Labour and Lib Dem vote efficiency is a remarkable feature of this election

Minister appeals to Labour MPs to support welfare bill

Education minister Baroness Smith appeals to Labour MPs to support the controversial bill on welfare changes, saying, “it’s only a Labour government that can reform the welfare system”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch: Labour’s welfare plan fails key tests

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says Labour’s welfare reforms fail to cut spending, boost employment or rule out tax rises - key conditions for Conservative support. She accused ministers of “giving up” and warned the bill’s U-turns threaten public finances. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Kendall says welfare changes show 'strength in listening'

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall says she “hopes” concessions to the welfare Bill will win over Labour rebels, despite some still refusing to back it. She called the changes a sign of “strength in listening” and insisted protections for existing claimants were standard practice, aimed at easing widespread concerns ahead of Tuesday’s vote. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Lib Dems urge govt to ‘publish’ Iran Israel legal advice

Deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats Daisy Cooper backs the government’s stance of “de-escalation and diplomacy” regarding the conflict between Iran and Israel but urges ministers to “publish any legal advice they may have received”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Lib Dems: Not enough funding for police

MP for Richmond Park Sarah Olney welcomed the spending review’s investment into social care but said she remains concerned about the lack of money for police in London. It comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced policing will get more cash to allow Labour to fulfil its manifesto pledge of introducing 13,000 extra police officers in England and Wales. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Party leaders arrive for VE Day Thanksgiving Service

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other party leaders arrived at Westminster Abbey for the VE Day Thanksgiving Service on Thursday. Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey, Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage were among the politicians seen arriving at the Abbey ahead of the service. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch rejects Farage claim of Tory collapse

Kemi Badenoch has dismissed Nigel Farage’s suggestion that the Conservatives are “wiped out” following local election results, insisting the party remains the official opposition and is beginning the process of renewal. She acknowledged voter anger and growing competition from Reform UK and the Lib Dems but said the Conservatives would rebuild by sticking to their core values. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Lib Dems target Tory heartlands amid Reform surge

Sir Ed Davey said the Liberal Democrats are on course to become the new party of Middle England, as the party eyes major gains in traditional Conservative heartlands amid local election losses for both Tories and Labour. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn