Minister denies Labour are like 'tawdry' Conservatives after Louise Haigh phone scandal

Tories: We need something earlier than Heathrow expansion

The shadow chancellor has argued that Rachel Reeves's plan to expand Heathrow Airport doesn't do enough to tackle economic issues affecting people now, claiming it will only come into effect in the next 10-30 years, if at all. Mel Stride did, however, assert his support for Reeves's planned Heathrow expansion, despite citing Labour divisions about the issue including Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan's objections. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories: Starmer is no Margaret Thatcher

The shadow financial secretary has dismissed comparisons between Margaret Thatcher and Sir Keir Starmer, who likened his government to the ex-prime minister's. Criticising the Labour government's budget, Gareth Davies claimed Chancellor Rachel Reeves's budget has created an environment "not conducive to economic growth". The Tory MP's comments come as Reeves announced government support for Heathrow expansion in a major speech, in which the chancellor said a third runway could increase potential GDP by 0.43% by 2050 and could create over 100,000 jobs. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Govt minister: We have to accept the trade-offs of growth

Jonathan Reynolds says there is no contradiction between Labour's new plans for growth and the government's green commitments, citing investments in renewable energy and clean technology as "massive opportunities". The business secretary did, however, admit that there are “trade-offs” involved in growth and that the government will have to accept this as part of the process. This comes ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves' major speech on growth, in which she is expected to speak about plans of improving water infrastructure, expanding Heathrow, and unlocking big investments for the country. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Suspended Labour MP pleads guilty to assault

The suspended Labour MP Mike Amesbury has pleaded guilty to assault at Chester Magistrates' Court after he was charged with punching a man to the ground during an alleged assault last October. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch: PM owes Commons explanation over Haigh appointment

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch says Sir Keir Starmer "owes the House an explanation", as to why Louise Haigh was appointed as transport secretary. The prime minister replied, "while she's obsessing with Westminster issues, we're getting on with fixing the mess and fixing the foundations". Haigh resigned from the cabinet last week after it emerged she was found guilty of fraud a decade ago. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Transport Sec: Haigh's resignation was admirable thing to do

The new transport secretary says her predecessor Louise Haigh did a "good job" and did an "admirable thing" by resigning. Haigh became the first cabinet secretary to resign from Sir Keir Starmer's government after it emerged that she pleaded guilty to a fraud offence a decade ago. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Conservatives ‘anxious’ over remaining Israeli hostages

Conservative shadow minister Richard Holden says it is “fantastic news” to see British-Israeli national Emily Damari released from captivity in Gaza, but adds that there is “a lot of anxiety there” for the families of the remaining hostages. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Starmer: We have iron-clad commitment to our fiscal rules

Sir Keir Starmer says the government has an "iron-clad commitment to our fiscal rules", after inflation dipped to 2.5% in December. The prime minister's comments at PMQs come after Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch claimed business leaders are suffering from Labour's Autumn Budget. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Siddiq in good spirits as Badenoch calls for the sack

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Tulip Siddiq, leaves home in good spirits as the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch calls for her to be sacked over corruption claims – which the treasury minister has denied. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Philp: Labour morally wrong to reject grooming gangs inquiry

The shadow home secretary has said it is "morally wrong" for the Labour Party to reject a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal. MPs voted down the Conservative Party amendment in the Commons, but Chris Philp urged Sir Keir Starmer to "change your mind". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn