MPs have voted to allow controversial plans to update human embryology laws. BBC. MPs say that national school tests should be made fewer in order to provide children with a rounded education. ePolitix. The BBC has been criticised for wasting millions each year on props, catering and costumes. The Guardian.… read more…

Gordon Brown has defended himself against party rebels. The Guardian. David Miliband has praised Pakistan's 'fragile' new government. BBC. The cost of the London 2012 Olympics has risen again. The Times. E-Politix. Chinese shares have become worth only half of what they were last October. BBC.… read more…

MPs have called for tighter scrutiny of government spending. E-politix. David Miliband is to have a nice cup of tea and a chat about terrorism with the President of Pakistan. BBC. The Conservatives have proposed a £55 weekly payment for mothers to cover the cost of raising children. The Times.… read more…

Ed Balls has told his disgruntled Labour friends to stop complaining about Gordon. The Times. The Tories have started a new local election campaign with the recycled slogan of, "Vote Blue, Go Green". E-Politix. Gordon Brown has had to talk his ministerial aide out of quitting over tax. The Times.… read more…

The big story this morning is that "disgraced former Cabinet Minister" (as the Guardian describes him) Jonathan Aitken has been asked by the Boy Cameron to lead a study on penal reform on behalf of the Centre for Social Justice, which advises the Conservatives on matters of policy. "Don't send… read more…

BONG! In the debate on the Queen's Speech today, attention was turned to (amongst other things) new-build housing. The Tories were all: what do we want? Lots of new housing! Where do we want it? Nowhere near my million pound pad thank you very much! BONG! The inter-party slapping over… read more…

News from the Daily Kos that General President Musharraf has been given a stiff talking to. Yes. That'll do it.… read more…

BONG! Ben Brogan on the Nigel Hastilow resignation. Tip for Tories: claiming that Enoch Powell had a couple of good ideas is not the way to make friends and influence people. Here endeth the lesson. BONG! The Provisional BBC takes Davy's policy on birching the Scots to its logical conclusion.… read more…

Clegg is set to announce his candidacy at 11.30am, as the Guardian reports that the non-appearance of Steve Webb at the starting blocks has boosted little Nicky's campaign. Quite how the Liberal Democrats will be able to keep up this level of excitement for the next two months, Westmonster really has no… read more…