. This would involve a pooling of European debt and a new push for growth, matched by deficit reduction through pension and welfare reforms.
• Anushka Asthana in the Times (paywall) says George Osborne is being urged to abandon his plans to put VAT on repairs to listed buildings.• Anushka Asthana in the Times (paywall) says George Osborne is being urged to abandon his plans to put VAT on repairs to listed buildings.
George Osborne is facing further revolt over his budget from countryside, heritage and building groups who warn that he will inflict serious damage on Britain's "finest and most loved buildings".George Osborne is facing further revolt over his budget from countryside, heritage and building groups who warn that he will inflict serious damage on Britain's "finest and most loved buildings".
Fifteen organisations, including the Federation of Master Builders, Countryside Alliance and Historic Towns Forum, have written to The Times urging a U-turn on the decision to levy VAT on alterations to listed properties.Fifteen organisations, including the Federation of Master Builders, Countryside Alliance and Historic Towns Forum, have written to The Times urging a U-turn on the decision to levy VAT on alterations to listed properties.
They are furious about Treasury claims that one aim of the policy is to tackle an "anomaly" through which millionaires can install swimming pools without paying VAT because they own an historic home.They are furious about Treasury claims that one aim of the policy is to tackle an "anomaly" through which millionaires can install swimming pools without paying VAT because they own an historic home.
The groups have looked at more than 12,000 applications for alterations and found that just 34 related to swimming pools. They say that half of people who live in listed buildings are in lower socioeconomic groups, C1, C2, D, and E.The groups have looked at more than 12,000 applications for alterations and found that just 34 related to swimming pools. They say that half of people who live in listed buildings are in lower socioeconomic groups, C1, C2, D, and E.


• Steve Richards in the Independent says Tony Blair was told before the 2005 election that the Sun would not support Labour unless he offered a referendum on the EU referendum.

• Steve Richards in the Independent says Tony Blair was told before the 2005 election that the Sun would not support Labour unless he offered a referendum on the EU referendum.
Brown should have admitted his round-the-clock interest in the media; it would have reinforced his argument about the recklessness of some newspapers. He had cause to be obsessed. More to the point, he was not alone. One of Murdoch's senior intermediaries described to me his discussions with Blair over whether the Labour government would offer a referendum on the proposed EU constitution as being like a "negotiation". The senior intermediary made clear to Blair that The Sun would not endorse Labour unless the referendum was offered. Blair told me in January 2005 that he knew The Sun would be backing Labour, five months before the election took place. I assume his confidence was based on the "negotiation". Blair once told me that dealing with the media was like sharing a flat with a demented tenant.Brown should have admitted his round-the-clock interest in the media; it would have reinforced his argument about the recklessness of some newspapers. He had cause to be obsessed. More to the point, he was not alone. One of Murdoch's senior intermediaries described to me his discussions with Blair over whether the Labour government would offer a referendum on the proposed EU constitution as being like a "negotiation". The senior intermediary made clear to Blair that The Sun would not endorse Labour unless the referendum was offered. Blair told me in January 2005 that he knew The Sun would be backing Labour, five months before the election took place. I assume his confidence was based on the "negotiation". Blair once told me that dealing with the media was like sharing a flat with a demented tenant.
• Bernard Hogan-Howe, commissioner of the Metropolitan police, says in an article in the Times (paywall) says the government's draft communications bill is no more intrusive than existing legislation.• Bernard Hogan-Howe, commissioner of the Metropolitan police, says in an article in the Times (paywall) says the government's draft communications bill is no more intrusive than existing legislation.
Gaining access to communications data is no longer a sophisticated means of gathering evidence. Just as mobile phones, e-mail and social media have become part of our lives, so this kind of work has become part of daily policing.Gaining access to communications data is no longer a sophisticated means of gathering evidence. Just as mobile phones, e-mail and social media have become part of our lives, so this kind of work has become part of daily policing.
Already some forms of data are not available to us. This will only get worse if changes are not made. We must preserve our ability to make use of this vital intelligence and evidence.Already some forms of data are not available to us. This will only get worse if changes are not made. We must preserve our ability to make use of this vital intelligence and evidence.
I fully support public debate about this issue and understand concerns about privacy. That's why I think it is really important to be clear: I do not see this proposed legislation as being more intrusive than the laws we currently have. Police already have access to communications data; the problem is that for some services it is not currently collected and stored by the service provider.I fully support public debate about this issue and understand concerns about privacy. That's why I think it is really important to be clear: I do not see this proposed legislation as being more intrusive than the laws we currently have. Police already have access to communications data; the problem is that for some services it is not currently collected and stored by the service provider.
10.31am: Here's the start of the Press Association story about the opening of David Cameron's evidence to the Leveson inquiry.10.31am: Here's the start of the Press Association story about the opening of David Cameron's evidence to the Leveson inquiry.
David Cameron has long-held views about media regulation in the UK formed when he worked for a major commercial broadcaster in the 1990s, he told the Leveson Inquiry into press standards today.
As he began his evidence under oath at the Royal Courts of Justice, the prime minister said his seven years as corporate affairs director at Carlton "was quite a formative period".
The Tory leader has submitted an 84-page witness statement and three exhibits to the inquiry and will be questioned about them in an all-day session.
Asked about his time in television before quitting for a political career, he said: "Carlton was quite a formative period.
"I formed a lot of views about the media then which I still hold today."
He said he also formed relations with many journalists at that time, though those with Westminster media were forged more in his previous role as a ministerial special adviser.
In that role, he said, he acted as both a "mouthpiece" for his home secretary and chancellor bosses and as a "sponge", meeting people the minister did not have time to see.
Asked if he ever gave his own opinions rather than representing those of the minister, he said: "On occasion, I am sure I would have made clear to people my own views about something."
Pressed on whether he would have made clear that he was not speaking the mind of his political boss, he replied: "I would hope so."		David Cameron has long-held views about media regulation in the UK formed when he worked for a major commercial broadcaster in the 1990s, he told the Leveson Inquiry into press standards today.
As he began his evidence under oath at the Royal Courts of Justice, the prime minister said his seven years as corporate affairs director at Carlton "was quite a formative period".
The Tory leader has submitted an 84-page witness statement and three exhibits to the inquiry and will be questioned about them in an all-day session.
Asked about his time in television before quitting for a political career, he said: "Carlton was quite a formative period.
"I formed a lot of views about the media then which I still hold today."
He said he also formed relations with many journalists at that time, though those with Westminster media were forged more in his previous role as a ministerial special adviser.
In that role, he said, he acted as both a "mouthpiece" for his home secretary and chancellor bosses and as a "sponge", meeting people the minister did not have time to see.
Asked if he ever gave his own opinions rather than representing those of the minister, he said: "On occasion, I am sure I would have made clear to people my own views about something."
Pressed on whether he would have made clear that he was not speaking the mind of his political boss, he replied: "I would hope so."
10.04am: David Cameron is giving evidence to the Leveson inquiry now.10.04am: David Cameron is giving evidence to the Leveson inquiry now.
You can follow the proceedings on our Leveson live blog.You can follow the proceedings on our Leveson live blog.
9.33am: Theresa May (pictured), the home secretary, has also been giving interviews this morning. She has been talking about the draft communications bill being published later and she insists this "isn't about snooping". According to PoliticsHome, this is what she told Sky News.9.33am: Theresa May (pictured), the home secretary, has also been giving interviews this morning. She has been talking about the draft communications bill being published later and she insists this "isn't about snooping". According to PoliticsHome, this is what she told Sky News.

This is about purely having access to the, sort of, who, when and where of these [internet] communications. It's not about listening to or looking at the content of what anybody's saying in these communications. Looking at that content will still require warrants and that still requires warrants to come up to the secretary of state, but this is about merely maintaining an ability that the police and others have at the moment to be able to have access to the same sort of data they've got at the moment, same information they've got they can use in prosecuting cases and stopping terrorists, but making sure that it can cover those new means of communication.
This is about purely having access to the, sort of, who, when and where of these [internet] communications. It's not about listening to or looking at the content of what anybody's saying in these communications. Looking at that content will still require warrants and that still requires warrants to come up to the secretary of state, but this is about merely maintaining an ability that the police and others have at the moment to be able to have access to the same sort of data they've got at the moment, same information they've got they can use in prosecuting cases and stopping terrorists, but making sure that it can cover those new means of communication.

But David Davis, the Tory backbencher, told the Today programme that the plans would not affect experienced criminals.
But David Davis, the Tory backbencher, told the Today programme that the plans would not affect experienced criminals.

The only people who will avoid this, avoid being covered by this, are the actually criminals because they are always around this. You use a pre-paid phone, you use an internet cafe to hack into somebody's wi-fi. You use what is called proxy servers, and those are just the easy ways. There are harder ways too and you know actually the 7/7 bombers went round it. Organised criminals go round it. Organised paedophile rings go round it. What this will catch is the innocent and the incompetent.
The only people who will avoid this, avoid being covered by this, are the actually criminals because they are always around this. You use a pre-paid phone, you use an internet cafe to hack into somebody's wi-fi. You use what is called proxy servers, and those are just the easy ways. There are harder ways too and you know actually the 7/7 bombers went round it. Organised criminals go round it. Organised paedophile rings go round it. What this will catch is the innocent and the incompetent.
9.27am: According to the Daily Mirror's James Lyons on Twitter, Mark Hoban is giving the banking statement in the Commons, not George Osborne. I'll amend the running order I posted earlier.9.27am: According to the Daily Mirror's James Lyons on Twitter, Mark Hoban is giving the banking statement in the Commons, not George Osborne. I'll amend the running order I posted earlier.
9.24am: David Cameron has put out a statement today to mark the 30th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands. Here's an extract.9.24am: David Cameron has put out a statement today to mark the 30th anniversary of the liberation of the Falkland Islands. Here's an extract.

Our resolve to support the Falkland Islanders has not wavered in the last thirty years and it will not in the years ahead. For the last 180 years, ten generations have called the Falkland Islands home and have strived hard to secure a prosperous future for their children. And despite the aggressive threats from over the water, they are succeeding. The Falklands economy is growing, the fishing industry is thriving and tourism is flourishing. Next year's referendum will establish the definitive choice of the Falkland Islanders once and for all. And just as we have stood up for the Falkland Islanders in the past, so we will in the future.
Our resolve to support the Falkland Islanders has not wavered in the last thirty years and it will not in the years ahead. For the last 180 years, ten generations have called the Falkland Islands home and have strived hard to secure a prosperous future for their children. And despite the aggressive threats from over the water, they are succeeding. The Falklands economy is growing, the fishing industry is thriving and tourism is flourishing. Next year's referendum will establish the definitive choice of the Falkland Islanders once and for all. And just as we have stood up for the Falkland Islanders in the past, so we will in the future.
9.11am: Iain Duncan Smith (pictured), the work and pensions secretary, was on the Today programme this morning defending his plan to change the way poverty is defined. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.9.11am: Iain Duncan Smith (pictured), the work and pensions secretary, was on the Today programme this morning defending his plan to change the way poverty is defined. I've taken the quote from PoliticsHome.

The key thing is what we don't measure with [relative poverty], and this is why we're launching the consultation today. If you just measure the relative income levels, you know nothing about what actually happened to the families. What we're after understands what actually happened to those families. Let's take, for example, a family which has drug addiction problems. We give them more money and they, according to the relative income levels, go above the poverty level. But in actual fact that family probably lives in some real difficulty because the parents, who are on drugs, don't spend the money on their children.
The key thing is what we don't measure with [relative poverty], and this is why we're launching the consultation today. If you just measure the relative income levels, you know nothing about what actually happened to the families. What we're after understands what actually happened to those families. Let's take, for example, a family which has drug addiction problems. We give them more money and they, according to the relative income levels, go above the poverty level. But in actual fact that family probably lives in some real difficulty because the parents, who are on drugs, don't spend the money on their children.
Across the board, health, early intervention, dysfunctional families, whether they're in work or out of work, these are figures that are not looked at or tracked in the poverty figures. So, we're simply saying in the consultation, income matters, we're not departing from the idea of measuring income, but we are saying far better if we also now look at other measurements to let us know whether there's a life change taking place. The key thing is you attack poverty by knowing that what you do changes the lives of those people, so that they move on and out of poverty and sustain that.Across the board, health, early intervention, dysfunctional families, whether they're in work or out of work, these are figures that are not looked at or tracked in the poverty figures. So, we're simply saying in the consultation, income matters, we're not departing from the idea of measuring income, but we are saying far better if we also now look at other measurements to let us know whether there's a life change taking place. The key thing is you attack poverty by knowing that what you do changes the lives of those people, so that they move on and out of poverty and sustain that.
My Guardian colleague Tom Clark was listening, and he has used Twitter to challenge Duncan Smith on three points.My Guardian colleague Tom Clark was listening, and he has used Twitter to challenge Duncan Smith on three points.
IDS lie no1 - most of the poverty action up to 2003 was lifting people just below line. IFS showed where line drawn made no oddsIDS lie no1 - most of the poverty action up to 2003 was lifting people just below line. IFS showed where line drawn made no odds
— Tom Clark (@guardian_clark) June 14, 2012— Tom Clark (@guardian_clark) June 14, 2012
IDS porky no 2 - problem is slump will make poverty better. Maybe, but that's why labour's target contained an absolute income lineIDS porky no 2 - problem is slump will make poverty better. Maybe, but that's why labour's target contained an absolute income line
— Tom Clark (@guardian_clark) June 14, 2012— Tom Clark (@guardian_clark) June 14, 2012
IDS 3rd fib - poverty persisted because poor gave up on working. But 1997 to 2010 lone parent emp rate rose from 46% to well over 50%IDS 3rd fib - poverty persisted because poor gave up on working. But 1997 to 2010 lone parent emp rate rose from 46% to well over 50%
— Tom Clark (@guardian_clark) June 14, 2012— Tom Clark (@guardian_clark) June 14, 2012
9.00am: I'm pretty sure that Winston Churchill never had to put up with the impertinence of being grilled by a public inquiry when he was prime minister, but these days it's almost part of the job and today David Cameron is doing his turn in the Leveson hot seat. The Daily Mail has got some colourful detail about the amount of preparation he's been doing.9.00am: I'm pretty sure that Winston Churchill never had to put up with the impertinence of being grilled by a public inquiry when he was prime minister, but these days it's almost part of the job and today David Cameron is doing his turn in the Leveson hot seat. The Daily Mail has got some colourful detail about the amount of preparation he's been doing.
Mr Cameron has been using two government lawyers, paid for by the taxpayer, to prepare for his appearance at the Leveson inquiry.Mr Cameron has been using two government lawyers, paid for by the taxpayer, to prepare for his appearance at the Leveson inquiry.
Downing Street sources said the Prime Minister has taken advice from the Treasury Solicitor Paul Jenkins, the head of the Government Legal Service, and from a leading QC.Downing Street sources said the Prime Minister has taken advice from the Treasury Solicitor Paul Jenkins, the head of the Government Legal Service, and from a leading QC.
Mr Cameron has been involved in three hours of intensive mock cross-examination over the last two days, effectively war-gaming his appearance before Lord Justice Leveson.Mr Cameron has been involved in three hours of intensive mock cross-examination over the last two days, effectively war-gaming his appearance before Lord Justice Leveson.
Tory sources have revealed that Andrew Feldman, the Prime Minister's close friend from university and co-chairman of the Tory Party, has been playing the role of Robert Jay, the chief counsel for the inquiry.Tory sources have revealed that Andrew Feldman, the Prime Minister's close friend from university and co-chairman of the Tory Party, has been playing the role of Robert Jay, the chief counsel for the inquiry.
Lawyers have spent dozens of hours compiling a written statement for Mr Cameron and details of his meetings with media executives. But despite reports, senior government sources insisted that the experts have not been involved in personally 'prepping' Mr Cameron.Lawyers have spent dozens of hours compiling a written statement for Mr Cameron and details of his meetings with media executives. But despite reports, senior government sources insisted that the experts have not been involved in personally 'prepping' Mr Cameron.
I'll be keeping an eye on Cameron at Leveson, although for full coverage you should read our Leveson live blog.I'll be keeping an eye on Cameron at Leveson, although for full coverage you should read our Leveson live blog.
Otherwise, it's quite busy. Here's the agenda for the day.Otherwise, it's quite busy. Here's the agenda for the day.
9.30am: The Office for National Statistics releases poverty statistics.9.30am: The Office for National Statistics releases poverty statistics.
9.30am: Iain Duncan Smith, the work and pensions secretary, gives a speech on poverty. As Patrick Wintour reports, he will take the first steps to downgrade the Labour government's commitment to eradicate child poverty in 2020 by announcing that he is to publish a green paper looking at a range of new non-income indicators of poverty.9.30am: Iain Duncan Smith, the work and pensions secretary, gives a speech on poverty. As Patrick Wintour reports, he will take the first steps to downgrade the Labour government's commitment to eradicate child poverty in 2020 by announcing that he is to publish a green paper looking at a range of new non-income indicators of poverty.
10am: David Cameron gives evidence to the Leveson inquiry. You can follow the proceedings on our Leveson live blog.10am: David Cameron gives evidence to the Leveson inquiry. You can follow the proceedings on our Leveson live blog.
10am: Michael Gove, the education secretary, gives a speech at the National College for School Leadership conference.10am: Michael Gove, the education secretary, gives a speech at the National College for School Leadership conference.
10am: Vince Cable gives a speech on infrastructure at a Reform conference.

11.30am: Theresa May, the home secretary, publishes the draft communications bill, which contains plans to extend internet surveillance. As Alan Travis reports, the draft legislation will say that the government will pay internet and phone firms so that they can track everyone's email, Twitter, Facebook and other internet use.		10am: Vince Cable gives a speech on infrastructure at a Reform conference.

11.30am: Theresa May, the home secretary, publishes the draft communications bill, which contains plans to extend internet surveillance. As Alan Travis reports, the draft legislation will say that the government will pay internet and phone firms so that they can track everyone's email, Twitter, Facebook and other internet use.
Around 12.30pm: Mark Hoban, a Treasury minister, will make a statement in the Commons on the government's plans for banking reform.
Around 12.30pm: Mark Hoban, a Treasury minister, will make a statement in the Commons on the government's plans for banking reform.
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.