David Cameron and Nick Clegg have written to their cabinet colleagues to restate the importance to reducing the UK's record peacetime budget deficit.

The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister wrote in a letter that the deficit was the 'most urgent issue' facing the country.

Cuts averaging 25% are expected of most departments, but some departments such as health and international aid spending will not be affected.

The Prime Minister is travelling to Birmingham today to discuss the government's ideas with the public, in a question and answer session promoted as 'PM Direct'.

The government spending review will be published on October 20.