That's all now after a busy day in Westminster. We've had the outline of George Osborne's spending review, two government defeats in the Lords and a continuing debate over Labour's future direction. As the summer recess has started, there will be no Prime Minister's Questions tomorrow. We will have to wait until the second week of September for the next one.
The government has suffered a second defeat in the Lords this evening, this time over the process for devolving NHS budgets to English councils. Peers backed a cross-party amendment to the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill urging "safeguards" for the NHS' national characteristics. The amendment proposed by Labour peer Lord Warner passed by 217 votes to 152. If it is not overturned in the Commons, it will stop the transfer of regulatory functions held by national bodies and ensure transferred services "adhere to national service standards".
It’s the last day of term for the House of Commons - and it's sure been a busy one. Here's a look at the various political goings on from today:
- George Osborne launched his spending
review with a call
for £20bn cuts to Whitehall budgets
. Each unprotected
department has been asked to come up with savings plans of 25% and 40% of their
budget
- Labour splits over its stance on the
government’s welfare reforms
continued to make the headlines
, with the fallout
from last night’s welfare bill vote – which saw nearly 50 MPs defy the whip – continuing to dog the party today
- Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham said the party didn’t take a "strong enough position" and that Labour is "crying out for leadership"
- Meanwhile Jeremy Corbyn – also vying to be Ed Miliband’s successor yn denied that his revolt fuelled a split in the Labour party
- Former Labour cabinet minister David Blunkett said the party was in "emotional trauma”
- The government suffered
another defeat
in the Lords - this time over its plans to give MPs from England a veto over English laws
- A top civil servant warned of a danger of
ministers being "hobbled"
ahead of the EU referendum unless so-called "purdah" rules are
relaxed
- The Iraq Inquiry chairman
has repeatedly turned down offers
of extra assistance to help speed up the
much-delayed report, according to the head of the Civil Service
And finally, a Conservative MP defended
claiming 9p on expenses
for a 352-yard car journey to a constituency event, but admitted that such small claims might look a bit “odd".
MPs reject SNP amendment to Finance Bill
As the Home Affairs Committee's questioning of Theresa May ended , the division bells for the House of Commons could be heard ringing in the background. And that's because MPs were voting on an SNP amendment to the Finance Bill, which rejected it on the grounds that it "fails to address the real economic needs of the country and continues to deepen the social divide between those who have and those who have not".
It was comprehensively rejected by 307 to 61 - majority 246.
May questioned on child abuse inquiry
During exchanges with Conservative MP Tim Loughton, Theresa May made clear that "we have not set any exemptions" on material made available to the
child sexual abuse inquiry.
She also told the committee its chair, Justice Lowell Goddard, had already shown how "dedicated and committed" she was and that the inquiry "will not allow anything to get in its way" in getting to the truth.
May questioned on police numbers
Does Theresa May expect there to be fewer police in 2020 than at present? Responding, she tells the Home Affairs Committee a key issue is "flexibility" in the police force and whether it has the skills it needs.
"So is that a yes or no?" interjects committee chairman and Labour MP Keith Vaz. "Neither", the home secretary replies, "as I don't take decisions about police numbers".
New details of the timetable for the roll-out of Universal Credit
have been published.
It looks like Wakefield is to be the last place in England to get it, in April next year.
As with earlier roll-outs these will only be for new claims from single people, who would otherwise have been eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Committee inquiry into young adult offenders
BBCCopyright: BBC
The Commons Justice Committee is to hold an inquiry into the treatment of young adult offenders in the criminal justice system.
It will look at the nature and effectiveness of the Ministry of Justice's strategy and structures for dealing with young offenders and the suitability of current provisions for young adult offenders.
It said:
Quote Message: The committee considers that it is timely to hold an inquiry to: assess the implications of the findings of the Harris Review and selected recommendations for current policy and practice; examine the evidence on what might constitute more effective or appropriate treatment of young adults throughout the criminal justice process; and review the impact of guidance to sentencers and prosecutors which advises that they consider the maturity of the offender in their decisions."
The committee considers that it is timely to hold an inquiry to: assess the implications of the findings of the Harris Review and selected recommendations for current policy and practice; examine the evidence on what might constitute more effective or appropriate treatment of young adults throughout the criminal justice process; and review the impact of guidance to sentencers and prosecutors which advises that they consider the maturity of the offender in their decisions."
The deadline for submissions is 30 September 2015.
May quizzed on water cannon
BBCCopyright: BBC
The topic turns to water cannon, following Theresa May's decision to not allow them to be used by police in England and Wales.
What will happen to the three water cannon purchased by London Mayor Boris Johnson (who is also a Conservative MP)?
"That is a decision for the mayor of course", responds Mrs May, who then defends her decision and sets out how it was reached.
It wasn't a popular decision with Mr Johnson, who is reported to have said it was part of a deliberate attempt by Mrs May and George Osborne to "humiliate" him and harm his Tory leadership ambitions.
Theresa May says the UK should be "proud" of what it has done to support Syrian refugees. Nearly £900m in aid has been donated by the government, she says, pointing out it's the "second biggest" bilateral donor in the world.
The UK also plays its part in accepting a number of Syrian asylum seekers, the home secretary adds.
Away from the committee corridor for a moment, the Green Party has said it will vote against the government's Finance Bill, currently being debated in the House of Commons.
Its Brighton Pavilion MP, Caroline Lucas, said the measures - set out by George Osborne earlier this month - were "deeply regressive", and criticised the government's "counter-productive austerity agenda".
Quote Message: Despite the government’s rhetoric the IFS (Institute for Fiscal Studies) analysis makes it perfectly clear that the biggest losers from this bill are those in the second and third poorest tenths of the population. It’s simply untrue for ministers to say that that this year’s budget is progressive.”
Despite the government’s rhetoric the IFS (Institute for Fiscal Studies) analysis makes it perfectly clear that the biggest losers from this bill are those in the second and third poorest tenths of the population. It’s simply untrue for ministers to say that that this year’s budget is progressive.”
Theresa May on net migration
Theresa May is questioned on the target to reduce net migration to the "tens of thousands" - which the government failed to meet in the last Parliament. She starts to recite the reasons for introducing the target - but chairman Keith Vaz says he wants her to focus on the question. She says the aim is to meet the target by the end of the Parliament, in 2020. At one time the figures did fall but a "significant increase" in EU migration has reversed that trend, she adds.
Theresa May: 30 terror suspect passport confiscations
PACopyright: PA
The Home Office has refused or cancelled 30 passports of people suspected of trying to travel abroad to engage in terrorism-related activity, Home Secretary Theresa May tells MPs in response to a question from Conservative MP David Burrowes.
New rules announced in 2013 give the government greater scope under the Royal Prerogative to restrict the travel of people intending to engage in terror training or extremist conflict.
Mrs May says it is a "significant power" that the home secretary holds and should be only be exercised in cases "where it's absolutely clear that it is necessary and proportionate to do so".
May: Collective effort to defeat extremism
There is a "poisonous ideology" that is encouraging people to be radicalised and potentially to take violent action, Theresa May tells the cross-party panel. It will take a "collective effort" by society to address that, she says. It also involves working with the police and ensuring people have the confidence to report someone they are concerned about, the home secretary adds.
May questioned on counter-extremism strategy
BBCCopyright: BBC
The current line of questioning of the home secretary is on the government's counter-extremism strategy, and the measures outlined by David Cameron in his speech yesterday to defeat Islamist extremism.
Keir Starmer, former director of public prosecution, probes plans to strengthen communications watchdog Ofcom's role to take action against foreign TV channels broadcasting extremist messages. He wonders whether it'll pose a conflict between free speech and the need to deal with extremism.
Theresa May says discussions are taking place with Ofcom on how to approach this, but adds that there is more the regulator should be able to do.
Theresa May's committee appearance
If you thought that was an end to our committee coverage – think again. We’re flicking over to the Home Affairs Committee now, where Theresa May is giving evidence. Busy day.
Treasury Committee session ends
BBCCopyright: BBC
Before the committee session ends George Osborne takes a moment to pay tribute to senior civil servant James Bowler - sat to his left - who is moving on from his position as director of the Budget. He's produced five Budgets and has done a "fantastic job", says Mr Osborne, adding that he is to be promoted to director general of taxation and welfare in the Treasury. "I want to put on record my thanks to him," he says.
Osborne questioned on pensions guidance
George Osborne is asked how well he thinks the pensions guidance (on the new pensions reforms) is working. "Pretty well", he tells the committee, saying feedback shows "high levels" of customer satisfaction. He adds that the department is now looking at how to extend that advice to people of younger ages.
Helen Goodman, the Labour MP who's been in the news lately for tabling the rebel Labour amendment to the welfare bill, focuses her questions to the chancellor on climate change.
"We don't agree politically", she tells Mr Osborne, "but I've always thought of you as an intelligent and rational person so I want to ask you this: are you a climate change denier"?
George Osborne replies:
Quote Message: I'm not sure I accept that phrase as a general term in British politics but what I'll certainly say is that I think climate change is happening and that it's caused by human beings in part and it's not good for society going forward."
I'm not sure I accept that phrase as a general term in British politics but what I'll certainly say is that I think climate change is happening and that it's caused by human beings in part and it's not good for society going forward."
Farron: Being leaderless is no excuse
BBC News Channel
Put to him that Labour's approach is partly down to it being without a permanent leader at the moment, Tim Farron replies:
Quote Message: I am confident that had this vote been a week ago when the Liberal Democrats didn't have a leader, I am confident that we would all have been voting against this."
I am confident that had this vote been a week ago when the Liberal Democrats didn't have a leader, I am confident that we would all have been voting against this."
Bank to have powers over buy-to-let
George Osborne says he is looking at giving more "directional powers" to the Bank of England over the buy-to let mortgage market.
An announcement will be made within a couple of months, he adds. "It's all imminent."
Those powers will go further than those the bank has currently to make recommendations on the buy-to-let sector, he adds.
Farron: I'm disappointed in Labour
BBC News Channel
BBCCopyright: BBC
Tim Farron, Lib Dem leader, tells the BBC he is "hugely frustrated" with Labour after last night's welfare bill vote. He says it seems a "no brainer" that Labour would want to oppose the welfare reforms proposed by the government.
Quote Message: I'm just disappointed hugely in Harriet and three of the four Labour leadership contenders who chose to sit on the hands while leaving the heavy lifting to the Liberal Democrats."
I'm just disappointed hugely in Harriet and three of the four Labour leadership contenders who chose to sit on the hands while leaving the heavy lifting to the Liberal Democrats."
He says the welfare reforms together with the Budget takes money from hard working people and the young while giving an inheritance tax cut "to the 6% of richest estates" - which is "obviously unfair and unnecessary".
Labour's "unbold and unambitious" approach let the Conservatives "off the hook", he adds.
Osborne suggests bank levy is here to stay
Do you think there'll be a time where there won't be a bank levy? When all public money has been recouped from the banks we bailed out? That's a question from Conservative Mark Garnier.
Quote Message: What I've set out, I think, is a sustainable system for the long term. It's never easy finding people to tax, as previous finance ministers over the ages have found, but I think we get the balance right with the financial sector here." from George Osborne Chancellor
What I've set out, I think, is a sustainable system for the long term. It's never easy finding people to tax, as previous finance ministers over the ages have found, but I think we get the balance right with the financial sector here."
Can the spending review be comprehensive when so many government policy areas are ring-fenced, Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg asks.
George Osborne says it's right for a government to make a judgement about it's priorities, although "that obviously increases pressures elsewhere in government".
Quote Message: But government is ultimately about making these choices and I think we've made the right choices. It's for others to judge whether we have."
But government is ultimately about making these choices and I think we've made the right choices. It's for others to judge whether we have."
Is he willing to allow himself a little leeway on the 2% defence spending commitment or the 0.7% on overseas aid in case you need to under or overspend one year?
The chancellor begins to answer: "Thankfully that challenge doesn't arise because...
"You're doing marvellously," interjects Mr Rees-Mogg with a smile. "And we all sing peons on praise to you for that."
Osborne quizzed on Heathrow expansion
BBCCopyright: BBC
"What are we going to do about the home secretary?" asks Labour's Wes Streeting, to some small titters from the room. He used to be president of the NUS and says Theresa May's restrictions on visas for overseas students are seriously hampering universities, not least because of how much money they bring in.
"She's doing an excellent job,"responds the chancellor. "And part of her job is to make sure we have legitimate students coming into this country. She has been rightly tough on bogus colleges."
What about the mayor of London then, Mr Streeting asks. "I think there's a risk that Heathrow expansion is held up by political factors", he says, Boris Johnson's opposition presumably being one of them.
"We want to see new runway capacity in the south east," Mr Osborne says, telling the committee ministers are carefully looking at the Davis report on airport capacity.
"If we get the government process wrong it will delay a decision", says the chancellor, because it could open it up to successive judicial reviews.
SNP MP: We're leading for the opposition
House of Commons
Parliament
Turning our attention to the Finance Bill debate for a moment, the SNP has declared itself the true opposition to the government's plans.
Moving an amendment to the Budget-enacting bill, the party's shadow Treasury spokesman Roger Mullin - elected to Parliament in Gordon Brown's former seat - says he is "proud to stand here to lead for the opposition".
He also mentions the lack of MPs on the Labour benches.
The SNP is going to "do something Labour have refused to do and that is to test this Finance Bill", the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP adds.
Pic: Treasury Committee in action
BBCCopyright: BBC
George Osborne, the chancellor, is fielding questions from the cross-party panelImage caption: George Osborne, the chancellor, is fielding questions from the cross-party panel
Fiscal rules 'simple and easy to understand' - Osborne
Conservative Stephen Hammond asks the chancellor about criticism of his "fiscal rules" - something George Osborne sums up as the idea that "in normal times you should be running an overall surplus and using that money largely to pay down national debt".
Answering the question, he tells the committee:
Quote Message: What I've tried to do is come up with something that's simple and easy to understand. If you aren't in normal times, if your economy dips... then the chancellor has to come to the Commons with a new plan."
What I've tried to do is come up with something that's simple and easy to understand. If you aren't in normal times, if your economy dips... then the chancellor has to come to the Commons with a new plan."
Should the rule distinguish between capital and current spending, Mr Hammond asks.
"I think if you try to separate capital from current you are not keeping your eye on your overall budget balance," the chancellor replies. "And I think you do get into questions about definitions of what is capital spending."
Is training a teacher inherently less good spending than building a classroom? "They are both good investments in the future", says the chancellor.
Osborne questioned on infrastructure and immigration
BBCCopyright: BBC
Labour's John Mann up now. He's begins with some questions on the banking sector and then asks why George Osborne is "cutting infrastructure spending so much". What he's referring to is the announcement by government last month that many rail upgrade projects will be delayed or cancelled.
Mr Osborne says he shares Mr Mann's "frustrations", but lays the blame squarely at Network Rail's door.
Mr Mann says the government's tax and spending plans are based on an additional 1.2 million people coming to the UK over this Parliament. Where will they live, he asks.
The chancellor disputes the suggestion that his plans are "predicated" on this level of immigration - instead saying those are merely the Office for National Statistics' population predictions. He says the government is determined to get immigration "under control".
Labour's Bill Esterton asks if it's the actions of "a wise chancellor" to increase the amount borrowed by poor students when they go to university - that's a reference to the government's decision to abolish maintenance grants and make them loans instead.
The chancellor says "difficult decisions" have to be taken to keep our university system "brilliant". He says the cost of maintenance grants is "unsustainable" and if they were kept in place it would be impossible to lift the cap on the number of students able to go to university.
Quote Message: I think if you have a more productive economy where people are better educated and you are able to make better use of their talents you are going to have an economy less dependent on consumer booms." from George Osborne
I think if you have a more productive economy where people are better educated and you are able to make better use of their talents you are going to have an economy less dependent on consumer booms."
Treasury Committee questioning the chancellor
BBCCopyright: BBC
George Osborne is up before the Treasury Committee. He's been asked about the ability of the Bank of England to control inflation and now Conservative Stephen Baker is very worried about the low interest rates.
The chancellor tells him the UK is generally in a period of lower interest rates "and that just forces government to work harder" to get things like the allocation of credit right.
'All of our party will abstain' - Labour on Finance Bill
House of Commons
Parliament
"That is our position and that is what all of our party will doing today," says Shabana Mahmood, when she's asked by minister David Gauke whether she's speaking for all of her party's backbenchers given the rebellion yesterday on the welfare bill.
"Abstaining on second reading... does not mean that we will not press matters to a vote at a later stage," she adds.
Labour to abstain again
House of Commons
Parliament
Labour's Shabana Mahmood tells the House her party will abstain on the Finance Bill later today.
Farron demands Labour support
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
The rest of us write emails, but politicians write letters, and freshly-appointed Lib Dem leader Tim Farron has written one to Harriet Harman. In it he tell her Labour "must join us" in opposing the government’s plans to cut welfare.
Here is some of what he had to say:
Quote Message: The people who will be hit by these changes need someone to give them a voice in Parliament and fight their corner, and last night Labour failed to stand up for them. Labour claim to be a party who believes in social justice. If that is true, then they must join with the Liberal Democrats in voting against these cruel and excessive cuts. We are consistent in our opposition. In government we blocked these measures and in opposition we are voting against them. I am disappointed by Labour’s confusion over this bill. To give in to the narrative that the answer to our country’s needs is to pit the poorest in the country against one another is shameful."
The people who will be hit by these changes need someone to give them a voice in Parliament and fight their corner, and last night Labour failed to stand up for them. Labour claim to be a party who believes in social justice. If that is true, then they must join with the Liberal Democrats in voting against these cruel and excessive cuts. We are consistent in our opposition. In government we blocked these measures and in opposition we are voting against them. I am disappointed by Labour’s confusion over this bill. To give in to the narrative that the answer to our country’s needs is to pit the poorest in the country against one another is shameful."
Labour in meltdown - Hosie
BBC News Channel
Stewart Hosie was also asked his views on the welfare bill - his answer? "Labour are in absolute meltdown."
Quote Message: A substantial rebellion and their official line was to not oppose a welfare plan which I don’t think a single Labour voter would have supported. We're seeing the same chaos emerging today when they don't even have a reasoned amendment against a Finance Bill. So let's see how they vote on that because a Finance Bill makes real a Budget that they and us criticised so much at the time."
A substantial rebellion and their official line was to not oppose a welfare plan which I don’t think a single Labour voter would have supported. We're seeing the same chaos emerging today when they don't even have a reasoned amendment against a Finance Bill. So let's see how they vote on that because a Finance Bill makes real a Budget that they and us criticised so much at the time."
SNP's Hosie on spending review
BBC News Channel
SNP deputy leader and economic spokesman Stewart Hosie is asked his views on the launch of the 2015 spending review, in which each unprotected department has been asked to come up with savings plans of 25% and 40% of their budget.
Mr Hosie says that will be "extraordinarily hard" on those departments and on the devolved administrations.
Quote Message: There's no longer fat to cut. It's into the bone and the impact on services could be catastrophic in the next Parliament."
There's no longer fat to cut. It's into the bone and the impact on services could be catastrophic in the next Parliament."
Mr Hosie said departments had already come up "with serious and bold savings, but some of this just becomes completely unmanageable".
Asked if he thought, perhaps, there was some game-playing going on from the the chancellor, who might not really expect to slash as much as 40% from departments, Mr Hosie replied:
Quote Message: Perhaps he's setting the bar high and he'll appear to the good guy when push comes to shove.... he may be pushing the boundaries - he may also be setting himself up for a very large fall."
Perhaps he's setting the bar high and he'll appear to the good guy when push comes to shove.... he may be pushing the boundaries - he may also be setting himself up for a very large fall."
Burnham on leadership rival Corbyn
The World at One
BBC Radio 4
Andy Burnham was asked whether he should have taken a more principled position like that of his leadership rival who voted against the welfare bill.
Quote Message: If you want to lead the Labour Party, I don’t think the way you do that is to say that you're always prepared to defy what the collective position is, and indeed, to split the Labour Party."
If you want to lead the Labour Party, I don’t think the way you do that is to say that you're always prepared to defy what the collective position is, and indeed, to split the Labour Party."
MP defends 9p expenses claim
BBCCopyright: BBC
Conservative MP Rob Wilson has defended claiming 9p on expenses for a 352-yard car journey to a constituency event. It was one of a number of claims under £1 for short journeys, including 60p for a trip on his bicycle.
He's explained his actions in a statement to BBC Berkshire - and said the short journeys were to meet his constituents.
Quote Message: Many of my journeys are over fairly short distances of a few miles, but with a number of visits each week, over a year my mileage does add up, often to around £1,000 a year. I can see how small claims might look odd but it is important that all MPs do the job properly and stay connected with local people."
Many of my journeys are over fairly short distances of a few miles, but with a number of visits each week, over a year my mileage does add up, often to around £1,000 a year. I can see how small claims might look odd but it is important that all MPs do the job properly and stay connected with local people."
Quote Message: The process for claiming my mileage is that my staff compile a spreadsheet and then at the end of the month I approve it. Unfortunately, as has been reported, some very small claims have slipped through. Such claims are within the rules of the parliamentary expenses scheme, but I appreciate that this might give the impression of 'penny-pinching MPs'. Claims for tiny amounts should not have been made in this way and I will make sure they aren't in the future.
The process for claiming my mileage is that my staff compile a spreadsheet and then at the end of the month I approve it. Unfortunately, as has been reported, some very small claims have slipped through. Such claims are within the rules of the parliamentary expenses scheme, but I appreciate that this might give the impression of 'penny-pinching MPs'. Claims for tiny amounts should not have been made in this way and I will make sure they aren't in the future.
Mr Wilson said "overall" he'd saved the taxpayer "several hundreds of thousands of pounds over the past 10 years by commuting into London by train rather than paying for hotels or renting a property".
Welfare bill 'could spell the end for Stormont'
BBCCopyright: BBC
Stormont Finance Minister Arlene Foster has echoed warnings from the DUP's Sammy Wilson that welfare reform could lead to the collapse of devolution. On Tuesday, Mr Wilson said the new welfare bill - which as we know passed its first Commons hurdle on Monday night - "probably spells the end of the Northern Ireland Assembly".
He said Sinn Féin would probably block any devolved cuts, putting the Stormont budget under greater pressure.
Ms Foster said a short time ago: "Welfare reform has to be dealt with or the Assembly and Executive ceases to exist."
However, she said if the Westminster government stepped in to impose legislation it could solve the problem.
Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham is asked about his vote on the welfare bill last night, which saw 48 Labour MPs defy the leadership and oppose the bill.
Mr Burnham followed acting leader Harriet Harman's lead and abstained.
He says he persuaded Labour to change its initial position and to put down a reasoned amendment, which he says was a vote against the bill. But he said it was a "compromise" position and one that "wasn't strong enough" for him.
Explaining his abstention in the second vote of the evening - on whether the bill should proceed to the next stage - he says he had a "collective responsibility" as a member of the shadow cabinet and so supported Ms Harman's line.
But he adds: "I would have opposed this bill outright if I was leader last night."
Hancock on spending review
The World at One
BBC Radio 4
On the upcoming spending review, Matt Hancock says it's about looking at all of the options and then working out where best to make the reforms and efficiency savings to get to a budget surplus.
Hancock: We're committed to house building target
The World at One
BBC Radio 4
Cabinet Office Minister Matt Hancock says government plans to sell off public land contribute to "wider objectives" than paying off the deficit - such as housebuilding, for example.
Is he worried that land might be sold off but later needed? "Well it has to be done carefully and cautiously of course," he replies.
The Conservative MP adds that the government is focused on meeting its manifesto commitment to build 200,000 new homes on government land.
Intelligence and Security committee question
House of Commons
Parliament
The Labour MP Gisela Stuart asks the Speaker in a point of order about why the membership of the Intelligence and Security Committee has yet to be announced. Mr Bercow replies that it is a committee which reports direct to the prime minister so it is not one where it is up to him. He suggests the MP takes it up with the "usual channels".
Draft EU electoral administration rules published
The government has published the draft electoral administration rules for the upcoming in/out referendum on the EU. In a written ministerial statement, the government says it'll consult the elections watchdog, the Electoral Commission, on them.
David Cameron has embarked upon a renegotiation of the UK's terms of membership of the bloc, and will hold a vote by the end of 2017.
Parliament.ukCopyright: Parliament.uk
Inside the Serjeant at Arms office
The Daily Politics
BBCCopyright: BBC
BBC Parliament's Daniel Brittain-Catlin gets a sneak peek inside the office of the Commons' Serjeant at Arms, in a film for the Daily Politics. Tacked on to Westminster Hall, it dates back to the 13th century, and survived the Great Fire of 1834, we're informed.
"This is clearly a one nation government," asserts Matt Hancock. He acknowledges that ministers are being "radical" in certain policy areas, but this is "in order to help people across the country to get on".
Challenged over tax credit cuts, the minister defends the changes. He says the welfare reforms are designed to make the overall system "more fair" but concedes there are "difficult elements" in them.
Quote Message: The question here is do we want to make these reforms and get our books in to balance, and do it in a way that helps promote work and supports work as ultimately that is the long-term best track for the country."
The question here is do we want to make these reforms and get our books in to balance, and do it in a way that helps promote work and supports work as ultimately that is the long-term best track for the country."
Hancock: Progress being made on manifesto commitments
The Daily Politics
Conservative minister Matt Hancock insists the government is "making progress" on its election manifesto commitments - such as on the railways, raising the tax thresholds and cutting inheritance tax.
Quote Message: We've already made the commitments in some cases. In other cases we've clearly moved in that direction."
We've already made the commitments in some cases. In other cases we've clearly moved in that direction."
Matt Hancock on public land sales
The Daily Politics
Cabinet Office Minister Matt Hancock joins the programme. Pressed over how much public land the government intends to sell off for housing building and to pay down the deficit - as has been reported today - he says he doesn't have "an exact figure".
He adds that the spending review is about balancing the books in a sustainable way, and property and land sales "are just one part of that".
The minister rejects that it amounts to selling off the family silver.
'Permanent' status for Office of Tax Simplification
The list of published ministerial statements grows. The latest - by Financial Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke - announces that the Office of Tax Simplification has been established "on a permanent basis as an independent Office of the Treasury" today. The OTS was launched by the chancellor to streamline the 11,000-page tax code.
Parliament.ukCopyright: Parliament.uk
Harman 'too ambitious for an acting leader'
The Daily Politics
Voters probably got the impression that Labour couldn't make up its mind on one of the most defining bits of legislation, Independent columnist Steve Richards says of last night's welfare bill vote.
"Meanwhile you have the SNP and the Lib Dems being absolutely clear they were going to vote against."
He adds that while he understands what Harriet Harman was trying to do, attempting "to do almost a Clause 4 moment" as an acting leader was much too ambitious.
Labour MP Cat Smith agrees. She says she heard time and again on the doorsteps "'we can't tell the difference between you and the Tories'". She goes on:
Quote Message: When we abstain on votes like this it goes to further the argument of parties like the Liberal Democrats who say 'We're the real opposition'."
When we abstain on votes like this it goes to further the argument of parties like the Liberal Democrats who say 'We're the real opposition'."
Daily Politics debates the welfare bill rebellion
The Daily Politics
BBCCopyright: BBC
Over on the Daily Politics, the panel is discussing the Labour welfare bill revolt.
MP Cat Smith says it was "a very difficult decision" but her constituents were giving her the message that she must oppose the government. She says she tried to raise her objection with her party behind the scenes, but "I felt I wasn't listened to".
Fellow Labour MP Stephen Kinnock says he has "a huge amount of respect" for his colleague even though he didn't vote the same way. He says the Conservatives are laying "traps" for the party and it "needs to take a forensic approach to this bill rather than blanket opposition".
But he adds that it's wrong "to portray this as a civil war" when it is merely "robust debate".
SNP argues government hurting women 'disproportionately'
House of Commons
Parliament
The SNP's Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh says women are being hit hardest by the government's policies. Cuts to child and working tax credit will hit 2.8 million women in total, she says.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Damian Hinds says women, in fact, will disproportionately benefit from the raising of the personal income tax allowance and the introduction of the government's living wage. He says Scotland has the second lowest level of female unemployment in the EU.
Pic: Inside the Commons
BBCCopyright: BBC
A well-attended end of term Treasury questionsImage caption: A well-attended end of term Treasury questions
Leslie attacks Osborne over student support
House of Commons
Parliament
BBCCopyright: BBC
Shadow Treasury secretary Chris Leslie asks George Osborne if it was always his plan to scrap maintenance grants for students - and if so, why wasn't it in his manifesto. He references today's IFS report on how much the move could cost students.
"We've put building a first class university system at the heart of our manifesto," says Mr Osborne in reply. He then turns the tables, arguing that Yvette Cooper - the candidate Mr Leslie is backing for the Labour leadership - is in favour of the move.
"However, much he spins it, he's hitting students with more debt," Mr Leslie replies.
Civil service chief on Iraq Inquiry delays
PACopyright: PA
The head of the Civil Service says he's recently met the man leading the Iraq War inquiry, Sir John Chilcott, to repeat David Cameron's offer of extra resources to help him finish his report.
The inquiry finished taking evidence more than four years ago and Sir Jeremy Heywood told a committee hearing this morning he shares the frustrations over how long it's taking.
Quote Message: I'm not washing my hands of it. It is an independent inquiry, the timetable is not in my hands. I have repeatedly offered to Sir John extra resources on behalf of the prime minister, extra legal resources and so on... I just know that John Chilcot will complete this report as soon as he possibly can. He is as aware as everybody else is about the importance of getting this done and quickly."
I'm not washing my hands of it. It is an independent inquiry, the timetable is not in my hands. I have repeatedly offered to Sir John extra resources on behalf of the prime minister, extra legal resources and so on... I just know that John Chilcot will complete this report as soon as he possibly can. He is as aware as everybody else is about the importance of getting this done and quickly."
He added: "We have repeatedly offered the inquiry further resources, they say they don't need them, they are doing it as fast as they can."
MP criticises Osborne's economic plan
House of Commons
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"Can I tell the chancellor his plan doesn't look very well-planned or indeed very long," says Labour's Barry Sheerman. He says that without the mention of productivity or manufacturing, it can't really claim to be either.
George Osborne replies with a dig at Mr Sheerman and a mention of his tweet - which we at Politics Live spotted this morning - in which he said last night's welfare vote suggested Labour was "going back to the 1980s".
Treasury questions
House of Commons
Parliament
Over in the Commons, Treasury questions is now under way. George Osborne begins in familiar fashion. "The long-term economic plan...."
The new head of broadcast regulator Ofcom, Sharon White, is currently giving evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. A few of those in the audience are tweeting...
Labour MP Jo Stevens was one of the class of 2015 who rebelled last night. She tells the BBC:
Quote Message: I don't oppose every welfare change that could be introduced, but for me, the focus of this bill is entirely wrong. It's attacking working families... people with long term illnesses... I think there is a much bigger issue that could be tackled and that's the £24.5bn of housing benefit that's spent every year. That's where our opposition should be."
I don't oppose every welfare change that could be introduced, but for me, the focus of this bill is entirely wrong. It's attacking working families... people with long term illnesses... I think there is a much bigger issue that could be tackled and that's the £24.5bn of housing benefit that's spent every year. That's where our opposition should be."
Ms Stevens says she doesn't accept the accusation made earlier by her colleague Stephen Timms that those who rebelled are "undermining" Labour's chances of returning to power.
"I think that we can effectively challenge the government, oppose it properly," she says, adding: "I don't criticise any of my colleagues, however they voted last night."
She is backing Andy Burnham to be the next party leader, and despite him abstaining last night, she says he "will vigorously oppose every line, every clause" of the bill once it reaches committee stage.
Police funding consultation launched
Another written ministerial statement - they're ten-a-penny on the last day of term at Westminster - concerns police funding.
Policing Minister Mike Penning says he's launching a consultation on the way money is given to forces in England and Wales. At present, as the statement says, it's done by the Police Allocation Formula - a devilishly complicated piece of maths that works out force budgets by relative need.
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Labour 'must side with the strivers'
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Senior Labour MP Frank Field has dug out some figures from the House of Commons library which show that more than three million working people will lose an average of £1,350 next year because of changes to tax credit thresholds announced in the Budget.
Mr Field - who wasn't one of Labour's rebels last night - said the information showed the worst-affected would lose £2,884 next year. He said it gave Labour an opportunity "to put itself once again on the side of Britain's army of strivers".
Quote Message: In his first post-election Budget, the chancellor has decided to knock this group for six. He has torn up the contract they signed when they took it upon themselves to find a job."
In his first post-election Budget, the chancellor has decided to knock this group for six. He has torn up the contract they signed when they took it upon themselves to find a job."
What does the SNP think about the welfare bill? Well, the party's MPs voted against it, and its employment spokeswoman Hannah Bardell said Labour would pay the price for refusing to do the same.
Quote Message: Labour had the perfect opportunity to join the SNP in a progressive coalition to oppose the Tories - but with some honourable exceptions they sat on their hands. This disgraceful stance will haunt Labour through next year's Scottish Parliament election and far beyond."
Labour had the perfect opportunity to join the SNP in a progressive coalition to oppose the Tories - but with some honourable exceptions they sat on their hands. This disgraceful stance will haunt Labour through next year's Scottish Parliament election and far beyond."
A handy graphic
Digital communications manager at think tank Policy Exchange tweets...
For all the criticisms people may have had of Ed Miliband, at the end of the day, the party was united and had a clear stance on the crunch issues. Now we don't even really know what Labour's position is on welfare. We seem to have gone backwards in a way.
What's really interesting is that so many of the rebels last night were new MPs, fresh from the 2015 intake. Usually new MPs are amongst the most loyal because they want to get on, don't want to get in the bad books.
But more importantly, that tells us that many of the new batch of Labour MPs are left-leaning - I think we are seeing that the gravitational pull in the party is not to the centre ground, but to the left, which is why Jeremy Corbyn is doing so well.
This guy could yet win...
Healthy finances?
Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, is giving evidence to the Commons Health Select Committee. If his name rings a bell it was invoked a lot during the election campaign when the various parties competed to commit themselves to giving him what he'd asked for in terms of NHS funding. That was an extra £8bn.
The BBC's health editor is at the hearing and tweeting...
Former Welsh Secretary Peter Hain says the revolt by Labour MPs on welfare and concerns about the leadership contest are a "passing phase" and not "a life or death moment" for the party.
On Monday, ex-Labour minister Kim Howells described the leadership race as "shambolic" and said he "feared for the future" of the party.
But ex-Neath MP Mr Hain told Good Morning Wales this morning this was merely "a point we have to get through - get a new leader in place to take us forward".
Another written statement is headlined "Costs and benefits of NHS modernisation". You'll remember the big - and controversial - reorganisation of the health service under the the last government, championed by former health secretary Andrew Lansley. Well, it looks as though, it didn't cost quite as much as first estimated.
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It also seems, according to Mr Lansley's successor Jeremy Hunt, that the moves saved a lot more money than originally forecast.
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According to Mr Hunt, this has all involved a big cut in the number of management staff and an increase in clinicians.
One of interest given our entry at 9:29am concerns support for students. It confirms the changes being made to the system that the chancellor announced in the Budget - specifically the end of maintenance grants. They'll become loans instead. Here's a key paragraph.
Stephen Kinnock says Labour "has always had an active debate about policy issues" and compares the split over the bill to the divisions within the Conservatives on Europe. He adds:
Quote Message: It's a new kind of politics where we should be able to come forward with different views and not always be seen to be marching in step with the party machine."
It's a new kind of politics where we should be able to come forward with different views and not always be seen to be marching in step with the party machine."
'Got to box clever'
Victoria Derbyshire
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Labour MP Stephen Kinnock was one of those who agreed with Harriet Harman and abstained on the welfare bill vote.
Asked why, he says: "We've got a chancellor who's very tactical and we've had to box clever."
When we get to the committee stage of the bill, he says, Labour MPs will go through it clause by clause and do their best to change the aspects they disagree with.
Broadly speaking, Mr Kinnock says he agrees with the idea of a benefit cap, but it should be "more nuanced" to look at individual family circumstances.
He says George Osborne is "robbing Peter to pay Paul" by increasing the minimum wage on the one hand but taking tax credits away with the other.
Bigger debts
BBCCopyright: BBC
Students from the poorest backgrounds in England will graduate owing up to £53,000 after maintenance grants are replaced by loans, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
It reckons changes to student finance announced in the Budget will mean an initial £2bn annual saving for the government, but in the long run, the IFS estimates only a quarter of these loans will be repaid and the eventual annual saving will be £270m.
More than half a million students from poorer backgrounds currently receive a maintenance grant, at a cost to the taxpayer of about £1.57bn a year.
From 2016, these will be replaced with loans, which they will be expected to repay in addition to loans for their tuition fees.
The IFS says the new loans will mean up to £550 more "cash in pocket" per year for those students, but they will graduate owing up to £53,000 in total, compared with £40,500 before maintenance grants were scrapped.
The government says it is committed to "widening access in higher education". Read more.
The acting shadow work and pensions secretary, Stephen Timms, has accused Labour MPs who voted against the government's welfare bill of "undermining" the party's efforts to win back power.
He also expressed his concern that a number of new MPs joined veteran rebels like Dennis Skinner and Jeremy Corbyn in defying the whip .
Mr Timms told BBC London 94.9:
Quote Message: The overall size of the rebellion was rather smaller than quite a lot of people expected. There were a number of people who very frequently break the whip and they all did so again yesterday. There were also a number of newer members who broke the whip and I hope as we go into the summer recess they will conclude that they really want to be supporting our party's efforts to replace the current government rather than undermining them."
The overall size of the rebellion was rather smaller than quite a lot of people expected. There were a number of people who very frequently break the whip and they all did so again yesterday. There were also a number of newer members who broke the whip and I hope as we go into the summer recess they will conclude that they really want to be supporting our party's efforts to replace the current government rather than undermining them."
Abbott: It's a bad bill
BBC News Channel
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"I think Harriet [Harman] miscalculated the amount of opposition to the welfare bill," says Labour MP and mayoral candidate Dianne Abbott.
She says it will force 300,000 children into poverty, adding: "Outside of Westminster I think Labour supporters are pretty united. This is a bad bill and we have to oppose it."
Ms Abbott insists the Conservatives do not have a mandate for the welfare cuts.
Quote Message: If they thought that forcing hundreds of thousands of children into poverty was popular why didn't they say it during the election campaign? It's one thing to talk about welfare cuts in the abstract. It's another thing when people realise it's going to hit real families and real children."
If they thought that forcing hundreds of thousands of children into poverty was popular why didn't they say it during the election campaign? It's one thing to talk about welfare cuts in the abstract. It's another thing when people realise it's going to hit real families and real children."
Quote Message: He is just making an argument for tolerance, which anyone can make regardless of their beliefs. We don’t hear it too often because modern culture insists that we ‘passionately’ endorse the ‘life choices’ of others. Farron’s case is less phoney, and more likely to convince doubters because it does not ask them to lie, and feign an enthusiasm where none exists."
He is just making an argument for tolerance, which anyone can make regardless of their beliefs. We don’t hear it too often because modern culture insists that we ‘passionately’ endorse the ‘life choices’ of others. Farron’s case is less phoney, and more likely to convince doubters because it does not ask them to lie, and feign an enthusiasm where none exists."
Cohen says it's similar to an atheist defending the right to religious freedom.
Quote Message: They would be saying they believed in the liberal argument for individual freedom, which they would defend even if they disagreed profoundly with the choices free individuals made. As is Farron."
They would be saying they believed in the liberal argument for individual freedom, which they would defend even if they disagreed profoundly with the choices free individuals made. As is Farron."
Quote Message: We've got to have a narrative that plays with the people who know they are sympathetic to those who can't help themselves, but who also know that the best form of welfare is work and the Lord helps those who help themselves." from David Blunkett Former Labour home secretary
We've got to have a narrative that plays with the people who know they are sympathetic to those who can't help themselves, but who also know that the best form of welfare is work and the Lord helps those who help themselves."
He says Labour should have made a manifesto commitment to introducing the living wage.
Next up on Today is former Labour minister David Blunkett. He says his party is "in emotional trauma" and bewildered about "where we go from here", but it must "avoid the trap" of opposing everything the government does because that makes it easy for George Osborne.
Mr Blunkett says he meets young people regularly who "expect to make logical, rational decisions" about how many children to have and they "don't expect the state to pick the bill up". That, of course, is a reference to the plan to limit future child tax credits to the first two children.
Corbyn: Revolt strengthened Labour's position
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Jeremy Corbyn says he thinks the revolt "strengthened" Labour's position against the Conservatives. "I hope we will develop a narrative in which we will be serious about regulation of the private rented sector and we wont allow the Conservatives to take us down this road of saying any child after two is somehow worth less than the first two." He says the child benefit policy is contrary to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child "which even Margaret Thatcher signed".
Jeremy Corbyn, aforementioned Labour leadership candidate, is speaking to Today. He denies splitting his party and says he was acting to protect larger families and those struggling to pay rents from government cuts. He says "the hearts" of many of those Labour MPs who abstained were with those who voted against the bill.
'Follow their convictions'
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph - not Labour's fanzine at the best of times - is scathing about the welfare bill revolt. It asks why the party doesn't embrace welfare reforms "as Labour did in the election-winning days of Tony Blair".
Quote Message: The answer is that while the wider public wants to spend less on welfare, Labour activists do not. Hence the rise of Jeremy Corbyn, the old-fashioned socialist who doing rather well in the leadership election thus far... Instead of trying to pander to activists without offending the electorate, his fellow leadership contenders should follow his example and follow their convictions."
The answer is that while the wider public wants to spend less on welfare, Labour activists do not. Hence the rise of Jeremy Corbyn, the old-fashioned socialist who doing rather well in the leadership election thus far... Instead of trying to pander to activists without offending the electorate, his fellow leadership contenders should follow his example and follow their convictions."
Confusing compromise?
Ross Hawkins
Political correspondent
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Andy Burnham says he's "firing the starting gun on Labour's opposition" to the welfare bill, but he didn't vote against it. How come? Labour's compromise amendment said the party "declines to give a Second Reading" to the Bill. So Labour MPs who did what they were told last night - Burnham among them - voted for a Labour amendment that said they wouldn't give the bill a second reading, then abstained 15 minutes later when they got a chance to vote for real on whether to give the bill second reading. Confused? That's political compromise for you.
Burnham can fairly hint he fell out with Harriet Harman over the idea of accepting cuts and pushed her to change her position - and say he would do things differently if he got elected leader. But the comments below his Facebook posting (see our 7:39am entry) explaining all this suggest some potential supporters are unimpressed.
One reads: "I am so sorry Andy, but tonight you lost my vote for leadership." Posts on the net are no certain judge of sentiment, but it's fair to say if George Osborne hoped to create splits, confusion and rancour in Labour's ranks, he managed.
Dissecting Cameron's speech
APCopyright: AP
Aside from the welfare bill, the news agenda on Monday was dominated by David Cameron's speech on tackling extremism and the papers have been giving their verdicts on it.
TheTimes welcomes the prime minister's words, saying his “appeal to reason is sincere. Moderates of all faiths and none should embrace it." The paper's leader column says Mr Cameron was right to speak directly to those who might be seduced by Islamic State propaganda and warn them of the realities they would face. “Strip out the jihad’s spurious claim to religion and the reluctance of some civil libertarians to see the full force of the law applied against it looks ridiculous," it adds.
TheGuardian says the prime is "right to try" to fight the IS ideology, but he "tripped up on the details" in his speech. Its editorial says he "cannot convincingly claim that free speech is a core British value" but then vow to silence those operating within the law but whose words you don't like.
"The other great rhetorical weakness", the paper argues, is to claim that "only the extremists divide people into good Muslims and bad ones, when the whole thrust of the government's policy is to make this distinction".
In between writing letters to ministers asking them to save money, George Osborne will appear before the Commons Treasury Committee to be quizzed about his Budget. There'll also be Treasury Questions in the Commons itself and the second reading of the Finance Bill - the measure which puts the tax changes from the Budget into law.
Elsewhere, there are plenty of other Commons committees sitting. Theresa May is up before the home affairs committee, Philip Hammond before the foreign affairs one. The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs will also hear evidence about the forthcoming EU referendum, and there are many more to dip into when we can.
Moving forward to today and it's a busy one. Top of the list is the launch of the 2015 spending review. The Treasury will write to cabinet ministers today to ask for savings in their departments to total £20bn. The BBC understands specific targets will not be set for departments, but ministers will likely report back by September.
George Osborne will deliver the outcome of the review on 25 November.
BBC Newsnight's Laura Kuenssberg says the Treasury believes billions can be found from selling off public land and by devolving spending from Whitehall, under the chancellor's so-called "Northern Powerhouse" strategy,
Harriet Harman argued that voters had told Labour something at the election - that they were quite comfortable with a slightly tougher welfare system - and the party must take that on board. However, a large swathe of her MPs disagreed.
The big question now is how can a new Labour leader keep those MPs in line by leading from anywhere but the left. They've sent a message that they're quite happy to rebel on issues like this.
One man looked very cheerful in the Commons last night - George Osborne. And you can see why. We're not having a big debate this morning about £12bn of welfare cuts, we're talking about the Labour Party's internal splits. And he's is very happy about that.
Labour rebellion
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The welfare bill passed despite a Labour revolt. Some 48 of its MPs defied orders from acting leader Harriet Harman to abstain and instead voted against the bill.
Those who rebelled included leadership contender Jeremy Corbyn and London mayoral candidates Sadiq Khan and David Lammy.
During a five-hour debate, Labour MP John McDonnell said he would "swim through vomit" to oppose the legislation.
Ms Harman has faced criticism for her stance, with many MPs saying she should have been more outspoken in her opposition to curbs on child tax credits and cuts to other in-work benefits.
Mr Corbyn's three Labour leadership rivals - Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall - followed Ms Harman's lead and abstained.
Welfare bill
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Unless you were up pretty late last night you might have missed the big news from the Commons, so let us bring you up to speed.
The government's Welfare Reform and Work Bill passed its first Commons hurdle, after MPs voted by 308 votes to 124 to give the Bill a second reading. The next stage of the Bill's progress will be the committee stage when MPs will debate the details in the legislation and propose amendments.
Those numbers gave the government a majority of 184 votes.
This bill contains the details of the much-talked about £12bn in welfare cuts, including limiting child tax credit to two children.
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith - above - said it would put welfare funding on a "more sustainable footing" while protecting those most in need. Read more.
Good morning
We're all going on a summer holiday... oops, not quite yet. Parliamentary recess starts tomorrow - so there's one more day of business at Westminster which means another day for Politics Live. Victoria King here again, ready to bring you all the days news.
Live Reporting
Victoria King and Pippa Simm
All times stated are UK
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Latest PostLook ahead to Wednesday
That's all now after a busy day in Westminster. We've had the outline of George Osborne's spending review, two government defeats in the Lords and a continuing debate over Labour's future direction. As the summer recess has started, there will be no Prime Minister's Questions tomorrow. We will have to wait until the second week of September for the next one.
Energy announcement due on Wednesday
FT political correspondent tweets...
Second Lords defeat
The government has suffered a second defeat in the Lords this evening, this time over the process for devolving NHS budgets to English councils. Peers backed a cross-party amendment to the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill urging "safeguards" for the NHS' national characteristics. The amendment proposed by Labour peer Lord Warner passed by 217 votes to 152. If it is not overturned in the Commons, it will stop the transfer of regulatory functions held by national bodies and ensure transferred services "adhere to national service standards".
Read the full story here
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Labour leadership opinion poll
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More Labour hustings
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Forthright NI talks
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Recess beckons
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Tax credits debate
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Finance bill
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Osborne: A Keynesian?
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Adams meets Corbyn
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Lords defeats
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Today in Parliament
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Tuesday evening round-up
It’s the last day of term for the House of Commons - and it's sure been a busy one. Here's a look at the various political goings on from today:
- George Osborne launched his spending review with a call for £20bn cuts to Whitehall budgets . Each unprotected department has been asked to come up with savings plans of 25% and 40% of their budget
- Labour splits over its stance on the government’s welfare reforms continued to make the headlines , with the fallout from last night’s welfare bill vote – which saw nearly 50 MPs defy the whip – continuing to dog the party today
- Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham said the party didn’t take a "strong enough position" and that Labour is "crying out for leadership"
- Meanwhile Jeremy Corbyn – also vying to be Ed Miliband’s successor yn denied that his revolt fuelled a split in the Labour party
- Former Labour cabinet minister David Blunkett said the party was in "emotional trauma”
- The government suffered another defeat in the Lords - this time over its plans to give MPs from England a veto over English laws
- A top civil servant warned of a danger of ministers being "hobbled" ahead of the EU referendum unless so-called "purdah" rules are relaxed
- The Iraq Inquiry chairman has repeatedly turned down offers of extra assistance to help speed up the much-delayed report, according to the head of the Civil Service
And finally, a Conservative MP defended claiming 9p on expenses for a 352-yard car journey to a constituency event, but admitted that such small claims might look a bit “odd".
MPs reject SNP amendment to Finance Bill
As the Home Affairs Committee's questioning of Theresa May ended , the division bells for the House of Commons could be heard ringing in the background. And that's because MPs were voting on an SNP amendment to the Finance Bill, which rejected it on the grounds that it "fails to address the real economic needs of the country and continues to deepen the social divide between those who have and those who have not".
It was comprehensively rejected by 307 to 61 - majority 246.
May questioned on child abuse inquiry
During exchanges with Conservative MP Tim Loughton, Theresa May made clear that "we have not set any exemptions" on material made available to the child sexual abuse inquiry.
She also told the committee its chair, Justice Lowell Goddard, had already shown how "dedicated and committed" she was and that the inquiry "will not allow anything to get in its way" in getting to the truth.
May questioned on police numbers
Does Theresa May expect there to be fewer police in 2020 than at present? Responding, she tells the Home Affairs Committee a key issue is "flexibility" in the police force and whether it has the skills it needs.
"So is that a yes or no?" interjects committee chairman and Labour MP Keith Vaz. "Neither", the home secretary replies, "as I don't take decisions about police numbers".
Rumours of late sitting
BBC parliamentary correspondent tweets...
Commons rules
PA parliamentary editor tweets...
Universal credit roll-out
New details of the timetable for the roll-out of Universal Credit have been published. It looks like Wakefield is to be the last place in England to get it, in April next year.
As with earlier roll-outs these will only be for new claims from single people, who would otherwise have been eligible for Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Committee inquiry into young adult offenders
The Commons Justice Committee is to hold an inquiry into the treatment of young adult offenders in the criminal justice system.
It will look at the nature and effectiveness of the Ministry of Justice's strategy and structures for dealing with young offenders and the suitability of current provisions for young adult offenders.
It said:
The deadline for submissions is 30 September 2015.
May quizzed on water cannon
The topic turns to water cannon, following Theresa May's decision to not allow them to be used by police in England and Wales.
What will happen to the three water cannon purchased by London Mayor Boris Johnson (who is also a Conservative MP)?
"That is a decision for the mayor of course", responds Mrs May, who then defends her decision and sets out how it was reached.
It wasn't a popular decision with Mr Johnson, who is reported to have said it was part of a deliberate attempt by Mrs May and George Osborne to "humiliate" him and harm his Tory leadership ambitions.
Lords deal government blow over EVEL
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May praises UK support for Syrian refugees
Theresa May says the UK should be "proud" of what it has done to support Syrian refugees. Nearly £900m in aid has been donated by the government, she says, pointing out it's the "second biggest" bilateral donor in the world.
The UK also plays its part in accepting a number of Syrian asylum seekers, the home secretary adds.
May on Calais crisis
BBC South East political editor tweets...
Greens to oppose Finance Bill
Away from the committee corridor for a moment, the Green Party has said it will vote against the government's Finance Bill, currently being debated in the House of Commons.
Its Brighton Pavilion MP, Caroline Lucas, said the measures - set out by George Osborne earlier this month - were "deeply regressive", and criticised the government's "counter-productive austerity agenda".
Theresa May on net migration
Theresa May is questioned on the target to reduce net migration to the "tens of thousands" - which the government failed to meet in the last Parliament. She starts to recite the reasons for introducing the target - but chairman Keith Vaz says he wants her to focus on the question. She says the aim is to meet the target by the end of the Parliament, in 2020. At one time the figures did fall but a "significant increase" in EU migration has reversed that trend, she adds.
Theresa May: 30 terror suspect passport confiscations
The Home Office has refused or cancelled 30 passports of people suspected of trying to travel abroad to engage in terrorism-related activity, Home Secretary Theresa May tells MPs in response to a question from Conservative MP David Burrowes.
New rules announced in 2013 give the government greater scope under the Royal Prerogative to restrict the travel of people intending to engage in terror training or extremist conflict.
Mrs May says it is a "significant power" that the home secretary holds and should be only be exercised in cases "where it's absolutely clear that it is necessary and proportionate to do so".
May: Collective effort to defeat extremism
There is a "poisonous ideology" that is encouraging people to be radicalised and potentially to take violent action, Theresa May tells the cross-party panel. It will take a "collective effort" by society to address that, she says. It also involves working with the police and ensuring people have the confidence to report someone they are concerned about, the home secretary adds.
May questioned on counter-extremism strategy
The current line of questioning of the home secretary is on the government's counter-extremism strategy, and the measures outlined by David Cameron in his speech yesterday to defeat Islamist extremism.
Keir Starmer, former director of public prosecution, probes plans to strengthen communications watchdog Ofcom's role to take action against foreign TV channels broadcasting extremist messages. He wonders whether it'll pose a conflict between free speech and the need to deal with extremism.
Theresa May says discussions are taking place with Ofcom on how to approach this, but adds that there is more the regulator should be able to do.
Theresa May's committee appearance
If you thought that was an end to our committee coverage – think again. We’re flicking over to the Home Affairs Committee now, where Theresa May is giving evidence. Busy day.
Treasury Committee session ends
Before the committee session ends George Osborne takes a moment to pay tribute to senior civil servant James Bowler - sat to his left - who is moving on from his position as director of the Budget. He's produced five Budgets and has done a "fantastic job", says Mr Osborne, adding that he is to be promoted to director general of taxation and welfare in the Treasury. "I want to put on record my thanks to him," he says.
Osborne questioned on pensions guidance
George Osborne is asked how well he thinks the pensions guidance (on the new pensions reforms) is working. "Pretty well", he tells the committee, saying feedback shows "high levels" of customer satisfaction. He adds that the department is now looking at how to extend that advice to people of younger ages.
Record-breaking home secretary?
BBC home affairs correspondent tweets...
Finance Bill: where is it at?
BBC parliamentary reporter tweets...
MP to Osborne: Climate change denier?
Helen Goodman, the Labour MP who's been in the news lately for tabling the rebel Labour amendment to the welfare bill, focuses her questions to the chancellor on climate change.
"We don't agree politically", she tells Mr Osborne, "but I've always thought of you as an intelligent and rational person so I want to ask you this: are you a climate change denier"?
George Osborne replies:
Farron: Being leaderless is no excuse
BBC News Channel
Put to him that Labour's approach is partly down to it being without a permanent leader at the moment, Tim Farron replies:
Bank to have powers over buy-to-let
George Osborne says he is looking at giving more "directional powers" to the Bank of England over the buy-to let mortgage market.
An announcement will be made within a couple of months, he adds. "It's all imminent."
Those powers will go further than those the bank has currently to make recommendations on the buy-to-let sector, he adds.
Farron: I'm disappointed in Labour
BBC News Channel
Tim Farron, Lib Dem leader, tells the BBC he is "hugely frustrated" with Labour after last night's welfare bill vote. He says it seems a "no brainer" that Labour would want to oppose the welfare reforms proposed by the government.
He says the welfare reforms together with the Budget takes money from hard working people and the young while giving an inheritance tax cut "to the 6% of richest estates" - which is "obviously unfair and unnecessary".
Labour's "unbold and unambitious" approach let the Conservatives "off the hook", he adds.
Osborne suggests bank levy is here to stay
Do you think there'll be a time where there won't be a bank levy? When all public money has been recouped from the banks we bailed out? That's a question from Conservative Mark Garnier.
Reaction to George Osborne evidence
Via Twitter...
Osborne: Government is about making choices
Can the spending review be comprehensive when so many government policy areas are ring-fenced, Conservative Jacob Rees-Mogg asks.
George Osborne says it's right for a government to make a judgement about it's priorities, although "that obviously increases pressures elsewhere in government".
Is he willing to allow himself a little leeway on the 2% defence spending commitment or the 0.7% on overseas aid in case you need to under or overspend one year?
The chancellor begins to answer: "Thankfully that challenge doesn't arise because...
"You're doing marvellously," interjects Mr Rees-Mogg with a smile. "And we all sing peons on praise to you for that."
Osborne quizzed on Heathrow expansion
"What are we going to do about the home secretary?" asks Labour's Wes Streeting, to some small titters from the room. He used to be president of the NUS and says Theresa May's restrictions on visas for overseas students are seriously hampering universities, not least because of how much money they bring in.
"She's doing an excellent job,"responds the chancellor. "And part of her job is to make sure we have legitimate students coming into this country. She has been rightly tough on bogus colleges."
What about the mayor of London then, Mr Streeting asks. "I think there's a risk that Heathrow expansion is held up by political factors", he says, Boris Johnson's opposition presumably being one of them.
"We want to see new runway capacity in the south east," Mr Osborne says, telling the committee ministers are carefully looking at the Davis report on airport capacity.
"If we get the government process wrong it will delay a decision", says the chancellor, because it could open it up to successive judicial reviews.
SNP MP: We're leading for the opposition
House of Commons
Parliament
Turning our attention to the Finance Bill debate for a moment, the SNP has declared itself the true opposition to the government's plans.
Moving an amendment to the Budget-enacting bill, the party's shadow Treasury spokesman Roger Mullin - elected to Parliament in Gordon Brown's former seat - says he is "proud to stand here to lead for the opposition".
He also mentions the lack of MPs on the Labour benches.
The SNP is going to "do something Labour have refused to do and that is to test this Finance Bill", the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP adds.
Pic: Treasury Committee in action
Fiscal rules 'simple and easy to understand' - Osborne
Conservative Stephen Hammond asks the chancellor about criticism of his "fiscal rules" - something George Osborne sums up as the idea that "in normal times you should be running an overall surplus and using that money largely to pay down national debt".
Answering the question, he tells the committee:
Should the rule distinguish between capital and current spending, Mr Hammond asks.
"I think if you try to separate capital from current you are not keeping your eye on your overall budget balance," the chancellor replies. "And I think you do get into questions about definitions of what is capital spending."
Is training a teacher inherently less good spending than building a classroom? "They are both good investments in the future", says the chancellor.
Osborne questioned on infrastructure and immigration
Labour's John Mann up now. He's begins with some questions on the banking sector and then asks why George Osborne is "cutting infrastructure spending so much". What he's referring to is the announcement by government last month that many rail upgrade projects will be delayed or cancelled.
Mr Osborne says he shares Mr Mann's "frustrations", but lays the blame squarely at Network Rail's door.
Mr Mann says the government's tax and spending plans are based on an additional 1.2 million people coming to the UK over this Parliament. Where will they live, he asks.
The chancellor disputes the suggestion that his plans are "predicated" on this level of immigration - instead saying those are merely the Office for National Statistics' population predictions. He says the government is determined to get immigration "under control".
'Deliberately misrepresenting votes'
Professor of parliamentary government tweets...
Chancellor defends change in student support
Labour's Bill Esterton asks if it's the actions of "a wise chancellor" to increase the amount borrowed by poor students when they go to university - that's a reference to the government's decision to abolish maintenance grants and make them loans instead.
The chancellor says "difficult decisions" have to be taken to keep our university system "brilliant". He says the cost of maintenance grants is "unsustainable" and if they were kept in place it would be impossible to lift the cap on the number of students able to go to university.
Treasury Committee questioning the chancellor
George Osborne is up before the Treasury Committee. He's been asked about the ability of the Bank of England to control inflation and now Conservative Stephen Baker is very worried about the low interest rates.
The chancellor tells him the UK is generally in a period of lower interest rates "and that just forces government to work harder" to get things like the allocation of credit right.
'All of our party will abstain' - Labour on Finance Bill
House of Commons
Parliament
"That is our position and that is what all of our party will doing today," says Shabana Mahmood, when she's asked by minister David Gauke whether she's speaking for all of her party's backbenchers given the rebellion yesterday on the welfare bill.
"Abstaining on second reading... does not mean that we will not press matters to a vote at a later stage," she adds.
Labour to abstain again
House of Commons
Parliament
Labour's Shabana Mahmood tells the House her party will abstain on the Finance Bill later today.
Farron demands Labour support
The rest of us write emails, but politicians write letters, and freshly-appointed Lib Dem leader Tim Farron has written one to Harriet Harman. In it he tell her Labour "must join us" in opposing the government’s plans to cut welfare.
Here is some of what he had to say:
Labour in meltdown - Hosie
BBC News Channel
Stewart Hosie was also asked his views on the welfare bill - his answer? "Labour are in absolute meltdown."
SNP's Hosie on spending review
BBC News Channel
SNP deputy leader and economic spokesman Stewart Hosie is asked his views on the launch of the 2015 spending review, in which each unprotected department has been asked to come up with savings plans of 25% and 40% of their budget.
Mr Hosie says that will be "extraordinarily hard" on those departments and on the devolved administrations.
Mr Hosie said departments had already come up "with serious and bold savings, but some of this just becomes completely unmanageable".
Asked if he thought, perhaps, there was some game-playing going on from the the chancellor, who might not really expect to slash as much as 40% from departments, Mr Hosie replied:
Burnham on leadership rival Corbyn
The World at One
BBC Radio 4
Andy Burnham was asked whether he should have taken a more principled position like that of his leadership rival who voted against the welfare bill.
MP defends 9p expenses claim
Conservative MP Rob Wilson has defended claiming 9p on expenses for a 352-yard car journey to a constituency event. It was one of a number of claims under £1 for short journeys, including 60p for a trip on his bicycle.
He's explained his actions in a statement to BBC Berkshire - and said the short journeys were to meet his constituents.
Mr Wilson said "overall" he'd saved the taxpayer "several hundreds of thousands of pounds over the past 10 years by commuting into London by train rather than paying for hotels or renting a property".
Welfare bill 'could spell the end for Stormont'
Stormont Finance Minister Arlene Foster has echoed warnings from the DUP's Sammy Wilson that welfare reform could lead to the collapse of devolution. On Tuesday, Mr Wilson said the new welfare bill - which as we know passed its first Commons hurdle on Monday night - "probably spells the end of the Northern Ireland Assembly".
He said Sinn Féin would probably block any devolved cuts, putting the Stormont budget under greater pressure.
Ms Foster said a short time ago: "Welfare reform has to be dealt with or the Assembly and Executive ceases to exist."
However, she said if the Westminster government stepped in to impose legislation it could solve the problem.
Read more.
Burnham: It's not right to split the party
The World at One
BBC Radio 4
Andy Burnham says he made his "principled position" on the welfare reforms clear to the Labour leadership at the start of the process.
"But once you've argued your corner... I don't think it's then right to press on, having secured a compromise, to then split the party."
He concedes "it wasn't a great process" but says that under his leadership Labour's opposition "would be stronger".
Bad news for the renewable energy industry?
Chief Political Correspondent for the Financial Times tweets...
Andy Burnham explains his welfare vote
The World at One
BBC Radio 4
Labour leadership hopeful Andy Burnham is asked about his vote on the welfare bill last night, which saw 48 Labour MPs defy the leadership and oppose the bill.
Mr Burnham followed acting leader Harriet Harman's lead and abstained.
He says he persuaded Labour to change its initial position and to put down a reasoned amendment, which he says was a vote against the bill. But he said it was a "compromise" position and one that "wasn't strong enough" for him.
Explaining his abstention in the second vote of the evening - on whether the bill should proceed to the next stage - he says he had a "collective responsibility" as a member of the shadow cabinet and so supported Ms Harman's line.
But he adds: "I would have opposed this bill outright if I was leader last night."
Hancock on spending review
The World at One
BBC Radio 4
On the upcoming spending review, Matt Hancock says it's about looking at all of the options and then working out where best to make the reforms and efficiency savings to get to a budget surplus.
Hancock: We're committed to house building target
The World at One
BBC Radio 4
Cabinet Office Minister Matt Hancock says government plans to sell off public land contribute to "wider objectives" than paying off the deficit - such as housebuilding, for example.
Is he worried that land might be sold off but later needed? "Well it has to be done carefully and cautiously of course," he replies.
The Conservative MP adds that the government is focused on meeting its manifesto commitment to build 200,000 new homes on government land.
Intelligence and Security committee question
House of Commons
Parliament
The Labour MP Gisela Stuart asks the Speaker in a point of order about why the membership of the Intelligence and Security Committee has yet to be announced. Mr Bercow replies that it is a committee which reports direct to the prime minister so it is not one where it is up to him. He suggests the MP takes it up with the "usual channels".
Draft EU electoral administration rules published
The government has published the draft electoral administration rules for the upcoming in/out referendum on the EU. In a written ministerial statement, the government says it'll consult the elections watchdog, the Electoral Commission, on them.
David Cameron has embarked upon a renegotiation of the UK's terms of membership of the bloc, and will hold a vote by the end of 2017.
Inside the Serjeant at Arms office
The Daily Politics
BBC Parliament's Daniel Brittain-Catlin gets a sneak peek inside the office of the Commons' Serjeant at Arms, in a film for the Daily Politics. Tacked on to Westminster Hall, it dates back to the 13th century, and survived the Great Fire of 1834, we're informed.
Osborne's Labour quip
Huffington Post political editor tweets...
Hancock defends welfare reforms
The Daily Politics
"This is clearly a one nation government," asserts Matt Hancock. He acknowledges that ministers are being "radical" in certain policy areas, but this is "in order to help people across the country to get on".
Challenged over tax credit cuts, the minister defends the changes. He says the welfare reforms are designed to make the overall system "more fair" but concedes there are "difficult elements" in them.
Hancock: Progress being made on manifesto commitments
The Daily Politics
Conservative minister Matt Hancock insists the government is "making progress" on its election manifesto commitments - such as on the railways, raising the tax thresholds and cutting inheritance tax.
Matt Hancock on public land sales
The Daily Politics
Cabinet Office Minister Matt Hancock joins the programme. Pressed over how much public land the government intends to sell off for housing building and to pay down the deficit - as has been reported today - he says he doesn't have "an exact figure".
He adds that the spending review is about balancing the books in a sustainable way, and property and land sales "are just one part of that".
The minister rejects that it amounts to selling off the family silver.
Spending review demands announced
BBC assistant political editor tweets...
'Permanent' status for Office of Tax Simplification
The list of published ministerial statements grows. The latest - by Financial Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke - announces that the Office of Tax Simplification has been established "on a permanent basis as an independent Office of the Treasury" today. The OTS was launched by the chancellor to streamline the 11,000-page tax code.
Harman 'too ambitious for an acting leader'
The Daily Politics
Voters probably got the impression that Labour couldn't make up its mind on one of the most defining bits of legislation, Independent columnist Steve Richards says of last night's welfare bill vote.
"Meanwhile you have the SNP and the Lib Dems being absolutely clear they were going to vote against."
He adds that while he understands what Harriet Harman was trying to do, attempting "to do almost a Clause 4 moment" as an acting leader was much too ambitious.
Labour MP Cat Smith agrees. She says she heard time and again on the doorsteps "'we can't tell the difference between you and the Tories'". She goes on:
Daily Politics debates the welfare bill rebellion
The Daily Politics
Over on the Daily Politics, the panel is discussing the Labour welfare bill revolt.
MP Cat Smith says it was "a very difficult decision" but her constituents were giving her the message that she must oppose the government. She says she tried to raise her objection with her party behind the scenes, but "I felt I wasn't listened to".
Fellow Labour MP Stephen Kinnock says he has "a huge amount of respect" for his colleague even though he didn't vote the same way. He says the Conservatives are laying "traps" for the party and it "needs to take a forensic approach to this bill rather than blanket opposition".
But he adds that it's wrong "to portray this as a civil war" when it is merely "robust debate".
2015 spending review date published
BBC health editor tweets...
New minister coming out fighting
Executive Editor, Politics, HuffingtonPost UK tweets...
SNP argues government hurting women 'disproportionately'
House of Commons
Parliament
The SNP's Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh says women are being hit hardest by the government's policies. Cuts to child and working tax credit will hit 2.8 million women in total, she says.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Damian Hinds says women, in fact, will disproportionately benefit from the raising of the personal income tax allowance and the introduction of the government's living wage. He says Scotland has the second lowest level of female unemployment in the EU.
Pic: Inside the Commons
Leslie attacks Osborne over student support
House of Commons
Parliament
Shadow Treasury secretary Chris Leslie asks George Osborne if it was always his plan to scrap maintenance grants for students - and if so, why wasn't it in his manifesto. He references today's IFS report on how much the move could cost students.
"We've put building a first class university system at the heart of our manifesto," says Mr Osborne in reply. He then turns the tables, arguing that Yvette Cooper - the candidate Mr Leslie is backing for the Labour leadership - is in favour of the move.
"However, much he spins it, he's hitting students with more debt," Mr Leslie replies.
Civil service chief on Iraq Inquiry delays
The head of the Civil Service says he's recently met the man leading the Iraq War inquiry, Sir John Chilcott, to repeat David Cameron's offer of extra resources to help him finish his report.
The inquiry finished taking evidence more than four years ago and Sir Jeremy Heywood told a committee hearing this morning he shares the frustrations over how long it's taking.
He added: "We have repeatedly offered the inquiry further resources, they say they don't need them, they are doing it as fast as they can."
MP criticises Osborne's economic plan
House of Commons
Parliament
"Can I tell the chancellor his plan doesn't look very well-planned or indeed very long," says Labour's Barry Sheerman. He says that without the mention of productivity or manufacturing, it can't really claim to be either.
George Osborne replies with a dig at Mr Sheerman and a mention of his tweet - which we at Politics Live spotted this morning - in which he said last night's welfare vote suggested Labour was "going back to the 1980s".
Treasury questions
House of Commons
Parliament
Over in the Commons, Treasury questions is now under way. George Osborne begins in familiar fashion. "The long-term economic plan...."
Urgent Question on benefit sanctions
Political editor of the Guardian tweets...
New Ofcom boss giving evidence to MPs
The new head of broadcast regulator Ofcom, Sharon White, is currently giving evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. A few of those in the audience are tweeting...
Labour MP defends welfare revolt
BBC News Channel
Labour MP Jo Stevens was one of the class of 2015 who rebelled last night. She tells the BBC:
Ms Stevens says she doesn't accept the accusation made earlier by her colleague Stephen Timms that those who rebelled are "undermining" Labour's chances of returning to power.
"I think that we can effectively challenge the government, oppose it properly," she says, adding: "I don't criticise any of my colleagues, however they voted last night."
She is backing Andy Burnham to be the next party leader, and despite him abstaining last night, she says he "will vigorously oppose every line, every clause" of the bill once it reaches committee stage.
Police funding consultation launched
Another written ministerial statement - they're ten-a-penny on the last day of term at Westminster - concerns police funding.
Policing Minister Mike Penning says he's launching a consultation on the way money is given to forces in England and Wales. At present, as the statement says, it's done by the Police Allocation Formula - a devilishly complicated piece of maths that works out force budgets by relative need.
Labour 'must side with the strivers'
Senior Labour MP Frank Field has dug out some figures from the House of Commons library which show that more than three million working people will lose an average of £1,350 next year because of changes to tax credit thresholds announced in the Budget.
Mr Field - who wasn't one of Labour's rebels last night - said the information showed the worst-affected would lose £2,884 next year. He said it gave Labour an opportunity "to put itself once again on the side of Britain's army of strivers".
'You cannot reheat a souffle'
BBC journalist tweets...
Welfare revolt
FT's deputy political editor tweets...
'Vote will haunt Labour'
What does the SNP think about the welfare bill? Well, the party's MPs voted against it, and its employment spokeswoman Hannah Bardell said Labour would pay the price for refusing to do the same.
A handy graphic
Digital communications manager at think tank Policy Exchange tweets...
Labour's gravitational pull
Norman Smith
Assistant political editor
For all the criticisms people may have had of Ed Miliband, at the end of the day, the party was united and had a clear stance on the crunch issues. Now we don't even really know what Labour's position is on welfare. We seem to have gone backwards in a way.
What's really interesting is that so many of the rebels last night were new MPs, fresh from the 2015 intake. Usually new MPs are amongst the most loyal because they want to get on, don't want to get in the bad books.
But more importantly, that tells us that many of the new batch of Labour MPs are left-leaning - I think we are seeing that the gravitational pull in the party is not to the centre ground, but to the left, which is why Jeremy Corbyn is doing so well.
This guy could yet win...
Healthy finances?
Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, is giving evidence to the Commons Health Select Committee. If his name rings a bell it was invoked a lot during the election campaign when the various parties competed to commit themselves to giving him what he'd asked for in terms of NHS funding. That was an extra £8bn.
The BBC's health editor is at the hearing and tweeting...
Calm down...
Former Welsh Secretary Peter Hain says the revolt by Labour MPs on welfare and concerns about the leadership contest are a "passing phase" and not "a life or death moment" for the party.
On Monday, ex-Labour minister Kim Howells described the leadership race as "shambolic" and said he "feared for the future" of the party.
But ex-Neath MP Mr Hain told Good Morning Wales this morning this was merely "a point we have to get through - get a new leader in place to take us forward".
Read more.
NHS changes
Another written statement is headlined "Costs and benefits of NHS modernisation". You'll remember the big - and controversial - reorganisation of the health service under the the last government, championed by former health secretary Andrew Lansley. Well, it looks as though, it didn't cost quite as much as first estimated.
It also seems, according to Mr Lansley's successor Jeremy Hunt, that the moves saved a lot more money than originally forecast.
According to Mr Hunt, this has all involved a big cut in the number of management staff and an increase in clinicians.
Student support
A long list of written ministerial statements today, some more easily decipherable than others.
One of interest given our entry at 9:29am concerns support for students. It confirms the changes being made to the system that the chancellor announced in the Budget - specifically the end of maintenance grants. They'll become loans instead. Here's a key paragraph.
Read more here.
'New politics'
Victoria Derbyshire
Stephen Kinnock says Labour "has always had an active debate about policy issues" and compares the split over the bill to the divisions within the Conservatives on Europe. He adds:
'Got to box clever'
Victoria Derbyshire
Labour MP Stephen Kinnock was one of those who agreed with Harriet Harman and abstained on the welfare bill vote.
Asked why, he says: "We've got a chancellor who's very tactical and we've had to box clever."
When we get to the committee stage of the bill, he says, Labour MPs will go through it clause by clause and do their best to change the aspects they disagree with.
Broadly speaking, Mr Kinnock says he agrees with the idea of a benefit cap, but it should be "more nuanced" to look at individual family circumstances.
He says George Osborne is "robbing Peter to pay Paul" by increasing the minimum wage on the one hand but taking tax credits away with the other.
Bigger debts
Students from the poorest backgrounds in England will graduate owing up to £53,000 after maintenance grants are replaced by loans, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
It reckons changes to student finance announced in the Budget will mean an initial £2bn annual saving for the government, but in the long run, the IFS estimates only a quarter of these loans will be repaid and the eventual annual saving will be £270m.
More than half a million students from poorer backgrounds currently receive a maintenance grant, at a cost to the taxpayer of about £1.57bn a year.
From 2016, these will be replaced with loans, which they will be expected to repay in addition to loans for their tuition fees.
The IFS says the new loans will mean up to £550 more "cash in pocket" per year for those students, but they will graduate owing up to £53,000 in total, compared with £40,500 before maintenance grants were scrapped.
The government says it is committed to "widening access in higher education". Read more.
United future?
Politics website tweets...
'Undermining the party'
The acting shadow work and pensions secretary, Stephen Timms, has accused Labour MPs who voted against the government's welfare bill of "undermining" the party's efforts to win back power.
He also expressed his concern that a number of new MPs joined veteran rebels like Dennis Skinner and Jeremy Corbyn in defying the whip .
Mr Timms told BBC London 94.9:
Abbott: It's a bad bill
BBC News Channel
"I think Harriet [Harman] miscalculated the amount of opposition to the welfare bill," says Labour MP and mayoral candidate Dianne Abbott.
She says it will force 300,000 children into poverty, adding: "Outside of Westminster I think Labour supporters are pretty united. This is a bad bill and we have to oppose it."
Ms Abbott insists the Conservatives do not have a mandate for the welfare cuts.
Scathing criticism
UKIP MP tweets...
Farron 'less phoney'
The Spectator
New Lib Dem leader Tim Farron has found his religious views in the spotlight in recent days with questions asked about whether they conflict with his political position.
Nick Cohen, in the Spectator, says no, they don't.
Cohen says it's similar to an atheist defending the right to religious freedom.
Back to the '80s?
A Labour MP tweets...
'Help themselves'
Today Programme
BBC Radio 4
He says Labour should have made a manifesto commitment to introducing the living wage.
A history in rebellions
Professor of parliamentary government tweets...
Labour's 'emotional trauma'
Today Programme
BBC Radio 4
Next up on Today is former Labour minister David Blunkett. He says his party is "in emotional trauma" and bewildered about "where we go from here", but it must "avoid the trap" of opposing everything the government does because that makes it easy for George Osborne.
Mr Blunkett says he meets young people regularly who "expect to make logical, rational decisions" about how many children to have and they "don't expect the state to pick the bill up". That, of course, is a reference to the plan to limit future child tax credits to the first two children.
Corbyn: Revolt strengthened Labour's position
Jeremy Corbyn says he thinks the revolt "strengthened" Labour's position against the Conservatives. "I hope we will develop a narrative in which we will be serious about regulation of the private rented sector and we wont allow the Conservatives to take us down this road of saying any child after two is somehow worth less than the first two." He says the child benefit policy is contrary to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child "which even Margaret Thatcher signed".
Corbyn interview on Today
BBC Radio 4 Today
Jeremy Corbyn, aforementioned Labour leadership candidate, is speaking to Today. He denies splitting his party and says he was acting to protect larger families and those struggling to pay rents from government cuts. He says "the hearts" of many of those Labour MPs who abstained were with those who voted against the bill.
'Follow their convictions'
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph - not Labour's fanzine at the best of times - is scathing about the welfare bill revolt. It asks why the party doesn't embrace welfare reforms "as Labour did in the election-winning days of Tony Blair".
Confusing compromise?
Ross Hawkins
Political correspondent
Andy Burnham says he's "firing the starting gun on Labour's opposition" to the welfare bill, but he didn't vote against it. How come? Labour's compromise amendment said the party "declines to give a Second Reading" to the Bill. So Labour MPs who did what they were told last night - Burnham among them - voted for a Labour amendment that said they wouldn't give the bill a second reading, then abstained 15 minutes later when they got a chance to vote for real on whether to give the bill second reading. Confused? That's political compromise for you.
Burnham can fairly hint he fell out with Harriet Harman over the idea of accepting cuts and pushed her to change her position - and say he would do things differently if he got elected leader. But the comments below his Facebook posting (see our 7:39am entry) explaining all this suggest some potential supporters are unimpressed.
One reads: "I am so sorry Andy, but tonight you lost my vote for leadership." Posts on the net are no certain judge of sentiment, but it's fair to say if George Osborne hoped to create splits, confusion and rancour in Labour's ranks, he managed.
Dissecting Cameron's speech
Aside from the welfare bill, the news agenda on Monday was dominated by David Cameron's speech on tackling extremism and the papers have been giving their verdicts on it.
TheTimes welcomes the prime minister's words, saying his “appeal to reason is sincere. Moderates of all faiths and none should embrace it." The paper's leader column says Mr Cameron was right to speak directly to those who might be seduced by Islamic State propaganda and warn them of the realities they would face. “Strip out the jihad’s spurious claim to religion and the reluctance of some civil libertarians to see the full force of the law applied against it looks ridiculous," it adds.
TheGuardian says the prime is "right to try" to fight the IS ideology, but he "tripped up on the details" in his speech. Its editorial says he "cannot convincingly claim that free speech is a core British value" but then vow to silence those operating within the law but whose words you don't like.
"The other great rhetorical weakness", the paper argues, is to claim that "only the extremists divide people into good Muslims and bad ones, when the whole thrust of the government's policy is to make this distinction".
One of the rebels...
Labour MP tweets...
Packed schedule
In between writing letters to ministers asking them to save money, George Osborne will appear before the Commons Treasury Committee to be quizzed about his Budget. There'll also be Treasury Questions in the Commons itself and the second reading of the Finance Bill - the measure which puts the tax changes from the Budget into law.
Elsewhere, there are plenty of other Commons committees sitting. Theresa May is up before the home affairs committee, Philip Hammond before the foreign affairs one. The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs will also hear evidence about the forthcoming EU referendum, and there are many more to dip into when we can.
Furious reaction
BBC political correspondent tweets...
Spending review
Moving forward to today and it's a busy one. Top of the list is the launch of the 2015 spending review. The Treasury will write to cabinet ministers today to ask for savings in their departments to total £20bn. The BBC understands specific targets will not be set for departments, but ministers will likely report back by September.
George Osborne will deliver the outcome of the review on 25 November.
BBC Newsnight's Laura Kuenssberg says the Treasury believes billions can be found from selling off public land and by devolving spending from Whitehall, under the chancellor's so-called "Northern Powerhouse" strategy,
Read more.
One happy man
Ross Hawkins
Political correspondent
Harriet Harman argued that voters had told Labour something at the election - that they were quite comfortable with a slightly tougher welfare system - and the party must take that on board. However, a large swathe of her MPs disagreed.
The big question now is how can a new Labour leader keep those MPs in line by leading from anywhere but the left. They've sent a message that they're quite happy to rebel on issues like this.
One man looked very cheerful in the Commons last night - George Osborne. And you can see why. We're not having a big debate this morning about £12bn of welfare cuts, we're talking about the Labour Party's internal splits. And he's is very happy about that.
Labour rebellion
The welfare bill passed despite a Labour revolt. Some 48 of its MPs defied orders from acting leader Harriet Harman to abstain and instead voted against the bill.
Those who rebelled included leadership contender Jeremy Corbyn and London mayoral candidates Sadiq Khan and David Lammy.
During a five-hour debate, Labour MP John McDonnell said he would "swim through vomit" to oppose the legislation.
Ms Harman has faced criticism for her stance, with many MPs saying she should have been more outspoken in her opposition to curbs on child tax credits and cuts to other in-work benefits.
Mr Corbyn's three Labour leadership rivals - Andy Burnham, Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall - followed Ms Harman's lead and abstained.
Welfare bill
Unless you were up pretty late last night you might have missed the big news from the Commons, so let us bring you up to speed.
The government's Welfare Reform and Work Bill passed its first Commons hurdle, after MPs voted by 308 votes to 124 to give the Bill a second reading. The next stage of the Bill's progress will be the committee stage when MPs will debate the details in the legislation and propose amendments.
Those numbers gave the government a majority of 184 votes.
This bill contains the details of the much-talked about £12bn in welfare cuts, including limiting child tax credit to two children.
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith - above - said it would put welfare funding on a "more sustainable footing" while protecting those most in need. Read more.
Good morning
We're all going on a summer holiday... oops, not quite yet. Parliamentary recess starts tomorrow - so there's one more day of business at Westminster which means another day for Politics Live. Victoria King here again, ready to bring you all the days news.