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| Five: Help for Landowners: Tory housing policy is a handout to developers David Cameron kicked off the week with a promise for 200,000 new discounted homes, which sounded like an attracted offer. But there was, as you might have guessed, a catch. Developers no longer have to pay for the new infrastructure to support the housing, including schools, hospitals, roads and flood defences. Someone would be paying for the discount and it evidently wasn't them. Who does that leave? Have you ever heard of the taxpayer? Yeah well it's them. Four: Women spies should stick to changing nappies says Ukip MEP Another from the 'Kippers say the funniest things' file. This time, the party made its views clear on the capacity of women to operate in the intelligence agencies. "What do we want from our security services - James Bond or Mary Poppins?" one of their MEPs asked. The Commons' intelligence and security committee had previously stated that women are under-utilised by the security services. Evidently not under-utilised enough for Ukip. Three: Voters go cold on Greens following chaotic campaign launch After Natalie Bennett's car-crash interview on LBC recently, the party has struggled to get its sense of momentum back – an effort which won't be helped by polls suggesting most people don't believe they have realistic policies. By the time Friday came around a relatively well-received speech by Bennett brought a measure of confidence back to the party, but she needs a strong performance in a combative media interview before members will be fully reassured. Two: Knives out for Clegg as anti-drugs lobby targets Lib Dems Clegg's announcement of further liberal policies on drugs this week was greeted by some savage attacks in the press and supposedly independent think tanks. But there was something reassuring about the backlash for drug reformers: it was fairly isolated. With the Sun having changed stance and most of the public supportive of reform, there are fewer and fewer people willing to continue the war on drugs. One: Cameron won't debate because he has no record to defend Our most popular piece of the week assessed quite why David Cameron was so averse to a TV debate, and concluded that it was for the small reason that he had no record to defend or promises to promote. He has become Britain's first post-modern prime minister, with his utterances entirely disconnected from the reality of what the government does. By the end of the week, Cameron was holding firm on not attending the debates, even as it became clear the broadcasters were prepared to empty-chair him. If Cameron fails to win a majority, his refusal to take part in these events could prove enough for the Tory party to pin the blame on him. Best of the rest...An SNP landslide could save the Union By increasing Scottish influence in Westminster, an SNP landslide would prove the Union works If they ban smoking in prison, the MoJ will have riots on its hands A new legal judgement could force prisons to stamp out smoking - a lead to disorder among the 80% of inmates who'll be affected How fear of racism meant forced marriage went unchallenged in Britain "It was his choice to have the children," victim Faizah remembered. "I didn't want what came with marriage but I had to do it. He first raised his hand to me just after I gave birth." Comment: Cameron has seriously dropped the ball on the TV debates Whether he was going to do them or now, Cameron should never have let the row over the TV debates take place so publicly PMQs Verdict: If this is a shop window, Parliament should go out of business This is no way to win over the public How getting tough on asylum seekers cost the taxpayer millions Cancellation of voluntary return programme may have cost the taxpayer over £15 million Did David Lammy really say it's okay to steal from Fortnum and Mason? Labour mayoral candidate attacked for shoplifting comments Damning parliamentary report threatens to blow doors off detention regime Britain's immigrant detention system facing what could be its greatest ever crisis, after a damning report by MPs and peers was released amid a continued scandal over racism and violence at Yarl's Wood Can you prove you're gay? Last minute legal battle for lesbian fighting deportation to Nigeria A lesbian campaigner who was voted one of the most influential LGBT people in the UK is fighting her deportation to Nigeria today, as her case goes to the high court. | Polling suggests London politicians should get behind HeathrowNowhere is the Heathrow debate more fiercely conducted than in London. For years, local politicians have been wary of the subject, but new polling suggests support for expansion could be key to their general election campaign. New NHS obligation to provide equal pastoral care to non-religious in EnglandWith the publication today of new national guidance, NHS bodies in England will be obliged for the first time to provide pastoral support and care to non-religious people on the same basis as chaplaincy is provided to the religious. Prime Minister backs shootingThe chairman of BASC, Alan Jarrett, has written to political party leaders in advance of the election thanking them for their support for shooting and asking them to confirm their commitment to evidence-based policy and principles of better regulation. Welcome relief for low income savers but watch out for Gift Aid ‘sting-in-the-tail’, says charitySavers on low incomes are eligible for extra tax relief from this April. The Government has announced that there will be no tax on savings income of up to £5,000 above the personal allowance. Early study into how certain breast cancer grows and spreadsRachel Rawson: 'Knowing more about this type of breast cancer is essential and it could one day allow oncologists to tailor treatment to individuals. This could mean a better chance of survival for these patients'. |
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