Labour to trim social care and climate reforms to "bombproof" manifesto

The Labour party is planning to trim down reforms of social care and a smaller green investment part of a stripped-down general election manifesto that will "bombproof" it against possible Conservative attacks.

Labour have given shadow cabinet ministers until 8 February to make policy submissions for the manifesto. Sir Kier Starmer wants to have this document ready for mid-March, in case Rishi Sunak calls for an early spring election.

This trimming down means that the £28bn a year commitment to green investment - that was made a flagship policy by Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves - will be cut back. Although sources have said Labour would keep the core mission of investing in green infrastructure.

They will also not seek to legislate on the creation of a new national care service in its first King's speech. Rather, it will focus on a fair pay agreement for care workers as well as looking into issues of recruitment and retention.

Starmer had also previously promised to abolish the House of Lords in a first term in government, however it's now expected that Labour will only commit to limited changes.

Labour are determined to offer as small a a target as possible to the Conservatives. However, it's thought that this cautious approach will frustrate some party MPs and members.