Today's programme took an in-depth look at the hottest political topic, just how far government will have to cut expenditure in order to begin to rebalance the public finances.

Lord Mandelson, said that the government faces "tough choices" on public spending, reflecting the new economic reality . The Business Secretary also hinted that even frontline public services might not be immune from any future spending review.

The programme also featured the shadow business secretary, Kenneth Clarke, who said that public spending will have to be reduced whoever wins the next election .

Responding to Lord Mandelson's view that the Conservatives are salivating at the prospect of cuts in expenditure, Mr Clarke said that even though all politicians want to try to protect front line services, cuts "are inevitable".

As the TUC conference opens in Liverpool, the organisation's General Secretary, Brendan Barber, warned against any public sector spending cuts .

And, ten years after the death of Alan Clark, Ion Trewin, who edited his diaries, and political commentator Anthony Howard, discussed how much of Clark the politician survives, as well as the diarist .