To cure the ills of single-parenthood, benefit-dependency and the like, he proposes a tougher welfare regime (though not all that different from the government's), tangible if unspecified support for marriage through the tax system and more job flexibility for parents.

ECONOMIST: David Cameron

The key is for citizens to develop this same level of independence in a more progressive political regime, where help and welfare is more readily available to those who genuinely require it.

FORBES: Personal Finance And The Election

Although no changes to the current regime on religious slaughter are mooted in a new EU directive on animal welfare, due to come into force in January 2013, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister James Paice has noted that "member states can impose stricter rules in relation to religious slaughter if they wish".

BBC: MPs want curbs on 'unacceptable' religious slaughter