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Steve Richards of The Independent examines the government's review of the NHS - with Michael Heseltine who carried out a review of Margaret Thatcher's poll tax.

Steve Richards of the Independent looks behind the scenes at Westminster.

The government is reviewing controversial NHS reforms. But should ministers give in to critics or stick by their plans? The Tory grandee, Lord Heseltine, has experience of conducting a review of a controversial policy: the poll tax. What advice would he give ministers as they pause before a tide of protest ?

Will there ever be an elected House of Lords? This week, Nick Clegg's package of reforms for the Upper House was given short shrift by peers and MPs. Here, the Tory peer, Lord Dobbs, and the former Liberal Democrat Leader, Sir Menzies Campbell MP, take sides.

David Cameron has made his second appearance before the committee made up of select committee chairman. Not much news came out of the hearing. But is that a sign that these kind of sessions have failed? The committee chairman, the Lib Dem, Sir Alan Beith, and Labour's Margaret Hodge, reflect.

Finally, life is changing for political bloggers. Live blogger Andrew Sparrow of The Guardian, discusses why - with veteran bloggers Tom Watson MP and Iain Dale.

The Editor was Peter Mulligan.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 21 May 2011 11:00

Chapters

  • Should ministers give in to critics or stick by their plans?

    Tory grandee Michael Heseltine urges David Cameron to hold his nerve over NHS reforms

    Duration: 07:00

  • Will there ever be an elected House of Lords?

    Can the bill to reform the Lords succeed? Lord Dobbs and Sir Ming Campbell debate

    Duration: 07:15

  • The PM and the Liaison Committee

    Alan Beith and Margaret Hodge reflect on David Cameron's appearance before senior MPs.

    Duration: 08:20

  • Is live blogging the future of political journalism?

    How life is changing for political bloggers Andrew Sparrow, Tom Watson MP and Iain Dale

    Duration: 07:00

Broadcast

  • Sat 21 May 2011 11:00

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