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

PM ‘really pleased’ to hit 2m NHS appointments target

Sir Keir Starmer says he is “really pleased” the government has delivered on its manifesto promise of two million extra NHS appointments but adds there is “lots, lots more to do”. NHS England figures show that between July and November 2024 there were almost 2.2 million more appointments compared with the equivalent period in 2023. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Government delivers 2m NHS appointments but ‘more to do’

Health Secretary Wes Streeting says the government has delivered on its manifesto promise of two million extra NHS appointments but adds “there is a hell of a lot more to do” to bring down waiting times and deal with a “wide range of pressures in the NHS”. NHS England figures show that between July and November 2024 there were almost 2.2 million more appointments compared with the equivalent period in 2023. Report by Jonesia. 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

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: 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

Lib Dems 'concerned' about lack of action on social care

The Liberal Democrat MP for Epsom says she is "concerned" that Sir Keir Starmer "didn't announce increase investment in GPs or anything in the social healthcare crisis". Her comments come after the prime minister gave a speech setting out his plans to reduce NHS waiting times. Helen Maguire adds, "they need to be ready for action". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn