13/10/2013 Sunday Politics North East and Cumbria

says we've misunderstood the problem of human trafficking and that men

pundits who we try to shuffle out of a job but failed miserably, Mick

watt, Miranda Green Andijan an Ganesh. They'll Tweet like mad as if

Is Ed Miliband's Labour Party moving chid owe Cabinet reshuffle was seen

a a shift to the lot of. Two have announced policy changes which could

Pensions Secretary Rachel Reeves says Labour will be tougher on the

Tories. While Tristram Hunt says Labour loves Tory-style free schools

after all. Here he is on the BBC viewers. If you are a group of

parents, social entrepreneurs, teachers, interested in setting

parents, social entrepreneurs, school in areas where you need new

school place, the Labour Government will be on your side. That's free

enterprise and innovation. It will will be on your side. That's free

be in areas of need. We have a school places crisis going on. It

teachers in these schools. And accountability. What is going on

with the Al Madina school is because of terrible mistakes with Michael

changed, the change of tone is I'm not sure if the policies have

changed, the change of tone is remarkable, both on welfare and

changed, the change of tone is schools. A significant change of

reshuffle on the Labour frontbench last week was init wered as a purge

of Blair rights. It seemed to be a purge of anti-reform thinking.

Rachel Reeves was not saying anythi different on substance but saying

Labour will be tough than the Tories on welfare. You've seen that clip

from Tristram, free schools will be allowed to be set up in areas of

need. Greater oversight. But a completely different change of tone,

we are on the side of parents and social entrepreneurs who want to set

these up. A different change. Why are they doing this? On education,

polarised. You've had the Michael department. This weekend, we've

polarised. You've had the Michael leaked memos from one of Michael

Gove's advisers which are extreme views about the state of education.

And on the other side teaching unions. It hasn't led to a healthy

debate which represents what parents want out of schools or employers.

This is a huge move from the Labour Party to sound more reasonable.

This is a huge move from the Labour have been silent on education which

is a huge policy area on the left. Is this a focus group-driven change?

They've seen the polls. Welfare reforms are hugery popular and free

only apiece the focus groups by changing the policy substantially. I

always thought a test for this Labour reshuffle was not whether Ed

Miliband would promote Blair rights, it is clear he did, it is whether

they would be allowed to be Blair rights. When Stephen Twigg carried

the education portfolio it was clear his own views were closer to the

Government than he was allowed to let on. He was constrained. There is

no point of giving Tristram Hunt this job if he is not allowed to say

what he thinks. I wouldn't mind betting privately he thinks free

schools should be available beyond just areas of need. He hasn't yet

defined need. It could be, we've run schools are so bad we need schools.

If that is it, it is the same Asics itsing Government policy. In they

unsatisfactory that's no different. He wanted to say he was in favour of

higher educational standards and rigour, he had to tell the audience

he has a Cambridge PhD to attack Michael Gove. That was difficult for

Tristram Hunt he had to mention that. Is that worth something, a PhD

from Cambridge? Obviously to him it is. He said they would demand proper

teaching qualifications. That could teaching? Independent schools do not

have to have teachers with formal teaching qualifications. I've never

been to one? What about you? That decision by Michael Gove to allow

free schools to employ nonunionised and non-trained people, so he has to

Watch this space. The dust settled after the party resufficients. Do

the Tories look a bit more like Britain. Do the Tories look more

#4 With reshuffles, you're never really certain. There's whispers,

rumours, guesses. But the only way to know it is underway is keeping

beady eyes on a front door. Up until now, the only way we knew who was in

and who was out was who came walking down this bit of Downing Street

and who was out was who came walking a smile on their face after going to

see the boss. The once who are to be sacked, they usually go round the

back. Not this time. No, something new alerted us all. The-PM started

can't remember a triple decker reshuffle where you've three parties

changing ministerial teams at the resufficient happened on Twitter.

Not that the press stopped watching the door as well. News was a bit

Charmichael replaced Michael Moore, the first to be pounced on. I'm

disappointed to be leaving office now but pleased at what I've been

able to achieve in the last couple of years. Not as pleased as one

imagines as the man receiving the welcome that went on, and on and

simultaneously having Jeremy Browne, in a sense seen off the premises of

the Home Office in conspiracy to let # Blowing hi Jude through a traffic

Democrats. We tend to think they are herbivorous. Sacking a Cabinet

Minister, another minister, Jeremy Browne. By lunch time, the Tory

ranks were shifting too. The PM Browne. By lunch time, the Tory

to boost the numbers of telegenic women walking into Government and

turning perceptions around. He tipped a so-called flatcap to men

backgrounds with room for some which fitted neither label but are friends

of George Osborne. And, all the while, those new Tory ministers

of George Osborne. And, all the learning of Labour's changes. Labour

too knows the value of new young blood striding into the limelight.

Again some with TV experience of that. Tristram Hunt and Gloria de

peer row would be hard to describe as hard left. But Blairbrushing

peer row would be hard to describe past out of the picture seemed to be

the name of the day. Liam Byrne With Diane Abbott also gone, was

this really a Blair right cull? It depends what you mean. Blair right

used to mean someone who wanted depends what you mean. Blair right

Blair to be leader of the Labour Party. Somebody who worked closely

with him. Now it means sometimes people who believe in a certain

with him. Now it means sometimes of ideologyies or ideas. There are

still very much those kind of Blair rights within the party. But we

still very much those kind of Blair seeing the group around Tony Blair

are not long assassin flew enjoys as they once were. By evening, it was

over. New bees were sharing the ministers quietly thanked commits

raters. Or -- commiserators. Or ministers quietly thanked commits

disified. How much much someone standing here might want it to be

the case, you are unlikely to get someone coming out of that do going

"how could." And running off crying! And the brand, spanking new Scottish

Secretary Alastair Charmichael joins us from Orkney on a line that hasn't

been used since the fleet was used in the outbreak of World War I! I

wasn't around at the time. I'm hearing you loud and clear. Why

wasn't around at the time. I'm you agreed to run a department?

wasn't around at the time. I'm you wanted to abolish six years

wasn't around at the time. I'm Hello? Maybe our connections are not

Charmichael. Can you hear me? I Hello? Maybe our connections are not

hear you now. There was a nasty second there where you disappeared.

Let me try the question again. Why have you agreed to run a department

you wanted to abolish six years have you agreed to run a department

Because this is the, probably one of the most important jobs in British

politics at the moment. To ensure that Scotland remains part of the

UK. Even when I was talking about the reconfiguration of rep sen Taigs

of Scotland -- representation of Scotland within Whitehall, there was

always a job to be done. That is true in spades now. I will focus on

making sure the UK Government has a real voice in that debate. What

making sure the UK Government has a you that Michael Moore didn't have?

Look, I think Michael Moore did you that Michael Moore didn't have?

excellent job. The work he did delivering the Edinburgh agreement

clear legal and decisive referendum, the work delivering extra powers to

substantial piece of work. I'm not friend of mine. I will say that

substantial piece of work. I'm not we go forward into this, this is now

about the actual debate itself. we go forward into this, this is now

will be putting the case, with some passion, I hope, for Scotland to

just some abstract debate about nationhood, sovereignty, this is a

their livelihoods, the cost of their mortgage. That and an awful lot

challenge. I understand that. But if you're being put in there to save

the union, every pole has the no -- poll has the no campaign margin

alley ahead. Mr Moore was doing pretty well to save the union. I

suspect you've been given the job to Scotland? And lieu, you misread

suspect you've been given the job to situation if you -- Andrew, you

misread the situation new think anybody is going to be the person

who will save the union. The people who will save the union are the

people of Scotland if they turn who will save the union are the

next year and vote to save the union. We have to put the case for

that. That is what I will be doing. Look at the position of your own

party. You came fourth in the last Scottish parentry elections. You

were even behind the Conservatives. The latest poll has you still in

fourth. Are you there because you're a bruiser and you will pep up the

Liberal Democrats opportunity in Scotland. If I had a pound for

everybody to referred to me as being Scotland. If I had a pound for

a bruiser, I wouldn't need to be sitting here this morning. I could

have retired by now. The truth of this, if I can address it once and

for all, I have done probably one of the most complex and subtle jobs in

three-and-a-half years, Liberal Democrat Chief Whip in a Coalition

survived in that job a week, let alone three-and-a-half years, if I

was the sort of person who went around picking unnecessary fights.

So, can we just please forget about this business about being a bruiser.

As far as the position of the party in the polls, this is true also

As far as the position of the party the referendum vote, opinion polls

are a snapshot. They are not a prediction of what will happen in

the future. I will be out there putting the case. Neither the next

election nor the referendum is one or lost yet. One of the things I

really want to be guarding against because we are a good margin ahead

today, 12 months out from the actual polling day, that it is in the bag.

Believe me, Andrew, it is not. As you know, wasn't for the Liberal

Democrats. Not just talking about the polls. You came fourth in the

You said you were happy to facial ex-Salmond in a TV debade. Should

David Cameron face him? I am happy debate. Should David Cameron face

him? No, because that allows Alex Nationalists to portray this as

him? No, because that allows Alex sort of contest or choice between a

vision of Scottish social democracy and English conservativism, which it

is not. This is a debate that has to is not. This is a debate that has to

be held in Scotland about the future of Scotland amongst Scots. David

Cameron has a very important part in Scotland's public life, but he is

not Scottish and I think he will accept Commies edit himself in fact,

the person who should be debating Darling. He has got a Scottish name

wealthiest of Scotland at some stage in the past. Anyway, you described

the campaign to keep the union together as lacking passion, were

you referring to the campaign or referring to Alistair Darling. I

think what I was saying is that referring to Alistair Darling. I

we move into this new stage, and Alistair Darling said it himself, we

are now campaigning for people Alistair Darling said it himself, we

hearts because if you look at the range of papers the Government has

published, it is pretty clear the arguments lie in relation to the

head. I am not giving up the battle for the hearts and Scotland because

there is a good strong case, as somebody who is proud to be Scottish

and to be British, for Scotland somebody who is proud to be Scottish

remain part of the UK. You come somebody who is proud to be Scottish

distilleries and I understand you celebratory drink for your new post.

Not a drop has touched my lips. celebratory drink for your new post.

supporting local business! I will be making up for lost time on the

supporting local business! I will be of November, I will be doing it

supporting local business! I will be aid of Macmillan Cancer care and if

website, they can donate. It is worthwhile. I cannot think of a

better cause. One Cabinet minister who many thought might get Reef

better cause. One Cabinet minister Clarke. Welcome to Sunday Politics.

minorities, where did you fit in? I minorities, where did you fit in? I

would describe myself as the elder statesman, to be polite, but it

would describe myself as the elder difficult to replace them. I enjoy

it. It is a great privilege to have a role in Cabinet and I will carry

on as long as David wants me to a role in Cabinet and I will carry

I have seen many reshuffles, they are dreadful and I seem to have

survived them so far. Did David Cameron talk to you before this

reshuffle? No, he didn't. I would have had expected a phone call,

asking, how do you think about stepping down, but he didn't and my

role is one of giving my wit and wisdom to the Cabinet and meetings

of the Security Council so he has got to put up with me a bit longer.

You said you are going to stand again at the next election, why

You said you are going to stand you keep going? What do you hope to

achieve in politics? I am mostly a political anorak, I have been since

I was very small, by the process of politics but the older I get I get

governance of the country and at the moment the combination of problems

is quite appalling. The difficulty of tackling the modern world is

is quite appalling. The difficulty difficult and I find it fascinating.

The old argument that attracts every decent person into politics, you

might be able sometimes to make decent person into politics, you

bit of difference, and I try to decent person into politics, you

that. I try not to hark back on decent person into politics, you

experience but we will have a lot of tough problems which I think the

Conservative Government will have to tackle. You opposed referenda on

Maastricht, the Lisbon Treaty, you were even against one on Britain

adopting the euro. It must follow that you are against the referenda

on Britain's membership to the EU? I accountable to the long-term and

representatives, but this is a minority now and my colleagues have

firmly decided a referendum needs to be held to settle the question of

Britain's relationship with the European Union which I think is

Britain's relationship with the of the most important things in

Britain's place in the modern world politicians are able to look after

the living standards, the economy, the safety against terrorism. Last

the living standards, the economy, summer you said that only extreme

nationalists wanted a silly EU referendum. It follows your party

must be full of extremely silly nationalists. The people who are

desperate to have a referendum are all the people who actually want to

referendum will involve the public and people like me have got to get

across to the public, don't just feel angry about the last thing

across to the public, don't just read in the newspaper about what the

commission is or is not doing, do commission is or is not doing, do

bear in mind this is our base in the modern world. We happen to be a

leading member, almost as valuable and rich as the Americans, from

influence in events. That is not just how the politicians get on

influence in events. That is not politicians look after us when we

spilling over from the Middle East, or we face public services being

threatened. You didn't even turn up to vote for the bill which will

threatened. You didn't even turn up engagements on the Friday concerned.

It seemed to get through without my participation. You didn't want to be

seen voting for something your heart Look, many of your colleagues I

seen voting for something your heart interviewed say that if the choice

was between the state -- the status quo with the European Union and

leaving, they would leave. The truth is that you would vote to stay in

even on the status quo, wouldn't supporting the EU to leave now if I

got chance. I think our economy supporting the EU to leave now if I

investment, as in Washington last been if we were outside the EU.

investment, as in Washington last week. We are trying to roll forward

the prospect of free trade and I have to reassure Americans that

the prospect of free trade and I are not likely to leave the EU to

That is true but it also needs reform. The cry for reform, which is

particularly Germany, is a good reform. The cry for reform, which is

Even if David Cameron came back reform. The cry for reform, which is

nothing from Brussels, you would still vote to stay in, correct?

one which is dwindling in comparison with others, in the modern world it

would be dangerous. I also think the dangers of the Middle East and the

dangers of some of the countries disengage. I will take that as a

strengthen the case, and of some members of the public don't agree

persuaded when David delivers his reforms. The latest poll gives

Labour a ten point lead over the Tories and the reason why it has a

ten point lead is because UKIP are up there with 18% of the vote and

ten point lead is because UKIP are the Tory vote has slumped in the

Paul to 27%. How would you see off UKIP? By saying you need a strong

Paul to 27%. How would you see off and effective Government. We faced

terrible problems. Every Government I have been in has been behind in

the polls. This Government is not as popular as the previous Government I

have served in under the three previous prime ministers. When you

get an election, people have to previous prime ministers. When you

themselves who do we want to decide the issues of war and peace in this

country? Who do we want to get us out of our economic problems. I

don't think Ed Miliband is up to it. That generalised stuff will not

don't think Ed Miliband is up to it. off UKIP. People will not listen to

that. When people answer an opinion poll, they tell you how annoyed

that. When people answer an opinion are by something that has recently

upset them, but people are more sensible than this. Every Government

I have served in has been behind in the polls. At a general election you

have to mobilise the public to start thinking, who do we want to govern

us? They did take over a calamitous important problems to be decided

going forward. UKIP represents anti-immigration, anti-foreigners,

anti-Europe, anti-politics but I don't think it will get 18% of the

Thank you. Once upon a time, a politician whose career ended in

disgrace might choose to lie low for a while, perhaps to spend a bit

disgrace might choose to lie low for time tending the tulips and doing

the odd bit of charity work. Not Chris Huhne. He walked free from

prison only five months ago but Chris Huhne. He walked free from

former Energy Secretary is already back in the public eye - a column in

the Guardian, a job with a renewable interview. So is he working on a

political rehabilitation? Chris Politics. The answer to that is

clearly know, and thank you for inviting me back. You have set your

career in politics is over so what does the future hold for you? I

career in politics is over so what happy doing what I am doing, I am

passionate about green energy and climate change, so I am doing things

on that front in terms of business non-governmental organisations,

on that front in terms of business I am doing a column for the Guardian

on Mondays. You obviously get a I am doing a column for the Guardian

of material from the Sunday Politics to write about. Have you embarked on

political rehabilitation? It was clear from the point of view of

political rehabilitation? It was George when I was sentenced, he

rehabilitating you, because I had not offended for ten years, it was

actually about stopping people like you, Andrew, Ron doing the same

thing. It was a deterrent effect for the public. That is I think why

thing. It was a deterrent effect for prosecution was brought. I had not

offended for ten years on this, rehabilitate yourself in the public?

coalition to the bitter end? Or should they re-establish their own

Coalition agreement is for the whole Parliament, and the Lib Dems are

going to stay, and should stay. What would be a good result for the Lib

Dems in 2015? The loss of ten, would be a good result for the Lib

interesting election because I think you will have essentially three

party leaders, all of whom are negative ratings so it will be a

battle between the walking wounded. In those circumstances, in my view,

the Lib Dems can come out very well. But you will lose seats, won't

the Liberal Democrats do badly in next year's European elections,

the Liberal Democrats do badly in could come fourth on fifth behind

leadership be in jeopardy? I've could come fourth on fifth behind

in countless cycles where we've could come fourth on fifth behind

very low poll ratings. The normal pickup to the subsequent general

election on average has been 10 percentage points. So he's not in

jeopardy? I think Nick will be there at the next general election. I

think he'll lead the party into at the next general election. I

next general election. I expect we'll do much better than most

people think. If we are heading we'll do much better than most

another hung Parliament, which is Let's be honest, you'd rather be in

coalition with the Labour Party Let's be honest, you'd rather be in

have a repeat of the Conservatives? One of the key things I sawed to

colleagues, whatever your personal preference, I used to be a Labour

Party member, you can derive from that I'm on the left of centre of

the party. I always said to my colleagues in the party, it is

the we are in politics because we are Liberal Democrats, not because

we are either Conservatives or second best Labour. If you don't

take that view, you don't have any bargaining position when it comes to

coalition. You have to be able, genuinely, to do a coalition with

either of the other parties. I understand that, but you'd prefer

Labour? Your personal preference really should not come into this. It

is about making sure you get the best possible deal for the things

you get that with one party rather than another, that's fine. You stand

up for Liberal Democrat values, than another, that's fine. You stand

for Conservative or Labour second best values. You said you're keeping

up your interest in energy matters. Is Ed Miliband right to promise

up your interest in energy matters. temporary price freeze? There's

up your interest in energy matters. pop ewe louse posturing. It is not a

sensible policy. It was tried in California in 2,000 and 2001 which

led to blackouts. We had the Prime Minister promising we should sift

everybody automatically to the unfortunately we're at the stage in

the political cycle where we are getting clap trap. You're against

the freeze? It is a bad idea when we are trying to encourage investment.

When the market can give us some of the lowest gas and electricity

son-in-law of the lowest? Not our base price? The other European Ian

prices are only higher because they put a lot more taxes on to it? Our

hello and welcome to the part of the show finally tailored for north—east

and Cumbria. We are in rural Northumberland fading out what

people think of the sell—off of Royal mail. My guests this week, to

MPs. There has been a reshuffle in government. There did not seem to be

many MPs from the north—east and Cumbria who benefited from it.

Out of 116 ministerial role, only one other MP to job in the transport

Department. Ed Miliband was in the north—east on Friday. 13 of the

North MPs have shadow ministerial roles. None were promoted into the

shadow cabinet. It is all a far cry from the days of Tony Blair's

so—called Geordie Mafia. There is Nick Clegg and George Osborne, but

Cheshire and... What happened to your job offer? I still work in the

home office. It is an important job in immigration and running the

police. You are not in the ministry. I have only been there

three years and William Hague is doing a great job in the foreign

office. You have a lady from Carlisle who is running sport. You

have a man from Middlesborough who is sitting in government and you

have others who have roles including some of the most important in the

country. Some of them may have jumped ship? There are plenty of

people in the North who are representing this government. Why

have none of the junior officers appeared in the shadow government?

We have a lot of talent in the north—east. Julie Elliott got a job

in the shadow ministerial team for energy and climate change. I think

we have a strong level, the next level below cabinet. The likes of

Jenny Chapman, Kevin Jones. The question is, does it matter that

there are not north—east and Cumbria and ministers and shadow ministers?

It is important that around the Cabinet table there is a strong

voice for the north—east. I think that will come given time. I think I

should have been promoted giving a voice for the north—east. But they

have very little to choose from. —— Guy. Official trading and Royal Mail

starts on Tuesday. But for many it is not about stock market profits.

It is all about day—to—day life. Is that more the case in rural areas

where it is vital lifeline? We find out what people there think of the

government's sell—off since the railways.

Eight miles from Berwick, a small isolated community. Local landmarks,

12th century castle and a local green. After the post office closed

a few years ago, the village got that, a mobile post office.

Something else is happening, something that has not happened in

500 years. The Royal Mail, the organisation that collection

delivers mail for the same price with you give an city or country

village, has been privatised. The government says a six—day week

delivery is still guaranteed. But the local butcher is worried. Our

prices will increase. People in the towns and cities, they are all for

the takeover. They are not on —— relying on this as a fairly major

service to your village and to your community. Back at the polls than,

have villagers snapped up the chance to buy shares in Royal Mail? I wish

I had 750 homes to buy shares. —— £750. I do not think is a bad thing.

Have you bought shares? No. Why not? I could not afford it. Not on the

senior citizens's pension. Not all local politicians here are convinced

about Royal mail privatisation. It has been terribly undervalued which

is a good thing for people buying the shares initially. It is not a

good thing for the nation. We have already seen that things go wrong

with the big institutions, what it costs every man, woman and child in

the country. The one thing we have to hope is that the mail servers

cannot go the same way as the banks did. And high in the hills, this

farmer cannot see any benefits either. He is nine miles from the

nearest road. He still gets a daily visits from the post man. It would

be a great shame if we did not get the mail as regular as it is at the

moment. We need it for the business, as the male stands at the moment, we

get at most days of the week. —— post. Within a bit of time, it will

become less cost—effective. Delivery and collection under —— guaranteed

for the same price. It is a promise from the government. Some General

Motors smarts are far from convinced. —— some residents who

are. What my local people want is they

want a secure delivery service and they want post office at the end of

the day. We have managed to continue the expansion restarted in 2010,

which 700 post office is closed under the previous government. We

are looking for a secure investment for the Royal Mail in the future.

Giving staff and local investors a chance to own this business is a

good thing. What happens if the new management come back and say, I

cannot deliver to these an economic areas at the current price? I take

the view that the continuation of the 16 service is sacrosanct and

will be maintained. —— six days service. It has been written into

the agreement, and it will continue. Labour is trying to make capital out

of this. I disagree. I think the government sold off Royal Mail on

the cheap. People owned it anyway so this idea of mass ownership is not

true. 70% of shares of gone into institutional owners. I think there

is no casque irony guarantee that we will have a six—day delivery. This

allows the Royal Mail to invest money to improve services. There was

the money there to allow it to invest for the modern business model

needed. I would be concerned that we do not have a six—day week

guaranteed and definitely. There is no guarantee that it will be

unchanged so Royal Mail can go to a minister and say we need to cherry

pick. Ian is railing against this proposal. His own government, about

five years ago, was proposing the same thing. My question would be,

are you going to buy it back? We cannot afford to. We do not know

what the value will be. It was massively undervalued. If you are

not prepared to say that it is important, we will be nationalised,

what will use a? Shares went on open sale in the stock market. That means

there would be an extra £700 million for a future government to find if

it was to BB nationalised. The present Labour Party is right in

saying, we should not have privatise Royal mail. This is a sacred,

national institution. The real against these things and they will

not re—nationalise. I find that odd. That is because we are in debt

because we ran out of all the money. Thank you for the moment. There was

a day when lighting up a fight was a leisure activity. Now it is very

political. —— cigarette. This week one of councils identified new

target, parents who smoke and children's way grants. The European

government has decided not to restrict sales of electronic

cigarettes. This is the latest target in the

battle against tobacco. Many try their first cigarette at just 13

years old, so councillors and Cumbria want to remove temptation by

banning smoking in children's playgrounds. There is a reduction in

the amount of people smoking in the older age. But younger children are

taking up smoking in a greater number in this counting. It is

trying to make sure that we do not give the youngsters any sense that

it is all right to smoke. I am a nonsmoker myself, I think it is a

great idea. I am happy for it to be banned in the park. It is a bad

habit to be given to kids. It is a good idea. The last thing you want

to see is children smoking. It hasn't the focus of politicians in

Europe this week. —— has been. They rejected proposals to increase

regulation of electronic cigarettes. Since the smoking ban, they have

become steadily more popular and more widely available. Retailers are

pleased they are not being restricted yet. Over the past 18

months, the electronic cigarette has become more popular. There are now

quite a lot of brands. A lot of people are purchasing these. The

legislation has a number of hurdles to overcome and lobbying on the

issue has been intense. Electronic cigarettes of —— offers a fantastic

virginity for people to give up smoking. —— opportunity. We should

make them or unavailable for smokers wanting to give up cigarettes. But

anti—campaigners are opposed to this.

The number of people in the north—east has fallen from 29% to

around 20.1% now. With me is Andy Lloyd. Electronic cigarettes, I'll

be helping people to quit or encouraging some? They are

encouraging some people to quit. We know around 1.3 million people in

the UK use them. There is no guarantee about safety of the

product, most are imported from China were product control is pure.

The second is the proliferation of marketing and advertising. We see

linkups with celebrities. This is something that is a concern because

it glamorise smoking to young people. We need the products to be

promoted as cutting aids to smoking. Was it the right decision

not to make these medicines or do we need to fight more restrictions?

There is still discussions between the commissions of Parliament and

Council of ministers. It is wrong to say there is going to be no of

electronic cigarettes. They need to make sure the product is as safe as

it can be to make sure that any issues around long—term Health and

Safety Executive. Let's start with parents and playgrounds. How much do

we hound smokers? This is a sensible step. This is not demonising or

penalising smokers. This is about a smoke—free area for children to play

in. It is an issue of role modelling and an issue of making sure that you

are not raising a generation of children that see smoking as a

normal family pastime. We looked at some figures for Hartlepool, 40%

smoke there. Do we need to start getting tougher to cut those

figures? There has been a lot of people who smoke and Hartlepool

traditionally. But in recent years as the station rate has been greater

in years. —— cessation. This is a question about role models and I do

not think it would be a good and positive thing to see parents.

Should councils say there will be no play —— smoking and our playgrounds?

That should be up to local councils. We should be trying to

stop role models and the idea of having parents smoking in the play

yard is something I would like to discourage. Do you think it is a

good idea? Yes, I do. I think it will be a very good idea. I will be

campaigning to support my local authority to do that. Is there a

danger... How much do we need to punish people for smoking? Smoking

kills you, that is the bottom line. Role models should be discouraged.

We should just try and eradicate it as much as possible. If we do it in

other places and we except there is some passive smoking, we should be

going down this route. —— accept. With electronic cigarettes you need

a common—sense approach that is grounded. On the plus side if it

encourages people to stop smoking, that is a good thing and should be

encouraged. We often do not know what is in these electronic

cigarettes. It is possible for an eight—year—old child to go out and

buy it. There should be some restriction and further worked than

to know we know what is in them and the long—term health effects on

people by these laconic cigarettes. Should people be lauded for their

being able to quit cigarettes? You need to help people stop smoking by

alternative needs. Electronic cigarettes are one way to do it. If

that is the best way to do it, then we should support them. The Prime

Minister came under fire from an MP this week in proposals to stop the

way money from the NHS is the readout. Here is the rest of the

week's news. —— is handed out. One of the north—east's biggest

employers, Nissan, has nailed a flag to the European Union mast. You kept

did not select Richard Elvin as their top candidate in the

north—east. A proposal to change the funding formula for the NHS has been

criticised by Nick Brown. It has the effect of taking some £230 million

out of the health care budget for the region. Who in this government

stands up to the North of England? The whole government stands up for

the north—east of England. The Prime Minister pointed out that this

year's health funding was up by 2.3%. Julie Paxson has been chosen

as their candidate at the general election.

Note of planning, the word of Eric Pickles as low as far as I'm

concerned. —— and now two. Why is it that in Northumberland and

Co Durham, some find themselves locked in plans to build on the

green belts? Do you need to accept that what the government says is

that we need a lot of homes in the area or communities in your area

will age and diet? I am very proud to be a champion of the green belt.

What we are doing is putting in protections. My local authority

excepted that this government was putting in sections for the green

belt. —— accept it. I back locks of housing project, all of these are

big housing project through my quit we have got behind. I opened a

housing project in Friday. You do not want to build in areas that

could encourage young people to move on. The important thing is that

local people should be in charge. They are, they are elected into the

council! We want to persuade the council to allow protection of the

green belt. You talk about hunting, —— one area, there are many houses

being built there already, there is no need for development of the green

belt. These are our green lungs, we need to keep them. The government

wants more houses built. Since the 1940s, we have had effective

protection with green belt areas. Only 56% of development was on

Brownfield site when we started. I am a big champion of green belt

legislation, I think it should be concern you. Why are Labour

councillors not? The national assumption should not be against

green belt development. Have you seen the house—building record of

the current government? The lowest since the 1920s. Ed Miliband has

promised 200,000 houses being built. It is what we need to ensure

a good viable supply of house—building. If you're going to

build the houses, you are going to build them on the green belt? No,

that is wrong. Brown belt sites. Councils tell us that they cannot

build on these because the government has withdrawn all the

grants to allow them to do that. That is wrong. I have two

ex—hospital sites that are being developed. I have over 1000 homes

been built as we speak. I have opened a project on Friday, I can

assure you those over there. I prefer our policy of putting local

government and starred —— in charge. Northumberland county council want

to build those funds. Those are local people being influenced by

local campaign groups. Not something dreamt up by this monster. Thank you

very much. —— Westminster. Teaching unions take strike action

this week. Next weekend we will be talking to a teacher who is stopping

work. And another who is dead against the action and will stay in

the classroom. Please remember to check out my tweets. And

and these tactics were plain wrong. That is all we have time for. Back

ministerial team this week with That is all we have time for. Back

commentators calling it the purge of the Blairites, but one poor lamb who

fell victim to this perch was Diane Abbott, not somebody who worshipped

at the altar of Tony Blair. Life on the backbenches means she can pursue

other interests such as attending the Cheltenham literary Festival,

and where she joins us now. Welcome. Why did Ed Miliband fire you? He

think the thing that did it for Why did Ed Miliband fire you? He

was me coming out on Syria. This was Why did Ed Miliband fire you? He

a purge of the Blairites, how did you become collateral damage? I

a purge of the Blairites, how did no idea but the fact that I was

a purge of the Blairites, how did one member of the front bench to go

public about my concerns on Syria probably tipped my enemies in the

party machinery over the edge. But he went your way on Syria, in the

end he agreed with your line on Syria so why would that be for

dismissal? I agree with you - you're fired. Because I actually spoke

dismissal? I agree with you - you're and it was the fact that I spoke up,

which was like a pebble falling and it was the fact that I spoke up,

forest or something. I am glad I spoke up on Syria. He doesn't like

people around them than who are outspoken, who speak their minds? I

think he's convinced he needs people who read from the scripts. People

increasingly upset that even though who read from the scripts. People

I was speaking party policy, I was reading from the script. Since Mr

Miliband bid you farewell, you've said he's doing his best. Is his

best good enough? I am sure it will be. I've always said the Labour

Party chose the right Miliband. be. I've always said the Labour

will remain loyal to him on the backbenches. You're going to be

loyal? However, I want to join in the debate. You're going to be

loyal? Absolutely. I was loyal both in public and private when others

were bitching about him behind the from the backbenches, I hope to

were bitching about him behind the involved in the debate particularly

around nick policy. Et's see how loyal you are. You must be happy

with all this new tough talk on welfare and free schools? Well,

with all this new tough talk on think both Rachel and Tristram are

very talented. We're going to have to see how this all plays out. The

issue of free schools, they are to see how this all plays out. The

thing. But diminishing the role to see how this all plays out. The

local authorities is another. There need strong local authorities. I'm

local authorities is another. There sure Tristram will be aware of that.

As for welfare, I'm sure Rachel knows some of the cuts the Tories

have made have been counter prod ublingtive in -- productive in terms

of spending. You wouldn't call that your full-hearted endorsement, would

you? What are you on, and lieu? your full-hearted endorsement, would

haven't seen the detail of Rachel's new position. You have to wait and

see the detail. It is in the papers. You haven't stopped reading the

papers. It was the Observer. When will you announce you're running for

Mayor of London? I have no plans to announce that I'm running for Mayor

Mayor of London? I have no plans to of London. No plans. That's what

Michael his I will Tyne used to of London. No plans. That's what

me. He had no plans to run against Margaret Thatcher. Are these the

same kind of plans you have? I know. No, no. I have no plans. You know

going for it. Everybody knows you're going for it. Just fess up to your

old mate! ! I have no plans to run. If you did run, who would be, what

would be your biggest threat other than yourself? I think there's a lot

of very talented candidates, David They are all talented. I would have

to weigh up the field. What do you think your chances would be of

getting the taxi drivers' vote? Well, you know, Andrew, some of

getting the taxi drivers' vote? most loyal viewers of This Week

getting the taxi drivers' vote? were taxi drivers and their wives.

I'm not frightened of reaching out to middle England. You will find if

you walk around London sub usual ya, they all know me and they all love

This Week. Love This Week. I thought you were going to say they all love

you. One person who loves you, is Michael Portillo. He wasn't a happy

chappie on Thursday night. You can't see it but you can hear. This is

what he said. I was disappointed for her. She had decided to leave this

something else in politics. She wanted to do something serious.

something else in politics. She had taken what appeared to be a

something else in politics. She position but taken it extremely

serious and was committed to the issues. I'm quite disappointed for

her. Why would Ed Miliband do such a thing. You just mentioned about

London mayor, did Diane not ask thing. You just mentioned about

Someone who's an eminent person thing. You just mentioned about

this programme, I don't know how he could do that. I think Michael's

missing you. Are you free this Thursday night? Make him a happy

man, come back to the fold. I think I may be free this Thursday night.

So, if he'll have me, I'll be there. My people will speak to your people.

We'll get it sorted out. Diane, watch that big vase behind you,

you're not insured for. That thanks Does she have a chance of being

Mayor of London? She's very well known as Michael pointed out. That

is important. People who are outside known as Michael pointed out. That

the party fold have traditionally done well in the mayoral election.

The job of being a London mayor done well in the mayoral election.

running an economy the size of a nation. It is a very serious job.

There may be problems with her running? That was a transparent

There may be problems with her for it. She's potentially a very

compelling Coll ticks. People have left-winger but she's quite tough

and conservative. Michael Gove said he had fallen in love with Diane

which That's one vote he has. What do you think? I thing about Diane

Abbott is she has a fantastic way of connecting. She has a really good

way of connecting wi people. She would be a very strong candidate in

candidate. It will probably be a Labour win next time. Depends, if

Labour wins the 2015 election it may be more difficult. There's a danger

for Labour that Diane is the big personality liked by the party

primary but isn't necessarily a personality liked by the party

in come the London general election? That's true. London is traditionally

a Labour city. But Boris managed to win as an outsider. There are big

dangers for Labour with that. I think, as I said before, somebody

who seems a bit independent from their own party machinery tend to do

We've only had mayors so far that were independent? Indeed. And how

Not that far behind bar Is Johnson. well Ken Livingstone did last time.

Not that far behind bar Is Johnson. He was and is much more left-wing

than Diane Abbott. Diane didn't He was and is much more left-wing

stray on Syria, it was immigration. Why was Jeremy brown replaced by

This is very much to do with Clegg deciding he has to go back to those

people who abandoned the Liberal Democrats the day they went into

coalition with the Conservatives really, and convince them there

coalition with the Conservatives some holy areas of policy, sacred

areas which they will defend. That includes civil liberties. In the

Home Office, that incident with includes civil liberties. In the

immigration vans went down very badly across the whole nation. Went

down particularly badly with Liberal Democrats and voters. In the Home

somebody there to put a shield on purpose behind it. And Nick Clegg

has won the argument against the left, Vince Cable on the economy,

away day in July, briefings say DrCable's been put in his box. He's

won the argument on economic policy against the left. When it comes

won the argument on economic policy the touchstone issue in the Home

Office, he wants to shore up that vote on the left. And please The

Guardian. This is important for something else going on which is

that Nick Clegg has to keep his parliamentary party happy. That

involves giving them ministerial jobs. A lot of Liberal Democrats

losing their jobs, Michael Moore, because vacancies have to be created

for number people to come in. By Liberal Democrat MPs will have been

on the payroll. It is effective party management. I want to move on

to press regulation. Brian Leveson's famous report, appeared before the

parliamentary select committee. famous report, appeared before the

will run you a clip from Connor politicians got involved in this. We

moved away from the press 300 years ago. The centr commitment is Lord

Leveson wanted a system the press self-regulation. This is state

involvement which I worry about profoundly. He sits on the media

interviews and investigations into the media. Chris Huhne said earlier

he thought all the newspapers would sign up to the Government-backed

Royal Charter. I think he's totally should. But he did say they would. I

think he's wrong. They won't sign up. All the mood music when that

Royal Charter was agreed on Friday was they would not sign up. It is

Maria Miller, is essentially saying to the press industry, if you don't

sign up, the Royal charter will to the press industry, if you don't

ahead. I cannot control the Labour to the press industry, if you don't

industry is wind the clock back to the press industry, if you don't

what they are calling the Puttnam stage. That was earlier this year,

Lord Puttnam was tack amendments which would introduce statutory

regulation. Maria Miller says you statutory legislation but if you

don't sign up to this, it will be a lot worse. Will that work? Playing

the good cop, bad cop routine? Will that pressurise everyone to sign up.

Lots of people are saying this will be a club with no members. It won't

work. As Nick and I broke the story last week that the Government was

going to reject the newspaper-backed one, I'm certain that the newspapers

now, most of them maybe, not all, but most, will go the legal route

and to judicial review on what the Government's proposing and will

and to judicial review on what the it to strains Bowring where freedom

of the press is enshrined. They it to strains Bowring where freedom

fight this? There is enough fury amongst Fleet Street to result in

that. The big political question going forward is which of the party

leaders does the press blame the most for the emergence of press

regulation? The Tories are very confident they'll blame Ed Miliband

the most. They'll target him before 2015. David Cameron gave us Brian

Leveson. You appoint a judge who shouldn't be surprised with what you

got in the Leveson report? I big chunk of press will look at David

Cameron saying, you were the guy who intended what will happen. If he had

have appointed Brian Leveson. If they face more punitive fines over

Labour ale cases they take that they face more punitive fines over

Europe. The Daily Mail and the tallest presumably will have to

suspend their campaign of Britain to leave the European Convention of

suspend that. We must never come out Churchill was behind it. He was

indeed. But it is actually a major constitutional issue whether you

regulate the press or not. There was constitutional issue whether you

a lot of ill feeling that this Marie ya miller statement was snubbing out

on Friday afternoon. Somebody said freedom of the press too important

to sneak out on afully afternoon. The whole subject should be treated

with respect. We've run out of time. I'll be back next Sunday with the

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles at our usual time of 11.00am. If