Labour releases NHS cancellations data as Tories unveil four domestic pledges

 “The evidence is clear that our approach is the right one,” said Mr Javid.”We will end low pay by putting the national living wage on a path to increase to £10.50 over the next five years.”

Then, as part of a £100m investment in prisons, Berwyn, Bristol, Hewell, Lancaster Farms, Leeds, Liverpool and Norwich jails are to receive airport-style security, including X-ray baggage and metal detection equipment, to improve searching of visitors and staff.

Other measures include X-ray body scanners for inmates and drug-detection kits to identify and deter attempts to smuggle drugs in prisoners’ mail, digital forensics and phone-blocking technology to clampdown on organised crime behind bars.

Prisons minister Lucy Frazer said: “The gate and reception are key areas of vulnerability to smuggling and more robust searching of staff, visitors and prisoners will help reduce the flow of drugs, phones and weapons.

“This game-changing package of equipment is part of the government’s new £2.75bn investment to modernise and maintain our prisons, create 10,000 additional places, and crack down on crime behind bars.

“All of these elements are crucial as we create a system that can rehabilitate, cut re-offending and ultimately make our communities safer.”

And announcing an extra £155m for sixth forms, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “We want all young people to have access to high-quality education and training that will set them on the path to a rewarding career.

“Next year colleges and school sixth forms will benefit from a significant £400m funding boost to help them to do this. Part of this will be £155m to support the delivery of courses that we know lead to higher wages and better career prospects for students.

“This funding also means that next year FE colleges could benefit from almost £5,000 per student.”

Finally, in a crackdown on travellers, Home Secretary Priti Patel is considering making trespassing a criminal offence rather than controlled under civil law, as it is at present.

A consultation to be launched this week will seek the views of councils, police forces and travellers. Proposals include lowering the number of vehicles to be involved in an unauthorised camp before police can intervene from six to two.

And anyone who breaks the law could be ordered not to return to a site from which they have been removed for a year, up from three months.

Ms Patel said: “Unauthorised encampments can cause misery to those who live nearby, with reports of damage to property, noise, abuse and littering.

“The public want their communities protected and for the police to crack down on trespassers. Our proposals aim to ensure these encampments can be challenged and removed as quickly as possible.”