over 36,000 people crossed the channelin over 36,000 people crossed the channel in 2024, fewer than in 2022, but still a major concern for ministers. sir keir starmer says he won't stop claiming liz truss crashed the economy despite legal threats from her team. truss's lawyers have issued a cease and desist letter, calling the claim false and blaming it for damaging her re—election prospects. the dispute centres on her 2022 mini—budget, which caused market turmoil, though her team points to a report showing economic growth afterwards. >> rachel reeves has pushed this country to the brink of economic crisis through high taxes, high regulation and disastrous net zero policies. when i tried to fix these problems back in 2022, i was undermined by the economic establishment and i was forced to reverse the policies before they were even implemented. i was blamed for the ldi crisis, which the bank of england has subsequently admitted was their fault. >> downing street says the prime minister stands by his remarks, urging critics to ask the public about the impact on mortgages and inflation. n

it comes after over 36,000 people crossed the channelin over 36,000 people crossed the channel in 2024r than in 2022, but still a major concern for the government. well, as i say, david lammy has been setting out those details and he's been calling it a significant part of the solution to kerb dangerous crossings. >> we can strengthen borders, smash the gangs and get those with no right to be here, return to their countries. there are those who have told me that this isn't a progressive issue. i'm afraid they're wrong. there is nothing progressive about leaving the most vulnerable, exploiting, letting criminal gangs get rich and commit more crime on british streets. >> in other news, chief secretary to the treasury darren jones has insisted public spending will be in line with what was set out in the budget. that's despite borrowing costs hitting a 27 year high. the pound has also fallen to its weakest since april, fuelling speculation the chancellor could either raise taxes again or cut spending to balance the books. and in a rare move, the treasury stepped in last night, calling mark