Labour say there's been a 'massive increase' in NHS appointments - this begs to differ

Russell Brand leaves court following not guilty plea

Comedian and actor Russell Brand departs from Southwark Crown Court after he pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault. He is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room while she attended a Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, and grabbing a TV worker’s breasts and orally raping her after dragging her into a male toilet. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Russell Brand arrives at court to face rape charges

Comedian and actor Russell Brand arrives at court to enter pleas to sex offence charges including rape and indecent assault. The 49-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier this month where he heard details of allegations against him – including that he raped a woman in a hotel room when she attended a Labour Party conference. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Conservatives ‘alarmed’ by early release scheme

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whatley says the government’s plan to release prisoners early is “alarming”. According to Whatley, Labour have made a “mess of their early release scheme, including accidentally releasing prisoners like violent domestic abusers”. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

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