The Agenda
A round-up of news and events

Termination blues
The prime minister can expect to be feted in retirement in the US, but perhaps not to bestride the global stage, suggests Edward Davie
Edward Davie

Commons Gallery
Daniel Forman reports on the week's key events in the House of Commons
Daniel Forman

Appealing to the soul
Jenny Willott is on the campaign trail as services in mosques, synagogues, gurdwaras and churches precede polling day in multicultural Cardiff
Jenny Willott

Lords Gallery
Andrew Evans reports on key proceedings in the House of Lords
Andrew Evans

Bullish in the Bishops' Bar
Despite Iraq and local election losses, Lord Corbett says Labour can take great pride in its decade in office
Lord Corbett of Castle Vale

International rescue
At the start of a week that marks Europe Day and sees former secretary-general of the UN Kofi Annan address parliamentarians, Keith Vaz assesses the future challenges of the EU and Lord Hannay explores the role of international organisations in the 21st century
Keith Vaz and Lord Hannay of Chiswick

Peephole on a private nightmare
Thirty years of helping the victims of domestic violence has not dulled Sandra Horley's campaigning zeal for prevention and education on the issue, finds Lynda Waltho
Lynda Waltho

A legacy lost in the sand
But for his disastrous misjudgement on Iraq, Tony Blair would be remembered for some noble initiatives on world poverty and international relations, writes David Mepham.
David Mepham

Voice alongside choice
The scramble for 'good' schools could be reduced by beefing up parent councils, says Jim Knight
Jim Knight

Smartest kids on the block
Improve the calibre of all schools, and controversy over admissions policy would disappear, says Nick Gibb
Nick Gibb

Blind man's beauty contest
Until every school is a top school, anonymised admissions are the fairest option, says Sarah Teather
Sarah Teather

Myth of the blackboard jungle
We should beware of alarmist reports over classroom violence, says Steve Sinnott
Steve Sinnott

Schooling with a clean slate
MP and parent Karen Buck gives a first-hand assessment of the introduction of academy schools in her area
Karen Buck

Full steam ahead
With personalised learning the slowest ship doesn't hold up the whole convoy, says Ken Boston
Ken Boston

Gaining an early advantage
Early-years policymakers must listen to the experts rather than the media, says Neil Henty
Neil Henty

It's time to cultivate stem cells
Business must get involved to foster greater numbers of STEM students, says Mike Harris
Mike Harris

Boarding schools without beds?
Polly Curtis looks at the wide range of services to children and adults being trialled at 'extended schools'
Polly Curtis

Closer to the people
Jorge Padilla, a Mexican journalist covering the Scottish elections as part of a British Council programme, is struck by the low-key and listening style of British politicians on the stump
Jorge Padilla

Electionwatch
A round-up of recent elections

Cobbett's Corner
Chris Moncrieff takes a wry look at politics
Chris Moncrieff

Lose a seat, win a pile
Nigel Evans enjoys a political gambling guide
Nigel Evans

Backtracks...
...this week in history

The new identity politics
General secretary of the Fabians, Sunder Katwala hails the success of New Labour in promoting equality, but tells Andrew Alexander that cultural integration may be a harder nut to crack