NHS must 'live within that budget' says chancellor after GPs raise concerns over national insurance increase

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

Reeves: We’re in intense negotiations over tariffs

Rachel Reeves confirmed the UK is currently in “intense negotiations” with the US over tariffs “across the board”. The Chancellor said she “does not want to see tariffs go up”, highlighting her support for “free and open trade”. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Reeves shown first AI-powered strike drone

Rachel Reeves has visited Wellington Barracks in central London after announcing in her Spring Statement that defence spending will increase by 2.5% in GDP. The chancellor and the defence secretary John Healey were shown the first AI-powered strike drone, as they learnt about the work of people on the strategic command's innovation unit. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Reeves: I'm not in favour of national service

The chancellor says house building commitments in her Spring Statement will benefit young people and that she is "not in favour of national service". Speaking to ITV News, Rachel Reeves adds watching a Sabrina Carpenter concert in a box was "the right thing to do" given her security needs. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Reeves: Nation's defences are stronger with spending boost

Rachel Reeves has outlined her plans to "strengthen our nation's defences", by increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP and to build 1.5 million new homes. The chancellor acknowledges that the OBR has downgraded the UK's growth forecast for 2025 from 2% to 1%, but adds, "it has upgraded growth for next year and every year after that". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Ed Davey expresses support for NHS England abolishment

Sir Ed Davey has spoken out in support of Keir Starmer's decision to scrap NHS England. Speaking in Yorkshire on Thursday following the announcement, the Liberal Democrats leader said that while he supports the decision, more needs to be done. "The truth is it's not the big issue in the NHS - the big issue is getting more GPs and NHS dentists," Mr Davey said. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

GPs welcome new contract allowing appointment changes

GPs have been reacting to the new contract set out by the government which allows patients to book more appointments online and end the "scramble for 8am slots". Dr Alison George, a GP in an A&E unit at Newcastle Hospital Trust, welcomed the changes, saying: "I think it is a positive announcement and it means we've got space to try and move things forward." Report by Kennedyl. 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