Starmer defends serving under Corbyn as he insists Labour has 'changed'

Keir Starmer comforts emotional veteran during cafe visit

Sir Keir Starmer comforted an army veteran who became emotional when he explained how he set up a charity after the suicide of a fellow ex-serviceman. Dan Smith explained how he started the Darlington Veterans’ Community, a charity which helps local ex-servicemen suffering with the cost-of-living crisis, after his friend committed suicide during the pandemic. He became visibly emotional with the Labour leader, who reassured him to take his time. Sir Keir was joined in Darlington by Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves, during a visit to businesses ahead of next week's local elections. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Sir Keir Starmer vows to renationalise Britain's railways

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer says his government would transfer the 10 remaining privately run rail networks to public ownership “well within the first term” by folding existing private passenger rail contracts into a new body as they expire. His comments come during a visit to a train manufacturer Hitachi in Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham. Report by Czubalam. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Wes Streeting says Dan Poulter's defection 'speaks volumes'

The shadow health secretary says Dan Poulter's defection to Labour "speaks volumes." Dr Dan Poulter, a former Conservative MP, announced he would be taking the Labour whip until the next election as the Conservative party no longer prioritised the NHS. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer: Nuclear deterrent is bedrock of defence policy

Sir Keir Starmer has outlined the importance of the UK’s nuclear deterrent in his plan for national security, aiming to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. The commitment aligns with Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s, signalling a dramatic shift from the policies of his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn. Labour hopes to direct UK defence investment to British business, and increase jobs and skills in defence. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Abbott: We have to stand up for young black people

Jeremy Corbyn joined the rally in support of Diane Abbott. Former Labour leader called the abuse that Abbott receives 'abominable, almost unbelievable'. Diane Abbott thanked residents of Hackney for 'decades of support' and urged them to ''make sure generations of young black people don't have to suffer the racism that we had to suffer''. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn