Thursday in Westminster

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

In "Today in Parliament", Sean Curran reports on a long-awaited announcement on the future of the Post Office.

There were cheers in the Commons as Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell disclosed that the Post Office would retain its so-called card account which distributes benefits to more than 4 million claimants.

The scheme had been under threat after the government invited private operators to tender for the contract.

But ministers abandoned the idea after pressure from backbench MPs on all sides and warnings that up to 3,000 Post Office branches could close.

Also in the programme:

• Peter Hiett listens in as the Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, gives evidence to MPs on counter-terrorism and knife crime.
• Rachel Hooper reports on a debate in the Commons on ways to combat obesity.
• Robert Orchard hears a government minister demand that energy companies cut prices.
• And Simon Jones hears yet more doubt cast on the case for compensation for victims of the near collapse of Equitable Life.

In "Yesterday in Parliament", David Wilby and Alicia Mccarthy 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.

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