The epicentre of the global crisis is in Syria, David Miliband says, with 4.5 million refugees fleeing in neighbouring states and millions internally displaced within the war-torn country.

Why is this happening, and why now? Because "wars between states have been replaced by wars within states", he says. He adds that there are "fundamental, seismic challenges" within the Islamic world.

Justice Secretary Michael Gove makes his conference speech, saying he wants "our courts and our parliament strengthened" to "safeguard our precious liberties". However, he says there are failings in the prisons.

International Rescue Committee chief executive David Miliband is discussing the migrant crisis at the Institute of Directors’ annual convention.

Mr Miliband, who was Labour foreign secretary between 2007 and 2010, says if there's one thing he's learnt in the role it is that a "richer", "more sustained" dialogue between the Non-Governmental Organisation sector and the business sector is needed.

He says he wants to talk about why, at a time of "unprecedented peace" between nations, more people are fleeing conflict than ever before - and what the humanitarian sector can do in response.

James Timpson, chief executive of Timpsons locksmiths, addresses the Conservative conference's home affairs and justice session. He says his business has employed prisoners and ex-prisoners, but jokes: "We didn't let them cut keys for obvious reasons." More seriously, he adds:

What will the EU look like in 2040? the panel is asked.

"I don't know as I won't be alive by then," responds Lord Lawson. He continues by saying the EU as it stands is "bad for Britain" and so he hopes there'll be "fundamental reforms".

Lord Mandelson foresees closer integration in the Eurozone but "a looser construction" in the EU as a whole "as that's the way public opinion is going".

Image source, PA

David Cameron has defended Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt after he suggested tax credit cuts would motivate Britons to work as hard as people in China. The prime minister said Mr Hunt had been "rather unfairly misinterpreted".

Mr Hunt faced criticism from unions and charities after saying the controversial reforms would send out a "cultural signal" to low paid workers. He has said, external his comments were "wilfully misinterpreted" by the media.

Read more.

Time for questions from the audience at the Institute of Directors, the first being: what is the minimum David Cameron has to achieve in his negotiations to satisfy his party and country?

Lord Mandelson says there are 80-90 MPs who will "never be satisfied" as they want to leave the EU whatever the outcome of the renegotiations. He says migration and welfare is a big issue for the public and concerns about ever-closer union are important for politicians.

But for him, it's crucial to establish "fair rules" of policy making and decision making between those in the eurozone and those outside it, to ensure the latter are not adversely affected by decisions taken by eurozone countries.

Lord Lawson says he wants abandonment of ever-closer union, and fundamental treaty reform - not "vague assurances". He also wants the ability to negotiate our own trade agreements, and to be in control of our own borders.

Offering an opposing argument to Lord Lawson, Lord Mandelson says EU membership brings "real benefits" to the UK and there is a "good chance" to make it better. "I'm not blind to the EU's problems," the former European Commissioner goes on to say, adding that "it tries to do to much and should do less, better".

Lord Mandelson notes that "more than half" the UK's trade is with EU countries, and warns that if Britain were to leave it would not be able to re-enter the single market.

The Independent

Image source, Thinkstock

Labour peer Lord Mandelson and Conservative peer Lord Lawson are debating Britain’s membership of the European Union, at the Institute of Directors’ annual convention.

Lord Lawson, chancellor under Margaret Thatcher, says "a contempt for democracy" is one of the "most prominent and least attractive characteristics" of the European movement. He says the "watershed moment" for the EU has been the creation of the euro, and the Eurozone - which has been "a disaster". The Eurozone block vote which it created also means Britain is "marginalised" on European Union affairs, he adds. He warns about ever-closer political union.

As the Conservative Party faithful queue outside, business inside the conference centre is about to start. The morning session, external includes speeches from Justice Secretary Michael Gove and Home Secretary Theresa May.

London Mayor Boris Johnson will also address conference, as will the Tories' next candidate for City Hall - Zac Goldsmith.

Conservative MEPs have welcomed the legal opinion given to the European Court backing Britain's right to put additional restrictions on EU migrants claiming child benefit and child tax credits in the UK.

Anthea McIntyre, the party's spokesman on employment in the European Parliament, said:

She added: "The ECJ knows which way the political wind blows and it is starting to blow the way of reform in Europe."

BBC Newsnight

In case you missed it, here's Evan Davis' extended interview with Prime Minister David Cameron - covering the living wage, tax credits, George Osborne and more.