Housing minister Matthew Pennycook calls on Israel and Iran to “show restraint, to step back and give diplomacy a chance” but would not comment on “what the US may or may not be contemplating”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
There has been widespread disruption at UK airports after an air traffic control glitch. Aviation analytics company Cirium said 84 departures and 71 arrivals were cancelled up to 10pm on Wednesday. National Air Traffic Services (Nats) say the glitch was caused by a radar-related issue and that "there is no evidence that this was cyber related." Heathrow and Gatwick airports say they’ve now resumed normal operations. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The business secretary has unveiled plans to crack down on late payments to ease the burden on small businesses. Jonathan Reynolds said the small business commissioner is to be given powers to fine large companies which continue to pay their suppliers late. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
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
The government are cracking down on late payments by cutting red tape for small businesses. Discussing the plans, Business Minister Gareth Thomas said: "We are determined to crack down on late payments. It costs £11bn to the UK economy every year. Potentially very significant fines if companies continue to make payments later in the day."
Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
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
Disabilities minister, Stephen Timms, has said that changes to PIP eligibility are needed to make the benefit "sustainable for the long term". He said that he is satisfied that Labour has done enough..
The shadow business secretary has hit out at the government for plans to 'cut disability payments'. Responding to the proposed cuts, Andrew Griffith said: "When you're spending taxpayer's money, you..