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

Lindsey Hill is lying in a hospital bed drifting in and out of a medicine induced sleep. She is also very tired, her body is fighting a serious lung infection. She is 40 years old. You cannot tell this by looking at her as her blanket is pulled up to her chin and a tumble

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

The Royal Air Force has grounded its entire fleet of fast jet training aircraft because of an issue with an engine, Sky News can reveal.  It is not known when flying training on the Hawk T2 jets at an air base in North Wales will resume. The pause will be another blow for a training

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. Sir Mark Rowley apologised to the victims of former officer David Carrick and said the public should “prepare for more painful stories as we confront cases that… corrupt our integrity”.

Two British nationals were killed while attempting a “humanitarian evacuation” from the Ukrainian town of Soledar, a family statement has said. Chris Parry, 28, and Andrew Bagshaw, 47, were reported missing on 7 January amid heavy fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces. A statement issued by Mr Bagshaw’s family said the pair’s car was hit

A firefighter remains in a critical condition as emergency crews continue to monitor the historic Jenners building in Edinburgh after a blaze. Five firefighters were injured during the incident at the former department store on Monday. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said four have since been discharged from hospital after treatment, but one

A firefighter is in a critical condition following a blaze at the former Jenners department store building in Edinburgh city centre. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said five firefighters have been taken to hospital for treatment with one apparently fighting for their life. The families of all those affected have been made aware.

BBC chairman Richard Sharp has asked for a review into his appointment after claims he helped Boris Johnson secure a loan. Mr Sharp said he wanted to ensure “all the appropriate guidelines have been followed” and has asked the nominations committee of the BBC board to review any potential conflicts of interest. Advertisement

Two people have died and 12 are injured, two of which are serious, following a crash on the M40 motorway, police have confirmed. A woman in her 60s and a man in his 70s died at the scene of the incident, which occurred southbound between junction 5 and 4 on the motorway in Buckinghamshire. Thames

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

Nadhim Zahawi says his tax error was found to be “careless and not deliberate” after Labour called for him to be sacked over his finances. The Tory chairman and cabinet member released a statement saying he wanted to “address some of the confusion” about his finances. He said his father took founder shares in YouGov

Rishi Sunak has been branded a “total liability” and “hapless” as he faced a backlash for being fined for a second time, with police handing him a fixed penalty notice over not wearing a seatbelt. Lancashire Police issued the notice after the prime minister appeared without a belt in a clip on Instagram as he

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. The PM has accepted the fine. A Number 10 spokesperson said: “The prime

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

Manchester Airport temporarily closed both of its runways due to heavy snowfall. The airport said it was clearing the airfield as pictures showed travellers stuck inside planes on the runway. In a tweet, the airport said health and safety will “always be our top priority” and advised passengers to contact their airline for the latest

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

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”.

A victim of serial rapist policeman David Carrick has told Sky News how he used his job as a firearms officer to gain her trust before subjecting her to months of physical and mental abuse, telling her: “The safest place you can be is with me.” This article contains details of abuse that some people