Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride welcomed the Government's latest tax cuts, saying it will be a "driver of people into employment." The chancellor is cutting the main rate of national insurance contributions paid by workers from 12% to 10%, which he said would benefit 27 million people.
He also announced changes to the national insurance paid by those who are self-employed.
Report by Kennedyl.
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Mel Stride, the Work and Pensions Secretary, described Mark Logan’s defection to Labour as "sad." However, he emphasised that Mr Logan’s letter explaining his decision did not mention any policies that attracted him to Labour. Stride argued that this is indicative of a Labour Party that "frankly has no plan." Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Ministers arrive at 10 Downing Street amid mounting speculation that the prime minister may call a general election later today. Asked by the media if an election was about to be called, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride jokes: "Too much rain". Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride says he is 'absolutely confident' the government will find the compensation money for the victims of the Infected Blood scandal, 'whatever the figure'. Report by Alibhaiz. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride says he has 'no doubt' that police will look Infected Blood report to see if any criminal charges can be brought about. Report by Alibhaiz. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Mel Stride said his party does not owe apology to Labour's deputy leader, adding that ''police have passed information over to the local authority''. Greater Manchester Police announced Angela Rayner is to face no further action over her past homes arrangement. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Rishi Sunak has unveiled the Conservative campaign bus in Teesside during his tour of the North East. In a speech in front of the blue coach, the Prime Minister sought to draw dividing lines with Labour. He said the Tories are “the ones taking bold action, getting the planes off to Rwanda”, despite the Prime Minister confirming earlier in the campaign that no deportation flights are due to take off before the General Election on July 4. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer urged voters to choose change in the upcoming general election. Starmer emphasised the party's transformation to prioritise working people and outlined plans to stabilise the economy, reduce waiting lists, and create Great British Energy to lower bills. "If you want change, you have to vote for it," he said, seeking a mandate to implement these first steps. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Sir Keir Starmer compared Tory defections to the frequency of public transport as he launched Labour’s campaign battle bus tour in west London. The Labour leader, his deputy Angela Rayner and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves gave speeches in front of the red coach emblazoned 15 times with the party’s key slogan “Change”. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The Tories have announced a pledge to give 30 towns £20 million, a plan that Labour has described as a “reckless, unfunded” commitment. The Conservatives have announced they would add the towns to their long-term plan for towns, taking the total number of towns in the programme to more than 100, and local people in each area will decide how the money will be used for long-term regeneration. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
During a visit to Bury, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasised that the "only poll that matters is the poll on 4th July," downplaying concerns over current Tory poll ratings. Sunak defended his policy announcements as bold and necessary, while criticising Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's green energy plans as lacking substance. "The British people deserve a lot more," Sunak stated, urging voters to focus on the upcoming election. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn