High street giants plot new warning to Treasury over retail jobs

Trump Defends Elon Musk with a Smile: ‘He’s Not Shy!’ | Elon Musk’s Press Moment Incoming?

President Donald Trump defended Elon Musk amid Democratic backlash over his access to Treasury payment systems. During a press conference with Japan’s PM Ishiba, Trump dismissed concerns, calling Musk "not shy" and praising his efforts in uncovering government fraud. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent backed Musk, calling him the "greatest entrepreneur." Meanwhile, Democrats accuse Musk of having undue influence after reports surfaced that DOGE found payments linked to fraudulent groups. The controversy intensifies as Musk’s role in Trump’s administration grows. #Trump #ElonMusk #DOGE #Treasury #Fraud #Corruption #GOP #Democrats #Biden #GovernmentSpending #USAID #BreakingNews #Politics #TreasuryDepartment #MuskInvestigation #TrumpMusk #GovernmentEfficiency #Washington #Finance #Scandal ~HT.318~ED.102~GR.121~

Starmer defends former Treasury minister at PMQs

Sir Keir Starmer has defended Tulip Siddiq after the former Treasury minister resigned from government over an anti-corruption investigation into her wider family in Bangladesh. The prime minister told Kemi Badenoch in PMQs, "the former minister fully cooperated" with independent advisors looking into the matter. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Stride: Govt shouldn't pop champagne over inflation dip

The shadow chancellor says the Treasury "should not be popping champagne corks" over the unexpected dip in inflation to 2.5% in December. Mel Stride adds the government has "killed growth stone dead" after inheriting an economy that was "much better than they make out". Report by Brooksl. 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