after Israeli commandos boarded an aid flotilla that was en route to Gaza on Monday. What is your reaction?
The six-ship convoy, carrying 10,000 tonnes of aid, had been due to arrive in Gaza on Monday. Israel had repeatedly said it would stop the boats, calling them a "provocation intended to delegitimise Israel".
Following the activists' deaths, thousands of protesters have demonstrated against Israel in Turkey, while several countries have summoned Israeli ambassadors to seek an explanation.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon said he was "shocked by reports of killings and injuries". The UN Security Council issued a calling for a "prompt, impartial, credible and transparent" inquiry.
Another aid ship, , is currently headed for Gaza in defiance of the Israeli blockade.
What is your reaction to this incident? How should the international community respond? What impact will this have on Israeli/Palestinian relations?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
, after admitting he claimed expenses to pay rent to his partner. What's your reaction?
Mr Laws had earlier apologised over the revelations in the Daily Telegraph, and said he would pay back the Β£40,000 he had claimed. He said his intention was to keep his relationship with partner James Lundie private.
Since 2006, Parliamentary rules have banned MPs from "leasing accommodation from a partner". But the Yeovil MP queried whether Mr Lundie counted as a "partner" as defined by the rules on expenses.
The Prime Minister David Cameron and his deputy Nick Clegg paid tribute to Mr Laws, saying they hoped he would return to government. Mr Laws will be replaced by the Scottish Secretary Danny Alexander, who is also a Liberal Democrat.
Do you think David Laws did the right thing in resigning? How will this latest MPs' expenses story affect the coalition government? Should further changes be made to the system of claiming expenses?
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This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
. Did the best country win?
Germany's winner, 19-year-old Lena, scored 246 points with her song Satellite, beating 24 competing countries.
Turkey's MaNga came in second place, with Romania third and Denmark fourth.
, 19, scored just 10 points with a song penned by Pete Waterman. Dubovie joins former UK entrants Andy Abraham and Jemini who all have finished in the bottom spot.
Is Germany a deserving winner? What did you think of the UK's entry? What was your favourite act? Is the competition still worth entering? What relevancy does the contest have today?
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This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
, BP's chief executive Tony Hayward says.
The amount has risen since Saturday, and implies more than half the estimated 12,000 to 19,000 barrels leaking each day is now being captured.
The spill, which has been described as the biggest environmental disaster in US history, began when a drilling rig exploded and sank in April, killing 11 people. At least 12,000 barrels (504,000 gallons) are leaking into the Gulf every day.
What should be the new strategy to stem the oil flow? Are you in the region? What do you think of the response? What does it mean for the future of deep-sea drilling? What lessons can be learned from the crisis?
programme unless Tony Blair's former adviser Alastair Campbell was removed, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ has said. What is your reaction?
The editor said the request to replace Mr Campbell with a shadow minister was refused as a point of "fundamental principle". No 10 said it questioned his appearance instead of an opposition front bencher.
No representatives from the coalition government participated in the show but Tory backbencher John Redwood, former Lib Dem MP Susan Kramer, journalist Piers Morgan and Daily Mail columnist Max Hastings did appear.
Was it right for Alastair Campbell to appear? Was the coalition government right to complain? How should panellists be chosen for Question Time?
This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.
Question Time, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's premier political debate programme comes from Gravesend in Kent on Thursday 27 May.
The panel includes the Conservative MP and former Welsh Secretary John Redwood and the Liberal Democrat Susan Kramer who lost her Richmond Park seat in the general election.
Tony Blair's former Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and the former newspaper editor Piers Morgan are also on the panel together with journalist and historian Sir Max Hastings.
What are your thoughts about the programme and the panel? Let us know here on the Question Time debate page.
The questions asked were:
How will the Β£6.2 billion in spending cuts announced this week affect jobs and the economy?
Will the Government's proposal to award outstanding schools academy status divide education to a two-tier system?
Why are labour leadership candidates Ed Miliband and Ed Balls criticising the war in Iraq?
What steps can the leaders of our new government take to stop some of their more inflexible and diehard backbenchers from derailing the coalition?
Is entrapment journalism such as we have seen with Sarah Ferguson in the public interest?
The debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
. Are these reforms needed?
, Iain Duncan Smith, who is in charge of the reforms has condemned the existing system as 'bust'. He says for too many people "work simply doesn't pay". He wants to at simplify the benefit system and make it worthwhile for the unemployed to work
The proposals include paying welfare-to-work providers on a results-basis, loans to help unemployed people set up their own businesses and local work clubs. They also want to speed up the assessment of all those on incapacity benefit paid to those unable to work due to health problems.
In the proposals the government aims to end what it claims is a system that penalises those on benefits should they try to get a low-paid job.
What do you think of the changes? Are changes necessary? Does our benefit system discourage people from seeking work? Will the new proposals put genuine claimants at a disadvantage? Are you a benefit claimant?
so the cost of bank failures are not met by the taxpayer says Michel Barnier, the EU internal market commissioner. Is this good news for the taxpayer?
Mr Barnier says such funds would provide part of a broader system aimed at preventing future financial crises. He said: "I believe in the 'polluter pays' principle."
Banks would be required to pay a levy into the funds which would not be used to bail out failing banks, but manage failures in "an orderly way".
And the EU report says that any levies that banks were made to pay should not be passed on to their customers in the form of higher charges.
Do you think a levy on banks is the way to tackle future financial crises? Could the levy lead to banks taking more risks because they feel insulated by the fund? Should financial regulation only be decided by national governments?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
over the sinking of one of South Korea's warships. How should the world respond to the crisis?
Seoul is hosting a three-nation summit with China and Japan over what it says was a that resulted in the loss of 46 lives.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the priority was to reduce tensions and avoid a clash over the incident. But he did not mention North Korea by name or show support for possible UN sanctions against Pyongyang.
Pyongyang has fiercely denied the allegations and has announced it plans to.
Should the world get involved in the Korea dispute? How should North and South Korea resolve the situation? What will be the impact of this crisis? Are you in the region?
European cities dominate the top ten of a for quality of living, while London comes in at a lowly 39th spot. Where would you most like to live?
The placed Vienna top, followed by Zurich, Geneva, Vancouver, Auckland, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Bern and Sydney.
The study considered living conditions in 420 cities and based their final list of 221 cities on factors such as crime, political stability, hospitals, transport, food and drink, leisure, climate and personal freedom.
What do you think of the survey's findings? Where are the best and worse places you have lived? How does your city measure up?
What do you love or hate about your city? Send your city pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 if in the UK or +44 7725 100 100 from outside the UK. If you have a large file you can
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
Can the proposals work?
Schools which are assessed as outstanding will be able to quickly switch to academy status.
It could lead to thousands of schools leaving local authority control which, the NASUWT teachers' union claims will "disenfranchise democratically-elected local councils".
Education Secretary Michael Gove says he wants to bring back "radicalism" and give schools more freedom.
What impact will leaving local authority control have? Are you a teacher, a parent or a student? How will the proposals affect you?
This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.
after two young boys were convicted of attempted rape. Do you think children should face trial in court?
Michele Elliott, of charity Kidscape, said the decision to try them at the Old Bailey was "absolutely wrong". The NSPCC also raised concerns that the eight-year-old victim was too young to cope with cross-examination.
Both boys were 10 at the time of the incident, had they been younger than 10 - the age of criminal responsibility in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - they would have been too young to be charged.
The age of criminal responsibility in many European countries ranges between 14 and 16. In Scotland, the age is currently eight, but legislation is being passed to raise it to 12.
Should the children have been tried in this way? Should the trial have been held 'in camera' - away from the press and public? Should the age of criminal responsibility be raised in line with other European countries?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
Is modern life leading to loneliness?
Loneliness is more widespread among the young than those past retirement age, a survey suggests, amid profound changes in the way we live and interact.
In the report by the Lonely Society, nearly 60% of those questioned, aged between 18 to 34 spoke of feeling lonely often or sometimes, compared to 35% of those aged over 55.
The report also suggested that new technology may be a benefit or a burden. There are concerns that technology is being used as a replacement for genuine human interaction.
Is modern society leading to more loneliness? Is technology a help or hindrance to how people interact? What measures can be taken to help people feel less lonely?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
What is your reaction to the speech?
The Queen said the new coalition government's priority will to be to reduce Britain's deficit and restore growth to the struggling economy.
The 22 bills set out in detail what Prime Minister David Cameron hopes to achieve over the next 18 months.
What do you think of the pledges announced? Are you happy with the measures? Can the government restore growth to the economy?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
as at least 73 people have been killed in clashes between security forces and fighters loyal to a suspected drug trafficker sought by the US. What should be done to stop the violence?
Trouble began when the government announced it would arrest and extradite to the US. His supporters set up barricades and said they would fight to protect him. It is not known if Mr Coke is still in Jamaica.
The government has denounced the unrest as a "calculated assault on the authority of the state". But supporters of Mr Coke say he is a community leader who feeds and supports poor residents - and ensures their security.
Are you in Jamaica? What is your experience of the civil unrest? Do you support the decision to extradite Mr Coke? Who is to blame for the troubles? What should the government do next?
Union boss Derek Simpson is still using Twitter despite . When should you tweet?
People are increasingly using their phones to access Twitter during conferences, university lectures and now, vital work meetings.
BA's chief executive, Willie Walsh said that he was "shocked and angry" when he found out that Derek Simpson was tweeting while negotiations were taking place.
The Unite boss reacted by highlighting the importance of getting his message out: "If I have to apologise to Willy over twittering then I shall.... But I am not afraid of saying what is really going on..."
When is tweeting acceptable? Do you tweet during work? Have you got into trouble over your tweets?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
Are the cuts too much too soon?
The cuts are the first step in the coalition government's attempt to eliminate the UK's record deficit - likely to total Β£156bn this year - over the next five years. Budgets for IT, property, advertising and recruitment are expected to be cut and some quangos could be abolished.
But, Labour MP and former chief Treasury secretary, Liam Byrne, said he feared the government was taking a risk on the economy recovery by making the cuts too early.
Ministers admit the cuts will be "painful" and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has said its decisions will be "unpopular and controversial".
Where do you think savings should be made? Should the cuts be delayed to give the economy more time to recover? Do you work in the public sector?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
for cash. Is it acceptable to report this?
Prince Andrew "categorically" denies knowing about the meeting between his ex-wife and the reporter. Buckingham Palace says the Duke of York has carried out his role as a UK trade envoy with "complete and absolute propriety and integrity".
Meanwhile, Sarah Ferguson has apologised for her "serious lack of judgement" and admitted her financial situation is "under stress". The News of the World said she agreed a Β£500,000 ($723,000) deal with a reporter posing as a businessman.
What is your reaction to these allegations? How have they affected your view of Prince Andrew and the Duchess? When are sting operations like this one acceptable?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
. What should be the focus?
Before the talks Defence Secretary Liam Fox argued that British troops were not in the country to fix Afghan society.
Later, Dr Fox and International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell both stressed their commitment to redevelopment.
What should be the priority in Afghanistan? Should troops put their own country's security ahead of reconstruction? Do you live in the region?
This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.
What's your reaction?
The Papal visit will cost Β£15m, not including extra policing and security, most of which will be spent on three open-air masses which the Church says could attract up to 400,000 people in total.
The Church's share of the cost is Β£7m, and with slightly less than half of it raised, congregations are being asked to contribute via the collection plate.
Have you made an extra contribution at your local collection? Should taxpayers be expected to pay for the Pope's state visit? Is sharing the cost with the Catholic Church a good idea, or should the church cover the entire bill?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
Three popular series, Ashes to Ashes, and come to an end over the next few days. What is the best way for a series to make an exit?
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One's Ashes to Ashes will see DCI Gene Hunt fire up the Quattro for the last time - but will his darkest secrets be revealed?
In the US, Kiefer Sutherland makes his final appearance after eight years as special agent Jack Bauer in the action-packed series 24. And viewers of Lost will hope to find out the reality behind the lives of the aircrash survivors who've spent 121 episodes on a tropical island in the South Pacific.
Which TV series has had the best finale? Which programme has ended on a low? Send us your memories.
which will see the most sweeping overhaul of the country's financial regulations since the 1930's. Will the measures work?
The bill creates a new watchdog agency and will seek to reform the complicated derivatives market. It will also increase restraints on larger banks and require proof from borrowers that they can pay back even the most basic of mortgages.
President Obama said the reforms mean that Americans would never again pay "for Wall Street's mistakes".
Will the proposals stabilise the US economy? Is it possible to fully regulate the activities of the financial markets? Do you work in the financial services industry?
This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.
Do you agree?
Tesco has welcomed a promise by the coalition government to ban below-cost sales of alcohol in England and Wales. But the UK's biggest retailer has gone further, proposing the more radical step of introducing a minimum price.
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Peter Fahy said there was a British culture of excessive drinking that was encouraged by low prices. He went on to say he was very pleased that the price of alcohol was being addressed because of the "huge impact" it has "on both the police service and the health service".
Should the government set the price for alcohol or should it be left to the retailers? Is excessive drinking a result of low prices? Will a minimum price make any different to the drinking culture?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
What is your reaction?
The new microbe, , contains a DNA sequence designed and built by scientists. Its creator Dr Craig Venter hopes eventually to design and build new bacteria that can perform useful functions - such as producing medicines and fuels or even absorbing greenhouse gases.
But critics say there are dangers posed by synthetic organisms. Dr Helen Wallace from , an organisation that monitors developments in genetic technologies, said: "If you release new organisms into the environment, you can do more harm than good. We don't know how these organisms will behave in the environment."
What is your reaction to this new microbe? Are you excited, or concerned, by the potential of synthetic biology? What limits, if any, should we place on research into synthetic living organisms?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
Question Time, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's premier political debate programme comes from Richmond, Surrey on Thursday 20 May.
The panel includes the new Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Secretary Theresa May, Labour's Caroline Flint and Ming Campbell for the Liberal Democrats.
David Dimbleby is also joined by the Director of Liberty Shami Chakrabarti and the journalist and writer Douglas Murray.
What are your thoughts about the programme and the panel? Let us know here on the Question Time debate page.
This debate has now closed. Thank you for your comments.
Is advertising of this kind acceptable?
The organisation says it will raise awareness of options available to women facing an unplanned pregnancy, including abortion. The ads will be aired on Channel Four at 22.10 on the 24th May and run until the end of June. Viewers will be asked, "Are you late?" and advised to call the Marie Stopes' 24 hour telephone helpline.
Pro life groups say they are considering challenging the decision in the courts. A spokeswoman for called the decision to give abortion providers the same rights to advertise on TV as car companies or detergent manufacturers "grotesque."
Do you agree with the decision to allow these adverts? Have you had difficulty finding information on your options when facing an unplanned pregnancy? Where should abortion providers be allowed to advertise their services?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
What do you think?
Prime Minister David Cameron said policies had been ditched by both sides - but that the resulting deal was "greater than the sum of both manifestos" and had the potential to provide "a great reforming government." The agreement includes freezing council tax in England for a year, a new "Freedom Bill," a banking levy, "free schools" with greater independence over the curriculum and more choice for patients over which GP they see.
What do you think of the coalition's policies? Does it have the potential to "make your life better?" Or have too many compromises been made?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
on 26 March causing the deaths of 46 sailors, an international report has found. How should the international community respond?
Investigators said they had discovered part of the torpedo on the sea floor and it carried lettering that matched a North Korean design.
Pyongyang rejected the claim as a "fabrication", according to reports from South Korea's Yonhap agency.
Are you in South Korea? How will this affect the relationship between the two Koreas? How should the international community respond?
Is this a good idea?
which advises the NHS in England and Wales, believes the incentives may help tackle obesity, smoking and drinking. It is not the first time the body - the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence - has considered incentives. It has already backed rewards to encourage people off drugs.
Incentives have also been used elsewhere in the world - in Germany social insurance contributions are reduced if people attend services such as smoking cessation and screening.
However, Roger Goss, of questioned the merits of the approach and said "My instinct is that this should not be a priority. I can't see how it can be enforced." He went on to say "There is also the question about rewarding people for behaviour some people do voluntarily."
Should public money be used to reward healthier lifestyles? Is becoming healthy something people should already be doing anyway? What's the best way to promote healthy living?
This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.
. What's your reaction?
The coalition government has pledged to introduce fixed term parliaments, an elected House of Lords and to hold a referendum on changing the voting system. The public have also been asked to nominate laws to be repealed.
Mr Clegg went on to announce the government was scrapping plans for identity cards, the National Identity Register, further biometric passports and the children's Contact Point database. He promised better regulation of CCTV and restrictions on the storage of innocent people's DNA.
What do you think of the coalition's proposals? Will they change British politics? Or do you think more needs to be done?
This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.
for the eurozone. Will it work?
Chancellor Angela Merkel has faced widespread domestic opposition to her support for measures to help Greece and other struggling EU economies.
But she has warned that the euro would be "in danger" without strong action.
of financial products. Analysts say that the move has led to uncertainty on the markets and added to fears for Europe's banks.
Will the German deal prevent further eurozone financial problems? Do you agree with the German short-term selling ban? Will it have an adverse effect on the markets?
What's your experience?
Students from the wealthiest 20% of the population are seven times more likely to attend the UK's most selective universities than those from the most disadvantaged 40%. (Offa) says this has not changed since the mid 1990s.
The Offa report identified several factors holding back bright disadvantaged students, including lower exam grades, a greater risk of making poor choices at GCSE level and a fear of applying to the top universities.
Are you a student from a disadvantaged background? Did you find it difficult when applying to university? What do you think would help other students from poorer backgrounds?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
What's your experience?
66 percent of people polled said they trust radio news most, 58 percent chose internet news, 54 percent said television and 34 percent said newspapers. Researchers interviewed 1,824 adults last year.
This is the first time that online news has overtaken television news as the most credible source.
Where do you go for reliable news? Which medium do you see as the most credible and why?
This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.
in April to hit its highest rate in 17 months, official figures show. What is your reaction?
On the Consumer Prices Index measure, inflation hit 3.7% - well above the target of 2% and the highest rate since November 2008. On the Retail Prices Index measure, which includes housing costs, inflation was up to 5.3%.
The said disruption caused by the volcanic ash cloud had driven up food prices, while higher duty on alcohol and cigarettes introduced in April's Budget had also added to inflation.
Have price rises affected you? Do you find yourself spending more than you used to? Have you had to cut down on spending because of rising prices?
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This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.
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to stop the latest strikes by its cabin staff. Do you agree with the decision?
The judge ruled that the union had failed to tell its members about a number of spoilt ballot papers in the latest strike votes. The union has filed for leave to appeal against the ruling.
The union's joint general secretary, Tony Woodley, said "the decision brings into question whether we have the right to strike in this country" and announced the union would appeal the ruling.
Should courts stop strikes on technicalities? Does this bring to question the right to strike? Should both parts try to solve the ? Are you flying today? Has your flight been affected?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
An article in the Mail on Sunday claimed Lord Treisman suggested Spain could drop its 2018 bid if rival bidder Russia helped bribe referees at this summer's World Cup.
The England 2018 team has apologised to the Russian and Spanish FAs as it tries to rescue the World Cup bid with a Fifa decision due in December.
Was the Mail on Sunday right to publish the allegations? Is Britain's World Cup bid salvageable? Was the story legitimate journalism or entrapment? Is there a case for suppressing bad press if it is in the national interest?
This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.
The new government has made reducing the UK's record peacetime borrowing its number one economic priority.
Mr Osborne has said to expect significant reductions to the costs of quangos and some Whitehall departments in next week's announcement.
The coalition government has also announced that it will hold its first "emergency Budget"on Tuesday 22 June.
Do you work in the public sector? Where do you think savings should be made? Should there be spending cuts or tax rises?
This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.
to send its low-enriched uranium abroad in exchange for nuclear fuel from the United States, France and Russia. What is your reaction?
Iran's foreign ministry said it was ready to ship 1,200kg of low-enriched uranium to Turkey, in return for nuclear fuel for its medical research reactor. A similar idea was proposed last year but Tehran rejected the deal.
Iran is already under three sets of UN sanctions for refusing to halt its uranium enrichment, which the West fears hides a . It is thought this new deal mediated by Brazil may ward off another round of sanctions and lead to new talks.
Will this move make any difference to Iran's relationship with the West? Should another round of sanctions be imposed on Iran? Should world leaders engage in further talks with Tehran?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
. Should Facebook rethink its privacy rules?
The blogosphere described the meeting as a panic measure following weeks of criticism over the way Facebook handles members' data. Facebook said it was an opportunity for employees "to ask questions on a topic that has received a lot of outside interest".
The meeting took place after a number of high-profile users deleted their accounts when the site introduced a new feature that lets non-Facebook websites, or third parties, post the personal views of Facebook users without their consent.
Several US senators have made public calls for Facebook to rethink its privacy safeguards and earlier this week European data protection officials weighed in on the controversy and called privacy changes "unacceptable".
Are you happy with Facebook's privacy policy? Could more be done to revamp the policy to protect users' privacy? What changes would you like to see made?
This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.
David Cameron has to make parliaments fixed term and give MPs the power to directly dissolve parliament. What is your reaction?
The states that power to call an election as and when they wished would be taken off the government by fixing each parliamentary term at five years. It also allows for the direct dissolution of parliament if 55% or more of the House votes in favour.
MPs currently have no way of voting directly for dissolution, although they can hold a vote of no confidence. If carried by a majority of 50% plus one and no other party is able to form a government, this motion can lead to the dissolution of parliament and a general election. The coalition's plans would not affect votes of no confidence, which would continue to operate on a 50% plus one basis.
Representatives at the Scottish Parliament, National Assembly for Wales and the Northern Ireland Assembly already have the power of direct dissolution if two thirds of their respective members vote in favour.Μύ
What do you think of this proposal? Should MPs have the power to directly dissolve parliament? What effect would this reform have?
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Thank you for your comments.Μύ This message board is now closed.
Question Time, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's premier political debate programme comes from London on Thursday 13 May.
The includes Conservative peer Lord Heseltine, Labour peer Lord Falconer, Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes, Daily Mail columnist Melanie Phillips and Mehdi Hasan of the New Statesman.
What are your thoughts about the programme and the panel? Let us know here on the Question Time debate page.
The way we run the Have Your Say debate for Question Time has changed. To give us your views you will need to sign in using your Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iD. If you do not have a Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iD you can create one by clicking on 'Register' at the top right of this page.
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Read more about changes to Have Your Say
A public debate on the is urgently needed, says the independent Centre for Crime and Justice Studies. What is your reaction?
A claims spending on police overtime in England and Wales increased by 90% over the past decade to Β£400m, even though there has been a record rise in the number of officers.
Overall police spending grew from Β£9.8bn in 1999 to Β£14.5bn in 2009, largely due to a rise in civilian staff, such as police community support officers. Much of this spending was borne by council tax rises, which may not be sustainable in future, the centre says.
Are you a police officer? How has the police force changed over the past decade? What role should the police force have in future?
Thank you for your comments. This debate is now closed.
to his coalition government in its third full day in power. What do you make of the ?
Lynne Featherstone and David Heath are the latest Lib Dems to get jobs, on top of eleven MPs from the party already appointed to ministerial positions.
Ms Featherstone Lynne Featherstone, who was named junior equalities minister at the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Office,
Mr Cameron met First Minister Alex Salmond in Scotland, with both parties saying the talks had been productive.
Can the Conservative-led coalition rebuild trust in politics and create a stronger society? Or will the differences between the parties create problems for the new coalition? What did you think of the first press conference by David Cameron and Nick Clegg?
Thank you for your comments. This message board is now closed.
has been unveiled by US senators. What should the US do about climate change?
After healthcare reform, passing a climate change law is Mr Obama's biggest legislative priority.
revealed that the bill proposes cutting US carbon emissions by 17% by 2020 - it also includes provisions for relaxing rules on offshore oil-drilling, a highly controversial subject in the wake of the .
Does the climate change bill cover all the important factors? What should President Obama do about oil drilling, power generation and carbon emissions? How will the bill affect you?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
Who would you like to see as leader?
Ms Abbott says her bid is "serious" and she feels there is little between the other candidates, so she is standing to offer Labour a choice. There are five other candidates in the contest so far - David and Ed Miliband, Andy Burnham, Ed Balls and John McDonnell.
A host of senior Labour figures - including acting leader Harriet Harman, former Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Secretary Alan Johnson and prominent backbencher Jon Cruddas - have ruled themselves out.
The result of Labour's leadership election will be announced in September at the party conference, officials say.
Where does the Labour Party go from here? What do you think of the candidates? Who else should be in the running?
This debate is now closed. Thank you for your comments.
But how will it work and what should it prioritise?
Mr Cameron said he aimed to form a "proper and full coalition" with the Lib Dems to provide "strong, stable government".
Four other Lib Dems will take cabinet posts in the new .
What should the new government focus on? Will the coalition be good for Britain? Will the Conservatives and Lib Dems now be able to provide strong and stable government?
This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.
, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ understands. Should there be deal between the Conservatives and the Lib Dems?
The decision appears to clear the way for a Lib Dem and Tory deal which would see David Cameron succeeding Labour's Gordon Brown as prime minister.
The Lib Dems and Conservative teams are still in talks, four days after the UK election delivered a hung parliament
Can the Liberal Democrats come to a compromise with the Conservatives? Would a deal with the Labour party have worked? Who would you like to see govern?
What is your fantasy cabinet?
Watch events unfold here on the .
The outcome of the UK's will determine the make-up of the British cabinet - but who would you like to see in the most important political roles?
As politicians work towards in the top roles, what attributes and individuals would you like to see them consider?
If a decisive nature is important in a prime minister does Lord Sugar's business success qualify him as a contender? Would David Beckham's international football career and global fan base make him a good foreign secretary? Does Dame Judi Dench's strong portrayal as 'M' mean she has the makings of a home secretary who can tackle difficult issues?
Who do you want to see running the UK? What political portfolio would best suit which individual? Tell us who would be in your fantasy cabinet?
. Will your child be affected by the boycott?
The industrial action is being taken by the in the but members are free to stage the action or not.
About 600,000 10 and 11-year-olds are due to take the tests this week. But head teachers say that the tests damage children's education and encourage teachers to "teach to the test", so that other subjects are squeezed out.
However, authorities see the tests as a vital way that schools are held accountable to both the government and parents.
Are the Sats tests a good way to improve education? Do you think they pevent the teaching of a wider curriculum? Are you a teacher or a parent?What are your views on the tests?
This debate has now been closed. Thank you for your comments.
What is your reaction?
Mr Brown is on his way to officially tender his resignation to the Queen, and recommend that Conservative leader David Cameron should succeed him.
Speaking alongside his wife Sarah outside No 10 Downing Street, he said the job had been "a privilege" and wished his successor well.
His decision comes as the Tories and Liberal Democrats are poised to agree a deal to form a government.
What your thoughts on a new government with David Cameron as prime minister? What should be the new government's main priorities? What is Mr Brown's place in history?
Watch events unfold here on the .
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EU finance ministers have agreed on worth 500bn euros (Β£430bn) to prevent the Greek debt crisis from speading. Will these measures stop the crisis from affecting other countries?
The 16 members of the single currency bloc will have access to 440bn euros of loan guarantees and 60bn euros of emergency European Commission funding. The will also contribute up to 250bn euros.
Economic Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn said the agreement proved "we shall defend the euro whatever it takes".
Should large loans be used to support eurozone countries in debt? Are you in Greece - do you welcome the EU's intervention? What impact will the bail-out package have on people in Greece and the economies in other eurozone countries?
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Send us your memories.
With a , she became the first black sex symbol in the 1930s.
In 1943, she played Selina Rogers in the all-black musical film Stormy Weather. The title song from the film became a major hit and also her signature tune.
When actress Halle Berry became the first black woman to win an Oscar in 2002, she cited Lena Horne as one of the pioneering entertainers who had paved the way for her breakthrough.
What are your memories of Lena Horne? Did you meet her? What is her legacy? How will she be remembered?
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, which means it is not clear who will be in a position to form a government or who will be prime minister. So what should happen now?
about the possibility of their parties forming a new government.
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague, part of the Tory negotiating team, said they had agreed that economic stability would be key to any deal. The two teams intend to meet again within 24 hours, after reporting to their leaders.
While the negotiations took place, Gordon Brown met Nick Clegg at the Foreign Office. Gordon Brown remains prime minister, and government business continues, with Chancellor Alistair Darling attending a meeting of finance ministers in Brussels.
What does a mean for the UK? Can a coalition or minority government work? Who has the right to lead the country? What should the Lib Dems do?
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Comment on our new debate discussing a possible deal: What's more important? A deal now, or the right deal?
in the general election, and look to have ended up with a hung parliament. Did you vote and what do you expect to happen now?
It looks as if the Conservatives will win the most seats, but it remains unclear as to who might try to form a government - and there have also been reports from various locations of because of .
What is your reaction to the election and the results? Did you have any trouble when trying to vote? Will this be seen as an historic election?
This debate has been closed. You can comment on our new debate about the election results here.
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Children's books publisher, is marking 70 years in the business. The books for kids line grew out of the Penguin books stable. What makes a successful children's book?
The first Puffin book to hatch featured Worzel Gummidge and in 1967, Kaye Webb, Puffin editor, started the Puffin book club to encourage more children to read books.
Famous Puffin titles include Treasure Island, the Artemis Fowl series and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
What were your favourite first books? Are there books that inspired you to read more as a child? Have you passed on your reading recommendations to your children?
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What's your reaction?
Jury-less criminal trials have caused controversy in the legal profession. The Criminal Justice Act 2003, which made them possible, was introduced amid concerns over jury tampering. However, the Crown Prosecution Service said it is strongly in favour of jury trials unless there are "exceptional circumstances".
The applications were lodged after a trial in March, when four men were convicted of armed robbery by a judge, because three previous trials had collapsed, and the Court of Appeal ruled there was a serious danger a jury could be influenced.
Has the complexity of cases undermined the impartiality and fairness of the jury system? In complex cases, are judge-alone trials a better way of achieving justice?
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following the death of President Umaru Yar'Adua who died after a long illness. Send us your comments.
In November 2009, Mr Yar'Adua went to a hospital in Saudi Arabia, during which time he was not heard from, apart from one Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ interview. He returned to Nigeria in February 2010, but his long absence and the lack of detailed information about his health led to political limbo in Nigeria.
Mr Yar'Adua, 58, came to power in 2007 promising many reforms including tackling corruption and the flawed electoral system. However, analysts say he made most progress in dealing with unrest in the oil-rich Niger Delta by offering an amnesty to rebels.
Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan, in charge since February, has been sworn in as the new head of state.
What are you memories of President Yar'Adua? Did you meet him? What is his legacy to Nigeria? What does the future hold for the country?
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Two announcements about smacking and toddlers' TV habits have put a spotlight on parenting skills and the impact on their children. What makes a good parent?
The deputy head of the Council of Europe, Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Smacking is currently allowed for parents in the UK for the purposes of "reasonable" punishment.
Meanwhile, found that children who watched too much TV as toddlers have a higher possibility of doing badly at school and have poor health at the age of 10. Dr Linda Pagani, who supervised the study,
How can parenting skills be improved? Should parents follow the advice of academics and government agencies? How has parenting changed from generation to generation?
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All of the main UK parties say they are committed to an NHS free at the point of delivery. Is this still a realistic option?
While the NHS is a devolved issue with different policies in different parts of the UK, , as the cost of providing healthcare is being driven up by new medicines and technologies while patient expectations are increasing.
include David Cameron's promise to "cut the deficit, not the NHS", while Gordon Brown has promised all cancer test results will be provided within a week by 2017, and Nick Clegg will guarantee that the NHS will pay for patients to go private if they do not get diagnosis and treatment on time.
Which of the political parties has the best policy for the NHS? What do you think health and social care provision will look like in the future? Are you a health service worker? What are your views on the parties' health plans?
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Japan's it will not be feasible to entirely remove a controversial US base from the island of Okinawa. Should the base remain on the island?
The US Marines' Futenma base is deeply unpopular, and last month nearly 100,000 people staged a protest to demand that the base be removed.
Removing the base was also a key election pledge of the prime minister, but on a visit to the island, Mr Hatoyama said "realistically speaking, it is impossible" to fully relocate it.
The base, which has been on the island since 1945, is home to over half the 47,000 American troops based in Japan.
Do you live in Okinawa? What do you think of the prime minister's announcement? Is the base necessary for national security? Has the row over the base's future damaged ties with the US?
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Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg are beginning a final push for votes, as the election campaign enters its final day. Have you decided how to vote?
After campaigning through the night Mr Cameron said the election was "close" and he was fighting "for every vote".
Mr Brown has been visiting market workers in Leeds and will campaign in England and Scotland. While Nick Clegg will make a last dash for votes across England in Eastbourne, Durham and Sheffield.
They are trying to win over undecided voters ahead of what is expected to be the closest contest in years.
Do you vote with your heart or with your head? Are you a tactical voter? Or have you decided not to vote?
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Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg will be interviewed by the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's Jeremy Vine on Tuesday. What did you think?
The youngest of the main party leaders, Nick Clegg has been leader of the Liberal Democrats since 2007. You can read the party's manifesto .
Mr Clegg was first elected a Member of the European Parliament for the East Midlands in 1999 but stood down in 2004 before being elected MP for Sheffield Hallam in 2005.
What do you think of the Liberal Democrats' policies? Which policies would you like to ask Nick Clegg about? What broader issues would you like to discuss with the Lib Dem leader?
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In the eighth in a series of interviews with party leaders, Jeremy Vine interviewed Nick Clegg during his programme on Radio 2 between 12pm and 1230pm on Tuesday 04 May 2010. For more information on how to listen to a recording of the interview click here.Μύ
Journalists across the world will highlight the importance of a free global media and the need for governments to uphold freedom of expression on on Monday. What does a free press mean to you?
To mark the occasion the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service is examining the risks faced reporters in some parts of the world. As part of this coverage, American journalist Roxana Saberi will give an interview about her imprisonment in Iran last year after being accused of spying.
According to 583 journalists have been murdered worldwide since 1992.
Do you feel the media's freedom is restricted in your country? Are you a journalist who's experience censorship or intimidation? What should be done to protect reporters?
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Labour, Tory and Lib Dem representatives have been setting out their vision for British society. What do you think of their ideas?
Speaking on the Radio 4's Today programme, defended the idea of active government, saying that the system was now moving to one of public rights to certain standards of service.
spoke of a "big society", saying the issue was for public services to stop doing things "in a bureaucratic pattern" and harness "the idealism of volunteers."
argued for a combination of proper resourcing of public services by Whitehall and a devolvement of "much more power down to the people who actually run public services."
How active should national government be in providing local services? Would you like more say on how your public services are run locally? What are your experiences of how things are run in your area?
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to prevent the Greek debt crisis escalating. Do you think the Greek crisis will spread to other countries?
On Friday, eurozone leaders approved a 110bn-euro loan package to Greece. This followed protests in Greece that turned violent last week over after Greece's parliament voted in favour of the measures to address the country's financial crisis.
Should large loans be used to support eurozone countries in debt? Are you in Greece - do you welcome the EU's intervention? What impact will the bail-out package have on people in Greece and the economies in other eurozone countries?
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Do newspapers have any influence over voters?
and its Sunday sister paper, The Observer, are backing the Liberal Democrats, with the former saying it supported their stance on electoral reform.
And and The Sunday Times have switched support to the Conservatives, saying leader David Cameron was ready to govern.
In 1992 newspaper famously declared "It's The Sun wot won it" on the morning after John Major's election victory.
Have you ever been influenced by the papers? Should papers remain neutral? How much influence do newspapers have?
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