As Sunak and Starmer prepare for leaders' event, polls point to mistrust in both

PM: England faces a never-ending fight for our flag

Sir Keir Starmer says England faces a "never-ending fight for our flag and what it represents", during a speech to mark St George’s Day at 10 Downing Street. The prime minister shares his worries about the far-right claiming ownership of the English flag at a reception to mark the nation’s patron saint. Sir Keir also praises England for its diversity, pointing to the difference between his "working class" background and his predecessor Rishi Sunak, "an English Hindu", who both become prime minister. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

PM: We are not at the end of process on Ukraine ceasefire

Sir Keir Starmer says talks on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine are "not at the end of the process" and any ceasefire has “got to be lasting, because I don’t trust Putin”. Asked about the suggestion the US could recognise Russia's annexation of Crimea; the prime minister tells broadcasters: "Ultimately that is a matter for the Ukrainians”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Keir Starmer hosts Palestine PM at 10 Downing Street

Sir Keir Starmer hosts the prime minister of Palestine Mohammad Mustafa for talks at 10 Downing Street. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

PM: Nobody wants to see NHS strikes

Sir Keir Starmer says he does not want to see industrial action over public sector pay, saying “I don’t think anybody wants to see strikes”. The prime minister is keen to talk about the different approach between his government and the last Conservative administration saying, “we’ve got our doctors and nurses on the frontline providing care, rather than on the picket line”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories acknowledge ‘very competitive’ local elections

Kemi Badenoch, whose party currently holds around half the seats up for election on Thursday, acknowledges that the local elections present her with a challenge. Visiting a farm in Lincolnshire, the Conservative leader says, “it is a very, very competitive political environment” and claims Reform UK are profiting through Labour doing so “badly”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch calls for Kneecap prosecution

Kemi Badenoch calls for prosecution of the rap trio Kneecap after a member of the group allegedly called for the death of Tory MPs. Video emerged of the group at a November 2023 gig appearing to show one member saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." The Conservative leader accuses Kneecap of being "anti-British” and says, “they should be prosecuted”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories admit local elections will be ‘challenging’

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp admits Thursday’s local elections will be “challenging” but insists the Conservative Party will not be doing a deal with Reform UK. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories express concern over EU youth mobility scheme

The Opposition have expressed concerns over a potential youth mobility scheme with the European Union. The home secretary and chancellor both said they are "open" to the plans which would allow Europeans to temporarily live and work in the UK. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said it is a "potentially failing immigration scheme" and urged the government to be more transparent with discussions regarding the plans. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories insist ‘no pact’ with Reform UK

Shadow Financial Secretary to the Treasury Gareth Davies insists the Conservative Party “will not be entering into a pact” with Reform UK but will “win back the centre-right vote” at the next General Election. In an audio recording obtained by Sky News, Robert Jenrick can be heard saying that he wants the "fight" against Sir Keir Starmer's party to be "united". Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn