Labour says Ken Livingstone will not have a formal role in its defence review, which will consider policy on Trident
Shadow defence secretary Emily Thornberry says the review will be based on evidence and will aim to publish its interim findings in June
Jean-Claude Juncker says agreement on the UK's EU re-negotiations is likely next month
More than a million benefits claimants may be facing destitution after disappearing from the welfare system, Labour ex-minister Frank Field claims.
Head teachers warn the system for creating new school places in England is fragmented and confusing, risking harm to children's education
Security Minister John Hayes says he is "pretty Eurosceptic" - but refuses to be drawn on which way he will campaign in the upcoming EU referendum.
He says David Cameron will give Tory ministers a free hand to say what they want - and insists his speeches are not "vetted" by Number 10.
BBC health editor tweets...
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House of Commons
Parliament
Welsh Secretary, Stephen Crabb, takes questions from MPs
Wales Questions
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The New York Times editorial:, external "A reminder that the optimism that made him the first African-American president and then the resilience that helped the nation weather economic and global crises over the past seven years are what position it best for the future."
Doyle McManus in The Los Angeles Times:, external "On the economy, technology, foreign policy - and even the prospects for a more conciliatory bipartisan political sphere - the president declared himself an undaunted optimist."
Fox News commentary:, external "The president delivered his seventh and final State of the Union address as he faces an invigorated opposition in both houses of Congress and the prospect of his policies becoming unravelled if a Republican wins the White House in November - his administration, though, is still trying to deliver on promises made since his first inauguration: Most notably, the vow to close the Guantanamo Bay prison camp."
Greg Jaffe in The Washington Post:, external "Much of his impassioned, rising rhetoric revisited initiatives that have struggled to take hold during his time in office, including his early effort to repair US relations with the Islamic world."
Susan Page in USA Today: , external"In his seventh State of the Union address, Obama limited the laundry list of legislation proposals that marked his first six - an acknowledgment, perhaps, that he no longer has the political juice to get much done, especially with a Republican Congress."
Image source, Getty ImagesUS President Barack Obama has defended his legacy while striking an optimistic note for America's future in his final State of the Union address.
He criticised the negative tone of the current presidential race, arguing the US has the "strongest, most durable economy in the world".
"Anyone claiming that America's economy is in decline is peddling fiction," Mr Obama told lawmakers in Washington.
Republican presidential hopefuls attacked many of his assertions.
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Authorising drone strikes one of most 'difficult' decisions for a PM
In case the subject comes up at Prime Minister's Questions, here's the clip of David Cameron saying on Tuesday that decisions on drone strikes are not taken lightly and are one of the most difficult decisions a prime minister has to make.
David Cameron says decisions on drone strikes are not taken lightly and are one of the most difficult decisions a prime minister has to make.
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Image source, PAThe Environment Agency has been ordered to prioritise protecting people's homes ahead of nature when tackling flooding, the prime minister says.
David Cameron told a committee of MPs on Tuesday there had been an "attitudinal change" which he wanted to see continue.
He cited the example of the Somerset Levels, where dredging of rivers has resumed in a bid to avoid a repeat of flooding seen in 2013-14.
He also defended the response to floods in northern England and Scotland.
The Environment Agency, which covers England, is responsible for managing the risk of flooding from main rivers, and issues flood alerts and warnings.
But that was not the reason it was set up or the main part of its remit.
"We work to create better places for people and wildlife, and support sustainable development," the agency says on the "what we do" section of its website., external
Spectator magazine editor tweets...
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Jeremy Corbyn has told Stylist magazine his "object of desire" is a new bike. He spoke about riding his bike with Bradley Wiggins recently and ensuring he kept up.
Quote MessageI use my bike less frequently now that I’m leader of the Labour Party, but I still prefer to cycle whenever I can. Not only is it free, environmentally friendly and often the fastest way to travel, but it also gives the snappers outside my house a bit of variety."
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The Guardian
Justine Thornton, an environmental lawyer whose husband is former Labour leader Ed Miliband, has written in the Guardian , externalabout the risks of air pollution.
She writes "I hope the courts closely scrutinise the government’s plan" referring to a legal battle between the government and an environmental group over breaches of EU air pollution law.
Quote MessageThe supreme court will be fully aware of the sensitivities involved, but equally the court is clearly determined not to allow the government to duck its legal duties to citizens. The quality of the air our children breathe is too important to be decided behind closed doors by the government and vehicle manufacturers."
BBC London News
Chancellor George Osborne was asked about Europe and recent reports that fellow Conservative MP, Boris Johnson, will not campaign on behalf of, or lead, the 'out' campaign in the forthcoming referendum on the European Union membership.
Mr Osborne replied:
Quote MessageAll Conservatives stood on the same election manifesto, which was to deliver a manifesto and to seek an improvement in our relationship with Europe and that's what we're all working as a team to deliver."
BBC London News
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has reiterated his desire for a seven day NHS and is "grateful for the 40% of junior doctors who worked yesterday" despite a strike over changes to conditions and pay.
Speaking to BBC London's Political Editor, Tim Donovan, George Osborne said he didn't think strikes were the way forward and that all the government wanted was for a "better service for patients".
Chancellor tweets...
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Women need to educate themselves on the upcoming European Union referendum as they could cast the deciding votes, according the Alison Pearson writing in the Daily Telegraph, external.
She argues the sexual assaults in Cologne during New Year are a reason for women to vote to the leave the European Union, she writes "within three years that misogynist man-mob in Cologne will be entitled to a German passport and to come to the UK".
"After Cologne, the EU referendum is about nothing less than the safety and security of British women."
William Hague, former Conservative Party leader, has offered his wisdom on how to conduct a "good reshuffle" to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
He writes in the Daily Telegraph, external reshuffles "are dangerous moments for party leaders" and he said in his time as leader he "planned their timing and content down to the smallest detail".
He advises Mr Corbyn to hold surprise reshuffles - "preferably a bolt from the bluest of skies" which start "late at night". Stick to what is said and move people you say you will move -"pretend to be happy with Hilary or move him". He writes never explain why a person was dismissed in public and try to promote people from different parts of the party.
