Badenoch denies supporting local coalitions but says leaders must 'do what they need to do'

Minister clashes with Badenoch over steel deal claim

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds says the Conservative leader is wrong to say she had negotiated a modernisation plan with British Steel for electric arc furnaces at Teesside and Scunthorpe. Ms Badenoch posted on X on Friday saying as business secretary in the last Conservative government she had negotiated the proposal, but it was "bungled" by Labour. After intervening, Ms Badenoch says: "Labour cannot negotiate. We were negotiating a modernisation deal that would have had limited job losses, just like we had in Port Talbot”. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch accuses Labour of grooming gang inquiry U-turn

Kemi Badenoch has accused Labour of dropping plans for five local grooming gang inquiries promised in January. The Conservative leader called for a full national inquiry and suggested a “cover-up”, claiming Labour's refusal to act shows dishonesty and a failure to deliver justice. She pledged to force another vote, warning the public would “see who is on their side”. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch: UK right not to hit back on US tariffs

Kemi Badenoch has warned that US retaliatory tariffs will “make it more expensive for people in this country”. Badenoch said tariffs hit consumers hardest and come “at a time when the economy is doing badly” due to Labour’s tax rises. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Badenoch defends Israel over refusal to admit Labour MPs

Kemi Badenoch has defended Israel’s decision to block two Labour MPs from entering, saying “every country should be allowed to police its borders.” She said that being an MP “does not give you diplomatic immunity” and warned against criticising Israel for enforcing its laws, saying the UK should “set that precedent” if it wants to do the same. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Tories: UK faces tough future without trade deal

Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride warns that the UK could face higher prices, job losses, and lower wages without a trade deal with the US. He said that businesses, investors, and stock markets are unhappy, urging the government to accelerate negotiations and secure a deal quickly to avoid economic difficulties. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn