Snapshot of stories

Nick Clegg has insisted the coalition will not make further spending cuts “on the backs of the poor”.  The Liberal Democrat leader said he would not agree to more savings unless some form of “wealth tax” was agreed to by the Conservatives.  He told BBC One’s Andrew Marr Show he would “not flinch” amid growing speculation about his future.  Mr Clegg also said there was “extraordinary resolution and unity” at the party’s annual conference.  The Liberal Democrats are holding their annual conference in Brighton, with the leadership keen to promote a sense of discipline amid poor opinion poll ratings.

Andrew Mitchell had earlier apologised to police for failing to show officers “respect” after being prevented from cycling through the main gate last week – but he denies using the word “pleb”.  The BBC has been told he swore in frustration at the situation.  Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said Mr Mitchell should not lose his job over the use of “inappropriate words”.  Cabinet minister Ken Clarke has also defended Mr Mitchell, who he said was a reasonable and courteous man.  The row broke out on Wednesday after Mr Mitchell was told by officers to get off his bicycle as he left Downing Street and go through the smaller pedestrian gate.  Soon afterwards, the MP for Sutton Coldfield said he did not accept “that I used any of the words that have been reported” – but did not go into specific details.  Meanwhile, a friend of Mr Mitchell, says the minister was frustrated by the row, and admits he “lost it a bit” but was “not accusing anyone of lying”.

Songs Played Today

Ms Dynamite – It Takes More
Britney Spears – I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll
Graham Coxon – Freaking Out
Rasmus – In The Shadows
Lloyd Cole & The Commotions – Lost Weeekend
Wannadies – Might Be Stars
Albert Hammond – Free Electric Band
Ocean Colour Scene – The Day We Caught The Train
Hurts – Stay
Vaccines – Teenage Icon
Ben Folds Five – Do It Anyway
Hot Chocolate – You Sexy Thing
Hoosiers – Goodbye Mr A
Minus the Bear – Steel and Blood
Wombats – Moving To New York
Stan Ridgeway – Camourflage
Missing Andy – Dave
Massive Attack – Teardrop

80s Hour

Europe – The Final Countdown
Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Relax
Technotronic feat. Felly – Pump Up The Jam
Lionel Richie – All Night Long
Bonnie Tyler – Holding Out For A Hero
Curiosity – Name and Number
Tiffany – I Think We’re Alone Now
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – The Message
Gap Band – Oops Upside Your Head
Jason Donovan – Too Many Broken Hearts
Genesis – Tonight, Tonight, Tonight

Live Guests

Today I was joined by the wonderful Max and Charlotte, local singers.  They are through to the final of a local “open mic” competition and were in the studio to sing live for us today.  They chose “Fix You” by Coldplay.  The interview and live singing can be found below: