'Questions raised' after huge scale of Starmer's gifts and freebies revealed, says Tory leadership hopeful

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

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

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

Labour MP: ‘Time is running out for Palestine’

Labour MP Stella Creasy has urged Sir Keir Starmer to recognise the state of Palestine now, warning that waiting could end hopes of a two-state solution. One of over 200 MPs to sign a letter to the Prime Minister, Creasy said: “Time is running out for Palestine,” and called recognition a powerful step towards securing a ceasefire and lasting peace. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Corbyn: Labour Party is full of control freaks

Jeremy Corbyn has promised “a new kind of political party” as he launched a new outfit with Zarah Sultana. At the moment there is no agreement on the party’s name, but Mr Corbyn denied that the launch had been “messy”. Mr Corbyn led the Labour Party from 2015 to 2020 before being suspended following a row over a report into antisemitism in the party. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Home Sec: People should support Police

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has defended Labour's record on returning asylum seekers and criticised Reform UK for ''continuously attacking'' the police. It comes as the Chief Constable of Essex Police has denied that officers drove counter-protesters to a demonstration outside a hotel housing asylum seekers after claims made by Nigel Farage. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer leaves Downing Street after suspending Labour MPs

Sir Keir Starmer is reported to have suspended a number of rebellious MPs. Brian Leishman, Neil Duncan-Jordan and Chris Hinchcliff voted against the Government’s planned welfare reforms as part of a wider rebellion earlier this month, and all were first elected at last year’s election. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn