Education secretary defends £14k donation as 'declared properly and thoroughly'

PM visits school following free meal rule change

Sir Keir Starmer visited a primary school in Essex following an announcement that all pupils in England whose families claim universal credit will be eligible for free school meals. The prime minister was joined by the education secretary Bridget Phillipson who described the plans as "a game changer for families". Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Govt expanding free meals to families on universal credit

All pupils in England whose families claim universal credit will be eligible for free school meals under an expansion plan announced by the government on Wednesday. Hundreds of thousands more children across the country will be able to access means-tested free school meals when the provision is extended from September 2026, the Department for Education (DfE) has said. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the announcement "is a game changer for families - half a million children will benefit". Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Phillipson pays tribute to victims of Liverpool parade crash

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson pays tribute to those affected by a car that ploughed into a crowd during a Liverpool FC's Premier League victory parade on Monday. She says, “it’s right that the police continue their investigation”. A 53-year-old man has been arrested by police. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

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