Labour and Lib Dems hit campaign trail hours after Dorries' resignation

Lib Dems pledge to offer free school meals

The Liberal Democrats want to provide free school meals to all primary school children, in a manifesto pledge they said would be funded by a tax on share buybacks. The party said it would start by immediately extending the scheme to provide school meals to all 900,000 children living in poverty who currently miss out. Under the plan, all primary school children would be able to get free school meals once public finances stabilise. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Lib Dem leader falls into Lake Windermere

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has fallen off a paddleboard on Lake Windemere this morning, whilst out on the campaign trail for the General Election in July. Report by Chinnianl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Sir Ed Davey launches election campaign battle bus

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey launched his party's general election battle bus in Cambridgeshire, as he discussed his party's plans for migration. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Sunak: 'Only poll that matters is on 4th July'

During a visit to Bury, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasised that the "only poll that matters is the poll on 4th July," downplaying concerns over current Tory poll ratings. Sunak defended his policy announcements as bold and necessary, while criticising Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's green energy plans as lacking substance. "The British people deserve a lot more," Sunak stated, urging voters to focus on the upcoming election. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Diane Abbott 'free' to stand as Labour candidate in election

Sir Keir Starmer says Diane Abbott is "free to go forward" as a Labour candidate in the election. Ms Abbott had the whip restored on Tuesday but media reports said she had been banned from standing as a Labour candidate at the next election. Report by Czubalam. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer concedes oil and gas will be vital for decades

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged that oil and gas will remain integral to the energy landscape for years to come. During a speech in Scotland, he emphasised a commitment to maintaining existing licences. Starmer highlighted the potential for tens of thousands of new jobs stemming from the transition to renewable energy, positioning Scotland as a central hub. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Labour's Peter Kyle promises fair inquiry into Abbott

Labour's shadow science secretary, Peter Kyle, said the party aimed to handle the investigation into Diane Abbott's comments fairly. Kyle stated that the NEC would ensure all representatives meet the high standards set by Sir Keir Starmer, adding that the issue would be resolved within days, allowing Labour to focus on a platform of change for the upcoming election. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Stride criticises Logan's defection, says Labour lacks plan

Mel Stride, the Work and Pensions Secretary, described Mark Logan’s defection to Labour as "sad." However, he emphasised that Mr Logan’s letter explaining his decision did not mention any policies that attracted him to Labour. Stride argued that this is indicative of a Labour Party that "frankly has no plan." Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn