Election Live - 24 April

Responding to Nicola Sturgeon’s interview with The Times , a Conservative spokesman said:

Quote Message: By 'enormous influence', Nicola Sturgeon means higher taxes, higher spending, higher welfare bills and weaker defences."

By 'enormous influence', Nicola Sturgeon means higher taxes, higher spending, higher welfare bills and weaker defences."

UKIP leader Nigel Farage has been speaking to the BBC about how he was "in a great deal of pain" at the start of the election campaign. He said he was receiving private treatment because campaigning left him no time to manage NHS appointments.

The UKIP leader - who addressed rumours about his health in an interview with the Telegraph - said people had noticed a difference in his demeanour, and that the speculation about his health was "his fault".

"I've not been doing physio. I've not been doing my exercises," he said.

Quote Message: I've been so obsessed with the UKIP campaign that I put myself into a position where I wasn't really firing on all cylinders."

I've been so obsessed with the UKIP campaign that I put myself into a position where I wasn't really firing on all cylinders."

NewsnightCopyright: Newsnight

Tonight's Newsnight Index shows a three-seat gain for the Conservatives at the expense of Labour. The other parties are unchanged.

Throughout the general election campaign, Newsnight is publishing a picture of the likely election outcome each evening, based on a sophisticated forecast model. It is produced by Professor Chris Hanretty from the University of East Anglia and his colleagues at electionforecast.co.uk.

For more information on how the Index is produced, see the video on the BBC's YouTube page.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage has been speaking to the Telegraph about a problem with his back, for which he's having treatment twice a week at a private London hospital.

Mr Farage says he's had chronic back and muscle pain since a plane crash in 2010 and is taking medication and having physiotherapy for it.

He says he was forced to speak out after rumours about his health.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has thanked David Cameron's party for helping to raise the profile of the SNP. She said the Conservatives' focus on the potential influence the SNP might have at Westminster was "not unhelpful".

Ms Sturgeon has said the SNP could prop up a minority Labour administration even if Labour get up to 40 fewer MPs than the Conservatives after the general election. In an interview withThe Times, she said her party expected to wield "enormous influence" over Labour if the party formed a minority government.

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Quote Message: At every Westminster election I've fought until this one, the biggest challenge that we've had to overcome is being heard and being relevant. We don't have this problem this time."

At every Westminster election I've fought until this one, the biggest challenge that we've had to overcome is being heard and being relevant. We don't have this problem this time."

According to Saturday's FT , Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg is dismissing support for any deal with Labour involving SNP. The paper adds: "In the clearest sign yet that he is contemplating a renewal of his 2010 coalition with the Conservatives, Mr Clegg told the Financial Times that Labour had been consumed by 'frothing bile' towards his party."

Writing in the Independent , the Conservative peer Lord Ashcroft says:

Quote Message: Some voters who prefer Cameron to Miliband but Labour to the Tories are starting to make their minds up – in favour of Labour."

Some voters who prefer Cameron to Miliband but Labour to the Tories are starting to make their minds up – in favour of Labour."

Labour leader Ed Miliband has revealed that he has never smacked his children. He told the PoliticsHomewebsite :

Quote Message: "Your children can be very naughty and it's particularly when they are doing dangerous things. It's tough when they are much younger, but I think basically you should try not to do that."

"Your children can be very naughty and it's particularly when they are doing dangerous things. It's tough when they are much younger, but I think basically you should try not to do that."

A bit more from David Cameron's interview with Channel 4 News earlier. The PM said a Labour/SNP deal would be "intolerable" because the Scottish nationalists "want the country to fail".

Quote Message: At the end of a five-year Parliament propping up Ed Miliband, does Nicola Sturgeon want to look back and say 'That was a great Parliament, that was very successful at Westminster. My, how well this government is working?' Of course not, her or Alex Salmond or any of them. They want Westminster to grind to a halt. They want the government, the country, to fail, because they want to leave it."

At the end of a five-year Parliament propping up Ed Miliband, does Nicola Sturgeon want to look back and say 'That was a great Parliament, that was very successful at Westminster. My, how well this government is working?' Of course not, her or Alex Salmond or any of them. They want Westminster to grind to a halt. They want the government, the country, to fail, because they want to leave it."

Labour candidate Anas Sarwar has received a death threat on his answering machine. The caller threatened to shoot the former Scottish Labour deputy leader in a message left on the machine of his Glasgow office earlier this month.

Scottish Labour says the matter has been reported to police. Mr Sarwar is standing to hold his seat for Glasgow Central. Other candidates for the seat can be found here .

There was unanimous agreement from the cross-party Any Questions panel that it was wrong that the allegations of child sex abuse against Lord Janner did not go to court. Earlier this week, Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders said because of the Labour peer's dementia, it would not be in the public interest for him to face trial. He had denied the allegations.

The former Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer said:

PACopyright: PA

Quote Message: She was wrong. There should have been an open hearing. A decision should not have been made behind closed doors, but by a jury. I can think of nothing more awful if I was a victim than if I was not given an opportunity for my case to be heard."

She was wrong. There should have been an open hearing. A decision should not have been made behind closed doors, but by a jury. I can think of nothing more awful if I was a victim than if I was not given an opportunity for my case to be heard."

Stewart Hosie, of the SNP, says there is always an argument to say you "should have a plan to win the peace as well as to win the war" and that too many times we have seen "mayhem", when there has been no post-conflict plan.

Former Lord Chancellor, Labour's Lord Falconer, said it had not been an inappropriate comment from Mr Miliband. "It was absolutely right for him to raise the issue," he said.

"The point he was making was that the international community should have done everything in its power to deal with the anarchy that took place in Libya."

The panelists are divided over comments made by Ed Miliband on the tragedies unfolding in the Mediterranean. A questioner asked whether his remarks were ill-advised.

Former Conservative Defence Secretary Liam Fox said: "There's a perfectly good case to have a discussion during the general election. The way it was phrased was very unfortunate."

Lib Dem equalities minister Jo Swinson said Mr Miliband had been "ill-advised" to reduce the issue to the responsibilities of any politician and that it was "not the best way to have the debate and resolve the problems".

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The Scottish Green Party has accused Westminster governments of holding back the progress of small businesses, writes Scotland Correspondent Laura Bickers.

The party unveiled a plan in Edinburgh which it says will create jobs and put public services back in public hands. The party is putting up candidates in 32 of the 59 Scottish constituencies, appealing to the low-paid with a pledge for a minimum wage of £10 an hour. It also wants to re-nationalise the railways. Its co-convenor, Patrick Harvie said small- and medium-sized Scottish firms were being held back.

Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has called on the DUP's Jim Wells to stand down as Northern Ireland's health minister after his comments about same sex marriage and child abuse.

Mr Wells has apologised for his remarks.

Mr Tatchell said:

Quote Message: If Jim Wells had made these comments about black or Jewish parents he would have been forced to resign. I don't see how he can remain as health minister. If he won't stand down he should be sacked. Jim's apology does not alter the fact that he and the DUP have a long history of supporting legal discrimination against gay people and voting against gay equality."

If Jim Wells had made these comments about black or Jewish parents he would have been forced to resign. I don't see how he can remain as health minister. If he won't stand down he should be sacked. Jim's apology does not alter the fact that he and the DUP have a long history of supporting legal discrimination against gay people and voting against gay equality."

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Starting now on BBC Radio 4, Jonathan Dimbleby chairs political debate in Any Questions.

Tonight the programme is from Logie Coldstone in Aberdeenshire and includes the former Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, former Defence Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, Deputy Leader of the Scottish National Party, Stewart Hosie MSP, and the Liberal Democrat Equalities Minister Jo Swinson.

Terry Henson:

Email Message: The SNP say if they get into government they will scrap Trident. What will happen to the thousands of jobs that will be lost.

None of the main parties have latched on to this. Why?

The SNP say if they get into government they will scrap Trident. What will happen to the thousands of jobs that will be lost.

None of the main parties have latched on to this. Why?

David Cameron was asked by Jon Snow on Channel 4 News how the Conservatives would make their promised cuts to the welfare bill. He said the cuts would be "half of what we did in the last parliament when we saved £21bn" and that some of the savings would come from the fact that an extra one million people would go in to work and therefore be off welfare.

Interviewed on Channel 4 news, the Prime Minister rejects claims that Britain got it wrong with Libya and says the country had carried out airstrikes with France because "Colonel Gaddafi had said he was going to kill his people like rats" [in Benghazi].

He also rejected claims that the government had not done enough to plan for the aftermath of the airstrikes.

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Quote Message: I don't accept that we did not have a plan - we did. Britain and Europe could have put troops on the ground; I don't think that would have worked, but we did stop Gaddafi carrying out a genocide."

I don't accept that we did not have a plan - we did. Britain and Europe could have put troops on the ground; I don't think that would have worked, but we did stop Gaddafi carrying out a genocide."

"We are still working with the Libyan authorities, trying to bring together the various sides to get a government for Libya - but this is something the Libyan people have to do for themselves," he adds.

The Spectator’s gossip columnist, Steerpike, has been looking at Gordon Brown's pledge that Labour will give money to every food bank in Scotland if the party wins the election.

Quote Message: Why not give cash to English ones too? Or can they wait beyond May 8 because they’re, em, English?" from Steerpike

Why not give cash to English ones too? Or can they wait beyond May 8 because they’re, em, English?"

During his LBC phone-in earlier, Ed Miliband spoke about his brother David and whether he would be helping campaign for his brother.

Quote Message: He's been sending me very encouraging messages throughout this campaign and I'm really grateful to him for that. He's got his own job in America and he said when he left British politics that he didn't want the soap opera" from Ed Miliband

He's been sending me very encouraging messages throughout this campaign and I'm really grateful to him for that. He's got his own job in America and he said when he left British politics that he didn't want the soap opera"

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Ed Miliband has been facing questions from 10 young voters on the European migrant crisis, the threat to Labour from the SNP, the state of the NHS in Wales and LGBT attitudes in Northern Ireland. It got pretty lively with even Newsbeat's presenter Chris Smith interrupted by a member of the audience at one point. It was the latest in a series of interviews with the main party leaders in Radio 1's Live Lounge, where listeners normally hear the likes of Ed Sheeran doing cover versions. Listen to the interview here

Sir David Attenborough has added his name to a letter backing Green Caroline Lucas for reelection in Brighton Pavilion. Comedian Rory Bremner and singer Billy Bragg have also signed an open letter saying they think "it’s crucial" Ms Lucas is in the next Parliament.

Quote Message: We believe that our democracy can only be strengthened by maintaining such a strong and inspirational presence in Parliament.”

We believe that our democracy can only be strengthened by maintaining such a strong and inspirational presence in Parliament.”

Sharing a picture of his postal ballot.

Labour is "furious" the row over Libya has dominated the headlines today, says our deputy political editor James Landale. Ed Miliband had hoped to set out his "credentials as a future world statesman", he says.

But the Tories are also furious at what they see as a personal attack on the prime minister, he adds.

Former Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell tells BBC Radio 4's PM that were it not in the "febrile atmosphere of a general election campaign", some of Ed Miliband's foreign policy remarks might have been received differently.

But he says the Labour leader "briefed one way, then spoke other" and that it was inevitable his comments would be seen as attributing blame to David Cameron on the subject of Libya and the Mediterranean migrant crisis. Sir Menzies says the prime minister's reaction was "pretty generous" to his opposite number.

Tony, Staines:

Email Message: Regarding Miliband as a pin-up for teen girls. I have asked quite a few teenagers about the pictures being posted and what they thought was going on. To the last, they said most of the teens were having a laugh at Miliband. Note to adults: never assume that you can take at face value anything that teens post on social media.

Regarding Miliband as a pin-up for teen girls. I have asked quite a few teenagers about the pictures being posted and what they thought was going on. To the last, they said most of the teens were having a laugh at Miliband. Note to adults: never assume that you can take at face value anything that teens post on social media.

Ed Miliband's appearance on Radio 1 was pre-recorded a short time ago. The Labour leader is now on LBC, where he has been challenged by presenter Iain Dale about his foreign affairs experience. "I’ve got more than David Cameron had when he became PM," Mr Miliband says, pointing to trips when he worked for the last Labour government.

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The Labour leader is asked on BBC Radio 1 whether people can trust him because, the questioner says, "you were not loyal to your brother".

Ed Miliband says that's the charge being made by the Conservatives but that he does not "buy that".

"It was hard", he says, but it was right that he stood against his brother and he did so because he thought he was the right person to "move on from New Labour".

He said he had moved the party on on the issues of immigration, Iraq and inequality.

The first question to Ed Miliband on Radio 1's Newsbeat is about Scotland.

He says the SNP's priority is independence "while we put social justice first - the NHS...raising minimum wage, banning zero hours contracts".

To a questioner who says Labour has not done enough in Scotland, he says: "You are definitely right - we have a big challenge."

But he insists:

Quote Message: What unites us is less than what divides us."

What unites us is less than what divides us."

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Ed Miliband has been asked on BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat about his record on raising the issue of Libya at Prime Minister's Questions. This follows his claims that David Cameron and other leaders had failedto plan properly for Libya's future after airstrikes.

In a question and answer session in Radio 1's Live Lounge, the Labour leader was asked why he hadn't raised it with David Cameron in the Commons for four years.

You can listen to or watch the session from 1730.

Quote Message: I was setting out today my approach to foreign policy. One of the things I said was we've got to engage in the problems of the world but we've got to engage in them in a way that learns the lessons of the past."

I was setting out today my approach to foreign policy. One of the things I said was we've got to engage in the problems of the world but we've got to engage in them in a way that learns the lessons of the past."

Malcolm Walker, the boss of Wales' largest company - Iceland - has backed the Conservatives - but says many of his staff and customers will disagree.

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Labour has suspended one of its general election candidates in Scotland after he appeared in court accused of driving offences. Sumon Hoque, 32, was standing in Banff and Buchan. He appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today, where he denied five breaches of the Road Traffic Act, including driving without a licence and being over the legal drink-driving limit. You can find a full list of candidates standing in the constituency here .

A Scottish Labour spokesman said:

Quote Message: Sumon Hoque has been suspended from representing the Labour Party and we have, therefore, withdrawn support from him as the general election candidate."

Sumon Hoque has been suspended from representing the Labour Party and we have, therefore, withdrawn support from him as the general election candidate."

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Ed Miliband has reportedly become a pin-up with teenage girls - the Poldark of politics! And with many apologies to the BBC1 drama coming to a close this week, BBC1's This Week turned to its own Ross and Demelza - Kevin Maguire and Miranda Green - for a round up of the campaign week, known as Poll-Dark. Watch the film.

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Former Conservative deputy prime minister Michael Heseltine could have a role in an Ed Miliband government, Chuka Umunna has said.

A source close to the shadow business secretary said Labour would “love to look at” how the Tory grandee could carry on in his advisory role at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

In an interview with The Guardian, Mr Umunna said: “There is no denying it, a lot of people in the Labour movement are quite inspired by what he’s done in rejuvenating cities and regions.”

And he added: “Just because he is a Tory should not stand in the way of us working with him in the future, and I very much hope to do that.”

Labour said there was no formal announcement planned and it had had no confirmation from Lord Heseltine that he would agree to work under Ed Miliband.

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Nick Clegg, campaigning in his Sheffield Hallam constituency, describes Ed Miliband's comments on Libya as "sanctimonious".

"Of course we should have a debate, but a grown-up and balanced debate about when countries intervene in other places - how do we make sure that the peace is properly planned for?" he says.

"But I have to say, it is quite difficult to take a sanctimonious message from Ed Miliband, given that he is part of a party that took us into an illegal invasion in Iraq in the first place with no post-conflict planning."

The Lib Dem leader also took a swipe at the Conservatives, saying the launch of the Tory "English manifesto" confirmed that Mr Cameron's party was no longer set on representing the whole of the UK.

Quote Message: "It is now quite obvious that the Conservative Party is in such a panic because of their lacklustre election campaign that all they are doing is lurching this way and that to try and chase UKIP. The Conservative Party, as of today, is no longer standing up for the United Kingdom as a whole."

"It is now quite obvious that the Conservative Party is in such a panic because of their lacklustre election campaign that all they are doing is lurching this way and that to try and chase UKIP. The Conservative Party, as of today, is no longer standing up for the United Kingdom as a whole."

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Ed Miliband was the most frequently reported politician in the election campaign over the past week, according to analysis of TV bulletins and national newspapers by Loughborough University.

Academics say the Labour leader accounted for 33% of the coverage between 16 and 22 April, overtaking David Cameron for the first time in the election campaign.

The prime minister featured in 29% of the coverage, followed by SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon with 24%.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage came fourth with 16% and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was fifth on 15%.

As the early team heads home, the late team are taking over. If you've not kept your eye on election news today, here's a brief round-up:

Ed Miliband said a lack of planning by the government had contributed to the current migrant crisis in the Mediterranean. David Cameron called the remarks "ill-judged".

Proposals for " English votes for English laws " would be in place for the first Budget of a Conservative government, Mr Cameron has said.

The Lib Dems say there is " a lot of concern " in the financial markets about a minority government.

Police are investigating comments made by Northern Ireland Health Minister Jim Wells after he linked child abuse and gay relationships. He's apologised.

The Socialist Labour Party traces its roots back to the 1984-5 Miner's Strike and what it believes is the movement of solidarity that it inspired. The Scottish Socialist Party believes in an independent, socialist Scotland and was one of three parties in the Yes campaign for an independent Scotland.

Ken Capstick from the Socialist Labour Party and Colin Fox from the Scottish Socialist Party spoke to Andrew Neil about their push for votes. Watch the interviews.

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The Daily Politics is touring the UK talking to voters at 18 locations and asking for their views on the general election - and Friday's stop was in Oxford. Reporter Giles Dilnot spoke to Karen Draisay, Lucia Giles and James Edwards in Oxford Yarn Store about what political parties they could vote on 7 May. Watch the film

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The Scottish Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) has published its manifesto . It's calling for the immediate introduction of a minimum wage of £10 an hour and an end to zero-hours contracts.

The party, which was co-founded by the late RMT union leader Bob Crow, is fielding 135 candidates across the UK, including 10 in Scotland. It's calling for the abolition of "anti-union laws".

The Conservative Friends of India have released a Hindi song especially composed for the General Election 2015.

It is designed to "encourage 1.6 million British Indians to support David Cameron and let him finish the job of turning around the British economy".

And everyone agrees, it's impossible to get the chorus out of your head...

Conservative Friends of IndiaCopyright: Conservative Friends of India

wgc comments on this story: The issue with this speech is that Miliband has had nothing interesting, substantive or helpful to say on foreign affairs and now criticises a complex situation in Libya, which involves European leaders and the US not just Cameron.

There is an increasing air of smugness and intellectual superiority on the part of Ed which is unjustified and off putting.

Letthemeatcake says:

This problem is down to western governments trying to sort out other countries and making a bad situation worse. They are OK at going in but utterly useless at regime change. They never have an end game that turns out right. It's been the same for over 100 years, and it's going backwards. This isn't an immigration problem - it's far, far bigger!

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Every Friday there's a market in Ramsgate town centre. As well as flowers, pastries and household goods you can pick up a few political views.

Pro and anti-UKIP campaigners frequently set up stall on opposite sides of the street to try and win over Thanet residents.

Today there was a little more excitement than usual when the UKIP leader himself made an appearance.

As Nigel Farage strode trough the town centre he was met by a group of vocal protestors, shouting at him to "get out of Thanet".

His security and staff formed a ring around him as he shook hands with supporters and tried to ignore the heckling and placards.

It was a brief, lively and loud affair before he was ushered into his car and left. UKIP knew such a public walk about in the centre of a crucial seat was high-risk, but one they thought worth taking to prove Mr Farage's credentials as head of the so-called 'People's Army'.

It was meant to be about Ed Miliband's vision beyond the purely domestic.

It became, in part, a row over whether or not, he was accusing David Cameron of being in some way culpable for the deaths of migrants in the Mediterranean.

First there were the briefings and the counter briefings by the unelected spin doctors.

Then those seeking elected office weighed in -- with Tory representatives accusing Mr Miliband of being absolutely offensive; and their Labour opponents insisting the other side was manufacturing a row.

And all this before the man who wants to govern had uttered a word.

And all because of 29 words in bold in a Labour briefing document.

For the Tories, it's been an opportunity, once again, to question whether Ed Miliband has what it takes to be prime minister.

For Labour, it's been a chance to try and portray their leader as a man who'll be at ease representing the UK abroad.

And for the electorate, the speech and the spat, has been a reminder that the challenges of Europe, migrants and the so called Islamic State await whoever occupies Number 10 once voters have delivered their verdict.

Former Conservative leader William Hague said his party was looking to recapture the English flag which has been "lying in the dirt". He spoke to Andrew Neil about plans for tax rates in England and Scotland as the party launched its English campaign.

Watch the interview

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First it was a hen party...

Then it was #Milifandom...

Now Ed Miliband has been kissed by a man as he posed for the ubiquitous selfies at a campaign event.

Phew. We haven't seen this sort of frenzy since those crazy days of #cleggmania in 2010...

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Louis Lavery:

Email Message: As we're somewhat top heavy when it comes to banking, and, as has been said, we need to re-balance things, then the departure of HSBC is not really of much importance, and one fewer to bail come the next crash.

As we're somewhat top heavy when it comes to banking, and, as has been said, we need to re-balance things, then the departure of HSBC is not really of much importance, and one fewer to bail come the next crash.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

David Cameron was not the first party leader to be asked to offer his suggestions for the next person to play Bond.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage suggested himself, while Labour leader Ed Miliband thought actress Rosamund Pike could be the first female Bond.

Finally on the World at One, William Hague is asked for his response to David Cameron's suggestion that it was time for "a Yorkshire James Bond" - Mr Hague.

The prime minister was asked in a Magic Radio interview who in the cabinet he would pick to take over from Daniel Craig, and suggested Mr Hague.

"He's, fit he's healthy, he does yoga - he can probably crack a man's skull between his kneecaps," Mr Cameron said.

Mr Hague, who has stood down from the Cabinet and from Parliament, joked that he was "a little horrified" by the PM's suggestion for his further employment.

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On Radio 5 Live's Your Call, audience member Dominic Ceraldi, whose graduate daughter previously voted Lib Dem told Nick Clegg he has lost the trust of the student vote and asked how he plans to regain it.

Watch theinterviewto hear his response.

Kevin, Edinburgh:

SMS Message: I think it only fair to point out that Scottish MPs do not have the right to vote on health and education in Scotland either. The issue isn't English and Scottish but MP and MSP. Scottish MPs would effectively become part time under English votes for English laws.

I think it only fair to point out that Scottish MPs do not have the right to vote on health and education in Scotland either. The issue isn't English and Scottish but MP and MSP. Scottish MPs would effectively become part time under English votes for English laws.

William Hague is answering listeners' questions on the World at One on BBC Radio 4.

He says the Conservatives' plan for English votes for English laws "boils down to a simple principle": that any law applying only to England can only be passed if it has the consent of a majority of MPs representing English constituencies.

He rules out a separate English Parliament, saying that it would add "another expensive layer of government".

He argues:

Quote Message: We can have the benefits of accountability in England without creating a whole new parliament."

We can have the benefits of accountability in England without creating a whole new parliament."

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Southampton Itchen UKIP candidate Kim Rose has defended quoting Hitler at a hustings, in reference to the "undemocratic" EU.

Last night Mr Rose used this Adolf Hitler quote: "The best way to take control over a people and control them utterly is to take a little of their freedom at a time, to erode rights by a thousand tiny and almost imperceptible reductions. In this way, the people will not see those rights and freedoms being removed until past the point at which these changes cannot be reversed."

Mr Rose today told the BBC that he does not regret using the quote, saying: "I see Europe turning into exactly what Hitler wanted in 1942."

Mr Rose was recently called in for police questioning over allegations of "treating" after providing sausage rolls at a campaign event. Hampshire Police later said he would face no further action.

Mags Wilson:

Email Message:

Having just watched William Hague on your programme, I have to say that I think Ed Milliband has let himself and his party down. He appears to have forgotten that the Labour government of the day were the ones to supply Libya with some of the weapons they are now using against anyone who disagrees with their current leaders.

Having just watched William Hague on your programme, I have to say that I think Ed Milliband has let himself and his party down. He appears to have forgotten that the Labour government of the day were the ones to supply Libya with some of the weapons they are now using against anyone who disagrees with their current leaders.

Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the Treasury, has responded to the news that HSBC is contemplating relocating its HQ.

Quote Message: I hope HSBC will decide to stay in the UK, but of course we won't compromise on the necessary tough regulation or the fair taxes on the banking sector. But I think HSBC are right to warn of the big dangers for the UK of the threat to leave the European Union which is part of the Tory manifesto in this election. It's one of the things that is causing so much instability in the financial markets, it's one of the reasons you need the Lib Dems in the government to anchor us in the centre ground."

I hope HSBC will decide to stay in the UK, but of course we won't compromise on the necessary tough regulation or the fair taxes on the banking sector. But I think HSBC are right to warn of the big dangers for the UK of the threat to leave the European Union which is part of the Tory manifesto in this election. It's one of the things that is causing so much instability in the financial markets, it's one of the reasons you need the Lib Dems in the government to anchor us in the centre ground."

European Photopress AgencyCopyright: European Photopress Agency

Douglas Alexander says the UK government has failed to meet its responsibilities in Libya.

Here's a story that looks forward to after the election - yes, that time will come.

Press photographers are angry about a ban on taking pictures of the back entrance to Downing Street on privacy grounds.

Professional photographers say they have been told they will be "moved on" by police if they try to take shots from Horse Guards Road in Whitehall.

A Royal Parks spokesman said: "We make it very clear to the media that photography for commercial and newsgathering purposes at the rear of Downing Street is restricted."

The reason photographers are up in arms is because that spot is the place to see politicians trying to sneak in to No 10 to conduct clandestine negotiations...

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Immediate support for the national transitional government after the fall of Col Gaddafi would have helped in Libya, says Labour's Douglas Alexander. He says a potential chance to build a non-Islamist government was "squandered".

Retired diplomat Sir Jeremy Greenstock says the situation in Libya is contributing to the ease with which migrants can be smuggled out of the country. But he says stability is only part of the issue.

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William Hague will be on the World at One today for an election call.

You can tweet us their questions @BBCWorldatOne using the hashtag #ElectionCall, or phone us on 03700100444.

Here is a great example of the difference in language sometimes applied by politicians.

The government's strategy on Libya has failed, the Daily Politics' Andrew Neil says to William Hague.

"It hasn't succeeded so far," says Mr Hauge.

"But in all that time I don't remember any constructive advice from the opposition benches of the House of Commons," he adds.

Should Labour be lecturing anyone on post conflict planning given its own lamentable record? Mr Coaker is asked on the Daily Policis.

Mr Coaker says Labour isn't "trying to lecture people" what it is trying to do is have a debate and discussion about defence.

"We're trying to point out the importance of the development of policy to take into account post conflict planning," he adds.

He says Labour has itself pointed out that lessons need to be learned from the last of post conflict planning in Iraq in particular.

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Ed Miliband's attack on David Cameron's record on Libya is "a new low in shallow opportunism", William Hague tells the BBC News channel.

The former foreign secretary claims the Labour leader has "shown little interest or knowledge of foreign affairs".

It was a "shabby speech", Mr Hague declares.

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Labour's shadow defence secretary, Vernon Coaker, is asked when Ed Miliband requested to see post-conflict plans in relation to Libya, given his apparent concerns.

Mr Coaker tells the Daily Politics that Mr Miliband has consistently raised the need to learn the lessons of post-conflict planning.

Mr Coaker cannot however give specific examples. Under pressure, he says Mr Miliband raised the issue of post conflict planning in 2011. He adds that Mr Miliband raised it again in February 2015.

Alan, Bromley:

SMS Message: I'm not sure Miliband has gauged the mood of the British people right. I think most of us are fed up with being a great world power. The Scandinavian countries seem to do fine by keeping out of it.

I'm not sure Miliband has gauged the mood of the British people right. I think most of us are fed up with being a great world power. The Scandinavian countries seem to do fine by keeping out of it.

Ed Miliband criticises the UK's waning influence, as he sees it, this time in regard to the crisis unfolding in the Mediterranean.

He explains that Labour supported military action to avoid the slaughter the Gaddafi regime threatened in Benghazi in 2011.

Quote Message: But since the action, the failure of post conflict planning has been obvious. David Cameron was wrong to assume that Libya was a country whose institutions could simply be left to evolve and transform themselves. What we have seen in Libya is that when tensions over power and resource began to emerge, they simply reinforced deep seated ideological and ethnic fault lines in the country, meaning the hopes of the revolutionary uprisings quickly began to unravel. The tragedy is this could have been anticipated and it should have been avoided. And Britain could have played its part in ensuring the international community stood by the people of Libya in practice rather than standing behind the unfounded hopes of potential progress only in principle."

But since the action, the failure of post conflict planning has been obvious. David Cameron was wrong to assume that Libya was a country whose institutions could simply be left to evolve and transform themselves. What we have seen in Libya is that when tensions over power and resource began to emerge, they simply reinforced deep seated ideological and ethnic fault lines in the country, meaning the hopes of the revolutionary uprisings quickly began to unravel. The tragedy is this could have been anticipated and it should have been avoided. And Britain could have played its part in ensuring the international community stood by the people of Libya in practice rather than standing behind the unfounded hopes of potential progress only in principle."

David Ferris:

Email Message:

English votes for English laws sounds great until you remember that the Barnett formula means that English funding decisions directly impact Scottish funding. As long as the Barnett formula exists there's almost no such thing as an English law that doesn't effect Scotland.

And frankly we're one nation, not four, and having the Tories/SNP/Plaid pretending otherwise doesn't help anyone.

English votes for English laws sounds great until you remember that the Barnett formula means that English funding decisions directly impact Scottish funding. As long as the Barnett formula exists there's almost no such thing as an English law that doesn't effect Scotland.

And frankly we're one nation, not four, and having the Tories/SNP/Plaid pretending otherwise doesn't help anyone.

AFP/GettyCopyright: AFP/Getty

Ed Miliband also used his Chatham House speech to reflect on Labour's past - namely the Iraq War.

"As we seek to re-engage in this way we need to learn lessons both of this government and of the government that went before. In particular learning the lessons of 2003 Iraq war.

"There are a number of lessons: For when military action is appropriate - for me it should be a last resort - for how we work through multilateral institutions and with regional partners and in ensuring there is always a plan for peace."

David Winch, Cumbria:

SMS Message: Getting the impression that frantic politicians are making ever more bizarre statements in a bid to have some impact before 7 May.

Getting the impression that frantic politicians are making ever more bizarre statements in a bid to have some impact before 7 May.

BBCCopyright: BBC

Former Foreign Secretary William Hague who is bowing out of politics after this election but is travelling with, and campaigning with, the prime minister today says:"Foreign policy is not something you can just discover 13 days before polling day. This is the first time in five years that Ed Miliband has troubled himself to give a full length speech on foreign policy."

Ed Miliband says the biggest threat to Britain's status is on the European Union - he condemns the "threat" of an in-out referendum which, he claims, has no timetable and no goals for renegotiation from a governing party "riven" with internal divisions.

"I think all of this poses a grave risk to Britain's position in the world. Of course the European Union needs to change; there are demands for it to change in almost every other nation state - on immmigation, on benefits, on the rights of national parliaments. And Britain should be leading the process of reform," he says.

But he says EU leaders are reluctant to support the UK's stance because they think we have "one foot out of the door".

Labour leader Ed Miliband says David Cameron's government has "stepped away from the world" and he uses the example of Ukraine and Russia to illustrate his point.

"Was there ever a more apt symbol of Britain’s isolation and waning influence than when David Cameron was absent as the leaders of Germany and France tried to negotiate peace with President Putin?” he asks.

David Cameron then turns to the issue of Scotland.

He says: "The fact [is] that the SNP is threatening to wipe out Labour in many constituencies. That is something that every pollster, every expert is saying. It is an emerging fact of this general election. I am responsible for many things but I’m not responsible for Labour’s weak performance in Scotland.

"But in response to this fact I think it is important to point out to people the dangers that this poses. That you could have a situation where nationalists from one part of the country, are calling the shots for the rest of the country in a weak Labour government."

Graeme Lowe:

Email Message: If Ed Miliband thinks there is political profit to be made from the Libya situation why didn't he raise the matter at PMQs? Raising this issue at election time leaves a nasty taste. Desperate stuff.

If Ed Miliband thinks there is political profit to be made from the Libya situation why didn't he raise the matter at PMQs? Raising this issue at election time leaves a nasty taste. Desperate stuff.

Predictably David Cameron is asked about the crisis in the Mediterranean and the row over Ed Miliband's speech on foreign affairs - which is going on right now.

He says the loss of life in the Mediterranean has been “appalling” and he says he has taken action to ensure that the UK plays its full role as it “always has".

Quote Message: Let me be clear about what Ed Miliband has said this morning. I’ve learned as prime minister that is it so important in a dangerous and uncertain world that you show clarity consistency and strength on these foreign policy issues and I think, frankly, people will look at these ill-judged remarks and they will reach their own conclusions."

Let me be clear about what Ed Miliband has said this morning. I’ve learned as prime minister that is it so important in a dangerous and uncertain world that you show clarity consistency and strength on these foreign policy issues and I think, frankly, people will look at these ill-judged remarks and they will reach their own conclusions."

Ed Miliband has just begun his speech on foreign policy at Chatham House.

He calls for an end to the "small-minded isolationism" that he says has characterised this government; and says David Cameron has presided over the biggest loss of UK influence in a generation.

BBCCopyright: BBC

Richard Plackett:

Email Message: Interesting that the Conservatives today are trying to explain one of their policies (English Votes for English Laws) whilst the Labour campaign is entirely negative criticising PM re Libya. I would much prefer Labour spent their time answering the IFS question about how much they plan to borrow so that I get a better understanding of their Economic policies.

Interesting that the Conservatives today are trying to explain one of their policies (English Votes for English Laws) whilst the Labour campaign is entirely negative criticising PM re Libya. I would much prefer Labour spent their time answering the IFS question about how much they plan to borrow so that I get a better understanding of their Economic policies.

Prime Minister David Cameron:

Quote Message: If English MPs do not have the right to vote on health and education in Scotland why should Scottish MPs have the right to determine what happens in English hospitals and English schools.

If English MPs do not have the right to vote on health and education in Scotland why should Scottish MPs have the right to determine what happens in English hospitals and English schools.

Caz:

SMS Message: Scotland wanted a devolved government so why do they now wish to vote on laws that only affect England? Keep to Scottish matters and leave England to deal with theirs or do we revert to England voting on laws or matters only affecting Scotland. I am English and want England for English votes!

Scotland wanted a devolved government so why do they now wish to vote on laws that only affect England? Keep to Scottish matters and leave England to deal with theirs or do we revert to England voting on laws or matters only affecting Scotland. I am English and want England for English votes!

BBCCopyright: BBC

The prime minister is outlining his plans for English votes for English laws. David Cameron says keeping the United Kingdom strong means "a fair deal for all the regions".

But that doesn’t mean an English parliament, he says.

The Lib Dem's Danny Alexander has unveiled a dossier of analysis by financial institutions, think-tanks and City experts which claims a Labour-led government could wipe £10bn off the British economy and add £800 a year to average mortgages.

The chief secretary to the Treasury said, on a visit to Aberdeen, that he "feared for the future of the country", with an administration supported by the SNP or UKIP, as the government would be pulled "sharply to left or right" and it would "jam the brakes" on the economic recovery.

He said: "These scenarios are real possibilities, for which we would all pay a real price. Already we are seeing the markets warning of the dangers.

"Put simply, the idea that an unstable minority government would have the confidence of business and the markets is for the birds."

He also produced a "reply" to the now notorious note left by Liam Byrne, his predecessor at the Treasury.

It reads:

Quote Message: Sorry for the late reply - I've been busy fixing the economy. The deficit halved, jobs up, growth up. That's the Lib Dem record. We won't let you - or the Tories - screw it up."

Sorry for the late reply - I've been busy fixing the economy. The deficit halved, jobs up, growth up. That's the Lib Dem record. We won't let you - or the Tories - screw it up."

Stuart Robb:

Email Message:

Nicola Sturgeon is not ignoring the will of the people (that voted for her party) as the voter in Scotland that chose to elect a SNP candidate are doing so in part to stop a Tory government.

Rather than mud slinging at Nicola, perhaps he should of instead highlight how broken the current system is, that the party which had only 36% support of the country (Conservative share of total votes in 2010) and only 16% in Scotland should be allowed to run the House of Commons?

Nicola Sturgeon is not ignoring the will of the people (that voted for her party) as the voter in Scotland that chose to elect a SNP candidate are doing so in part to stop a Tory government.

Rather than mud slinging at Nicola, perhaps he should of instead highlight how broken the current system is, that the party which had only 36% support of the country (Conservative share of total votes in 2010) and only 16% in Scotland should be allowed to run the House of Commons?

SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has responded to the Conservatives' English-only manifesto and the idea of English votes for English laws.

Quote Message: I've made clear on a number of occasions that if there are matters that are genuinely English only, that have no impact in Scotland, I think there's a strong case for Scottish MPs not voting on them. The problem is there's a lot of issues characterised as English-only issues that are anything but - matters relating to the English health service for example. Decisions taken on that have a direct impact on Scotland's budget."

I've made clear on a number of occasions that if there are matters that are genuinely English only, that have no impact in Scotland, I think there's a strong case for Scottish MPs not voting on them. The problem is there's a lot of issues characterised as English-only issues that are anything but - matters relating to the English health service for example. Decisions taken on that have a direct impact on Scotland's budget."

PACopyright: PA

Mark Hodson:

Email Message:

I am having trouble understanding how a mud slinging story on foreign policy can be running top story and be more relevant to the election, over the UK changing policies around English votes for English laws! While I am an undecided voter, there seems to be biased coverage here...

I am having trouble understanding how a mud slinging story on foreign policy can be running top story and be more relevant to the election, over the UK changing policies around English votes for English laws! While I am an undecided voter, there seems to be biased coverage here...

The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, says SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon's plan to back Labour regardless of how many seats it wins at Westminster means it will "ignore the will of the people".

Mr Clegg told BBC Radio 5 Live's Your Call: "She's said overnight regardless of who becomes the largest party, she would make sure she would only back the one she wants to back.

"She's going to ignore the will of the people.

"She's going to ignore how people vote and she's just going to insist on her personal preference."

Harbhajan Dev:

Email Message: I don't see what the fuss is about Libya discussions. I'd rather the politicians talk about things that matter rather then how to eat a sandwich.

I don't see what the fuss is about Libya discussions. I'd rather the politicians talk about things that matter rather then how to eat a sandwich.

Tory candidate Bob Stewart says he doesn't recall, when the UK intervened in previous operations, that there was an "end-game" set in concrete. But he says there was little time to make plans when intervening in Libya.

"Perhaps the whole of Europe and other nations, the United Nations should have thought what happens post Gaddafi," he says.

"The truth is, it's not just down to our government. We can't take on the burdens of the entire world's problems."

On Your Call, Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg is told that HSBC is considering moving its headquarters out of the UK.

He says that he fears businesses are beginning to express their concern at the potential economic "chaos" of a Labour-SNP government.

Actually, HSBC doesn't mention the general election or its fears over the next government.

That's not a big surprise because, despite the claims of politicians, businesses rarely comment on the political environment or what concerns they might have, if any, of continuing to do business in an environment if x or y government is in charge. They do get concerned about policy though.

HSBC has highlighted one particular policy concern: the potential threat to the UK's continued membership of the European Union following a potential referendum in two years.

This is what the bank says:

Quote Message: One economic uncertainty stands out, that of continuing UK membership of the EU. In February we published a major research study which concluded that working to complete the Single Market in services and reforming the EU to make it more competitive were far less risky than going it alone, given the importance of EU markets to British trade."

One economic uncertainty stands out, that of continuing UK membership of the EU. In February we published a major research study which concluded that working to complete the Single Market in services and reforming the EU to make it more competitive were far less risky than going it alone, given the importance of EU markets to British trade."

Discussing the ongoing row over the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean on the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire show, Labour's Pat McFadden says Labour is not saying that David Cameron has "blood on his hands" but are making serious point: that when you intervene there's a responsibility to follow through.

"Everyone understands the situation in the Mediterranean at the moment is first and foremost a humanitarian one and our first responsibility is to save lives - so we welcome the decision to step up the search and rescue efforts.

"But it's also happening in part because Libya has three competing governments and until we address the situation in Libya itself and get some stability there and some control over the coastline, we will not be responding properly to this crisis.

"I think that's a perfectly reasonable point for Ed Miliband to make in his speech today."

The DUP's Jim Wells has apologised for controversial remarks he made about gay marriage and child abuse at an election husting.

Mr Wells, who is standing for election to the South Down constituency , appeared to suggest a child was at more risk of abuse or neglect if brought up in a homosexual relationship, because such marriages were less stable.

He said: "I have listened to a recording of the relevant part of the debate. I accept that one line of what I said caused offence and deep concern amongst members of the audience and beyond.

"I regret having wrongly made that remark about abuse and I'm sorry those words were uttered. The comment did not reflect my view nor that of my party."

Gareth Herron:

Email Message: Will Cameron’s ‘English votes for English laws’ proposal evolve into having local assemblies popping up around England? Different regions in England could end up with devolved powers in the same way as the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish local assemblies.

Will Cameron’s ‘English votes for English laws’ proposal evolve into having local assemblies popping up around England? Different regions in England could end up with devolved powers in the same way as the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish local assemblies.

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg

Quote Message: There are never any military magic wands that can solve these kinds of problems.

There are never any military magic wands that can solve these kinds of problems.

BBCCopyright: BBC

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg is on BBC Radio 5 Live’s You Call. He says it is “pretty distasteful” to reduce the refugee crisis to “political point scoring”. He points out Labour supported military action in Libya and says “a huge amount of help and money has gone in to try and do our bit”, He says the coalition government prevented a humanitarian disaster without making the mistake of putting boots on the ground, as in the Iraq War.

He says it is simply not true to say the current refugee crisis is because of the international community’s failure in Libya. Most refuges are coming to Europe from Syria and Eritrea, he says. It’s simply that they are using Libya as their point of exit.

Boots on the ground will not defeat Isis, Mr Clegg adds. Only political stability in the region, domestic military forces and air support will work, he suggests.

Daily Politics viewer:

SMS Message: It is a cynical, dishonourable and offensive for Ed Milliband and his party to criticise the Conservatives for the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean by linking it to a lack of planning after action in Libya. What planning did they do in Iraq?

It is a cynical, dishonourable and offensive for Ed Milliband and his party to criticise the Conservatives for the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean by linking it to a lack of planning after action in Libya. What planning did they do in Iraq?

The Lib Dem's Danny Alexander has also contributed to the row between Labour and the Conservatives over the migrant crisis in the Mediterranean.

"There has been a failure by the international community of post-conflict planning in Libya. That's not a matter of dispute, that's simply a fact," he says.

"What we are witnessing is Tory spokespeople being sent out this morning who, rather like on domestic policy, on foreign policy simply cannot defend the record of the Conservative Party.

"Instead, they invent allegations and make charges against the Labour Party rather than trying to defend their record."

PA/BBCCopyright: PA/BBC

The leader of the Liberal Democrats is taking your questions as part of 5 live's #FridayTakeover which means all questions put to politicians come from you. Call 0500 909 693 text 85058 or find us on social media and you can watch live.

Campaigning in Glasgow this morning, Nicola Sturgeon says Conservative plans to bring forward English votes for English laws is a direct breach of the Smith Commission and shows the growing desperation in the Tory campaign.

Just in case you weren't religiously following our live page late last night (and if not, why not?) there was a little nugget from the BBC's Newsnight that is worth a mention.

Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon gave an interview in which she said her party would still support a Labour party that was as much as 40 seats behind the Conservatives.

Under the principles of a hung parliament that is permissible, although there may be questions of legitimacy.

Ms Sturgeon told interviewer Laura Kuenssberg she had always been very clear on the issue, saying that if there was an "anti-Tory majority" in the House of Commons it was only logical that the political parties that formed such a majority should work together to keep the Conservatives out of government.

Bob:

Email Message: Is there much point in Ed doing his speech now? Everyone has already gone to town on it.. Would've thought it'd make more of an impact if kept confidential til delivery.

Oh well, what do I know...

Is there much point in Ed doing his speech now? Everyone has already gone to town on it.. Would've thought it'd make more of an impact if kept confidential til delivery.

Oh well, what do I know...

More from Environment Secretary Liz Truss.

The BBC's Norman Smith puts to the minister Ed Milband's words about Libya, due to be delivered at a speech later - that the refugee crisis is in part a failure to provide for post-conflict planning, not that direct blame was to be attributed to David Cameron.

"My understanding is that direct blame was apportioned," Ms Truss says. "To politicise this very tragic situation in the middle of an election campaign casts doubt on Ed Miliband's ability to take office and lead the country as prime minister."

She also questions the premise of the question, saying the government has supported Libya and had to intervene in what was a humanitarian disaster about to unfold.

BBCCopyright: BBC

In terms of what the Labour leader is expected to say in his speech later. Norman Smith points to three quotes on Today.

Mr Miliband is expected to say later:

• "The refugee crisis and tragic scenes this week in the Mediterranean are in part a direct result of the failure of post conflict planning for Libya"
• "David Cameron was wrong to assume that Libya’s political culture and institutions could be left to evolve and transform on their own"
• "The tragedy is this could have been anticipated it should have been avoided”

This last quote in particular has been seized upon by the Tories to suggest Labour are implying Mr Cameron is somehow responsible for the refugee deaths in the Mediterranean

Norman says with the language they have chosen Labour have opened themselves up to the charge that they are indeed implying Mr Cameron bears a direct responsibility for the current refugee crisis whatever their original intentions.

This is not really about foreign policy, it’s turning into a row about character, the BBC’s assistant political editor Norman Smith tells Today.

The Tories are trying to suggest Labour leader Ed Miliband is not worthy to become prime minister because he is using the tragedy in the Mediterranean to score political points.

Labour are “vehemently and categorically denying” that they are laying blame on David Cameron for the deaths in the Mediterranean. They insist Mr Miliband is making a broader point about the failure of the West on foreign policy.

But some of the language used in overnight briefings reads differently, Norman says.

The Daily Telegraph's sketch writer Michael Deacon went canvassing with Nigel Farage in south Thanet.

The story unfolded yesterday evening and you can see the result here.

Michael DeaconCopyright: Michael Deacon

Douglas Alexander tells Today the prime minister “waded in and then walked away”. What we have seen since 2011 is five different Libyan governments, he says. Mr Alexander says the West lost the opportunity to provide better support.

“We are now in a situation where we have got two rival governments: one in Tripoli one in Tobruk," he says.

Mr Alexander says in the first democratic elections in 2012, the Islamists won only 19 out of 80 seats so the current situation was not inevitable.

He says David Cameron and the government made an error in thinking that the political culture in Libya was akin to that of Tunisia, where a political culture has developed.

There was a belief that you could maintain the apparatus of the state once Gaddafi was gone. But what happened was the disintegration of that state apparatus, and into that vacuum moved the militias that are governing the country today.

He says that he doesn’t think it is right to lift the arms embargo however. He does think freezing the assets of those militia groups would be a first step in any process. He says a Labour government would work with the UN envoy to try to establish an inclusive government in Libya in now what would be extremely difficult circumstances in the country.

In 2011, the 42-year rule of Muammar Gaddafi was brought to an end by an uprising and ensuing civil war.

In March 2011 - after the Gaddafi regime's brutal crackdown on protesters inspired by the Arab Spring - the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1973 authorising "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya.

It was swiftly followed by the Nato-led military intervention that was backed by many European states, the US and Arab countries. In the UK, there was all-party support for the UN action, with Parliament voting 557 to 13 in favour.

Today, the chaos and conflict in Libya is forcing tens of thousands of migrants who work there to flee across the Mediterranean. Adding to the problem is so-called Islamic State which has gained a number of footholds in the country.

BBCCopyright: BBC

Labour’s foreign affairs spokesman Douglas Alexander accuses the Conservatives of manufacturing a row over Labour leader Ed Miliband’s speech later on foreign policy and tells the Today programme he thinks it has been “generated to obscure the facts".

Mr Alexander says: “The speech rightly highlights the loss of British influence that David Cameron has overseen and also highlights the very widely accepted failures on Libya where the international community rightly, I believe, acted to prevent Benghazi being turned into a slaughter house but then has abjectly failed to engage in effect post conflict planning and I think that is widely understood and widely recognised.”

In a speech later today, the Labour leader, Ed Miliband, is to criticise David Cameron's approach to foreign policy.

Part of the speech refers to the UK's involvement in Libya. Here's an extract from the planned speech:

Quote Message: In Libya, Labour supported military action to avoid the slaughter Qaddafi [Muammar Gaddafi] threatened in Benghazi. But since the action, the failure of post conflict planning has become obvious. David Cameron was wrong to assume that Libya's political culture and institutions could be left to evolve and transform on their own. What we have seen in Libya is that when tensions over power and resource began to emerge, they simply reinforced deep seated ideological and ethnic fault lines in the country, meaning the hopes of the revolutionary uprisings quickly began to unravel. The tragedy is that this could have been anticipated. It should have been avoided. And Britain could have played its part in ensuring the international community stood by the people of Libya in practice rather than standing behind the unfounded hopes of potential progress only in principle."

In Libya, Labour supported military action to avoid the slaughter Qaddafi [Muammar Gaddafi] threatened in Benghazi. But since the action, the failure of post conflict planning has become obvious. David Cameron was wrong to assume that Libya's political culture and institutions could be left to evolve and transform on their own. What we have seen in Libya is that when tensions over power and resource began to emerge, they simply reinforced deep seated ideological and ethnic fault lines in the country, meaning the hopes of the revolutionary uprisings quickly began to unravel. The tragedy is that this could have been anticipated. It should have been avoided. And Britain could have played its part in ensuring the international community stood by the people of Libya in practice rather than standing behind the unfounded hopes of potential progress only in principle."

Liz Truss turns to English votes for English laws. She says under the plans, English MPs will have a veto on matters that are specifically relevant to England. Where it is the case of a finance bill if the measures are specifically relevant to England it will be subject to a veto by English MPs.

“What I’m keen to see is the union continue and strengthen and to do that we need to make sure it is done on a fair basis,” she says.

Scottish MPs will be involved in the process of creating legislation, Ms Truss says. It would mean legislation will require agreement across the whole house.

If it is a matter that is a UK matter, then all UK MPs will have a say. If there are matters that just affect England then there will be an extra stage in the legislative process where English MPs will be able to vote.

But it is still unclear, from what Ms Truss says, whether if they voted against the legislation at that point that would bring the bill down.

Environment Secretary Liz Truss tells the Today programme it is “absolutely offensive” that Ed Miliband should be suggesting that David Cameron is responsible for the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean.

She points out that the UK government has offered more help in the crisis.

To bring this into an election campaign, she says, is “outrageous and disgraceful”.

She says Mr Miliband should withdraw his remarks on the current crisis. It's worth pointing out he hasn't made a speech yet.

Ms Truss adds: "Of course we should be talking about foreign affairs but it should be done in the proper manner."

As the Tories prepare to outline how they would give English MPs votes on English laws, let's have a look at that peculiarity of British politics: the West Lothian question.

As our colleague Esther Webber points out, it refers to the the apparent unfairness whereby a Scottish MP can vote on policies covering things like schools and hospitals in England, but English MPs have no say on how these are run in Scotland, because the Scottish Parliament takes care of them.

There's a handy guide to the subject here.

ReutersCopyright: Reuters

The Daily Mail calls it an "absurd fantasy" of Ed Miliband's, promising that voters can "have it all" without the pain of major cuts - a promise, they say, that was demolished by the IFS yesterday.

Guardian economics editor Larry Elliott suggests the Tory economic plans looks undeliverable, following a challenge by the IFS to explain how the party will achieve £30bn in cuts to Whitehall spending.

"In truth, the thinktank believes everybody is winging it, but the Conservatives are winging it more than Labour, the Liberal Democrats or the SNP," he writes.

Watch out for reaction today to SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon's comments to the BBC's Newsnight last night.

She told the programme that her party would prop up a Labour government, even if the Tories finished the election as the largest party by up to 40 seats.

She said that "if [the Conservatives] can't command a majority, they can't be a government".

BBCCopyright: BBC

We also get a piece of political cross-dressing today with Labour leader Ed Miiliband to say later that his party will spend more on defence than the Conservatives.

The BBC's assistant political editor Norman Smith says he thinks that's the first time he has ever hear a Labour leader make such a promise in a general election.

There are one of two problems with this kind of promise however, he says. The first is that we don't yet know what the Conservatives are going to spend on defence so it's hard to say you are going to spend more. The second is that the promise is based on the Institute of Fiscal Studies' (IFS) analysis that unprotected departments will see an 18% cut in spending under the Tories in the next parliament.

"All Labour are really doing it seems to me is saying that they will do better than that," Norman adds.

Mr Miliband will also say David Cameron is partially responsible for the unfolding tragedy of the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean because he "turned his back" on Libya. Those around Mr Cameron are furious about this describing it as provocative, shameful and unbecoming of a prime minister.

Norman says he thinks "this is going to be pretty personal and pretty nasty on the back of those comments".

As the Conservatives launch their "English manifesto", the Times highlights former Prime Minister Gordon Brown's contention that David Cameron is "whipping up English nationalism" .

The paper says that the measure continues the party’s drive to warn English voters about a future Labour government propped up by the SNP.

Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

The Conservative will be publishing their first "English manifesto" where they will be setting out their plans for English votes for English laws.

What usually happens with these things is that “they disappear into a constitutional quagmire", the BBC’s assistant political editor Norman Smith tells the Today programme.

But the Conservatives hope to fast track the plans and have them in place by the next Budget.

Morning folks. Don't forget as always you can get in touch by email - politics@bbc.co.uk or on twitter @bbcpolitics.

The Conservatives will be outlining their " English votes for English laws .

Labour leader Ed Miliband will be giving a speech on foreign policy, accusing David Cameron of presiding over the "biggest loss of influence for our country in a generation".

Welcome to the BBC's live page coverage of the 2015 election campaign.

Less than two weeks to go now, folks. Can we say that we're entering the final stretch? Either way, we're here today to bring you comprehensive coverage of the race to No 10 Downing Street.