'Do not give matches back to arsonists', urges Labour amid poll complacency warning

Health Secretary hits back at Farage following NHS criticism

Wes Streeting has hit back at Nigel Farage after the Reform UK leader suggested an insurance-based healthcare system. The Reform UK leader has suggested that some British families could be forced to pay health insurance to use the NHS if he was prime minister. Reacting to the comments, Mr Streeting said: "I think Nigel Farage and Reform are a real threat to our NHS. It might be alright for Mr Moneybags but that's not what most people in this country can afford." Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Minister won’t be drawn of benefit freeze ‘speculation’

Wes Streeting declines to be drawn on whether the government will freeze personal independence payment (PIP) as uncertainty continues to surround Labour's upcoming welfare reforms. The health secretary says, “there's been a lot of speculation in recent days about what the government’s welfare proposals will and won't say, some of which are fairly divorced from things that the government is actually planning to do”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

GPs accept contract terms helping end ‘8am scramble’

GPs in England have accepted contract terms which will help to end the ‘8am scramble’ for appointments. Health Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the news, saying: "This is the first time since the pandemic that a government has agreed to a deal with GPs. It brings an end to the dispute and the collective action GPs have been taking." Report by Kennedyl. 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

Government: Ukraine’s front line is Britain’s front line

Wes Streeting says “Ukraine’s front line is Britain’s front line” as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer prepares to travel to Paris for an emergency summit on Ukraine. The health secretary adds: “It’s really important Nato acts together; it’s really important we’re prepared to take the steps needed to secure our national security.” Report by Jonesia. 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

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