David Cameron used a major speech this week to take a tougher stance on crime and punishment. He focused on the need for "retribution" against offenders as part of the justice process. Talking tough on crime is a well-worn tactic in politics, especially for parties ailing in the opinion polls. The Conservatives still trail Labour in recent polls.
But the improving economy may help narrow that gap. Figures released this week show the UK has emerged from recession. This time though - as economics editor Larry Elliott points out - George Osborne would be well advised to be cautious in his optimism.
Joining Tom Clark to discuss all this: Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee, social affairs editor Randeep Ramesh and the director of the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, Richard Garside.
We also hear from James Graham, the writer of This House a new political drama currently taking the National Theatre by storm. Set in the whips office of the late 1970s, it examines the human qualities required of a chief whip. George Young, a whip in the early days of Margaret Thatcher's leadership has just replaced Andrew Mitchell in that role - and was one of those Graham interviewed for the production.
And finally, we ask whether the attorney general was right to veto the publication of letters from Prince Charles to various government ministers.
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