10 million people lack access to ear care services in 'postcode lottery'

Starmer channels Blair & Miliband to launch election pledges

Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled a pledge card with six "first steps" the Labour Party would take if it were to form a government after the next general election. The steps include measures to invest in the NHS, education and policing, to set up a new national energy company and an elite border force, and to promote economic stability. The move, unveiled during a campaign speech in Essex, is reminiscent of Tony Blair’s five pledges ahead of Labour’s landslide victory in 1997, and less favourably of Ed Miliband’s promises carved into stone in 2015. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Health Secretary responds to birth trauma report

The health secretary has responded to the findings in the birth trauma report, which found good care is “the exception rather than the rule”. Victoria Atkins said she "completely gets it", referencing her own experience giving birth in an NHS ward. "I've spoken about my own experiences about having a baby on the NHS. I want to shine a light on all of this and with this report, but also with my own personal commitment and I have prioritised women's health and maternity services as one of the priorities of this government," she said. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn