WATCH: King hugging it out. King Charles meets New Zealand women’s rugby union team Black Ferns - and got a proper Kiwi embrace from his guests 🤗 When they asked for a hug, the King replies: “A hug? Why not!” #blackferns 🎥 Duncan Stone for ITV News

I got to watch Prime Minister’s Questions from the press gallery inside the House of Commons today. A slightly surreal experience seeing – and hearing – the famous chamber in person. But a reminder of the immense privilege it is to do this job. 📸 ©House of Commons

NEW: Former prime minister Theresa May, or Baroness May of Maidenhead, has just been introduced to the House of Lords

It was a privilege to be introduced to the House of Lords today. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the work of Parliament and public life over the years ahead.

“From a working class foster kid to now being a Member of Parliament.” Southampton Itchen MP Darren Paffey speaks about growing up in care and how he hopes to remove barriers that stop young people achieving their dreams. itv.com/news/meridian/…

Sir Ed Davey tells me nationalising water firms would be ‘letting them off the hook for sewage scandal’ in the South of England. He argues a new water regulator could get private firms to ‘put it right’. ITV News Meridian

Lib Dem conference 🟠☑️ My first party conference as ITV News Meridian political correspondent was a whirlwind but a great opportunity to be able to interview so many new MPs from across the South and Thames Valley.

At 6pm on tonight's ITV News across the UK, our Political Correspondents speak to Keir Starmer for the first time since becoming PM, focussing on the issues that matter most in the parts of the country they each cover.

NEW: The Prime Minister tells me his deterrent for cross-Channel migrants is ‘taking down the gangs’ and ‘sending people back to where they came from’. Sir Keir Starmer also denies plans to upgrade Manston processing centre in Kent are a sign his plans won’t work. ITV News Meridian

NEW: The PM tells me he’s willing to override local councils to build hundreds of thousands of homes in the South. But Sir Keir Starmer refuses to commit to new hospitals in Basingstoke, Reading & Winchester – promised by last government. itv.com/news/meridian/… ITV News Meridian

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, spoke to me about the need to build more homes – and infrastructure – in the South of England. Plus, small boat crossings, new hospitals and his favourite place to relax. Full interview: itv.com/watch/news/sir… @itvx ITV News Meridian

A woman has died following an explosion at a bungalow in #Charing near #Ashford on Thursday. Kent Fire and Rescue Service is investigating the cause. ITV News Meridian

Congratulations Stubbington’s Charlotte Fairall Sophie's Legacy for your Pride of Britain award! You deserve this & so much more for your tireless efforts to improve hospital experiences for families with poorly children x Charlotte will be representing the ITV News Meridian region