Dad Hears Of Son's Jet Death On Football Site

The father of a young British football fan on board the flight shot down over Ukraine said he found out his son was among the victims on the internet.

Barry Sweeney said he was "hurt" to have learned the news from a Newcastle United fans website.

He had spent Thursday night trying to get through to official sources on "emergency lines".

Liam Sweeney, who worked night shifts at Morrisons, was travelling with friend John Alder, in his 60s, to see Newcastle United's pre-season tour in New Zealand when the crash occurred.

The 28-year-old would have been known to many fans during his time volunteering as a steward on supporters' buses to away games.

Barry Sweeney and John Alder were heading to New Zealand

Asked how he found out, his father told Sky News that he found out the NUFC website, which posted condolences.

He said: "I got a text last night off a friend, saying they'd heard something about a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, not really thinking much about it. Then I put Sky News on and was watching that.

"I rang a couple of numbers, spoke to a Malaysian lady…to be honest with you, a Geordie and a Malaysian lady trying to interact was a little bit difficult, but I gave her my number, hoped somebody would get back to us but they didn't.

"There was a number to text which I tried, nothing there. So basically I found out on NUFC.com this morning.

"It was impossible to believe, even when the police came this morning I thought he might have had too much to drink and he didn't get on the plane but they confirmed that he was on the plane."

Mr Sweeney added that his son was a "big friendly giant" who loved football "probably more than anything" but "was always there if you needed him".

In a separate interview the 52-year-old questioned whether he would want to go to the crash site.

"Is it worth it to see what I don't really want to see?" Mr Sweeney said.

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Police Hunt Man Who Tried To Snatch Girl, 3

Police are appealing for help to catch a man who tried to abduct a three-year-old girl as she was playing in a busy residential area.

It happened on Friday afternoon at a block of flats on Egerton Street in the Salford area of Greater Manchester.

The man lifted the girl over a fence and was trying to walk off with her when he was challenged by her mother and fled.

Officers say the child did not suffer any physical harm.

The man is said to be of eastern European appearance, around 5ft 8in tall, of medium build and with black, tightly-curled hair.

He was wearing a red and white baseball cap, a red jacket and red trainers.

"We do not know what this man's intentions were, but nevertheless are very concerned about this incident," said Detective Inspector Benjamin Hart of Greater Manchester Police.

"We are appealing to any possible witnesses to come forward and assist our investigation.

"If anyone saw a man matching this description around this area of Salford on Friday the 18 July or knows someone who fits this description and was likely to have been in or around this area, we are keen to speak to you."

DI Hart added: "I understand that this incident will cause a lot of concern in the community ... and would therefore like to reassure residents that all patrolling officers have been given a detailed description of this man, and we will do all we can to find (him)."

Anyone with any information is asked to call the investigation team on 0161 856 5470 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Briton On Doomed MH17 Almost Missed Flight

A friend of Robert Ayley, one of the 10 British victims on board flight MH17, has revealed the father-of-two almost missed the flight.

Bill Patteson, who was travelling with the 27-year-old around Europe visiting Rottweiler breeders, has told Sky News his friend didn't make it onto the bus to take him from his hotel to Amsterdam's Schiphol airport.

But Mr Ayley, who was originally from Guildford but moved to New Zealand as a child, managed to get there in time to board the doomed Malaysia Airlines flight, which was shot down over Ukraine with almost 300 people on board.

An ex-journalist, helicopter pilot, students and Newcastle United fans are among the other British victims.

Mr Patteson, who flew back to New Zealand the day before, said: "There were so many things that came together to make Rob be on that flight.

"The stars really had to align for Robert to be on that flight, even right down to the last minute.

"Everyone was hoping he'd missed the flight, but Robert being the great organiser that he was managed to get on his flight."

Mr Patteson described his friend as a "really great, confident young man" who was proud of his British roots.

Six of the British victims on flight MH17

Mr Ayley's wife Sharlene wrote on Facebook: "Rob was our everything. We adored him and there was no one else like him. He touched so many hearts and lives.

"We are grateful to forever have him in our hearts."

Mr Ayley's family said he was passionate about life and his family, adding that when it came to Rob "there were no half measures".

The Boeing 777-200 in February. Pic: Andreas Fietz

"He found in his boys two little people he could love, understand and trust," they said.

"When they cried they were sad, when they laughed they were happy and when they hugged it was because they loved him."

The statement added: "Sharlene and Rob are soul mates. She is his 'Princess'. She changed his life and he changed hers.

"She held his heart and he held hers. Rob will live forever in his family."

Briton Stephen Anderson was on board MH17

The other seven Britons were named yesterday.

They are: Leeds University student Richard Mayne, helicopter pilot Cameron Dalziel, Loughborough University student Ben Pocock, Newcastle fans Liam Sweeney and John Alder, World Health Organisation media officer Glenn Thomas and former RAF search and rescue co-ordinator Stephen Anderson.

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Isle Of Wight Ferry Deck Collapse: Four Hurt

Four people have been taken to hospital after the upper deck of a car ferry collapsed.

Paramedics, police, fire crews and the coastguard were called to the incident at the Fishbourne terminal on the Isle of Wight at around 10.30pm on Friday.

In a statement, Wightlink ferries said: "As part of the usual disembarkation process, after vehicles on the lower deck had left the ship, the starboard forward mezzanine deck with nine cars on board was lowered.

"When it was a short distance from the deck below, it dropped a few feet and made contact with the lower deck."

An Isle of Wight Ambulance Service spokesman said: "Four patients required ambulance treatment for a variety of injuries, none of which are believed to be life threatening. All are conscious and breathing.

"All patients have now left the scene and are on their way to the hospital at Newport."

He added: "We are not aware of the nature of the injuries. It is very fortunate that it was only four people injured, all things considered."

Wightlink ferries said a full investigation into the incident is now under way.

"The incident has been reported to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch and Wightlink is fully co-operating with the authorities," it said.

"St Helen, in common with all Wightlink ferries, is inspected regularly by external surveyors. The last independent engineering survey of the ship, including its mezzanine decks, took place in May 2014 during her annual refit."

Portsmouth police warned of delays for people hoping to travel to the Isle of Wight from the city.

A spokesman said on Twitter: "Just liaised with Wightlinkferry (our side), there are delays for those wanting to travel tonight to the IOW due to the earlier incident."

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Thunder, Hail And Lightning After Hottest Day

Flood warnings have been issued for most of England and Wales as more thunderstorms are expected - after at least 3,000 were reported in the South East on Friday.

Sky News weather forecasters said heavy showers in the South and South East would move northwards across Britain during the morning after temperatures reached 32C (90F) on Friday, making it the hottest day of the year so far.

They have predicted "torrential downpours, hail, frequent lightning and the risk of localised flooding".

The Environment Agency warned up to 30mm (1.2in) of rain could fall in an hour in some areas.

Almost every county in England and Wales is at "medium" risk of flooding, according to the EA, which has issued 59 flood alerts, warning people to be prepared.

The majority are in the Midlands, the South East and the South West.

Lightning strikes over the Vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire

Fire crews were called to a number of incidents caused by lightning overnight into Saturday.

The first floor and roof of a house in Sittingbourne, Kent, was set alight by a lightning strike, while the roof of a bungalow was hit in Whitstable, Kent Fire and Rescue said.

Houses were also hit in the market village of Lenham, near Maidstone, while lightning started several small fires in Willesborough, near Ashford.

Hot and humid conditions during the day on Friday brought warnings from Public Health England (PHE).

It urged people to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun when at its hottest and to wear at least factor 15 sun cream for skin protection.

There were a reported 3,000 lightning strikes. Pic: Laurie Knight

It also called for people to look out for those most at risk - children and the elderly.

Temperatures are expected to be slightly lower today with a high of 26C (79F) in London, but it will still be very humid in the South and the Midlands.

Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic will have a mostly dry start to the day.

It will be unsettled again on Sunday with sunny spells and showers, and more heavy downpours and thunderstorms.

Despite the thundery conditions there is still a "yellow" warning of a heatwave for the UK, which advises people to be "alert and ready".

Lightning close to Tilbury Docks in Essex. Pic: Alby Lovelock

There is a 60% chance of a heatwave continuing until tomorrow morning, according to the Met Office.

A Heathrow Airport spokeswoman said airlines would cancel 20% of flights between 4pm and 6pm today due to the thundery weather.

An electrical surge at Manchester Airport had led to some delays.

General duty manager Gary Brown said: "It impacted on some lifts and baggage systems but most systems are now back up and running.

"We'll wait to see what happens this afternoon when we're expecting thunder."

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Weather: Britain To Burn On Hottest Day

Britain is expected to experience another scorching day as temperatures top records set on Thursday.

The hot and humid conditions across the country follow overnight storms that saw heavy rain, thunder and lightning.

And those downpours will return again on Friday night to disappoint Britons hoping for a sun-packed weekend.

Forecasters predict they are likelier to be even heavier than those experienced late on Thursday night and in the early hours of Friday.

"Today, we are going to see the highest temperatures of the year so far and we are expecting them to hit 32C," said Sky weather producer Rebecca Yussuf.

"However, we expect overnight tonight will be a repeat of last night, only more so, particularly over England, Wales and Scotland as heavy storms come up from France.

Temperatures in London will pass the 29.2C they hit on Thursday

"There is a real risk of torrential downpours of heavy rain, hailstones, frequent thunder and lightning.

"I wouldn't be surprised if some people see some flooding within the next 24 hours."

The Met Office has upgraded its warning from yellow to amber, saying: "Where thunderstorms do form, some torrential downpours are likely with frequent lightning, large hail and locally strong gusts.

"Significant flooding is possible where these do occur from surface water as well as from small, fast-responding watercourses."

John Curtin, director of incident management at the Environment Agency, said: "Intense heavy rainfall this weekend brings a surface water flood risk for England throughout the weekend.

"Flooding can happen very quickly and the public are urged to keep checking local weather forecasts and the Environment Agency website for information on a regular basis.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely and support local authorities, who will respond to any reports of surface water flooding. We will also continue to monitor river levels closely and issue warnings where flooding is likely."

Thursday was until now the hottest day of the year, with temperatures touching 29.2C.

The hot, humid conditions have brought health warnings from Public Health England (PHE).

It urged people to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun while it is at its hottest, and to wear at least factor 15 sun cream for skin protection.

It has also called for people to look out for children and the elderly, who are most at risk.

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Malaysia Airlines Plane Crash Victims Named

Britons Glenn Thomas and Richard Mayne are two of nine UK nationals on board flight MH17 when it crashed in eastern Ukraine, colleagues said.

Two Newcastle United fans, John Alder and Liam Sweeney, who were travelling to see their football team play in New Zealand, also died in the crash, according to NUFC.com and the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

Newcastle United fan Liam Sweeney

Leeds University student Richard Mayne, 20, from Leicestershire, had recently completed a charity trek to Everest Base Camp, and was described as a man who had a "great thirst for life and wanted to make the world a better place" by his former headteacher.

Mr Thomas, 49, from Blackpool, was among 100 delegates reportedly on their way to an international conference on Aids in Melbourne, Australia.

He was a media officer at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva where friends today spoke of their shock and loss.

Dr Lange is believed to have been with partner Jacqueline van Tongeren

Fadela Chaib, a spokeswoman for WHO, said: "We have lost a wonderful person and a great professional. Our hearts are broken. We are all in shock."

Some of the great minds in the fight against HIV and Aids were on their way to the International Aids Society (IAS) summit, including, it is understood, one of its former presidents Dr Joep Lange, a well-known researcher from the Netherlands.

"If this is the case then the HIV/Aids movement has truly lost a giant," the IAS said in a statement.

Albert Rizk and his wife Maree were returning from a holiday in Europe

Among the 283 passengers and 15 Malaysia Airlines cabin crew on board were also 173 Dutch nationals, 44 Malaysians, 27 Australians, 12  Indonesians, four Germans, four Belgians, three Filipinos, one Canadian and a New Zealander.

In a bizarre twist of fate, 41-year-old flight attendant Sajid Singh swapped flights to fly on MH17 - months after his wife swapped off the doomed MH370 which vanished flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, his his father Jijar Singh told The Malaysian Insider.

The Star Online reported Malaysian PM Najib Razak's step-grandmother was among the passengers aboard the fateful flight.

Kaylene Mann, from Queensland, Australia, who lost her brother and sister-in-law in the flight which disappeared on March 8, 2014, is now mourning the loss of her stepdaughter Maree Rizk, who together with her husband Albert, were were aboard MH17 on their way back to their Melbourne home after a month-long European holiday.

Cor Pan posted a picture of the airliner on Facebook before he boarded it

Sailor and businessman Nick Norris, 68, was also on his way home from a breakaway in Europe with his three grandchildren, Milo Maslin, 12, Evie Maslin, 10, and Otis Maslin eight, aboard the airliner, Perth Now reported.

The children's parents were said to be devastated, while Mr Norris's daughter Natalia Gemmell, said her father was a "great man" and described her niece and nephews as "gentle, clever and beautiful kids".

The Australian media also reported a much-loved nun, Philomene Tiernan, from Sydney, Toorak college teacher Frankie Davison and her husband Liam, student Elaine Teoh and her Dutch boyfriend Emiel Mahler, Canberra mother-of-two Liliane Derden and security consultant Marco Grippeling, from Melbourne, among the victims.

Young Dutchman Cor Pan, from Volendam, north of Amsterdam, who is also believed to have perished in the disaster, posted a picture of the jetliner on Facebook, minutes before he boarded it, writing: "If it should disappear, this is what it looks like."

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Jessica Ennis-Hill Gives Birth To Baby Boy

Britain's Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill has given birth to her first child, a baby boy named Reggie.

The London 2012 gold medallist announced the birth via her official Twitter page.

"Our beautiful baby boy Reggie Ennis-Hill was born yesterday (Thursday). We couldn't be happier," she said.

Ennis-Hill, 28, who is married to husband Andy, revealed her pregnancy in January.

It ruled her out of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which begin next week.

Fellow athletes took to Twitter to congratulate the athlete, including her British rival Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

Ennis-Hill won gold in the heptathlon at the London Olympics in 2012

Ennis-Hill has said she is "100% set on returning to full-time athletics" after the birth, and hopes to compete at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Speaking earlier this year about her long-term sporting plans, Ennis-Hill said she was aiming to come back to athletics in late 2015.

"It's very difficult to set a plan in stone at this point, I have to take it as it comes for the next few weeks and months and be very careful when I build back into full training," she said.

"I've got to make sure I do that properly to avoid injuries and setbacks. Hopefully, come the end of next year I'll be back into the full swing of things, a full programme, pretty much as I was before."

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UK Couple 'Shaken' After Missing Doomed Flight

A British family scheduled to fly on the downed Malaysia Airlines plane say they have a "second chance" at life after being forced to miss the flight because there were not enough seats.

Barry Sim, from Scotland, his wife Izzy, and the couple's young child were travelling to Amsterdam's Schiphol airport in a taxi on Thursday evening when they heard about the crash.

They had been due to catch flight MH17 to Malaysia earlier in the day, but were told they would have to switch to another plane.

Cradling her baby at the airport, Mrs Sim said: "I'm shaken. I don't even know what to do. I feel physically sick.

"I was coming from the Hilton (hotel) in The Hague to the airport in the taxi and I was just crying.

"I'm just thinking that I feel like I've been given a second chance, so hopefully we will get there (to Malaysia) safely and we will see my family again."

The couple told the Daily Telegraph they were forced to swap to a KLM flight bound for Kuala Lumpur as there were too few seats for them and their baby.

A woman cries as she waits for information in Kuala Lumpur

Mr Sim told the newspaper he also felt "sick" after hearing about his family's lucky escape, but added that he wanted to carry on with his life.

"In my mind lightning never strikes twice in the same place, so I am still philosophical that you get on the flight and you go about your life," Mr Sim told the newspaper.

Flight MH17 was heading from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur at an altitude of 33,000ft (10,000m) when contact was lost yesterday afternoon.

An armed pro-Russian separatist at the crash scene

The plane crashed near the border with Russia. There were nine Britons among the 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board.

An adviser to the Ukrainian interior ministry said the Boeing 777 had been hit by a Buk ground-to-air missile.

US intelligence has also concluded a surface-to-air missile brought the plane down, but it is not clear who is responsible for the tragedy.

Crash investigators have been given access to the site and journalists have been encouraged to take pictures, many of which are too graphic to show.

A video which has emerged of a massive fireball shooting into the air - the apparent moment the plane was blown out of the sky - features three men, reported to be pro-Russian rebels, talking about the explosion.

Before the flight set off from Amsterdam, a young Dutchman posted a picture of the jet on Facebook, writing: "If it should disappear, this is what it looks like." 

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Deepcut: New Pte Cheryl James Inquest Ordered

A fresh inquest has been ordered into the death of Private Cheryl James, who died at Deepcut barracks in 1995.

The 18-year-old was found with a single gunshot wound to the head.  

An earlier inquest into her death recorded an open verdict, but two High Court judges quashed that on Friday due to "an insufficiency of inquiry".

Judge Peter Thornton QC said "the discovery of new facts or evidence" made "a fresh investigation, including a fresh inquest, necessary or desirable in the interests of justice".

Des and Doreen James applied for a new inquest after the Human Rights Act was used to get access to documents about their daughter's death.

"When young people die in violent circumstances, a rigorous and transparent investigation should be automatic," they said in a statement.

Pte James Collinson also died at the barracks in Surrey

"Something went dreadfully wrong at Deepcut, yet until now no-one has bothered to look at how and why our daughter died.

"We can only hope that Cheryl's legacy helps change the current ineffective and discredited military justice system."

Pte James was one of four soldiers who died at the barracks in Surrey between 1995 and 2002, as claims of bullying and abuse emerged.

Privates Sean Benton, James Collinson and Geoff Gray also died from gunshot wounds.

Pte James was found in a small wooded area close to the gate where she had been posted, alone.

In the subsequent investigation, the fragmented bullet from her head was not examined and was later lost. Also lost were the bullet's casing, other bullets in the rifle and Pte James' clothing.

"Her rifle was not examined forensically. No fingerprints were taken from it. No gunshot residue tests were made," Judge Thornton said.

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Most Crimes Left Unsolved, New Figures Show

Half of crimes reported to police are left unsolved - including nearly three quarters of cases of theft, criminal damage and arson - new data shows.

According to data from 28 police forces in England and Wales, not including the Metropolitan Police, 52% of crimes from April until May of this year were classed as "investigation complete, no suspect identified".

The category applies when the case is closed unless new evidence is found, with no one prosecuted.

That happened in 73% of criminal damage and arson cases, 72% of theft and 56% of robbery, according to Home Office figures.

Figures released from the Office for National Statistics at the same time, revealed the level of recorded crime had fallen to a 34-year low.

The figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated there were 7.3 million crimes in the year 2013/14, 14% fewer than during the previous year and the lowest since 1981.

Police officials were criticised over the way they worked the numbers out

According to the survey, there were 1.3 million violent incidents, down 20% on the year before.

In contrast to the optimism of the survey, police figures were the same as last year, with 3.7 million offences recorded in the 12 months to March.

While the number of recorded murders was down by 21 at 537 - the lowest figure since 1978, there was a general rise in serious crimes, with crimes of violence rising 6% by around 33,000 offences.

Deaths by dangerous driving also saw an increase to 282, up from 174 the previous year.

There was a rise in recorded rape crimes, up 27 and hitting its highest level for 11 years. Other types of sex crime were up 17%.

Mark Bangs, from the Office for National Statistics, said: "Part of the rise in sexual offences is related to the effect of the Operation Yewtree investigation, which has brought to light a large number of historic sexual offences.

"The increase is also likely to reflect a broader Yewtree effect whereby more victims are coming forward to report sexual offences to the police."

Prior to this year, police figures showed year-on-year falls since 2002/3.

The difference in figures comes after police were criticised for the way they recorded crimes and an official "gold standard" was removed.

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How To Keep Your Cool In The Summer Heatwave

Public Health England and the NHS have given the following guidance to help people during the heatwave.

:: Try to keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am to 3pm. If you are outside, stay in the shade where possible.

:: Apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection.

:: Avoid strenuous activity.

:: Wear UV sunglasses, preferably wrap-around, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes.

:: Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes, a hat and light scarf.

:: Drink lots of cool non-alcoholic drinks and food with high-water content, such as fruit and salads.

:: Look out for others, especially vulnerable groups such as older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses.

:: Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.

:: Keep your house cool - close light-coloured curtains on windows that get direct sun; open windows overnight if safe; turn off non-essential light and electrical items that generate heat.

:: Cool (not cold) showers and baths may help; also try sprinkling water over skin and clothes, or a damp cloth on the back of your neck

:: If observing Ramadan, drink lots of water between fasts. If you feel unwell, confused or disorientated consider breaking your fast. The Muslim Council of Britain says this is allowable under Islamic law.

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Health Fears As UK Gets Hotter Than Bahamas

By Nazaneen Ghaffar, Weather Presenter

Temperatures are set to reach 32C (90F) across many southern parts of Britain over the next few days, leading to the chance of severe thunderstorms.

Today, England and Wales will be mainly dry with spells of warm sunshine and it will feel very warm, especially across the southeast.

Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic will also have sunny spells, however western Scotland may see some scattered showers.

Temperatures will widely reach the mid to high 20s across England and Wales, and up to 30C (86F) is possible in the southeast.

Enjoying the sun at Gateshead Quayside in Newcastle

However, Scotland and Ireland will be several degrees cooler.

By this evening, thundery showers will spread into Kerry and Cork and move northwards through the night across most of the Republic of Ireland as well as parts of southwest England, Wales, the Midlands and central and southern England.

The heaviest and most torrential downpours are likely over Ireland. It will be a warm and muggy night as well, especially in the south.

Friday will be another very warm day across England and Wales with high humidity.

A warning for heavy rain on Saturday has been issued. Pic: Met Office

The showers and thunderstorms will continue spreading northwards into Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland.

As the showers clear, long spells of sunshine will develop in the south. Temperatures will be high again, up to 32C (90F) in the south.

However, from Friday night and into Saturday the Met Office has issued a weather warning for heavy thundery showers for England, Wales and southern Scotland

It says frequent lightning, large hail and strong gusts are possible - as well as flooding.

The hot weather has brought health warnings from authorities - especially for the elderly, the young and those with serious illnesses.

Dr Paul Cosford, director for health protection at PHE, said: "Older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so it's important to look out for them and keep indoor areas as cool as possible."

The Met Office has declared a level 2 heat-health alert, which is activated when there is at least a 60% chance of temperatures being high enough on at least two consecutive days and into the night to have an impact on health.

The hottest areas will be in the South East of England. Pic: Met Office Friday will be the hottest day, with temperatures 30C or more in places

The reason for the hot conditions is southerly winds dragging up very warm and humid air, mainly from Iberia where temperatures are close to 40C (104F) in the south of Spain.

Next week's temperatures are likely to be a little lower, however it will still feel very warm and there will still be some thunderstorms.

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'Assurance Letters' Not Amnesty For Terrorists

The assurance letters sent to around 200 Irish republicans assuring them they were not wanted by police did not amount to a terrorist amnesty, a review has found.

The scheme, which resulted in the collapse of the trial of John Downey, who was accused over the 1982 Hyde Park bombing, was "flawed" and "unprecedented", the inquiry found, but was not "unlawful".

However, the letter sent to Mr Downey assuring him he would not be prosecuted was a mistake caused by a system "open to error" and the review found that two further letters had been wrongly sent.

One letter was sent out to a potential offender after police used the wrong date of birth to search a database, which would have shown up a linked offence.

John Downey: the case collapsed in February

The second letter was sent out although the suspect was wanted for an offence committed after the Good Friday Agreement.

Lady Justice Hallett, who led in the inquiry, said: "The administrative scheme did not amount to an amnesty. Suspected terrorists were not handed a 'get out of jail free card'."

Announcing the conclusions of the review in the House of Commons, Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said: "So I repeat again today to the people holding these letters, they will not protect you from arrest or prosecution and should the police succeed gathering sufficient evidence, you will be subject to due process of law."

The aftermath of the Hyde Park bombing

The judge-led review into the so-called "amnesty letters" scheme, which started in 2000, was ordered after the collapse of the trial of Mr Downey in February after a judge ruled the letter meant he could not be prosecuted.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) sent the letter even though Mr Downey was wanted by the Metropolitan police - when they realised the mistake they did not act.

Lady Hallett said the PSNI's failure to do anything about the error was "inexplicable in law and logic".

However, she found that the collapse of the trial against Mr Downey did not set a precedent in law and it did not mean that others with letters could not expect to find themselves before the courts.

The case triggered a crisis in Northern Ireland leading the Democratic Unionist First Minister Peter Robinson to threaten to resign.

He welcomed the report saying it confirmed the scheme was "wrong in principle" and "shambolic in practice".

Mr Robinson had claimed he knew nothing about the letters, however, the review found that the deal between Tony Blair's Government and Sinn Fein in the wake of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement was not a "secret".

It found Mr Blair gave Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams an assurance steps would be taken to resolve the issue of on the runs, which was seen as an issue of genuine importance to the peace process.

Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement the early release of those convicted of terrorist offences during the Troubles was agreed, however, it left the question of what to do with those wanted for crimes.

The inquiry found 228 names were put forward for consideration for the scheme by Sinn Fein, the Irish Government, and the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

Of those, 156 were given letters of assurance that they were not wanted, 31 were told they were not wanted some other way, 23 were told they were wanted and 18 have not been made aware of their status. 

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Shale Gas Terminal 'Saves' Grangemouth

Grangemouth Should Not Be About Referendum

Updated: 1:55pm UK, Thursday 17 July 2014

By Niall Paterson, Scotland Correspondent

Fantastic news for the Scottish economy, says the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

Fantastic news for the thousands of workers at Grangemouth and elsewhere whose jobs have been protected, according to site owners Ineos.

And what a fantastic coincidence that the announcement comes on the day that First Minister Alex Salmond is due to make a speech in England on the problems often faced by businesses in the regions.

Undoubtedly the new shale gas import and storage facility means much greater hope for a long and prosperous future for the refinery.

Cheap ethane from the United States will be welcomed with open arms if, as many expect, North Sea oil production begins to wane and rising energy costs cut into margins.

But the fact that materials for what will be Europe's largest ethane storage tank have already been purchased, and that work on its construction will begin immediately, should be enough to tell you this loan guarantee hasn't happened overnight.

Just last year, Ineos' chairman was threatening to close the Grangemouth facility, claiming it was unprofitable.

A deal was eventually struck to secure its future, with workers accepting some pretty hefty changes to pay and conditions, and the Government indicating it would support the shift to shale.

And what of that Government support? Danny Alexander hasn't found £230m down the back of the Treasury sofa to give to Ineos. He isn't even lending them the money.

The Government is simply underwriting a public bonds issue - essentially acting as guarantor.

It's fine for politicians to be proud of their achievements, even to crow about them on occasion.

But let's be clear - backing infrastructure projects like this, particularly ones which increase the UK's energy security, is what governments are supposed to do.

These days everything is seen through the prism of the referendum and, as ministers continue to emphasise the economic benefits of the union, it is to be expected that Westminster will (albeit tangentially) use the guarantee as evidence of that.

The First Minister would no doubt argue that in the event of an independent Scotland, he would provide similar support.

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Economy: Weakest Pay Growth For Five Years

Official figures show pay is growing at its weakest level for five years, heightening renewed concerns over the cost of living.

The Office for National Statistics' (ONS) latest monthly update on jobs and pay showed an improving picture for employment, with the jobless rate falling to 6.5% in May, but highlighted a deteriorating picture on pay growth despite the improving economy.

In the three months to May, total pay including bonuses rose at an annual rate of 0.3% - down from a yearly rise of 0.8% in the three months to April.

The ONS said the figure continued to be affected by comparisons with the same month last year, when many companies delayed paying bonus awards to help their employees benefit from a cut in income tax.

The statistics show a pay squeeze continues to hit families

When the effect of bonuses was excluded, growth of 0.7% was measured - which the ONS said was the slowest rate under that measure since records began in 2001.

Just 24 hours previously, the ONS charted a steeper-than-expected increase in the headline measure of inflation - from an annual rate of 1.5% in May to 1.9% in June - confirming that the gulf between rising prices and pay increases was widening further.

The Government admitted there was "more work to do" to help bolster living standards but pointed to the unemployment figures as evidence that progress was being made.

The employment minister Esther McVey told Sky News the recovery had "reached a milestone" in terms of employment, with the total rising by 254,000 in the three months to May past the 30 million mark for the first time.

Much of the increase was attributed to hiring by companies rather than rising self-employment levels, which had been credited for rises over previous months.

The unemployment total was calculated at 2.12m - a fall of 121,000 - with the numbers claiming jobseeker's allowance dropping by 36,300 in June.

Frances O'Grady, general secretary of the union organisation the TUC, said: "It's good to see unemployment falling, but with pay growth falling to a record low, serious questions must be asked about the quality of jobs being created in Britain today.

"If all the recovery can deliver is low-paid, low-productivity jobs – many of which don't offer enough hours to get by – then it will pass most working people by and Britain's long-term economic prospects will be seriously diminished."

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More Than 600 Paedophile Suspects Arrested

An operation by the National Crime Agency involving 45 police forces has seen 660 suspected paedophiles arrested across the UK.

Thirty-nine of the 660 were registered sex offenders but the vast majority had not come to the authorities' attention before. More than 800 properties were searched.

One arrested man had access to 17 grandchildren - two of them had already made allegations against him.

Two men, one of whom is a doctor, had between them more than a million indecent images of children on their phones and computers.

Care workers and former police officers were also among the hundreds arrested.

As a result of the six-month investigation across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - which has only now been revealed - more than 400 children have been safeguarded, the NCA said.

A total of 431 children now under official protection had been in the "care, custody or control" of suspects, 127 of those children were considered to be at immediate risk of harm, the agency revealed.

None of those arrested is a serving or former MP or member of the Government, it said.

Charging decisions are still due in most cases because of continuing inquiries, but charges brought so far range from possessing indecent images of children to serious sexual assault.

The NCA's deputy director general, Phil Gormley, said: "This is the first time the UK has had the capability to coordinate a single targeted operation of this nature.

The undercover operation involved 45 police forces

"Over the past six months we have seen unprecedented levels of cooperation to deliver this result.

"Our aim was to protect children who were victims of, or might be at risk of, sexual exploitation. A child is victimised not only when they are abused and an image is taken. They are re-victimised every time that image is viewed by someone.

"Some of the people who start by accessing indecent images online go on to abuse children directly. So the operation is not only about catching people who have already offended - it is about influencing potential offenders before they cross that line.

"We want those offenders to know that the internet is not a safe anonymous space for accessing indecent images, that they leave a digital footprint, and that law enforcement will find it."

Mr Gormley said he was "profoundly disappointed" at the scale of the problem and the number of arrests police were forced to make.

It was necessary, he said, to take a harder look at the amount of people looking at child abuse images on the internet.

"The alternative," he said, "is not to look under the stone, and we cannot afford not to look under this stone."

Claire Lilley, Head of Online Safety at the NSPCC said: "This is an important two-pronged operation which has rescued children from abuse and also identified many previously unknown sex offenders.

"Direct action like this sends a strong message to those who subject children to harrowing sexual assaults that they can and will be traced and prosecuted."

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New Unit To Monitor NHS Savile Complaints

By Gerard Tubb, North of England Correspondent

The Government believes Jimmy Savile could have abused more patients and staff in NHS hospitals than is currently known.

The Department of Health (DoH) is setting up a special unit to monitor new complaints from victims and to ensure that NHS trusts investigate them properly.

A spokeswoman for the DoH told Sky News the Savile NHS Legacy Unit was being established following publication last month of reports published under the Lampard review into abuse on NHS premises by the disgraced entertainer.

"The NHS has addressed cases reported to date in the reports published last month but we appreciate that there could be other cases," the spokeswoman said.

"(We) want to make sure people are able to come forward to report abuse by Jimmy Savile on NHS premises."

The unit is being set up following publication of the Lampard review

The Lampard review oversaw NHS investigations into Savile's activities at 28 hospital trusts which revealed that he targeted victims aged from five to 75, over decades.

The reports, including a claim that he had sex with corpses, led to an apology from Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to victims on behalf of the Government.

The DoH was not able to say how the unit will be constituted or how long it will be maintained, but said it would monitor the response of NHS trusts to any new allegations.

"The Savile NHS Legacy Unit will provide independent oversight and assurance of the investigations conducted by those NHS Trusts," the spokeswoman added.

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Tulisa 'Brokered Drug Deal For Film Role'

Former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos helped to supply drugs to an undercover reporter who told her he could help her become a movie star, a court has heard.

Mazher Mahmood, dubbed the "fake sheikh", posed as a film producer and met the star in Las Vegas and at a luxury hotel in London.

He promised the 26-year-old he could get her a part in a film with Leonardo DiCaprio as her possible co-star and she was keen to be "in his good books", prosecutor Tim Cray told Southwark Crown Court.

Contostavlos then allegedly boasted that she could "sort out" drugs for a boys' night out at a London strip club she was arranging for him.

The former N-Dubz star put Mr Mahmood in touch with her rapper friend, Mike GLC, who supplied the cocaine during a late-night rendezvous at London's five-star Dorchester Hotel, jurors heard.

Mike GLC, whose real name is Michael Coombs, 36, pleaded guilty on Monday to supplying half an ounce (13.9g) of cocaine for £860.

Coombs has pleaded guilty to supplying the cocaine

Contostavlos also allegedly bragged that she used to be part of a gang who sold crack cocaine and that her ex-boyfriend was a cocaine dealer.

But the illicit drug deal was taped and exposed in a front-page story in the Sun on Sunday newspaper last May, the court heard.

Contostavlos denies helping to broker the deal in May last year.

Opening the case, Mr Cray told jurors: "When the defendant had got involved in this drugs supply, she believed that Samir Khan was a film producer, a movie producer, a big shot.

"She thought he could get her a part in a big movie that was coming up and it seems that she was keen to be in his good books and be friendly with him."

But Mr Cray said that rather than endear herself to a powerful film producer, Contostavlos had her face splashed across a national newspaper.

He said: "She was part of a sting by The Sun newspaper. She fell for it.

"It certainly made for a good newspaper story, because the defendant had been a member of a pop group, a judge on a TV talent show, and is generally well known in the world of entertainment."

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Hair Salon Killer Jailed For At Least 24 Years

Asher Maslin, who stabbed his ex-girlfriend Hollie Gazzard to death at the hair salon where she worked, has been jailed for life.

Maslin, 22, was told he would have to serve a minimum of 24 years in prison.

The former security guard attacked his 20-year-old ex-girlfriend at the Fringe Benefits & La Bella Beauty salon in Gloucester on February 18.

Staff and customers tried to protect her, but Maslin cornered her and stabbed her 14 times with a £3 knife he had bought on the way to confront her. She had recently ended their relationship.

Hollie Gazzard had asked colleagues to phone police if Maslin turned up

Police were already on their way to the salon as Ms Gazzard had asked colleagues to phone 999 immediately if Maslin turned up.

She was pronounced dead just over an hour after the attack at the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Maslin was arrested the following day and later admitted a charge of murder.

Sentencing him at Gloucester Crown Court, Mr Justice Teare said: "The number of stab wounds on a defenceless young woman show that this was a merciless killing.

Maslin went to the salon to confront Ms Gazzard

"It was carried out in public, witnessed by customers of the salon, colleagues of Hollie Gazzard and by passers-by.

"Hollie Gazzard was 20 years of age and at the start of her adult life. As her father said, 'the world was at her feet'.

"Hollie's father and sister have described the devastating effect Hollie's death has had on them and on other members of the family."

The judge added that Maslin had taken cocaine and crack cocaine in the days before the killing.

As he was taken away, Maslin nodded to members of his family, who were weeping in the public gallery, and said: "Sorry."

Miss Gazzard was stabbed 14 times in front of colleagues

Miss Gazzard suffered multiple wounds in the attack and died as a result of massive blood loss.

The court heard she was killed days after ending their relationship. Maslin also sent her threatening text messages before carrying out the attack.

Hollie's father Nick Gazzard said: "She was a character, she would keep you on your toes. She used to light up the room when she came home from work.

"It is such a loss now not to have her around. It was like a light bulb going on when she came in."

The family, from Churchdown, near Gloucester, have launched a foundation - the Hollie Gazzard Trust - in her memory, to protect young people from knife crime and domestic violence.

Solicitor Steven Young read a statement on behalf of Maslin's mother Sam outside the court.

It said: "Hollie's death has been a tragedy. She was a beautiful young woman and there was a time that she and Asher loved each other.

"Asher cannot explain whey he did what he did. All he can now do is express through us his deeply felt sorrow for the pain which he has caused to so many people."

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Bean said: "This horrific and violent attack was a spiteful and cowardly reaction by a self-obsessed individual who couldn't handle rejection."

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Cole Whirlwind Wedding Defended By Roberts

Cheryl Cole's former Girls Aloud bandmate Nicola Roberts has defended her friend's decision to marry her boyfriend after just three months.

Cole announced on Monday that she and French restaurateur Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini had tied the knot in a small, private ceremony on the Caribbean island of Mustique.

Cole, 31, posted a photo on Twitter revealing the news, alongside a photo of her engagement and wedding rings.

The singer has been criticised by some on social media for heading down the aisle so quickly but Roberts said the newlywed is "happier than ever".

Cheryl and Jean-Bernard pictured in London in May

She also posted a message on Instagram which read: "You can be in a relationship for two years and feel nothing; you can be in a relationship for two months and feel everything.

"Time is not a measure of quality; of infatuation, or of love."

There has been speculation that Cole may be pregnant but her agent has told Sky News that this is untrue.

The X Factor judge has kept her ex-husband Ashley Cole's surname since they divorced in 2010 but on Monday night changed her Twitter handle from @cherylcole to @cherylofficial.

Cole shared this image of her rings. Pic: cherylcole.com

Cole also posted a message saying: "Thank you for all your kind messages and well wishes."

She has not officially confirmed whether she will become Mrs Fernandez-Versini.

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MP Top Trumps: David Cameron's Rising Stars

The Prime Minister's battle plan for the General Election begins with a Cabinet reshuffle. Find out the ones to watch.

Nicky Morgan MP

Who: Nicky Morgan, MP for Loughborough since 2010
Born and brought up: Kingston upon Thames, Surbiton
Education: Jurisprudence at St Hugh's College, Oxford
Before politics: Solicitor on corporate law, specialising in mergers and acquisitions. Joined Tories in 1989 and was chair of Wessex Young Conservatives and vice-chair for Battersea Conservatives.
Politics: Fought for Islington South and Finsbury seat in 2001. Fought for Loughborough seat in 2005.
Constituency campaigns: Cash for potholes, entrepreneurs, housing, local libraries, business.
Old jobs: Assistant whip, financial secretary to the Treasury, minister for women.
New job: Education Secretary - continues with women and equalities brief. Tells Sky News she is "very excited"
Home life: Married to an architect. One son.
Known for: Saying university isn't a rite of passage, praising Loughborough students on rag week, against same-sex marriage, safe pair of hands, time in the whip's office.
X Factor: Mother, Osbornite, loyalist.

Liz Truss MP

Who: Liz Truss, MP since 2010 for South West Norfolk
Born and brought up: Yorkshire
Education: Philosophy, politics and economics at Merton College, Oxford University
Before politics: Trained as an accountant. Worked in the energy and telecoms industry. Member of the Conservative Party for 17 years. Proved blue credentials as deputy director of the right-wing think-tank Reform.
Politics: Fought for a seat in 2001 and 2005. Published two books arguing for return of entrepreneurship and need to learn from rising nations.
Constituency campaigns: Better roads, faster broadband, reliable energy supplies, small businesses.
Old job: Education minister, campaigning for a stronger emphasis on academic subjects.
New job: Environment Secretary
Home life: Lives in London. Married with two daughters.
Known for: Attention to detail, unflappable manner.
X Factor: Mother (rare in Parliament, rarer in Cabinet). At 38, she is the youngest ever female Cabinet member.

Priti Patel MP

Who: Priti Patel, MP since 2010 for Witham, Essex
Born and brought up: South Harrow, Ruislip, Watford
Education: Economics, Keele University. Postgraduate at University of Essex
Before politics: Director of corporate communications for PR consultancy. Press officer for William Hague.
Politics: Fought for a seat in 2005, won different seat in 2010. Against prisoner voting. For capital punishment.
Constituency campaigns: Small businesses, affordable homes, transport infrastructure
New Job: Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury
Home life: Lives in Witham and London. Married with a son.
Known for: Independently minded. Unpredictable.
X Factor: A rebel. Admired by backbenchers. Mother.

Esther McVey MP

Who: Esther McVey, MP for Wirral West since 2010
Born and brought up: Liverpool
Education: Law at Queen Mary University, London. Radio journalism at City University, London. MSc in corporate governance at Liverpool John Moores University
Before politics: TV presenter and producer, director of her father's demolition business and set up own training business for SMEs.
Politics: Fought for seat in 2005. Was parliamentary under-secretary for disabled people. Worked for Chris Grayling and had a Work and Pensions brief.
Constituency campaigns: Small businesses, youth unemployment
Old job: Employment minister
New job: Continues as minister for Employment and Disabilities but will attend Cabinet
Home life: Lives in West Kirby and London. Unmarried.
Known for: Friend of Kate McCann and helped set up Madeleine McCann Fund. First Tory MP on Merseyside since 1997.
X Factor: Feisty and outspoken. Liverpudlian accent ticks the Northern box. Strong media performer. Nominated for Merseyside Woman of the Year and Cheshire Woman of the Year.

Penny Mordaunt MP

Who: Penny Mordaunt, MP for Portsmouth North since 2010
Born and brought up: Torquay, Portsmouth
Education: Philosophy at University of Reading
Before politics: Magician's assistant, communications director for Kensington and Chelsea Council, worked for Freight Transport Association, director of National Lottery, director of Diabetes UK, head of foreign press for George W Bush's 2000 campaign.
Politics: Head of Youth for Tories. First fought for a seat in 2005. Care and quality of life for elderly, healthcare, arts, space.
Constituency campaigns: Portsmouth Naval Base and Royal Navy fleet. Charities. Restoring Grade-II listed manor.
Current job: Ministerial aide
New Job: Communities and Local Government Minister
Home life: Lives in Port Solent with partner and breeds Burmese cats. Sub-lieutenant in Royal Navy Reserve.
Known for: Belly-flop on TV diving competition Splash! Second woman to give thank you after Queen's Speech - in it, she talked about testicles. Supporting women in Armed Forces. Named after frigate HMS Penelope. Critic of women-only shortlists. Supporter of homeopathy. member of British Astronomical Association.
X Factor: Have-a-go attitude.

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Police Face Probe After Couple Stabbed To Death

By Adele Robinson, Midlands Correspondent

An investigation is under way after a couple were found stabbed to death 20 minutes after emergency services left their home.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is looking into how West Midlands Police handled the incident.

Pin Chang, 58, and his wife Quoi Chang, 50, died at their home in Hermitage Road, Solihull, in the early hours of July 7.

The couple's 23-year-old son was found with serious injuries at the property. He is currently under police guard in hospital in connection with the deaths.

The West Midlands Ambulance Service was first called to the home by a resident at the property at 3.39am. Medics then alerted police who arrived at 3.56am.

The police officers subsequently left the property at 4.48am, and the ambulance crew at 5.06am.

It is understood that the decision was made to refer the son for a mental health assessment, to be carried out at a later date.

However, a 999 call was made 11 minutes later, at 5.17am. Ambulance crews then returned to the scene at 5.26am, 20 minutes after leaving.

Police officers arrived at the property at 5.33am, 45 minutes after leaving.

Pin Chang and Quoi Chang were then found at the property with fatal stab injuries.

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Payday Loan Caps To Cut The Cost Of Borrowing

The City regulator is to impose caps on payday loans from January to tackle abuses in the quick-credit market, in a move set to cost the industry £420m of its annual revenue.

The headline measure was a limit in the overall cost of a loan, which the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said should never exceed 100% of the total amount borrowed.

For example, if a borrower was to take out a loan of £300, the person's liability would not be more than £600.

Fixed default fees were also to be capped at £15, the regulator said, with interest on unpaid balances and default fees not exceeding 0.8% per day of the outstanding amount.

News of the restrictions - reported by Sky News on Monday night ahead of the announcement - prompted the industry body the Consumer Finance Association (CFA) to warn that the limits could force many of its members out of business, driving customers towards loan sharks instead as lending criteria was tightened.

The FCA admitted the measures were likely to cost the payday sector £420m annually but its chief executive Martin Wheatley dismissed the industry's claim as a "scare story" - telling Sky News the caps would only kill off those firms preying on their customers.

He said: "For the many people that struggle to repay their payday loans every year this is a giant leap forward.

"From January next year, if you borrow £100 for 30 days and pay back on time, you will not pay more than £24 in fees and charges and someone taking the same loan for 14 days will pay no more than £11.20. That's a significant saving.

"For those who struggle with their repayments, we are ensuring that someone borrowing £100 will never pay back more than £200 in any circumstance.

"There have been many strong and competing views to take into account, but I am confident we have found the right balance.

"Alongside our other new rules for payday firms - affordability tests and limits on rollovers and continuous payment authorities - the cap will help drive up standards in a sector that badly needs to improve how it treats its customers."

The measures were announced 24 hours after Wonga - the country's biggest payday lender - confirmed its new chairman was to lead a drive to improve standards in the wake of damaging revelations the firm created fake legal letters to threaten borrowers in arrears.

Citizens Advice chief executive Gillian Guy said of the caps: "Up until now, payday lenders have had the green light to send people into a spiral of unmanageable debt.

"The cap will help limit the scale of debts but its success will depend on enforcement and is part of a raft of measures, including limiting rollovers, that the FCA must make sure lenders are sticking to."

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Gove Leaves Education Job As Hague Quits

Michael Gove will leave his job as Education Secretary in the biggest reshuffle of the top jobs in Government for four years.

The 46-year-old, a controversial figure among teachers, has been swapped to the role of Commons Chief Whip - a move described as "definitely a demotion" by Sky's Political Editor Adam Boulton.

In a shake-up described as a cull of the "pale, male and stale", a number of women were promoted into key posts, as has been expected, ahead of next year's General Election.

Nicky Morgan takes over from Michael Gove as Education Secretary

The first to secure a high-profile role was Nicky Morgan from Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Minister for Women to fill the vacancy left by Mr Gove. It is a rapid rise for an MP who has only held a seat in the House of Commons for four years.

Liz Truss, also only an MP since 2010, has moved from Education Minister to Environment Secretary to replace Owen Paterson, who was criticised for his response to the flooding crisis over the winter.

Esther McVey, another of the 2010 intake, had been tipped for a move but remains as Employment Minister, although she will now attend Cabinet.

Liz Truss is the Government's new Environment Secretary

Anna Soubry has been promoted to Defence Minister with Claire Perry going to Transport as Parliamentary Under Secretary.

Priti Patel has been made Exchequer Secretary at the Treasury and Penny Mordaunt has become a Communities and Local Government minister. Amber Rudd has become an Energy and Climate Change minister.

The wide-ranging reshuffle also sees the shock departure of William Hague, who has stepped down as Foreign Secretary.

Esther McVey stays at employment but is given Cabinet role

The 53-year-old will become Leader of the House Of Commons before standing down as an MP at the next General Election in 2015.

He is replaced by outgoing Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, whose job has been taken by Michael Fallon.

Mr Hague denied Mr Hammond's appointment marked a more Eurosceptic approach in Government and said: "We are very clear and united on Europe. Philip Hammond, David Cameron and I all have exactly the same policy on Europe.

"We want to improve Britain's relationship with the EU and then hold a referendum on staying in or leaving the European Union."

Philip Hammond replaces William Hague as Foreign Secretary

Mr Hague will now help to coordinate Government policy and become a "leading campaigner in key constituencies".

He will also be the Prime Minister's special representative on preventing sexual violence in conflict, following his work with UN special envoy and Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie.

Sky's Political Correspondent Sophy Ridge said: "When they said this would be a significant reshuffle, they actually meant it."

Dominic Grieve lost his role as Attorney General and has been replaced by Jeremy Wright, while Policing Minister Damian Green also lost his job, with Mike Penning getting a ministerial role in the Home Office .

Ken Clarke pictured arriving at No 10 on Monday

Mr Cameron has also announced Lord Hill will be the UK's candidate for European Commissioner, to replace Baroness Ashton in Brussels, leaving his post as Leader of the House of Lords. Baroness Tina Stowell will become the new Leader of the Lords.

Matt Hancock, a key ally of Chancellor George Osborne, takes on the post of Minister of State for Business, Enterprise and Energy from Mr Fallon and will also take on the job of Minister for Portsmouth, attending Cabinet.

Mark Harper, who was last seen resigning as immigration minister after he was discovered to be employing an illegal immigrant as a cleaner, has returned as Work and Pensions minister.

Liam Fox, who had been tipped for a return, confirmed he had been approached to be Foreign Office Minister but had turned down the offer.

Mr Hague with Angelina Jolie and US Secretary of State John Kerry

Meanwhile, Ken Clarke is retiring from Government at 74, and on Monday announced he was stepping down as minister without portfolio, bringing to an end a front bench career stretching back to 1972.

Speaking shortly after Mr Hague announced his departure, the Prime Minister paid tribute to him as a "first class Foreign Secretary" and  "a close confidante, a wise counsellor and a great friend".

Welsh Secretary David Jones has been replaced by Stephen Crabb and Transport Minister Stephen Hammond and Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd are also out.

International Development Minister Alan Duncan is standing down at his own request, while Universities Minister David Willetts has also stood down and has been replaced by Greg Clark.

In a shake-up of the Civil Service, Sir Bob Kerslake has stepped down as permanent secretary of the Department for Communities and Local Government, his role as head of the Civil Service will be handed to Sir Jeremy Heywood. 

A new role of Civil Service chief executive is to be created and will report to Sir Jeremy.

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