The shadow education secretary says schools "desperately" need to ban pupils from using phones during the school day. Neil O'Brien adds that phones cause "a huge amount of disruption in class, lower educational standards and it's also bad for kids' mental health". The government has so far resisted calls from the Conservative Party to ban the devices. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott claims the government are “all over the place” with welfare reforms as uncertainty continues around what will be announced this week. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Shadow foreign minister Wendy Morton calls for “pragmatism” and “calm heads” over negotiations for a Ukraine peace deal following the clash between President Zelenskyy and Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Friday. Report by Blairm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden defended Labour’s welfare reforms, saying they aim to support those who cannot work while encouraging employment for those who can. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Shadow Scotland Secretary Andrew Bowie said Labour’s welfare reforms may have more support from Conservatives than Labour MPs, accusing Sir Keir Starmer of walking back on ambitious plans. Bowie outlined the need to balance supporting the vulnerable with getting more working-age people into employment, calling it a “difficult balancing act” that every government must tackle. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Kemi Badenoch says it is time to be more realistic about net zero, insisting it is “impossible” to reach the target by 2050. Speaking in London, the Conservative Party leader insists she wants ‘a better future and a better environment for our children, but we have to get real’. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The Conservatives must offer “credible plans” that are “rooted in realism, not wishful thinking” and “show that we are thinking about tomorrow,” Kemi Badenoch said. The Tory leader said the public had “made it very clear that the Conservative Party needed some time away from government”. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The Work and Pensions Secretary has said the government is "determined to fix the broken benefits system" ahead of announcing "radical welfare reforms" next.. Sky News
An overhaul of the welfare system will see the assessment process for some health benefits scrapped and reform to disability benefits in a plan expected to save billions over the next five years. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the work capability assessment is unfit for purpose and will be scrapped in 2028. Reforms to disability benefits are expected to save more than £5 billion in 2029/30, Liz Kendall has said. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
David Lammy has welcomed Kaja Kallas, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs, before a meeting at his official residence. The Foreign Secretary reiterated the need for an “enduring and a lasting peace” in Ukraine before their talks at Carlton Gardens. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn