Starmer trying to justify free gifts 'is making things worse'

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

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