A housing minister says he is "confident" the way UK government officials communicate is secure, after messages about European "free-loading" and plans for a military strike against Houthi rebels in Yemen in a White House Signal group chat were inadvertently leaked. Matthew Pennycook adds, "we all know that Europe has got to step up and do more for its collective defence". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
A housing minister admits "difficult choices" will have to be made in the chancellor's Spring budget tomorrow, but rejects the idea the government is "imposing austerity". Matthew Pennycook adds, "we are taking very decisive action to turn around 14 years of stagnation and low growth". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The housing minister has defended the government's decision to introduce cuts to the benefit system. The government plans include a ÂŁ5bn in cuts, making it harder to qualify for the disability benefit Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Matthew Pennycook said the current welfare system is "failing the people who need support the most" and "failing the taxpayer and employers as well". Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The government has pledged to build a "new generation of towns" across the UK. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook said the plan is an "ambitious milestone" to build the next generation of communities. Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
A WhatsApp group in which MP Andrew Gwynne posted “completely unacceptable” messages is being investigated, a minister has said. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook could not say if others in the chat, which reportedly included another Labour MP, will be suspended, but suggested the Prime Minister could take action based on what the investigation finds. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The UK Government says it is considering “possible retaliatory action” after US President Donald Trump announced a 10% tax on British goods imported to the US, on top of previously announced tariffs on cars and steel. There are concerns about how the tariffs will impact the UK economy, as the US is the UK's largest export partner. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The moment a hawk that has terrorised a Hertfordshire village was finally captured has been caught on camera. The Harris Hawk was caught in a net in a garden. It has attacked up to 50 people, sometimes leaving victims' heads covered in blood. Some residents had set up a petition to save the hawk following rumours that the council was considering putting it down. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Mick Foley is counting his blessings following his Tuesday car wreck ... saying he feels lucky to have walked away with only minor injuries -- adding he's.. TMZ.com
Former chairman of Unipart John Neill reacts to the imposition of 25% tariffs on UK cars imported into the United States, saying “it’s a trade war and it’s a war we have to win”.
Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Sir Keir Starmer promises to execute his plan for change for the country in a new plea for people to vote for Labour at the local elections on May 1. Starmer vows, "only Labour will secure our borders, put more cash in your pocket, make your streets safer".
Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has set out new housing plans as part of the Labour government's planning overhaul. Under the plans, English councils must incorporate government-set housing targets..