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
Shadow chancellor Mel Stride has criticised the new growth figures released by the ONS. Mr Stride accused the government of "talking down the economy" and referenced the "disastrous budget" set out by Rachel Reeves.
Report by Kennedyl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The shadow chancellor has argued that Rachel Reeves's plan to expand Heathrow Airport doesn't do enough to tackle economic issues affecting people now, claiming it will only come into effect in the next 10-30 years, if at all. Mel Stride did, however, assert his support for Reeves's planned Heathrow expansion, despite citing Labour divisions about the issue including Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan's objections. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The Conservatives have branded the Government’s welfare reforms as too little, too late, with Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall being urged to be tougher. Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately told the Commons: "The fact is £5 billion just doesn’t cut it. With a bill so big, going up so fast, she needed to be tougher." Report by Covellm. 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
Sir Keir Starmer arrives at Parliament ahead of taking this week's Prime Minister's Questions. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Disabilities minister, Stephen Timms, has said that changes to PIP eligibility are needed to make the benefit "sustainable for the long term". He said that he is satisfied that Labour has done enough to safeguard people who are poor and vulnerable amid the welfare cuts. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Krishnan Guru-Murthy speaks to Russia’s Ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, about the talks between Russia and the USA over Ukraine, Europe's attempts to provide security guarantees and what there is to stop Russia wanting more territory if it gets everything it wants in this negotiation. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has announced radical welfare changes to get more people into work and save ÂŁ5 billion by the end of 2030. The changes include tightening the eligibility criteria for disability benefits, scrapping a controversial benefits assessment, and raising the basic rate of universal credit while cutting the higher rate for those too ill to work. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
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