Kemi Badenoch says Tories couldn't find money for major defence boost while in government

Starmer defends rising inflation figures at PMQs

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “We just heard that inflation is up again, the worst in the G7. We left him with 2% inflation. We have borrowing up, unemployment up, taxes are up (..) his budget last year had high taxes. That’s why the economy is contracting.” Sir Keir Starmer replied: “I think of the working people across this country who put in every day and don’t get back what they deserve, and that’s who we’re working for. That’s who we’re fixing the country (for).” Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch blasts Tory defectors to Reform UK

Kemi Badenoch has accused defectors to Reform UK of acting “like they do in banana republics”. Hitting back at Sir Jake Berry, she said some politicians “just want to play the game” and chase polls. Speaking at the Centre for Social Justice, the Tory leader said only parties with “serious, credible” plans would win public trust at the next election. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer refuses to rule out wealth tax in Commons

Sir Keir Starmer declines to rule out a wealth tax after Kemi Badenoch accuses him of “flirting” with the idea. The prime minister avoids a direct answer, instead defending Labour’s economic record and criticising past Tory policies. Badenoch warns such a tax would hit savings, pensions and homes, calling it a “tax on aspiration”. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer ''welcomes'' inquiry into Afghan leak

Speaking in the House of Commons today, Sir Keir Starmer said ex-ministers in the previous Conservative government have “serious questions to answer” about the Afghan data breach which resulted in a £850 million secret relocation scheme and an unprecedented legal gagging order. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Lib Dems raise concerns with PM about SEND reform

Sir Ed Davey says he has written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer setting out five principles for the reform of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The Liberal Democrat leader says the Conservatives left the SEND system as a “total disaster”, and that parents “have no clarity” over the current government’s proposed reforms. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn