Yes, it’s Friday once again, and whilst it’s a bit early for ‘Crackerjack’ (cultural reference for our older readers), there is some good news to start the day.

Swiss banks have paid HM Revenue & Customs £342 million in the first tranche of a ground-breaking agreement which will deliver around £5 billion of previously unpaid tax to the UK. Under the agreement between the UK and Switzerland, which came into force on 1 January, people with taxable assets in Switzerland have a choice of authorising their financial institution to disclose the details to HMRC, or having a levy and withholding tax applied by the institution.

Overnight, there have been by-elections in Dudley and Bridgend, so no excitement expected there, I fear. However, if anything does happen, we’ll cover it in the evening round-up.

What can we expect today? Naturally, it wouldn’t be my day without more Europe news. Richard Davis explores proposals for a Europe-wide youth guarantee, whilst there’s more news from Europe and the Parliament. Elsewhere in the world, Charles Beaumont has some sage advice for anyone seeking to discuss the Israel/Palestine issue, whilst there is also news of a meeting of Arab liberals in Brighton in March.

Nick Thornsby gives us the third and final instalment of his series on Party messaging, looking at the notion of a fairer society and, this time, I’ve actually written a Lords preview for next week!

So, do check in from time to time, especially as I’m expecting one last breaking article…