UK

The government has refused to deny reports that HS2 may not run to Euston until 2038 – if it ever reaches there at all. Soaring inflation means plans for the high-speed rail project to run to central London may be scrapped completely, with trains instead stopping at a new hub at Old Oak Common in

Sir Rod Stewart has called in to a live Sky News phone-in offering to donate money for medical scans after hearing stories from people about treatment ordeals on the NHS. The singer said it was “ridiculous” that people were having to wait long periods to get essential scans and treatment. The 78-year-old told Sky News:

The NHS winter crisis has been a struggle for patients and staff alike – but it has also prompted a long overdue and necessary debate about its sustainability and future. There are those – like former health secretary Sajid Javid – who think the way forward for the free cradle-to-grave service is to start charging

Two to three criminal cases against officers are expected to go to court every week in the coming months, the Met Police commissioner has revealed. The criminal cases are a “mix of dishonesty, violence and violence against women and girls”, Sir Mark Rowley said. He also apologised to the victims of former officer David Carrick

A serving Metropolitan Police officer has pleaded guilty to child sexual offences. PC Hussain Chehab, 22, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15 – as well as three counts of making indecent photographs of a child, and one of engaging in sexual communication with a child. He

Two British nationals were killed while attempting a “humanitarian evacuation” from the Ukrainian town of Soledar, a family statement has said. Chris Parry and his colleague Andrew Bagshaw were killed in the eastern town. A statement issued on behalf of Mr Parry’s family said: “His selfless determination in helping the old, young and disadvantaged there

Failings by probation officers left a sexual predator able to stalk and kill law graduate Zara Aleena – just days after he was released from jail, according to a watchdog. A damning report found a catalogue of errors in the Probation Service’s handling of Jordan McSweeney, which meant he was not treated as a high-risk

A man who robbed cyclist Mark Cavendish and his wife at their home and made off with luxury watches worth a total of £700,000 has been found guilty. Romario Henry, 31, of Bell Green, Lewisham, south-east London, denied carrying out the raid but was found guilty following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court. His co-defendant

Freezing fog across parts of Britain could cause travel disruption for commuters this morning as the cold snap continues. Clear skies will bring another sharp frost, and some dense freezing fog will form across the East Midlands, East Anglia and the South East. The cold temperatures are set to stick around before most areas return

The foreign secretary has evaded answering questions on the latest ‘sleaze’ allegations surrounding Boris Johnson to hit the Conservative Party. James Cleverly was asked about a claim that the BBC chairman Richard Sharp helped the former prime minister arrange a guarantee on a loan of up to £800,000, weeks before he was then recommended for

Buckingham Palace has squashed any suggestions of a slimmed down coronation by announcing a three-day weekend of “ceremonial, celebratory and community events”. Taking place between Saturday 6 and Monday 8 May, King Charles has insisted the historic moment should be “rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry” but also “look towards the future”. The King’s first

From an Iraqi-refugee who spoke no English to a multi-millionaire businessman and cabinet minister, Nadhim Zahawi’s story is one of the most compelling in Westminster. But questions about his financial affairs are now front and centre, having first gained prominence during the Stratford-on-Avon MP’s short-lived campaign to become prime minister last summer. The allegations centre

Dame Ann Gloag, co-founder of Stagecoach Group, has been charged in connection with a human trafficking investigation. A Police Scotland spokesman said: “On 19 January 2023, four individuals were charged in connection with an investigation into alleged human trafficking and immigration offences. A report will be sent to the prosecutor fiscal.” A spokeswoman for the

Rishi Sunak has been given a fixed penalty notice after being caught not wearing a seatbelt. Lancashire Police issued the notice after the prime minister appeared without a belt in a clip on Instagram as he promoted his levelling-up funding in Lancashire. In a statement, the force said: “You will be aware that a video

The father of Elle Edwards, who was shot dead at a pub last month, has said “Christmas will never be the same” for him and his family.  In his first interview since her death, Tim Edwards spoke of how his “beautiful and caring” daughter “with a heart of gold” will never leave him – as

Two retired Metropolitan Police officers have been charged with offences related to the possession of images showing child sex abuse as part of an investigation into a serving chief inspector who was found dead before he was charged. Jack Addis, 63, of no fixed address and Jeremy Laxton, 62, from Lincolnshire, will appear at Westminster

NHS leaders are making contingency plans as the biggest walkout in the health service’s history looms. Ambulance staff and nurses are both set to go on strike on 6 February – taking industrial action on the same day for the first time ever. Saffron Cordery, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, has said the

The abuse of power shown by rapist PC David Carrick is “absolutely despicable” and urgent action must be taken, the prime minister has told the head of the Met Police. Rishi Sunak said he’d had “constructive” talks with Sir Mark Rowley and “made clear to him – and he agrees – that the abuse of

Motorists have been urged to drive safely as police said they have been dealing with a “lot of accidents” in icy conditions on the roads. Surrey Police issued the warning as the Met Office said ice will affect many areas this morning, meaning it’s “worth leaving extra time for any journeys that you have planned”.

Dozens of people have been injured and “a number” have been taken to hospital after a double-decker bus overturned in Somerset. A major incident – which has now been stood down – was declared on Tuesday morning and saw a “significant number” of police, fire and ambulance crews sent to the scene in Bridgwater. Giving