Chancellor to signal cost-cutting steps as she accuses Tories of fiscal 'cover up'

Tories: We're not to blame for rise in inflation

The shadow chancellor of the exchequer has defended the previous government for the rise in inflation, instead blaming Chancellor Rachel Reeves' budget and other government decisions, including increased spending and borrowing. Mel Stride's comments come after government ministers pointed blame at the previous Conservative government after new data from the Office for National Statistics estimated that the rate of UK inflation rose from 2.5% in December to 3% in. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories: Ukraine must be at the table, not on the table

The Conservatives have supported the government's standpoint that Ukraine must be present at peace negotiations attempting to put an end to the conflict with Russia. Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Kevin Hollinrake said he "welcomes Trump's efforts" to end the conflict but said that Ukraine "must be at the table, not on the table". Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories: We should be worried about 'disappointing' inflation

The Conservatives have said that the "disappointing" rise in inflation is a cause of worry. Kevin Hollinrake, Shadow Levelling Up Secretary, said the 0.5% rise in inflation from December to January was a direct result of Rachel Reeves' budget. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories urge against European army as Starmer visits Paris

Conservative shadow cabinet minister Alicia Kearns has urged the prime minister to make the case that “we don’t need a European army”, ahead of Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Paris for a European emergency summit on Ukraine. The shadow Home Office minister said: “We all have to focus on our commitments to Nato, not a distraction by creating a new force.” Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories accuse Reeves of lying on CV and hiding expenses

The shadow farming minister has accused Rachel Reeves of lying on her CV and hiding expenses while working for a retail bank. Robbie Moore adds Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is "wrong" to back his chancellor and that the allegations are "absolutely damning". But a cabinet minister has claimed that allegations over Reeves' expenses while working for Halifax Bank of Scotland are "totally inaccurate". Report by Brooksl. 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

Labour promise to deliver a firm and fair immigration system

The Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, says the government will deliver a “firm and fair” immigration system as the Home Office releases new data on increased immigration enforcement visits and arrests. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

WhatsApp group probed after Labour minister sacked

A WhatsApp group in which MP Andrew Gwynne posted “completely unacceptable” messages is being investigated, a minister has said. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook could not say if others in the chat, which reportedly included another Labour MP, will be suspended, but suggested the Prime Minister could take action based on what the investigation finds. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Chancellor: Govt is ready to support creative industries

The chancellor says the government is ready to support creative industries, after announcing film studios in England are to receive business rates relief for the next nine years. On a visit to the Warner Bros Studio in Leavesden, Rachel Reeves adds "that's something that this government wants to get behind to back growth and back British workers". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Govt 'committed' to raising defence spending to 2.5% of GDP

Rachel Reeves says she is "absolutely committed" to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence and will "set out a pathway" to do so "in the proper way". The chancellor adds, "a strong economy depends on strong defences". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn