Tory MP Dan Poulter defects to Labour over NHS 'chaos'

Former minister describes aid cut as ‘shameful’

Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell describes the government’s decision to cut international aid to 0.3% of GDP as “shameful” and “wrong”. The former international development secretary says he was “astonished” to hear about the decision, which will fund extra defence spending, insisting “there are many other ways you can raise that money”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch suggests 'repurposing' aid budget to boost defence

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch says UK defence spending should go beyond a target of 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030, suggesting "short-term repurposing" of some of the 0.5% dedicated to development aid. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

CUTS: Badenoch speech

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch delivers a foreign policy speech in Westminster Report by Chinnianl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories 'disappointed' US didn't back UN Ukraine motion

The Conservatives have voiced disappointment at the US decision not to support a UN resolution condemning Russia's war against Ukraine – even though it was co-sponsored by the UK. However, Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins says it is still important to support President Trump in his wish to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict, despite the US siding with Russia in last night’s vote. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Priti Patel hails Donald Trump's 'extraordinary mandate'

Dame Priti Patel has hailed Donald Trump's "extraordinary mandate" as US President, and says the Conservative Party believes in the UK's "special relationship" with the United States. The shadow foreign secretary made the comments despite disagreeing with Trump's description of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a "dictator" and his echoing of Russian rhetoric on the war. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories blast Labour over energy price hike

The shadow environment secretary has blasted the Labour government for the "third" increase in energy bills since coming to power. Victoria Atkins also criticised the government's approach to energy, including "plonking pylons across the country". Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Labour to ‘boost’ enforcement around illegal immigrants

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, promises to “boost” enforcement on illegal immigrants after footage of raids were released as part of a border security crackdown. Cooper says, "the rules need to be respected and enforced". Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Govt vows action over Nottingham victims records breach

The families of the Nottingham attack victims called claims that NHS staff illegally accessed their loved ones' medical records "sickening" and "inexcusable." Health minister Stephen Kinnock said protecting records is vital and promised government action if any breach occurred. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Streeting insists he didn't ask NHS boss to leave her job

The Health Secretary has insisted he did not ask NHS boss Amanda Pritchard to leave her job. Wes Streeting said he has “so much respect and time” for Ms Pritchard, who announced on Tuesday that she will leave her role as NHS chief executive at the end of March. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn