Sunday 18th March 2007

7.45pm ToryDiary update: Back from Nottingham

4.30pm ToryDiary update: The Tory improvement is historically modest... but probably firmer

12.30pm ToryDiary update: I'll take the tough decisions says Cameron

BLOGS

ToryDiary: We've paid the taxes - where has the money gone? and Unpopular green taxes fail to dent Tory lead

NHS TO BE AT HEART OF TORY LEADER'S SPRING CONFERENCE SPEECH

"David Cameron will accuse the Government of turning the NHS into a "vast, inhuman machine".  The Conservative leader is to launch the attack as he promises to put professionals back in charge of the health service.  He will say he backs the NHS "heart and soul" as part of an attempt to present the Tories as the party of public services, at their spring forum in Nottingham." - Sky News

News of the World scan below of David Cameron's appearance at a rally of angry junior doctors:

CAMERON: TORIES ON COURSE TO RETURN TO POWER

In his most optimistic public assessment yet of his party’s prospects, Mr Cameron told the Tory Spring conference: “This is the time for our party.  “This is the time we show we are serious, ready to turn an opinion poll lead into an election victory and a better government for our country.”  Buoyed by an at times rapturous reception from NHS doctors protesting in London at the NHS online recruitment system, the Tory leader went on: “I really believe together we can do it.”" - Sunday Telegraph

HAGUE: TIME TO TURN THE SCREW ON MUGABE

"The fact that the people of Zimbabwe were brave enough to take to the streets and protest against the Mugabe regime last week is a testament to the resilience and spirit of those caught up in this horrific situation. The time is now right for the international community to show a similar resolve in bringing their misery to an end.' - William Hague writing in The Sunday Telegraph

THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY APOLOGISES FOR DECRIMINALISE CANNABIS CAMPAIGN

"Record numbers of teenagers are requiring drug treatment as a result of smoking skunk, the highly potent cannabis strain that is 25 times stronger than resin sold a decade ago.  More than 22,000 people were treated last year for cannabis addiction - and almost half of those affected were under 18. With doctors and drugs experts warning that skunk can be as damaging as cocaine and heroin, leading to mental health problems and psychosis for thousands of teenagers, The Independent on Sunday has today reversed its landmark campaign for cannabis use to be decriminalised."

LABOUR LOBBY SCANDAL INVOLVING TWO MINISTERS - Sunday Times

EVANGELICAL BRIAN SOUTER GIVES SNP £500,000 - Observer

Please use this post to highlight other interesting news and commentary...