Grenfell Tower will be demolished, government confirms

Ed Davey: Grenfell families must be heard

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey criticised the government for failing to properly consult bereaved families before confirming Grenfell Tower’s demolition. He urged the importance of involving survivors and relatives at every stage. Davey also encouraged ministers to speed up the removal of dangerous cladding from other buildings to prevent future tragedies. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Hollinrake: Grenfell families ‘must feel listened to’

Shadow Housing Secretary Kevin Hollinrake acknowledged the sensitivity of plans to demolish Grenfell Tower. He stressed the need for government engagement with victims’ families and pledged to meet Grenfell United soon. "The most important thing is that the victims and their families... feel they'll be listened to" he said, underlining the need for clear communication before any final decision. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Anneliese Dodds resigns following aid budget cuts

Anneliese Dodds has resigned as international development minister over the decision to cut overseas aid to fund a boost to defence spending. Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner reacted as the news broke on Friday, saying she is "really sorry" to hear the news of the resignation. "It is a really difficult decision that was made but it was absolutely right that the prime minister and the cabinet endorse the prime minister's actions to spend more money on defence," she added. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Angela Rayner sets out 'power shift' plans for the North

Angela Rayner set out plans to introduce a "power shift" in the North during a speech at the annual Convention of the North event on Friday. The deputy prime minister called her English Devolution programme the "biggest power shift in a generation" as Northerners will "no longer be dictated from Whitehall". Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Deputy PM: Seven Grenfell companies acted disgracefully

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner says the behaviour from seven companies criticised in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry final report, who are being investigated under the Procurement Act was "disgraceful". Ms Rayner says: "Reading the report from Sir Martin was absolutely devastating to see and the lack of remorse by some of these companies is disgraceful, and I outlined that again today in my response to the report's findings." Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Deputy PM insists housing targets will be met

Angela Rayner has insisted the government's housing targets will be met following doubts from experts and the Opposition. "We need to build the homes and we're doing everything we can to turn the tide of decline and build the houses people so desperately need," she said. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Deputy PM insists 'there is a future for British steel'

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has insisted there "is a future for British steel" and that the government is "committed to supporting the steel industry". It comes as US President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on foreign steel and aluminium imports which will increase the costs of importing the metals into the US. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn