Local elections 2025: The poll where voters roll the dice?

Keir Starmer announces support for small businesses

Keir Starmer has announced plans to stabilise business rates and allow easier access to loans in a bid to support small businesses. In a speech delivered in Wiltshire on Thursday, the prime minister said 38 businesses are forced to shut every day due to late payments, costing the economy "£11bn per year". Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Shadow minister says Palestine recognition 'unlikely'

A shadow minister has said the government's recognition of Palestine as an independent state is unlikely to happen. Keir Starmer said he would recognise the state if Hamas surrendered power. Shadow chancellor of Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart said: "Hamas is not about to lay down it's weapons and go quietly into the night. I just think this is nonsense really." Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch: Recognising Palestine now would reward Hamas

Kemi Badenoch has rejected calls for the UK to recognise Palestinian statehood, saying doing so now would “reward” Hamas after its October attack. The leader of the Conservative Party said a two-state solution remains the goal but “now is not the time.” On the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, she called images of starving civilians “heartbreaking” and blamed Hamas for prolonging the war. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

James Cleverly joins Badenoch's shadow cabinet

Sir James Cleverly has returned to the Conservative frontbench as Kemi Badenoch announced changes to her shadow cabinet. Addressing the reshuffle during a visit to a housing site, Ms Badenoch said Mr Cleverly is "a very experienced member of the parliamentary party" who agrees with her position on the ECHR. "I wouldn't bring someone into the shadow cabinet if they didn't agree with me," she added. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch: Tories wouldn't nationalise water industry

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has criticised Reform UK, during a visit to the The Royal Welsh Show at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, saying ''Nigel Farage wants to borrow more to nationalise, he wants to borrow more for more welfare. Who is going to pay that? It's going to be your children.'' Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

PM 'under pressure' to recognise Palestine, Tories claim

Priti Patel has claimed the prime minister was "under enormous political pressure" from his backbenchers to recognise Palestine as a free state. The shadow foreign secretary added that Keir Starmer's decision to recognise Palestinian statehood was "ill-timed". Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Conservatives call for a ‘real’ deal over Gaza ceasefire

Deputy Chairman for the Conservative Party Matt Vickers urges the government to secure a “real deal” as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to visit US President Donald Trump during his visit to Scotland. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn