Tories demand investigation into Civil Service appointments under Labour government

Reeves: House building to reach 40-year high

The chancellor says Labour reforms will lead to house building reaching a 40-year high, according to the OBR. Rachel Reeves adds that changes to the national planning framework alone will help build more than 1.3m homes over the next five years, "taking us within touching distance of our manifesto pledge to build 1.5m homes in England in this Parliament". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Reform names Sarah Pochin for Runcorn by-election

Reform UK has revealed Sarah Pochin as its candidate for the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. The announcement comes after former Labour MP Mike Amesbury resigned, having received a suspended prison sentence for assaulting a man in the street. This marks Sir Keir Starmer's first by-election since taking office in July 2024. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Civil Service credit cards to be frozen to cut spending

Civil Service credit cards will be frozen this week under plans to reduce their numbers by 50% and slash Government spending. The Cabinet Office will order almost all of the 20,000 procurement cards used by civil servants to be frozen. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden said the so-called government procurement cards should only be provided to officials when it is essential. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Women's Day 2025: Exclusive Conversation with Ira Singhal | Revealing the Secrets of Success |

IAS officer Ira Singhal, the topper of UPSC 2014, had an exclusive conversation with OneIndia. Despite clearing the Civil Services Exam three times, she was initially rejected due to her physical disability. Speaking to OneIndia, Ira Singhal revealed that her passion for public service led her to challenge the system in court. Eventually, the verdict was in her favor, not just for her but also for other aspirants facing similar challenges, paving the way for their entry into the Civil Services. #WomensDay2025 #OneIndia #irasinghal #irasinghalinterview #irasinghalias #WomenInLeadership #BreakingBarriers #Resilience #CareerGrowth #Entrepreneurship ~HT.97~PR.152~GR.121~

Tories: We welcome defence boost but growth has flatlined

A shadow Treasury minister says he welcomes the chancellor's £2.2bn boost to defence spending, but adds, "to invest in defence you've got to have a strong economy as well" and that "growth has flatlined". James Wild says, "the threats that we as a country are facing are increasing and we need to step up with our allies to deal with those". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories defend local record ahead of elections

Conservative co-chairman Nigel Huddleston says the party has a strong track record of delivering value for money through better services at lower costs. He praised local Tory councillors for their commitment to community issues like road maintenance and social care, while downplaying defections as a normal part of politics. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories: Labour needs to be tougher on welfare reform

The Conservatives have branded the Government’s welfare reforms as too little, too late, with Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall being urged to be tougher. Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately told the Commons: "The fact is £5 billion just doesn’t cut it. With a bill so big, going up so fast, she needed to be tougher." Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories seek to ban 'disruptive' phones in school classrooms

The shadow education secretary says schools "desperately" need to ban pupils from using phones during the school day. Neil O'Brien adds that phones cause "a huge amount of disruption in class, lower educational standards and it's also bad for kids' mental health". The government has so far resisted calls from the Conservative Party to ban the devices. 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