Monday in Westminster

Today in Parliament & Yesterday in Parliament
By Peter Mulligan
Programme Editor

In Today in Parliament, Susan Hulme reports on new exchanges in the Commons over controversial remarks by immigration minister Phil Woolas.

At question time, Mr Woolas denied any conflict between official government policy and his reported remarks that Britain's population should not rise above 70 million.

The government is not in favour of setting an upper limit and Mr Woolas was unexpectedly pulled last week from appearing on the BBC TV programme "Question Time".

But today he said a tough new points-based immigration system which comes into effect next month will answer concerns that the population could one day rise to 70 million.

Also in the programme:

• Chris Bond reports on a debate in the House of Lords in which peers urge ministers not to force people to buy annuities at the age of 75;
• Simon Jones hears MPs investigate the state of the British pig industry;
• Peter Hiett listens in as peers are assured that the defence secretary, John Hutton, has not given his support to a European Army.

In 'Yesterday in Parliament", Sean Curran and David Wilby wrap up the day's parliamentary events.

Tune in to Today in Parliament on BBC Radio 4 tonight at 2330 and Yesterday in Parliament tomorrow morning at 0831 on Radio 4 Long Wave and digital radio.

Click here for more information about the programmes

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