Rishi Sunak has announced a £36 billion “Network North” transport project to replace the second leg of HS2. After weeks of speculation about the infrastructure project’s future, the Prime Minister told the Tory conference on Wednesday that the section from Birmingham to Manchester will not go ahead. He confirmed that the line would terminate at Euston in central London, as he announced plans to take powers away from HS2 Ltd to punish it for its management.
Laurence Fox arrested for ‘supporting Ulez camera vandalism’
Laurence Fox has been arrested for conspiring to damage Ulez cameras and encouraging others to tear them down. On Tuesday, in an interview broadcast on video platform Rumble, Fox declared full support for the “Blade Runners” group of Ulez vigilantes. The disgraced presenter was suspended last week over misogynistic comments he made on air about journalist Ava Evans. Hours after his arrest, GB News confirmed that he had been sacked as had co-star Calvin Robinson who was also suspended after showing support for Fox.
Lucy Letby hospital investigated for corporate manslaughter
The hospital where Lucy Letby murdered seven babies is being investigated for corporate manslaughter, Cheshire Constabulary said. Lucy Letby was sentenced to a whole life order after jurors found her guilty of the murders as well as six attempted murders while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016. Last month the former neonatal nurse formally lodged an appeal against her convictions.
Evening Briefing: Today’s essential headlines
Rishi Sunak | Smoking will be banned entirely for the generation now reaching their teens, under the PM’s plans to phase out cigarettes.
Comment and analysis
World news: French panic as bedbug invasion spreads
A test tube full of bed bugs was brought into the French parliament by an MP raising concern about the “wave of panic that has seized the country” amid a rise in the parasites. The stunt by Mathilde Panot, the leftist MP and leader of the France unbowed party, came as Clément Beaune, the transport minister, prepared to gather transport operators to discuss implementing better protection for commuters. Bed bugs have been spotted on at least one fast train and metro line.
Interview of the day
Matt Lucas: ‘I’m a homosexual – by default I love musicals’
After quitting Bake Off to write a tuneful children’s book, the comedian talks grief, Jackie Collins and reuniting with David Walliams.
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Business news: Britain’s workforce shrinks as employers battle higher wages, new survey shows
Britain’s workforce is shrinking at the fastest rate since lockdown as demand slows and surging wage bills put pressure on hiring budgets. Companies are reducing headcounts at the fastest pace since January 2021 when the UK was in the throes of its final lockdown, according to the S&P Global purchasing managers’ index.
Live markets news: FTSE 100 slumps as oil giants hit by bond sell-off
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