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
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirms he stands by Labour’s manifesto pledge not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT. Asked by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch in Parliament if the promise still holds, Starmer simply replies: “Yes.” Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
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
Sir Keir Starmer joined President Macron and other international leaders for a virtual meeting on future peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine. The call, involving members of the so-called coalition of the willing, took place as part of ongoing talks to prepare for a potential ceasefire. Participants included European leaders, US officials, and President Zelensky, dialling in from the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The stars of Marvel's latest superhero blockbuster begin their press tour in Germany. Report by Nelsonj. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
As President Macron met Sir Keir Starmer to discuss the migrant crisis, aerial footage showed at least one small boat making its way to the UK. The crossing came on the same day the leaders pledged closer cooperation to tackle illegal migration and disrupt people-smuggling gangs. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has called on resident doctors to abandon plans for strike action, calling it “unreasonable” and “unfair”. He said they’ve received a 28.9% pay rise – the best deal among NHS staff – and warned strikes would disrupt patient care and burden other workers. It comes as NHS waiting lists in England fall to their lowest level in over two years. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn