'A punch in the gut': The defection of Natalie Elphicke

Ministers dodge questions on National Living Wage rise

Ministers avoid questions about the increase in the National Living Wage as they arrive in Downing Street for a Cabinet meeting with the prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer announces increase in National Living Wage

Sir Keir Starmer announces an increase in the National Living Wage, calling it a “boost” for everybody subject to it. The Labour leader says the change will make a “significant difference”. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

‘Angry’ Starmer holds summit over illegal migration

People smugglers were given an "open invitation" to send migrants to the UK because the police and intelligence agencies were not working together, Sir Keir Starmer has said. The prime minister said he was "angry" about the scale of illegal migration as he convened a summit involving 40 countries to address the problem. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories: Govt should’ve been quicker with tariff talks

The Tories have criticised the government for not being “quicker” with talks about tariffs imposed by the US. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride said Labour’s comments about Trump whilst they were the opposition were “unhelpful” and could have “soured” relations with the Trump administration. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch: Reeves' Spring Statement is all smoke and mirrors

Kemi Badenoch has accused Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement as being "all smoke and mirrors", pointing to rising inflation, increased unemployment and low growth. The Conservative Party leader added, "something has to change, this is chaos". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer: Banning phones in schools is unnecessary

Sir Keir Starmer says banning phones in schools is "not necessary" and instead there is an "emerging battle" to ensure that the content children are consuming online is "suitable for their age". His comments come as the Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch tells the prime minister at PMQs, "teachers and headteachers say the evidence already shows that schools that ban phones get better results". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer departs Downing Street for PMQs and Spring statement

Sir Keir Starmer has left Downing Street for the House of Commons where he will face questions from Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch. After PMQs, the prime minister will listen to Chancellor Rachel Reeves deliver her Spring statement. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch warns Tories could lose all 2021 councils in May

Kemi Badenoch warned that the Conservatives would lose “every single” council they won in 2021 if the general election results were applied to May's local elections. The Tory leader acknowledged the party’s “greatest defeat” in history and predicted a tough battle ahead, although she hoped for slightly better results. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Philp: PM's pledge to smash smuggling gangs is in tatters

The shadow home secretary says Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has "lost control of our borders", and that his "complete failure" on immigration will lose Labour voters. Chris Philp adds, "his pledge to smash the gangs is in complete tatters". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

PM: We have deported more than 24,000 illegal immigrants

Sir Keir Starmer says since Labour came into government they have deported more than 24,000 people "that have no right to be here". Speaking at the Border Security Summit in London, the prime minister adds, "that would have taken the Rwanda scheme 80 years to achieve". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn