A housing minister admits "difficult choices" will have to be made in the chancellor's Spring budget tomorrow, but rejects the idea the government is "imposing austerity". Matthew Pennycook adds, "we are taking very decisive action to turn around 14 years of stagnation and low growth". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
A housing minister says he is "confident" the way UK government officials communicate is secure, after messages about European "free-loading" and plans for a military strike against Houthi rebels in Yemen in a White House Signal group chat were inadvertently leaked. Matthew Pennycook adds, "we all know that Europe has got to step up and do more for its collective defence". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The housing minister has defended the government's decision to introduce cuts to the benefit system. The government plans include a £5bn in cuts, making it harder to qualify for the disability benefit Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Matthew Pennycook said the current welfare system is "failing the people who need support the most" and "failing the taxpayer and employers as well". Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Environment Secretary Steve Reed promises to use “aggressive” tactics to tackle fly tipping, arguing “people are furious to see their communities buried under an avalanche of rubbish”.
Report by AJAGBEF. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins calls the government’s new crackdown on the illegal dumping of litter “a mountain of rubbish”. Atkins expresses deep concern for the rural residents saying “fly tipping is the number one issue that people worry about”.
Report by AJAGBEF. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accuses Labour of “chasing Reform”, saying “they want to sound like they’re strong on migration". Her comments come as the government introduces new measures to deny asylum seekers the right the stay in the UK if convicted of committing sexual offences. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey condemns Belfast-based rap group Kneecap for making “outrageous” remarks as footage emerges of one of its members appearing to say "kill your local MP".
Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Two men accused cutting down the landmark Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian's Wall in 2023 arrive in court. Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, deny two counts each of criminal damage - one to the tree and one to the ancient Roman-built wall.
Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has set out new housing plans as part of the Labour government's planning overhaul. Under the plans, English councils must incorporate government-set housing targets..