PM tells ministers ‘governments don’t lose because polls go down’ and Labour should ‘keep a relentless focus’ on the cost of living In her Today programme interview this morning Kemi Badenoch tried to outflank Nigel Farage on net zero scepticism by claiming (wrongly) that she started talking out this before he did. Asked by the presenter, Nick Robinson, to give an example of a single policy that the Conservatives would implement to boost economic growth, Badenoch said that they would allow more drilling for oil in the North Sea. There wasn’t a Reform party then … I have always been a net zero sceptic, even in government. I was the one who argued that we need to bring back some of these targets … I’ve been consistent. Nigel Farage is following me. Keir Starmer doesn’t have a plan, doesn’t have an agenda. He’s weak. Nigel Farage is a one-man band who is all about himself and would make a mess of things. [He] doesn’t do detail. More trucks are entering Gaza, and this is very welcome, but right now, key crossings remain closed, convoys are being turned back, medical and shelter supplies are blocked, and NGOs are being banned. We joined nine other countries in stating that this is not acceptable, over the recess. The peace plan cannot work if NGOs are shut out. Israel’s decision to ban 37 of them is unjustifiable. Continue reading...

Watchdog will also monitor online ban for high fat and sugar products as part of wider effort to tackle childhood obesity A ban on junk food advertising on TV before 9pm and a total ban online has come into force as the government attempts to tackle the childhood obesity crisis. Under the rules, which will be enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) 13 categories of products can no longer be advertised on TV before the watershed or at any time online. The banned products are high in fat, sugar and salt. Continue reading...