Transport secretary Heidi Alexander announces plans for a major overhaul of Britain’s railways, including the creation of Great British Railways. Report by Faragt. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Sir Keir Starmer reiterates that he is “prepared to consider committing British forces on the ground” in Ukraine “if there is a lasting peace agreement”. The prime minister adds: “There must be a US backstop because a US security guarantee is the only way to effectively deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again”. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Geraint Thomas has announced he will retire from cycling at the end of the season. The 38-year-old is a former Olympic champion and became the first Welshman to win the Tour de France in 2018. Thomas says he would love to help his Ineos Grenadier teammates and “go for a stage myself” at this summer’s Tour. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Second World War veterans and civilians have gathered outside the Royal Albert Hall in London to mark 80 days until the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Those in attendance were treated to live music and a replica Spitfire. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Sir Keir Starmer says he is “really pleased” the government has delivered on its manifesto promise of two million extra NHS appointments but adds there is “lots, lots more to do”. NHS England figures show that between July and November 2024 there were almost 2.2 million more appointments compared with the equivalent period in 2023. Report by Jonesia. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
A friend of Jaysley Beck has said sexual abuse in the Army is still going on years after the former Royal Artillery gunner's death. The body of the 19-year-old was found in a locker room at Wiltshire's Larkhill Camp in 2021. She had been subjected to relentless harassment from her line manager, Bombardier Ryan Mason, an inquest was told. Beck had also filed a complaint against Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber who "pinned her down" and tried to kiss her at a work social. Former soldier Tamzin Hort compared being a woman in the Army to being "a piece of meat in a tank of sharks" and that "people get sexually assaulted left, right and centre, but nothing's done about it". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Jaysley Beck's mother has accused the British Army of covering up the sexual assault her late daughter suffered in 2021. The body of Leighann McCready's 19-year-old daughter was found in a locker room at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire. She had been subjected to relentless harassment from her line manager, Bombardier Ryan Mason, an inquest was told. Beck had also filed a complaint against Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber who "pinned her down" and tried to kiss her at a work social. An inquest has found the Army's handling of the complaint played "more than a minimal contributory part in her death". McCready said, "it's been made clear through the findings that the Army have failed our daughter". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The chancellor says the government is ready to support creative industries, after announcing film studios in England are to receive business rates relief for the next nine years. On a visit to the Warner Bros Studio in Leavesden, Rachel Reeves adds "that's something that this government wants to get behind to back growth and back British workers". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Rachel Reeves says she is "absolutely committed" to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence and will "set out a pathway" to do so "in the proper way". The chancellor adds, "a strong economy depends on strong defences". Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Celebrity couple Michelle Keegan and husband Mark Wright reportedly barricaded themselves in their bedroom during a break-in at their mansion. Essex Police said it received a call at around 6.20pm on Tuesday, and it was reported four suspects had forced entry and searched the address before fleeing. Report by Brooksl. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
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