By measuring the proportion of children living with the same parents from birth and whether their parents report a good quality relationship we are driving home the message that social programmes should promote family stability and avert breakdown.

What happened I think on Sept. 11 was we were given graphic and clear evidence that things had changed.

My personal view is always I'm in favour of anything that gives parliament a greater say. That's after all what we were elected for.

After years of piecemeal reform the current welfare system is complex and unfair.

We have to ensure that our immigration system works in the interests of Britain, enabling us to make a realistic promise to our young school-leavers. It is part of our contract with the British people.

The public thinks that homelessness is about not having any accommodation to go to.

In many ways Scotland will benefit more than other parts of the UK when universal credit comes in. A larger percentage of people will see an increase in their income through moving into work or taking on more hours.