ID cards.
´óÏó´«Ã½ News coverage is .
The Home Secretary is on PM. 
What do you think?
Archives for June 2009
The Wimbledon PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Amanda Whispering Lewis will read your comments and may well add her own.
Amanda
is editing tonight.
Yesterday her voice was going a bit...there was a lot of honey and things.
Today it's almost gone. Barely a whisper, but very husky. She sounds like Fenella Fielding in a library.
When she answers the phone she whispers "I'm sorry, I'm losing my voice".
But she is soldiering on to make PM the best she can.
She is the best of British.
I am going to look for a flag to put here. Hang on.
Found one.
BLOG NEW LOOK...
...tomorrow!
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
Upshares Exclusive.
Lady Sue writes: "I was at Longford Castle on Saturday and Thomas Packenham (son of the late Lord Longford) showed me into the old kitchen. He told me that it was used as the downstairs kitchen in the ´óÏó´«Ã½ TV programme 'Upstairs Downstairs' so I simply had to take a photograph. PM - there's no escape. It's everywhere."
The COME-ON ANDY Wimbledon PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Amanda Lewis will read your comments and may well add her own.
Hugh Sykes in Iran.
"I hung my camera out to dry after I dropped it in a joob (rainwater drainage channel) in Teheran while being chased by militia on motorbikes, and you can see what I couldn't see over my shoulder here....you may need to run it a couple of times to make sense of it, or go through it clicking frequently on the pause button. And the point of this is that it shows that the violence in Teheran that day (June 13th) was caused by the security forces, not by the peaceful protesters....which, er, may have some resonance in the UK...although our police do not (I believe) attack crowds while riding on motorcycles and wielding batons. It also shows, I hope, that the protests were not caused by the ´óÏó´«Ã½ as some of the Iranian authorities have claimed - I filmed a protest that was already taking place, and I only plucked up the courage to film it after it the protest was well under way."
See the video .
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
Good morning.
If you want to let us know what happened during the great iPM radio experiement...drop us an email to iPM@bbc.co.uk.
If you missed it - you can still podcast the show. You don't need a pod. Click here.
Hint - it's in the last 5 minutes of the programme.
The death of Michael Jackson.
1530 UPDATE: . In PM tonight, Martha Reeves.
´óÏó´«Ã½ News coverage .
1530 UPDATE - this site is running with a lot of apparent info about his death....including (1940 UPDATE) the 911 call.
.
The Wimbledon PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor will read your comments and may well add one too.
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
The Beach
The PM Blog Beach is whatever you want it to be - a place to hang out with other bloggers, and be completely off topic. Over time it has developed its own identity, complete with camels, sand dunes, and a permanently stocked bar, but fundamentally it is a place to relax and have fun.
After Chernobyl. Michael Buchanan reports tonight.
"A day out at Lincoln Castle for a dozen Ukrainian kids. Nothing unusual there, perhaps. But these children live in the shadow of Chernobyl, and this month-long stay in Lincoln could help add up to 2 years to their lives if studies of such recuperative holidays are correct.
These holidays have been going on since the 1990s, mainly taking children from Belarus to the UK, other parts of Europe and North America. But the charity that brought these children here had to pay £70 per head to get them a British visa. If they'd been from Belarus they'd have got here for nothing. So Chernobyl charities are now lobbying the government to drop the fees, as they feel they're unfair. "Radiation doesn't recognise borders" as one charity says.
Its perhaps surprising that children are still suffering from Chernobyl, more than 20 years after the accident. But as football mad Zhenya says, "Very often I catch colds because my immune system is weak. But I still score lots of goals!""
The Wimbledon PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Eloise Twisk will read your comments and may well add her own.
Made out of paper.
Paddy O'Connell writes: "This mace is six inches long, and is made entirely of paper. It was hand crafted by Peter Riches in Hove who sent it a small box to Steven Wright our producer. Peter is the man who was offered £50,000 for a dolls house he took fifteen years to build, and he kindly agreed to make this as a BH quiz prize ahead of PM speaker week. The question is, if you did not know it was a mini-mace, would you think it was in fact of Heseltine size?"
Tightless.
The tailors on Savile Row were very disappointed with John Bercow's choice of attire. Yvonne Murray reported for us last night and sends these words and pictures
"Keith Levett who runs the livery department at Henry Poole and Company on Savile Row says "it is sad that someone so high profile as the Speaker in the House of Commons is losing his court dress. It's stripping away a little of the dignity of the office. Although I suppose that's questionable in the light of what's gone on in recent weeks."
"Here are Michael Smith and John McCabe of Bernard Weatherill Ltd. Michael Smith remembers when the firm made the outfit for the previous speaker, Bernard Weatherill, whose father founded the firm. "I think it's terrible," he says about the new Speaker's outfit. "I think we should try and stick to tradition. It makes him stand out a bit more from everyone else."
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
The Wimbledon PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Eloise Twisk will read your comments and may well add her own.
Is this to your taste?
The ´óÏó´«Ã½ has a big report out about taste and standards.
You are invited to read it and add questions or comments that I might put to Alan Yentob, the ´óÏó´«Ã½ big cheese who'll be on the programme live tonight. There is a whole pile of related material, including the polling evidence, here. I should say that there is some strong language in a part of the report, (´óÏó´«Ã½ Tastes and Standards Lit Review) where it talks about...er...strong language.
Mr Yentob is ´óÏó´«Ã½ Creative Director and one of the authors of the report.
Have you tried cleaning out your ears?
A call to the Listener Log about last night's PM:
PM
TX Date: 23/06/09
"I was disappointed that there was no coverage of the Equality and Human Rights
Commission's legal threats against the BNP on the programme."
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
Attacks in Northern Ireland.
In the programme tonight, we'll talk more about this - who fled their homes in Belfast after a spate of recent attacks have decided to leave Northern Ireland and return to Romania.
, which provided overnight shelter last week, was targeted by vandals last night. In our programme tonight we'll hear from Trish Morgan who is the wife of the Pastor at the church and is also a pastoral worker there.
The Wimbledon PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Mark Frankel will read your comments and may well add his own.
Excitement update.
Remember the other day when I put the word "excitement" into our photo search thingy and it came up with this as the top choice?
Well how about this? Suggest another word and I'll put it into the same search thingy and see what comes up.
OK: Moderation:
Turmoil: (the first two words came up with nothing)
Nervous:
Serenity:
Expenses:
Shock
The AM Glass Box.
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
The Speaker Week winner:
Tim Collins. Read more about the week here and below...a word from the Editor.
Speaker Week: The PM Editor, Joanna Carr writes:
"Order! Order!
Today marks the climax of our Speaker Week on PM. You heard the manifestos, you thrilled to the debate (maybe) and then you voted (we hope). Thank you to all those of you who emailed in and wrote on the blog- what follows is an attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
1. Why do an alternative speaker competition at all? Why not just hear from the actual candidates for the actual post?
Yes, and, as the managers say... We did cover the Hansard Society hustings- the only public forum (so far- more coverage of today's hustings in the house on PM tonight) where the actual candidates for Speaker set out their stalls- quite extensively on Monday's PM, hearing from each of the candidates. But given that MPs defenestrated Michael Martin as part of their response to the crisis of trust arising from the expenses scandal, we thought there was more than enough room to hear from people in public life with ideas about how to change things.
2. Why did you choose the candidates you did?
My original brief to our excellent producer, Manveen, was simply to find people who make you want to turn the radio up when they start speaking. I'm sure with that in mind almost everyone will disagree with our selection for at least one of our four speakers. We approached all kinds of figures across a range of areas- in particular we tried to persuade some prominent business types to take part, without success. In the end, I was very pleased with our line up- Tim Collins, AL Kennedy, Greg Dyke and Lord Carey. Surely the ideas of an inspirational army colonel, a prize winning novelist, a former DG of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ and a former Archbishop of Canterbury are of interest to anyone thinking about trust in the institutions of the nation?
3. What came out of it?
I think it was inevitable that we had a quart-into-pint-pot difficulty, and I wish we'd had even more time to continue the debate on Friday's PM. But over the week, we devoted 45 minutes to a debate that mentioned Lords reform, the kind of people who become MPs, what happens to them when they make it to Parliament, how to keep MPs in touch with the concerns of their constituents, parliamentary reform, whether it's the answer to the expenses question- and much else besides.
4. Why did we need a phone vote?
We were very keen to gauge to what degree our candidates were finding favour with the audience, and we thought an independently- verified phone vote was the most robust, inclusive and straightforward way to do this. Several correspondents to the PM blog asked if we (the ´óÏó´«Ã½) were making any money from the competition- the short answer is no. The competition was conducted in accordance with the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s own guidance on competitions.
In short- undoubtedly not a perfect, nor scientific debate, but hopefully an entertaining and thought provoking one. How SW1 compares we'll find out very soon..."
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Mark Frankel will read your comments and may well add his own.
Voting has now CLOSED in the election for Speaker Week.
So just STOP that voting! You will be charged but your vote won't count. That would just be silly.
We'll announce the results on the programme tonight.
I have asked NOT to know who it is...so sadly I cannot be bribed. But feel free to try.
Spot Martha Kearney.
As you know Martha is fanatical in support of bees. She lives and breathes bees. Can you imagine how painful that is?
I swear I spotted her on this float at the weekend.
The AM Glass Box.
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
How to vote in Speaker Week. Lines NOW CLOSED!
You've heard all the candidates. Who are you going to vote for?
The voting lines are NOW CLOSED
You can still read the manifestos though:
Tim Collins
A.L. Kennedy
Greg Dyke
Lord Carey
Calls cost 15p from a BT landline, other networks may vary. Calls from mobiles will cost considerably more. LINES NOW CLOSED
If you call after the vote has closed your vote will not be counted and you may still be charged. So really my advice is to phone in time. LINES NOW CLOSED
There are terms and conditions of course - that's life. If you want to read them click below.
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. The PM Editor Joanna Carr will read your comments and may well add her own.
Can you feel the excitement?
Tonight, live at 17.30, all four candidates in our Speaker Week will debate their manifestos, and then you can vote.
If you subscribe to the PM Newsletter you will already have the numbers to call. The lines will not open until 18.00 BST, when PM goes off the air.
I'll post all the numbers, and terms and conditions here.
I wanted to get a photo that said "excitement", so I put that word into our photo library thing and clicked on search. I kid you not the picture below, from EastEnders, was the number one option:
Would you hurt a fly?
We discussed this on the programme last night with Simon Blackburn, the Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge. We'll feature some emails on the subject in the programme tonight. Here are some that won't make it on in the time we have but are worth a read:
1240 UPDATE: Jonnie sends this:
I'm worried
about .
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
The Beach.
The place to visit for a little rest and relaxation when real life gets too real. Off topic friendly chat.
It's Speaker Week on PM. Read Lord Carey's ideas here:
Here at PM, we're offering you the chance to vote for the best ideas on cleaning up public life and restoring faith in politics.
We're calling it Speaker Week.
We've asked four people - none of them politicians - to put forward their personal manifestos for change. You can hear them on consecutive nights, and on Friday they'll debate each other.
Then you'll be able to vote by phone for the person whose ideas you like best.
On Monday it was the manifesto of Colonel Tim Collins, which you can read here.
On Tuesday it was the manifesto of A L Kennedy.
Last night, it was the manifesto of Greg Dyke.
Tonight it's the manifesto of Lord Carey.
Feel free to read his words and let us know what you think by clicking on Comments.
The Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Eloise Twisk will read your comments and may well add her own.
PM Moderation Clinic
| 12:54 UK time, Thursday, 18 June 2009
Hello. I'm the producer of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Central Communities Team, which means I oversee the day-to-day moderation across most of the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s social media services such as message boards, community sites like h2g2 or comments on blogs like PM.
If you don't know what moderation is, then you're one of the lucky ones who've never had a message removed, or had another user complain about your post, or spent any time in premoderation. In short, moderation is the process of checking the messages that the ´óÏó´«Ã½ publishes on its social media sites. As publisher of your contributions, the ´óÏó´«Ã½ can be held liable for the things you write (as can you) so we apply different levels of moderation.
A lot of you will know this, and will probably want to get on with telling me your particular moderation bugbears. However, it still might be helpful to look at my last post about moderation on the Internet blog explaining some of the issues we face and previous posts about some of the legal constraints we work under.
Eighty-eight got the first question in. And the answer's a pretty simple one - the mod didn't spot it was spam, and I'll point that out to them. There's nothing too dodgy about the link, but it breaks the rules about advertising or promoting a site so shouldn't have been passed.
Having admitted the moderation error, I might as well get the excuses in early. Firstly, you may not realise is that the mods don't look at posts in context of the thread. They only view the posts that are placed in the queue in a bespoke interface, and they don't see who's posted it. If need be they can refer it to a supervisor or to our team who can investigate further, but in most cases the mods check the post against a set of guidelines and make the decision there and then.
And even looking at this selection of posts they are still working their way through a queue of over 10,000 each day. So mistakes do happen. Even if they are being 99% accurate, that would still be more than 100 errors every day, and when we review the mod decisions we don't overturn more than a handful a day.
But we still get a lot of complaints about moderation. Which means communication is breaking down somewhere. Which is why I'm going round asking for the views of our users so we can identify the most important areas to improve.
The moderation clinic post on the internet blog and the POV thread went reasonably well - we found a bug, worked out that we need to explain reactive moderation more clearly so we don't get as many complaints about inconsistency and discussed the whole 'viewing out of context' thing.
But we know that some PM folk are highly critical of the moderation on this blog, so fire away, and I'll try to answer what I can between 2 and 4pm today. I can't answer questions on technical stuff such as changes to the software or new blog features, nor commissioning decisions, but if you have a query, gripe, or want to shower the moderators with praise (!) then please post below.
Caption Competition*
Paddy O'Connell took this snap of his lovely show:
He writes:
"I took this photo of Broadcasting House, and I am going to get it made up as a postcard to send to listeners who win the quiz, and to guests, or perhaps now and again to people who write to complain, and who may in fact be right.
I was going to put on the back "BH. I took this." Do you think your bloggerati might offer other suggestions?"
Well?
*obviously it's not really a competition. There's no prize, no winner, and frankly no point.
Speaker Week Day Four:
Only MPs can vote for a Speaker of the House of Commons, but here at PM, we're offering you the chance to vote for the best ideas on cleaning up public life and restoring faith in politics.
We're calling it Speaker Week.
We've asked four people - none of them politicians - to put forward their personal manifestos for change. You can hear them on consecutive nights, and on Friday they'll debate each other.
Then you'll be able to vote by phone for the person whose ideas you like best.
Our fourth guest in this Speaker Week is:
.
The only call to the Listener Log about last night's programme:
PM
TX Date: 17/06/09
"The presenter said it is twelve degrees. This use of Celsius is European
propaganda."
Don't forget...14.00 today...
for two hours, there will be a chance to put your questions about Blog Moderation to people with the answers, right here on the PM Blog...
...and stand by for our new look too.
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
It's Speaker Week on PM. Read Greg Dyke's ideas here.
Here at PM, we're offering you the chance to vote for the best ideas on cleaning up public life and restoring faith in politics.
We're calling it Speaker Week.
We've asked four people - none of them politicians - to put forward their personal manifestos for change. You can hear them on consecutive nights, and on Friday they'll debate each other.
Then you'll be able to vote by phone for the person whose ideas you like best.
On Monday it was the manifesto of Colonel Tim Collins, which you can read here.
Last night it was the manifesto of A L Kennedy.
Tonight, it's the manifesto of Greg Dyke.
Feel free to read his words and let us know what you think by clicking on Comments.
Unemployment.
In the programme tonight we hear from Dean Rand and Darren Havard who've been working with the charity .
The video they worked on and appear in - "The Only Truth is your Own Truth" is .
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Eloise Twisk will read your comments and may well add her own.
Speaker Week Day Three.
Only MPs can vote for a Speaker of the House of Commons, but here at PM, we're offering you the chance to vote for the best ideas on cleaning up public life and restoring faith in politics.
We're calling it Speaker Week.
We've asked four people - none of them politicians - to put forward their personal manifestos for change. You can hear them on consecutive nights, and on Friday they'll debate each other.
Then you'll be able to vote by phone for the person whose ideas you like best.
Our third guest in this Speaker Week is:
.
Coming soon - a brand new look to the Blog.
Jem Stone - who is so high up in the world of Blogs I cannot begin to tell you, has kindly written a word or two about what to expect, JUST for you...
"As you've probably seen on *cough* other blogs then the ´óÏó´«Ã½ and our sister programme; iPM then nearly all ´óÏó´«Ã½ blogs now have a new design. PM, itself, will be moving to this in a few days time and I wanted to warn you.
I hope this means you will be able to find our archives better, categories such as Speaker Week and the blog posts and comments will be larger and wider. I'll blog again when the work is done."
If you really can't wait, then the iPM Blog provides an enormous clue.
Moderation clinic.
Here tomorrow at 14.00-1600.
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
It's Speaker Week on PM. Read A L Kennedy's ideas here.
Here at PM, we're offering you the chance to vote for the best ideas on cleaning up public life and restoring faith in politics.
We're calling it Speaker Week.
We've asked four people - none of them politicians - to put forward their personal manifestos for change. You can hear them on consecutive nights, and on Friday they'll debate each other.
Then you'll be able to vote by phone for the person whose ideas you like best.
Last night it was the manifesto of Colonel Tim Collins, which you can read here.
Tonight it's the manifesto of .
Feel free to read her words and let us know what you think by clicking on Comments.
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Roger Sawyer will read your comments and may well add his own.
Got a problem with Moderation?
On the blog that is.
This Thursday, right here, for two hours - your chance to ask questions about the Moderation system. You'll be pleased to know, it won't be me supplying the answers!
It'll start at 1400 and finish at 1600 - make a note in your diary!
Digital Britain.
1543: Read the full report .
1530 UPDATE: ´óÏó´«Ã½ News coverage is .
1355 UPDATE: This was the sixth photo in a very long list:
On PM tonight we'll hear live from the man who wrote the report and from the chairman of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Trust.
The report is out at 15.30 and you'll be able to read it and comment on it here.
I am just going into our photo archive, I will put "´óÏó´«Ã½" in the search and choose a photo that comes up.
1530 UPDATE: ´óÏó´«Ã½ News coverage is .
Speaker Week Day Two.
Only MPs can vote for a Speaker of the House of Commons, but here at PM, we're offering you the chance to vote for the best ideas on cleaning up public life and restoring faith in politics.
We're calling it Speaker Week.
We've asked four people - none of them politicians - to put forward their personal manifestos for change. You can hear them on consecutive nights, and on Friday they'll debate each other.
Then you'll be able to vote by phone for the person whose ideas you like best.
Our second guest in this Speaker Week is:
.
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
It's Speaker Week on PM. Read Tim Collins' ideas here.
Here at PM, we're offering you the chance to vote for the best ideas on cleaning up public life and restoring faith in politics.
We're calling it Speaker Week.
We've asked four people - none of them politicians - to put forward their personal manifestos for change. You can hear them on consecutive nights, and on Friday they'll debate each other.
Then you'll be able to vote by phone for the person whose ideas you like best.
Tonight, it's the manifesto of .
Feel free to read his words and let us know what you think by clicking on Comments.
The Iraq War inquiry.
Details . The defence secretary will join me live.
Share your view by clicking on Comments.
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Roger Sawyer will read your comments and may well add his own.
Speaker Week Day One:
Only MPs can vote for a Speaker of the House of Commons, but here at PM, we're offering you the chance to vote for the best ideas on cleaning up public life and restoring faith in politics.
We're calling it Speaker Week.
We've asked four people - none of them politicians - to put forward their personal manifestos for change. You can hear them on consecutive nights, and on Friday they'll debate each other.
Then you'll be able to vote by phone for the person whose ideas you like best.
Our first guest in this Speaker Week is:
. You can hear his manifesto on PM tonight, and read it here on the Blog.
From Iran, Hugh sent this: "Teheran before the protests
I can't show you photos of the riots in Teheran on Saturday. I was filming a crowd of people protesting that the election had been rigged. They were supporters of the main reformist rival to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Mir Huseyn Moussavi. They chanted: "The election is not true". Suddenly, militia on BMX-style motorbikes charged at the crowd.
We ran. I filmed backwards over my shoulder. We outran the motorbike militia, down an alley and onto a main street. They couldn't follow because of a common feature of Teheran alleyways - steel hoops in the ground...... to stop motorbikes from driving through. But my camera had been knocked out of my hand, into a ditch full of water. I got it back, and when it's dried out the images may be interesting.
Meanwhile, here are some shots of election day itself:
It all began peacefully. Family atmosphere, quiet queueing at a mosque in the Ahmadinejad heartland at Rey in south Teheran.
And here's a mosque polling station in north Teheran, where the overwhelming majority of people I spoke to said they were supporting Moussavi:
But at both polling stations, there was no voting privacy. I could see exactly who these people were voting for...and so could everyone else:
And the ballot procedure was confusing. Voters had to fill in the name of the candidate and the candidate's code number. The code number was not the number next to their name on the main list, it was a different, unrelated number, on a separate list (lower centre):
Here's a closer look up of that second list.
There are two numbers for each candidate; the code number on the left and the list number on the right. The code number for Ahmadinejad (44) is suspiciously similar to the list number for Moussavi (4) - leading at the very least to ambiguity. And many people here simply do not believe Ahmadinejad genuinely polled more than sixty-percent of the ballot.
Innocent photo of bread queue in Rey. Two minutes later a woman nearby reported me to the police for taking the photograph and for recording inter views with people standing in the queue. I had to show the police my Iranian press pass, and a letter specifying which parts of the country I was allowed to work in. This area was on the list.
Policeman happy. But all day, whenever I used my microphone, camera or portable satellite dish, I was constantly stopped or delayed by police and officials demanding to see my 'permissions'. It wears you down. I guess that's the intention.
And now the result:
PM's Speaker Week begins...
...with a Blog exclusive here later. You'll have first sight of who our first Speaker is, and what they're saying.
In today's Independent, word of that ...The Times has this report on ...and the ´óÏó´«Ã½ News coverage is .
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
Talking to the BNP...update.
This morning on iPM, we had a discussion between two neighbours - one a BNP supporter, the other an opponent. You can hear it by clicking HERE.
a debate among anti-BNP people.
The original strand of debate on the PM Blog is here - there are more than 500 comments so to read them all you need to cursor to the bottom and click on Next.
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Roger Sawyer will read your comments and may well add his own.
Election Day in Iran.
Hugh Sykes will report for The World at One and PM.
While we were on air last night, Hugh emailed these photos and words:
"Teheran: So many chadors, so many smart cafes, so many smiles:
Here's a selection of Ahmadinejad supporters, often chanting "Ahmadi, Ahmadi!"
And this is an old friend of President Ahmadinejad:
Prof Nasser Hadian, who used to play street football with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He believes his old friend will lose, and lose heavily.
And here are some of the supporters of the man he believes will win outright in the first round, Mir Hussein Moussavi:
A Mousavi poster suggesting Iran's attitude to the West will ease noticeably.
This is the man I met out in the apple farming foothills of the Elburz mountains, Nader Soltani, and his wife Mahin, his daughter Nilousar and his son Amir Ali.
Amir Ali is five. Nilousar is seventeen, and very frustrated she isn't old enough to vote. The voting age for presidential elections has been raised from 16 to 18. This is their neighbourhood:
Oh yes, one other thing:
Sanctions?
What sanctions?"
Sorry - I couldn't wait for a new Beach.
"Dear Eddie and team,
In early May I sent you some pics of plants I hadn't got around to planting over the Bank Holiday and you used them on the Blog, much to my delight.
They were eventually planted, you'll no doubt be relieved to know, and I now have several baskets of gorgeous petunias.
Here are some for the Beach. Please don't eat them. (That is what snails are for, apparently)
Best,
Frances O"
This morning,
I'll be recording a trail for Speaker Week...at Speakers' Corner in London. It'll be in Sunday's BH, though we won't of course be pretending that the recorded trail is live.
Paddy will be with me at Speakers' Corner. Wave if you see us.
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
The Beach.
Hello. Welcome to my beach.
It's a place to take all your inhibitions off and run into the sea and have a dip...
Go to the bar have a drink or just lay down and sun yourself...
because the sun always shines on the beach.
Be nice.
Say nice things.
Have a nice day.
Trust and what politicians say...
what do you think? Click on Comments.
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Mark Frankel will read your comments and may well add his own.
Get me Tippi Hedren.
Footage from CNN.
Paddy is back on Broadcasting House this weekend and sends this:
"A photo has arrived of Sarah Montague in a chicken outfit. BH is out of spoons and is giving away eggcups, Peet is a man in Aberdeen who won one and then got his camera out."
Speaker Week is coming to PM!
What are the best ideas for restoring trust between the governed and the governors? Next week four people will set out their ideas on consecutive nights - on Friday we'll have a live debate and then you can vote! More here.
The Times today asks a number of potential Speakers for their thoughts .
Pointless Postcard Thingy.
"Hello Eddie, PM Team and Froggers. Wish you were all here - anyone for bodyboarding? Love from Gossipmistress + family in sunny Kernow."
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
Did Gordon Brown announce more - or less - Freedom of Information?
The ´óÏó´«Ã½'s Martin Rosenbaum writes here.
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Roger Sawyer will read your comments and may well add his own.
Speaker Week: Gordon Brown's statement to the Commons today.
"With permission, Mr Speaker, I should like to make a statement about the Government's proposal to invite the House to agree further democratic reform including legislation - before the House rises for the summer - on the conduct of MPs.
Speaker Week is coming to PM!
A new Speaker will be elected in the House of Commons on June the 22nd.
It will be a critical moment. Many people, not just in the house of Commons, are looking to the new Speaker to help restore trust in politics and politicians at a time when it's at a low ebb.
What are the ideas that the new speaker should advocate? How should he or she sort out the mess? What inspiration can the new speaker provide to restore trust between the governed and the governors.
Here's where YOU come in.
Of course you don't have a vote when it comes to the new Speaker - that will be down to MPs.
But you can vote on the best ideas.
All next week on PM, we're going to hear from some prominent public figures who'll give us their own manifesto for cleaning up public life. And next Friday all our candidates will take part in a live debate. THEN you can vote by phone for the person and ideas you liked most.
That's Speaker Week, all next week here on PM.
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
Listening to the BNP.
Should we? Listen to the argument on PM and let us know your view by clicking on Comments.
You can watch the video and read more .
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's editor Roger Sawyer will read your comments and may well add his own.
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. The PM editor Joe Carr will read your comments and may well add her own.
On The World This Weekend
yesterday, there was a report from Hugh in Tehran, about the Iranian presidential election. It included some of the sounds of Friday prayers at Teheran University. Here's what Hugh saw from the media podium:
The preacher was Ayatollah Jannati, head of the 'Guardian Council', who vet political candidates, amongst other things. More from Hugh on PM later this week. The Iranian presidential election is on Friday.
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
Blogs falling in an empty forest...
from today's .
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's PM editor Briony Harris will read your comments and may well add her own.
Reshuffle/Election/Blah blog. Updated throughout the day...
1640
Employment minister Tony McNulty has resigned from the Government, it was
announced tonight.
end
1600:
Gordon Brown news conference now expected around 1630
1545
Margaret Beckett is no longer housing minister. She has not been given another ministerial job
1542
COPY FROM NICK ROBINSON
Geoff Hoon has agreed to be the Prime Minister's European policy adviser ahead of the Climate Change talks in Copenhagen at the end of the year.
He is to advise the Prime Minister on co-ordinating economic, environment, energy policy amongst EU member states
He will also now serve on the NATO high level strategic review as a former defence secretary.
it is known that Mr Hoon would like to be an EU commissoner if there is a vacancy at the end of the year.
1535
from James Landale
The ´óÏó´«Ã½ has learned that Liam Byrne is to be the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
1508:
from James Landale
The ´óÏó´«Ã½ understands that Douglas Alexander is expected to remain as Secretary of State for International Development.
We have also learned that the new Culture Secretary - replacing Andy Burnham - will be Ben Bradshaw.
1503:
PA:
Peter Hain is to return to the Cabinet as Welsh Secretary, he said today.
1500
We expect a Downing Street news conference before we are on air.
1450:
COPY FROM NICK ROBINSON
Sources at the Department of health have told the ´óÏó´«Ã½ that the former minister of state, Andy Burnham will be the new Health Secretary.
1420:
MBNK copy from james landale
The ´óÏó´«Ã½ has learnt that Bob Ainsworth, the Armed Forces Minister has been promoted to Defence Secretary to replace John Hutton. Mr Ainsworth, a former whip is close to the Chief Whip and close Brown ally, Nick Brown.
1355
Reuters: Former British health secretary,
Alan Johnson, confirmed on Friday he was being moved to the home
office (interior ministry) in a cabinet reshuffle and threw his
support behind Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
"I want them (the voters) to think highly of me as a home
secretary in a Labour government serving under the prime
minister," Johnson told Sky News in an interview.
"I do genuinely believe...that actually Gordon is the best
person for this job. Absolutely the best person for this job,"
he said, referring to the leadership.
Political analysts have mentioned Johnson as a possible
successor to Brown if the prime minister is ousted.
1315
The former Labour minister Mark Fisher has told The World At One that in spite of his reshuffle this morning Gordon Brown should resign as soon as possible : "Now it is quite clear that there is no stability in Government whatsoever. The time is right for him to stand down". Mr. Fisher said he would like to see a caretaker government ( Alan Johnson "would do a very good job") and that after "a period of stability" there should be a General Election.
1300
Extended World at One on the air.
1243
From James Landale
The bbc has learnt that Ed balls is to remain in his post as secretary of state for Children Schools and Family.
1225
from john pienaar
Sources say that Yvette Cooper is expected to become the new Work and Pensions Secretary. This has not yet been officially confirmed.
1217
From Danny Shaw, home affairs corr
Statement by the Joint MPS/CPS Assessment Panel on Parliamentary Expenses
Over the past two weeks the joint Metropolitan Police Service and Crown Prosecution Service assessment panel has met on a number of occasions and has considered a large number of allegations about the alleged abuse of expense claims in both the Lords and the Commons and whether any criminal investigations should be launched.
Their initial work has been to gain a full understanding of the procedures for expense claims through engagement with the Resources Department of the House of Commons and the Finance Department of the House of Lords (each colloquially known as the Fees Office).
The panel's view is that, unless evidence is available which shows individuals deliberately misled the fees office, it is highly unlikely that there could be a successful prosecution. Many of those complained about appear to have provided accurate information and therefore the MPS will not pursue a criminal investigation into allegations against them.
It is for the Commons and the Lords authorities to decide whether they wish to consider these cases under their internal processes and should information come to light that indicates that either Fees Office has been deliberately misled, then they will be able to make a referral back to the MPS for further consideration.
However, there are a small number of allegations where questions remain about the probity of the claims which will require further information before any decisions regarding investigations could be made. We are therefore continuing to liaise with Parliamentary Authorities in the two Houses over the provision of this additional information so the assessment panel can make informed decisions on these remaining allegations.
1214
Statement from Scotland yard coming very soon about ongoing investigation into Mps expenses and allowances.
Danny Shaw
home affairs corr
1208
The Labour MP and former Foreign Office minister, Meg Munn, insisted it was time for Gordon Brown to go:
"I have been around my constituency in the last few weeks, I've been talking to local party members and the general view is that Gordon Brown is not offering us the leadership that we need. He started off very well as Prime Minster, he's done a great job on the economy -- but the other issues are not being put across well. We're not seeing the sort of leadership which I think this country now needs".
1203 PA:
John Denham is to replace Hazel Blears as Communities Secretary, sources said.
1133
Mbnk
copy from jo coburn
Sources say that John Denham is expected to be the new health secretary.
1130
John Hutton has told ´óÏó´«Ã½ that he is not standing down for family reasons. He has decided to retire as a member of Parliament at the next election and feels that it is only fair that his successor as candidate has time to prepare for the next election.
He says he is not resigning because he's in any way against the Prime Minister.
1038 Alan Johnson:
" Gordon brown is an excellent leader of our party . He is an excellent prime minister...He's doing a good job "
1021
COPY FROM NICK ROBINSON
John Hutton is standing down as Defence Secretary and is leaving the Cabinet but is making it clear that he is backing Gordon Brown's continued leadership. Friends say that he has been genuinely been considering this for many weeks and told Gordon Brown that he wanted to step down sopme weeks ago.
1017:
From James Landale
The ´óÏó´«Ã½ has learned that Jim Murphy will remain as Scotland Secretary.
Mr Murphy is the latest minister pledging his loyalty saying, ' Gordon Brown is the right man for the job.
1015:
London Evening Standard "revised" front page:
BROWN SURVIVES SHUFFLE DRAMA
CHANCELLOR KEEPS HIS JOB AS WOUNDED PM STAVES OFF REVOLT IN THE CABINET
RIVAL BALLS LOSES OUT ON PROMOTION
JOHNSON IS NEW HOME SECRETARY
MILIBAND STAYS AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE
1014:
Millbank Advisory:
The former Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, writing on his blog has criticised the former Work and Pensions Minister James Purnell for resigning from the cabinet. He said he is "Not so much a Blairite as a careerite".
1011
From Mike Sergeant, Millbank
Political sources confirm Sir Alan Sugar has been offered a job as an enterprise tsar in Gordon Brown's government. They stress this is not a ministerial role, but is expected to come with a peerage. .
This has not yet been officially confirmed by Downing Street. Sources close to Sir Alan say he'll accept the job.
1003: .
PRESCOTT: HARMAN TO BLAME FOR LABOUR'S 'NON-CAMPAIGN'
By Daniel Bentley, Press Association Political Correspondent
John Prescott has launched a stunning assault on Harriet Harman, his successor
as deputy Labour leader, over the party's poor performance in the local and
European elections.
The former deputy prime minister blamed Ms Harman and other Cabinet ministers
for Labour's "non-campaign" and accused them of being "resigned to defeat".
He also singled out elections co-ordinator Douglas Alexander, Europe minister
Caroline Flint and former Local Government Secretary Hazel Blears for heavy
criticism.
Mr Prescott warned that the party should not blame the results solely on the
expenses scandal but also on senior ministers' "dereliction of duty".
In a blog entry on the Labour Home website, he complained that the leadership
"lacked the will to fight" yesterday's elections.
"The people responsible for this non-campaign - and make no mistake there was
no campaign - were Harriet Harman, Caroline Flint, Douglas Alexander and yes,
our former Communities Secretary Hazel Blears," he wrote.
"I kept asking the party what was the strategy, what was our message, what was
the campaign? I became so concerned I actually wrote to Harriet. Her reply was
less than satisfactory."
He added: "It seems the people responsible for our campaign were resigned to
defeat and were prepared to use the excuse that we had no money."
He said Ms Blears' resignation in "a blaze of publicity" on Wednesday
"typified" Labour's campaign.
"Time after time, activists across the country told me there was no message,
no campaign and no leadership from the party."
Mr Prescott defended Gordon Brown, saying the Prime Minister should have had
more support from those around him.
"You could say as leader of the party, Gordon should take ultimate
responsibility," he said.
"But he has one of the toughest jobs in Britain and has to be able to rely on
colleagues to lift the load of campaigning. I did it for Tony (Blair). But it
doesn't happen now.
"We have a deputy leader, a campaign co-ordinator, ministers responsible for
Europe and local government.
"They should have all been driving the campaign forward, leading the party
nationally and locally."
1000:
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward said the Prime Minister's mood was
"very strong, very resilient".
"It's almost when things are at their toughest that you see the real mettle of
this person," he said.
He said he had not, so far, been moved from the Northern Ireland Office.
0959
POUND HAMMERED BY POLITICAL INFIGHTING
By Kelly Macnamara, Press Association City Staff
The pound took a further hammering today as savage political infighting
destroyed confidence in the UK currency.
Sterling has dived to 1.60 US dollars, from the seven-month high of more than
1.66 dollars seen earlier this week as Prime Minister Gordon Brown lost his
fifth minister in three days.
The pound has collapsed against the euro at a similar rate, falling to a low of
just below 1.13 euros - a drop of around 3.5% since Wednesday.
Analysts blamed the political turmoil for the loss of confidence in sterling,
with fears over a Labour poll drubbing adding to the sense of disquiet caused by
a spat within the party.
0952
SOURCE: SKY POOL FEED
The Business Secretary Lord Mandelson believes the Labour party could "implode" unless the party's MPs get behind the Prime Minister. Lord Mandelson gave the warning as he issued a rallying cry for party unity following the resignation of the third cabinet minister in three days. The Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell is the latest minister to go. In his resignation letter Mr Purnell called on the Prime Minister to step down too. Lord Mandelson has said he "very much regrets" Mr Purnell's decision. And he gave a pointed reminder to Labour MPs that unity had been crucial to the party's three consecutive general election victories:
0948:
Paul Flynn, the Labour MP for Newport West told Good Morning Wales on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Wales that Labour needs a "fresh voice and a fresh face" leading the party.
He says that the mood amongst the backbenchers is that it's time for a change. Brown has been "heavy handed and inconsistent" in dealing with the expenses scandal and allowed Cameron / Clegg to steal a march on him.
Flynn went on to say that the Labour Party must not make the same mistake today as they did in 1983 when they allowed Michael Foot to remain as party leader.
While he paid tribute to Gordon Brown's commitment and contribution to the party, he said that his gifts of persuasion are not obvious.
´óÏó´«Ã½ WALES NEWSROOM
0948
David Milliband has spoken outside his London home
He says he stands by the Prime Minister, he's dismayed by James Purnell's decision and and statement. He also says James Purnell is a well regarded colleague but he disagrees with his conclusions and with the letter he sent to Prime Minister. He goes on to say it is time for government to stick together and provide what the people want policy-wise.
Newsdesk
0944
From James Landale
The ´óÏó´«Ã½ understands that Peter Mandelson is expected to remain as Business Secretary
0941
By James Tapsfield and Daniel Bentley, Press Association Political Staff
Gordon Brown's make-or-break reshuffle was in full swing today in the wake of
James Purnell's shock resignation.
The threat to the Prime Minister appeared to recede after sources confirmed
that Alan Johnson had accepted a move from Health Secretary to Home Secretary.
Chancellor Alistair Darling will remain in his post despite speculation that Mr
Brown wanted to shift him elsewhere. Sources also indicated that Jack Straw will
stay as Justice Secretary.
mfl
0927
"London Evening Standard first edition front page
DARLING FIGHTS OFF BROWN AXE
Joe Murphy Political Editor
BROWN'S LAST CHANCER RESHUFFLE DESCENDS INTO CHAOS AS CHANCELLOR REJECTS TWO OTHER JOBS AFTER SHOCK RESIGNATION OF PURNELL,
THE QUESTION NOW GRIPPING WESTMINSTER IS: WHO'S NEXT?"
0925: From Iain Watson
"one of the organisers of the round robin e-mail calling for the prime minister to go has said the early reshuffle has made their tactics 'far more difficult' - they may delay until after council election results are known and 'may not send the letter around at all.'"
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
The Beach.
The beach is a state of mind, where we escape from the must to the maybe and what if, where thoughts may be lightly etched on the shore or sculpted in the sand, admired and commented on by others, then swept away by the waves or jumped on by small children of all ages...
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's PM editor Eloise Twisk will read your comments and may well add her own.
The President Obama speech in full
(President Obama at a previous engagement, the annual conference of the International Flag Federation)
President Obama has been making a wide-ranging speech in Egypt.
We'll talk about it tonight.
If you're interested, here is the first two thirds of the speech, as reported by AFP. I'll post the remainder when it comes in the speech in full as reported by AFP.
1410: There is analysis of the speech .
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's PM editor Eloise Twisk will read your comments and may well add her own.
Blog Exclusive: The World at One's Martha Kearney blogging live from Westminster
Martha is preparing for The World at One at Westminster...she will keep us up to date HERE with what she's hearing.
1449: "Avocado and crayfish salad. My lunch."
1400: "There is clearly plotting going on to oust Gordon Brown. I spoke off the record to one of those who organised the failed coup last September. Their view was that after the election results start coming through on Friday, there will be public calls for the Prime Minister to go. Others will sign a letter. Then a stalking horse challenger will emerge - probably from the left of the party. In those circumstances, my source continued, their expectation is that Alan Johnson would throw his hat in the ring. Another Labour MP told me that the Health Secretary would be press ganged to stand. Others hope that the Prime Minister will himself decide to stand aside."
1057: "Lots of "I have never seen anything like this", leadership coups at the weekend, fury at Blears"
Hazel Blears resigns from the Cabinet.
Gordon Brown will be at PMQs at noon. The World at One will be live from Westminster and PM will have the news of the day at 5.
1030 - her statement in full:
"Today I have told the Prime Minister that I am resigning from the Government. My politics has always been rooted in the belief that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things, given the right support and encouragement. The role of a progressive Government should be to pass power to the people. I've never sought high office for the sake of it, or for what I can gain, but for what I can achieve for the people I represent and serve. In this next phase of my political life I am redoubling my efforts to speak up for the people of Salford as their Member of Parliament. I am returning to the grassroots (where I began), to political activism, to the cut and thrust of political debate. Most of all I want to help the Labour Party to reconnect with the British people, to remind them that our values are their values, that their hopes and dreams are ours too.
I am glad to be going home to the people who matter the most to me: the people of Salford. Finally, there's an important set of elections tomorrow. My message is
simple: get out and vote Labour."
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
Our "Black Box" expert from tonight's programme
was John Perry Fish, Vice President of American Underwater Search & Survey Ltd, based inCape Cod Massachusetts. They specialize in locating hard-to-find targets underwater. He sent us this newspaper article.
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's PM editor Roger Sawyer will read your comments and may well add his own.
A man standing in front of a row of tanks.
Twenty years ago, China sent in tanks to clear out protestors from Tiananmen square. From that time, one image stands out - the lone protestor who blocked a column of tanks. Four photographers took pictures of that moment. The ´óÏó´«Ã½ invited one of them, Jeff Widener who was working for the Associated Press back to Beijing. You'll be able to hear his thoughts on PM tonight.
There's material from the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s James Miles .
Flu.
We'll have a report on the programme tonight. Our medical correspondent Fergus Walsh writes about flu here.
Reports that the Home Secretary is to resign.
Harriet Harman is in our Glass Box right now and will appear live on Radio 4's The World at One.
1306 UPDATE from Nick Robinson: "Whitehall sources have told the ´óÏó´«Ã½ that they expect to Jacqui Smith to stand down as home secretary at the next reshuffle. "
1311 UPDATE from PA: Jacqui Smith told Prime Minister Gordon Brown two months ago that she wanted to step down as Home Secretary in the next reshuffle, sources close to her said.
1313 PA: Jacqui Smith is to resign from the Cabinet in a forthcoming reshuffle, a source close to the Home Secretary said today. The source said she had been "hurt" by revelations about her expenses claims and spoke to Prime Minister Gordon Brown about her plans to stand down about two months ago. The source said she was planning to defend her Redditch seat at the next general election.
Coffee
obsession. I'll be interviewing soon.
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
Biggest mistake of your life?
We've heard from a listener who works as a pharmacist. She has written in telling us of disquiet in the profession that honest mistakes made at work could result in a criminal record.
"It is the first job I've held where an 'off' day and a relatively minor mistake could potentially result in a prosecution."
We're looking into her story - perhaps for iPM on Saturday. We'd like your ideas and experiences. Have you been on the other side of the counter during a pharmacist's 'off day'?
Alternately, is your job one where an 'off' day has had huge repercussions for you or those around you?
You can read more here.
The PM Glass Box.
The Glass Box is where the PM team meets in at 18.00 every weeknight to discuss the content of the programme.
We try to be honest with each other, but not hurtful, as we talk about what worked and what didn't...what met our expectations and what fell short.
This virtual glass box is where you're encouraged to take part in the same spirit. Tonight's PM editor Amanda Lewis will read your comments and may well add her own.
Danny La Rue has died.
PA: Entertainer Danny La Rue has died at his home after a short illness, his
spokesperson said. He was 81.
1545 UPDATE: Just spoken to Bruce Forsyth. You can hear the interview on PM.
Pakistan Postscript from Hugh.
"Islamabad, Friday evening....and now the papers:"
The AM Glass Box
Welcome to the AM Glass Box - your chance to help shape tonight's PM.
You may have read your morning paper and listened to the radio, and have some ideas you want to hear on PM tonight.
Perhaps a question about something in the news you would like answered - or better still, direct experience of something topical. Or maybe there's an aspect to a big story you haven't heard explored that you would like to hear.
Just as the PM Glass Box emulates the meeting we have AFTER the show, the AM Glass Box will be like the real meeting we have every day at 11.00, in that all ideas are welcome.
Just like the real meeting, most ideas that are suggested will not make it on air. But we would like to try this to see how it works. It's best that you make your suggestion before 10am.
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