Raw materials for British Steel plant 'paid for' amid race against time to avert shutdown

Starmer: 'People in the North have been underestimated'

The Prime Minister has claimed that people in the North of England have "long been underestimated", as he and Angela Rayner visited South Yorkshire to ramp up Labour's campaign ahead of next month's local elections in England. Report by Chahalb. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Cabinet arrive at Downing Street as Starmer chairs meeting

Ministers arrive at Downing Street for a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer before the House of Commons pauses for Easter recess. Arriving at Number 10 were Jonathan Reynolds, Yvette Cooper, John Healey, Angela Rayner, Ed Miliband and other members of the cabinet. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Rayner and Reeves back policy to boost UK hospitality sector

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan visited Ronnie Scott's jazz bar in London after the government announced new steps in collaboration with business leaders to boost the UK's hospitality sector. The move could see bars open later and more al fresco dining. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Rayner: House-building can ramp up with new investment

Angela Rayner says changes to planning framework and new investment will help the government "ramp up" house-building to meet its pledge to build 1,500,000 homes before the next Parliament. The deputy prime minister adds that disused brownfield sites are "exactly where we want to see that development". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Farage: Keep China out of UK infrastructure

Nigel Farage says Chinese firms should have no role in UK infrastructure after ministers took control of British Steel. The government acted over the weekend amid fears its Chinese owner planned to shut Scunthorpe’s furnaces. Farage said China is “not a friend of ours” and warned the UK must “find alternatives” even if it means less investment. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Reynolds hails steel lifeline but warns on jobs

Jonathan Reynolds says he is “delighted” vital raw materials have arrived to keep the blast furnaces operating at British Steel’s plant in Scunthorpe. Speaking at nearby Immingham Port, the business secretary also hinted at concerns over future Chinese involvement in the steelworks following a clear ‘difference of opinion’ with its previous owners. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Supplies arrive as UK moves to save British Steel plant

Raw materials secured by the Government have arrived in the UK to keep British Steel blast furnaces burning after a race to save the company’s Scunthorpe plant. Ministers have taken control of the firm to ensure supplies such as coking coal and iron ore reach the site after talks with its Chinese owner, Jingye, broke down. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Ed Davey says UK steel industry must be protected

The leader of the Liberal Democrats said the party has given the government their "full backing" to ensure a steel industry remains in the UK. It comes as British Steel staff and civil servants are racing to avert the permanent shutdown of Britain's last primary steelmaking plant. Sir Ed Davey condemned President Trump's tariffs and said it's "essential that we can have steel made in the UK". Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Government defends Scunthorpe steel deal

Industry minister Sarah Jones says the government would prefer to find a private sector partner to manage the steelworks in Scunthorpe – but refuses to rule out the involvement of another Chinese firm. Speaking on the day a shipment of raw supplies is due to arrive at the plant, Jones also defended the government’s support package, saying the £2.5 billion fund will help ensure the site’s future and avoid even higher costs from closure and job losses. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn