Sixteen- and 17-year-olds pay taxes and can join the army, so surely they should in turn be given their right to vote.

In politics, the number of women in the cabinet has fallen and, if current poll trends continue and Labour loses a number of marginal seats, the number of female MPs is likely to drop significantly.

At its most basic the democratic contract is a simple one: the right to vote comes with a responsibility to society, through tax payments and citizenship.

It's estimated that by 2030 there will be virtually no unskilled jobs in the British economy.

I will take a short time out from being in Parliament when the baby is born but I'll still be doing my constituency work - just with another baby in tow.

Funding for sports (and the arts) are often the first things facing the chop in difficult times.

A global deal will only be possible if Britain plays its part, leading the way with other developed countries.