NHS waiting list increases for first time in seven months

Minister dismisses Labour back bench criticisms

Responding to reports of Labour back bench criticism over policy, cabinet minister Steve Reed insists the government is “absolutely focussed on supporting those people who are struggling the most with the cost-of-living crisis”. The environment secretary lists increases to pensions and the National Minimum Wage plus increased investment in the NHS as a “Labour thing to do”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Wes Streeting defends Labour's 'unpopular' policies

Wes Streeting has defended "unpopular" policies such as the cut to the winter fuel payment following Labour's poor performance in the local elections. "Voters have sent us a very strong message which we're taking on the chin. We know there have been some policies which have been unpopular whether it's national insurance or winter fuel among other things - that's how we're investing in the NHS," the health secretary added. Report by Kennedyl. 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

Govt will ‘consider very carefully’ NHS pay recommendations

Health minister Stephen Kinnock says the government “will consider very carefully” recommendations made by the Pay Review Body for NHS workers, but any deal must be based on the “very tight fiscal position”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn