Starmer has a battle on his hands - but when it's green v growth, there's only one winner

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

Govt: Water system is broken

The system for regulating water companies should be overhauled and replaced with one body for England and one body for Wales, a landmark review of the sector has advised. The much-anticipated report from the Independent Water Commission, led by former Bank of England deputy governor Sir Jon Cunliffe, outlines 88 recommendations to the UK and Welsh governments. Water minister Emma Hardy says she cannot guarantee the government will implement all 88 recommendations. Report by Gluszczykm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn