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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Heathrow Cancels Flights As Storms Forecast

Heathrow Airport has cancelled 20% of flights for two hours on Saturday afternoon after heavy rain, thunder, lightning and hail was forecast.

Sky News weathers forecasters said storms in the South and South East would move northwards across Britain during the day, bringing "torrential downpours, hail, frequent lightning and the risk of localised flooding".

The thundery storms came after Britain enjoyed its hottest day of the year on Friday.

A Heathrow spokeswoman said: "During thunderstorms the number of aircraft that can take off and land each hour is reduced.

Lightning over the Vale of Belvoir in Leicestershire

"We have therefore requested that airlines reduce their flight schedule by 20% between 4pm and 6pm.

"Passengers due to travel on July 19 are urged to check the status of their flight with their airline before travelling to the airport."

Flights from Dublin, Madrid and Prague were among those cancelled, according to the airport's website. 

Manchester Airport also faced some delays after a thunderstorm caused an electrical surge that stopped some lifts and baggage systems working.

Lightning over Tilbury Docks

"We'll wait to see what happens this afternoon when we're expecting thunder," General duty manager Gary Brown said after the problem was fixed.

The Environment Agency has 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 of the warnings are in the Midlands, the South East and the South West.

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

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

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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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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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Last British Victims Of Flight MH17 Named

The final two British victims of doomed flight MH17 have been named in a passenger list as John Allen and Andrew Hoare.

Mr Allen's colleagues at international law firm NautaDutilh described him as a "much-loved colleague" and said they were "shocked" by his death alongside his Dutch wife, Sandra Martens, and their three sons - Christopher, Julian and Ian.

"He was a person with many talents, and in addition to his professional contribution to our firm he generously shared his musical and athletic abilities with us as well," the firm said.

"All of us who had the privilege of working with John during his 18 years at NautaDutilh came to know him as a kind, down-to-earth and humorous man and many of us have also lost a friend. He will be dearly missed."

A friend of Robert Ayley, whose family earlier confirmed he was on board the Malaysia Airlines plane, 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.

Six of the British victims on flight MH17

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.

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

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".

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

Briton Stephen Anderson was on board MH17

"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."

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Malaysia Airlines Plane Crash Victims Named

The United Nations has confirmed there were 80 children on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 when it crashed in eastern Ukraine.

Friends and colleagues today paid tribute to five British victims named, including Leeds University student Richard Mayne, 20, from Leicestershire.

Richard Mayne during a trip to Nepal (L) and Ben Pocock (R). Pics: Facebook

He had recently completed a charity trek to Everest Base Camp was described as a man who had a "great thirst for life" by his former headteacher.

Ben Pocock was flying to Australia to begin a professional placement and study, Loughborough University said.

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 fans Liam Sweeney (L) and John Adler

Glenn Thomas, 49, from Blackpool, was among 100 delegates reportedly on their way to the International Aids Society (IAS) summit in Melbourne, Australia.

Friends spoke of their shock and loss of the media officer at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva.

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

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

Some of the great minds in the fight against HIV and Aids were heading to the conference, including, it is understood, 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.

Albert Rizk and his wife Maree were returning from. Pic: Facebook

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

In a bizarre twist of fate, flight attendant Sajid Singh 41, 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.

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 and her husband Albert, who were returning to their Melbourne home after a month-long European holiday.

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

Cor Pan posted a picture of the airliner on Facebook. Pic: Facebook

Sailor and businessman Nick Norris, 68, was also heading back from a breakaway in Europe with his three grandchildren, Milo Maslin, 12, Evie Maslin, 10, and Otis Maslin eight, Perth Now reported.

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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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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House of Lords Debates Assisted Dying Bill

By Anushka Asthana, Political Correspondent

The debate is likely to run all day, until eight at night, with each peer given a few minutes to make a case.

Proponents will argue that it is cruel to prevent people facing a painful death to take their lives early with the help of doctors and loved ones.

But those opposing the policy told Sky News that disabled people face misdiagnoses at the end of life, and feel pressured into taking their lives because they don't want to become a burden on their families.

They fear this legislation could lead to a "slippery slope".

Lord Falconer is a long-time supporter of a change to the law

Among those supporting Lord Falconer are Steve Riley-Snelling, who watched his wife, Tracy, die screaming in agony in his arms.

When Tracy Snelling was diagnosed last year with terminal stomach cancer she said she wanted to marry her long-term partner Steve, and then die peacefully.

She was willing to travel to Dignitas, an assisted dying clinic in Switzerland, but after the wedding was too sick. Steve told Sky News that no nurse would come with them because it was illegal.

Steve Riley-Snelling watched his wife die in terrible pain

As she deteriorated, he told her he could end it by putting his hand over her mouth and nose, but felt he couldn't because it would be against the law.

He begged nurses to help on her final day, when she was vomiting blood out of her mouth and nose, but they refused.

Steve - who will take a seat in the Lords today - said a change in law could have granted his wife her final wish - a good death.

"This campaign is not about forcing people to die, it's not about the disabled or the elderly being compelled to die," he said.

Tanni Grey-Thompson is worried some people may feel pressure to die

"This debate is about people who are already condemned to die because they are terminally ill like Tracy was. Tracy did not want to die."

He said his wife - who was a senior figure in a major bank - was desperate to live.

But opponents argue this is not just about cancer sufferers.

Paralympian peer Tanni Grey-Thompson told Sky News there were a wide range of disabilities with which people could be told they were close to death at a bad time of year - but then survive for many more years.

She said that had happened to another peer - Baroness Campbell - who will be speaking in the debate as well.

She also argued that she feared a "slippery slope" - pointing to how the abortion bill began as a very specific piece of legislation and then slowly widened with time.

Opponents could put up a "wrecking amendment" to stop the legislation but sources say they are unlikely to do so, partly because of a desire to have the debate.

There are also fears they could lose the vote. But they will hope that the legislation will not turn into law because there is insufficient time before the general election.

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Weather: Britain Burns On Hottest Day

How To Keep Your Cool In The Summer Heatwave

Updated: 8:24am UK, Thursday 17 July 2014

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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Polar Bear Inquest: Company 'Not Neglectful'

A coroner has cleared an expedition company of neglect over its responsibility to protect a boy mauled to death by a polar bear.

More follows...

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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".

Agreement between Tony Blair and Gerry Adams

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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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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Tulisa Trial: Reporter Denies Spiking Drink

An undercover journalist has denied spiking former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos' drink in order to create a "sensational story".

Mazher Mahmood, a former News Of The World reporter who now works for The Sun on Sunday, said his aim was to "expose criminality" over an alleged drug deal, details of which were revealed in the paper last June.

The man sometimes known as the "fake sheikh", said it was "outrageous" to suggest he was manipulating the 26-year-old, whom he had met a number of times at various luxury hotels and restaurants.

Mr Mahmood, who was cross-examined behind a screen in order to keep his identity hidden, explained he used "subterfuge" by secretly recording meetings with the singer to try to find out if she was involved with drugs.

"The motive here is in the public interest to expose criminality," he told Southwark Crown Court.

"Of course, I'm a journalist and stories are what I do for a living. That's not the reason I did it."

Contostavlos's barrister Jeremy Dein QC said: "You misled her, didn't you?"

Mr Mahmood replied: "You can't mislead somebody into supplying cocaine."

The barrister suggested the reporter and his colleague, Nish, in fact spiked Contostavlos' drink at London's Metropolitan Hotel on May 10 last year.

Mr Mahmood replied: "Absolutely outrageous."

Mr Dein said: "You got her to incriminate herself."

The witness replied: "I think that is nonsense."

Mr Dein then suggested: "This was only the beginning of your manipulation of Ms Contostavlos."

The journalist replied: "I disagree."

The accused, who was sitting in the glass-walled dock, shook her head several times as she heard the reporter giving evidence.

The ex-N-Dubz star is accused of saying she could "sort out" cocaine for the reporter and put him in touch with rapper friend Mike GLC, who supplied the Class A drug - a charge she denies.

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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 £820.

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.

Mr Mahmood entered the witness box and gave evidence from behind a screen to protect his identity.

He said he was playing the role of a film producer from India when he met Contostavlos with another undercover reporter in Las Vegas and at London's Metropolitan hotel last year.

Mr Mahmood said Contostavlos brought up the topic of drugs during their meeting in London on May 10.

"She brought it up with words to the effect that she would go home tonight and have a drink and she might have cannabis to go to sleep," he told the court.

They discussed drugs again later at the hotel bar when the singer said she was not a cocaine user but did smoke cannabis, Mr Mahmood said.

It was then that she spoke about being being able to get "white sweets" - a slang for cocaine - and "green sweets", meaning cannabis, he added.

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."

The trial continues.

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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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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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Heatwave Warning Issued For Rest Of Week

Heatwave conditions will affect parts of England later this week, with officials warning people to take precautions as the mercury hits 30C.

Public Health England (PHE) has issued guidance on how the extreme temperatures may affect them.

The warning comes as the Met Office issued a Level 2 heat alert for parts of the South East, London, east of England and the Midlands.

Thursday is forecast to be the country's hottest day so far this year, with temperatures of up to 30C, while Friday is expected to nearly as hot.

People have been told to avoid the hottest part of the day and use suncream

A Level 2 warning is triggered when the Met Office forecasts a 60% or higher chance of consecutive daily temperatures having a significant impact on health.

PHE director for health protection Dr Paul Cosford said: "While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.

"The Heatwave Plan, which we published earlier this year, is an important component of overall emergency planning and sets out a series of clear actions that can be taken by healthcare organisations, local authorities, professionals working with vulnerable people, and individuals to help keep people safe during extreme heat.

The frail and sick should be taken care of both indoors and outside

"To prepare for any type of hot weather this summer, we strongly encourage each locality to consider the actions in this plan and adapt them to their local situation, as a component of wider resilience planning and long-term climate change adaptation arrangements."

Officials said to to be careful remaining outdoors in the hottest part of the day, avoid sunburn and avert dehydration by drinking cool liquids.

Older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the higher temperatures, so even indoors they should remain in cool areas.

Some areas are expecting thunderstorms at the end of the heatwave

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist  Steve Ramsdale said: "We've got hot and humid air moving up from the continent which will see temperatures rise through to the weekend, with some high day and night-time temperatures expected by Friday.

"The humidity will make it feel close, muggy and uncomfortable for many in the heat and people should take steps to keep cool - particularly across the areas where we have issued a heat health alert."

The heatwave warning is due to take effect late Thursday and carry through until Saturday.

Dr Cosford added: "Try to keep your bedroom and living space cool, by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can.

"Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat."

A warning was also issued for members of the Muslim community fasting during the current period of Ramadan.

Dr Cosford said: "During hot weather it's important to balance food and fluid intake between fasts and especially to drink enough water.

"The Muslim Council of Britain and the NHS have published lots of useful information for those likely affected during this period."

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Nurse 'Plotted To Kill And Eat' Teenage Girl

A nurse bought an axe as he planned to chop and eat a girl he believed to be just 14 years old, a court has heard.

Dale Bolinger, 57, used a fetish website to discuss beheading and eating women and girls for sexual gratification, his trial at Canterbury Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Martin Yale said Bolinger, formerly from Canterbury, had thought he was chatting to a 14-year-old Mexican called Eva and tried to persuade her travel over from Germany to meet him.

Bolinger allegedly told the girl: "The idea of making love and then eating you is a very great turn on.

"I have been called a very generous lover and I would be very generous to you before I prepped you for the table."

On September 17, 2012 - the day before she was due to meet him - Bolinger bought an axe and then, on September 18, he went to Ashford International Station to pick "Eva" up, the court was told.

She did not arrive and her identity has never been established.

The court also heard that Bolinger told other users that he had eaten a 39-year-old black woman and a five-year-old child.

"There were discussions about how much more tender the meat is from children," Mr Yale said.

The chats with "Eva" were uncovered by the FBI's New York office, which investigates webchat rooms discussing the rape, killing and cannibalism of women, prosecutor Martin Yale told the jury.

They found the email address being used was from a computer in Kent and passed the information on to local police.

Kent Police traced the account to Bolinger, whose home and computer was searched.

Police found discs containing indecent images of children which had been photoshopped and labelled: "Dinner; one in, one waiting; the BBQ; the BBQ2 and BBQ3."

Bolinger admitted the pictures were his but he insisted he had gone to the train station because he was worried about the girl he had contacted.

If she had arrived, he said, he would have gone straight to the police.

He was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of attempting to meet a child under the age of 16 following sexual grooming.

The prosecutor said it was not the first time Bolinger had tried to act out his fantasies.

Bolinger, he told the jury, had pleaded guilty in February to administering poison or a noxious substance to a woman after putting a cloth soaked in dry cleaning fluid over a female friend's mouth in July 2010.

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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.

Forensics officers were seen at the house

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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GCHQ 'Can Seize Private Facebook Photographs'

Exclusive: Sky's Man Goes Inside GCHQ

Updated: 11:04am UK, Monday 19 May 2014

By Tim Marshall, Diplomatic Editor

As I crossed the various levels of security required to get into GCHQ, signs went up around the building. Staff were warned that an outsider was inside, and to be aware of that if engaged in any sensitive conversations.

This rare access for a journalist appears to be part of a conscious but cautious effort to explain the workings of the intelligence agency, in the wake of the allegations by former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.

Most of the interior of Britain's signal intelligence agency looks similar to any large modern office building, but there are constant reminders of the extraordinary inside the ordinary.

This is true of the architecture. The building is referred to by both media and the intelligence community as "the doughnut".

From the outside it is somewhat foreboding, ringed by high fences topped with razor wire. But inside the colours are calming, the ceilings high, and the corridors surprisingly light.

The main internal circular corridor, known somewhat affectionately as "the street" is a busy thoroughfare and a reminder that thousands of people work here. GCHQ is Cheltenham's biggest employer.

On the ground floor, open plan offices look out on to a circular garden complete with water feature and smoking area.

From there you can see a variety of satellite dishes and myriad aerials perched on the roof of the second floor.

It is rumoured the design of the circular walls enclosing the garden were built in a way which limits how much sound from conversations will carry upwards in the direction of interested parties who might be listening high above the building.

Inside, the juxtaposition of the ordinary and extraordinary continues. Next to one of the coffee bars is a pop-up "help with your expenses" desk, which is near a small museum housing the first Enigma coding/decoding machine.

The contraption, which cracked the German codes in the Second World War was purchased in Berlin and brought to the UK in the 1930s,  a move described as "the best £30 Britain has ever spent".

You can also find notes on JRR Tolkien's application to join the Bletchley Park code breakers. His services "were not called upon".

It is a state-of-the-art building, but there may be a few dents in the doughnut.

Staff are stirred, if not shaken in the aftermath of the Snowden furore. For more than a year now there have been allegations that they spend their time engaged in possibly illegal mass surveillance and bulk-trawling through our emails and phone calls.

Time and again officials repeated to me: "Everything we do is lawful, necessary, and proportionate."

This view was recently upheld by Sir Anthony May, the Interception of Communications Commissioner.

However, it appears the agency does indeed engage in scooping up vast amounts of data.

What was lost in the headlines was that officers do not actually look at the text of emails or listen to phone conversations without a warrant signed by a Cabinet Minister and overseen by senior members of the judiciary.

"Don't you actually think your hands are tied?" I asked a senior official, who replied: "Our hands are tied appropriately."

Another added: "We are not struggling against our bonds."

Despite the Snowden affair, and the possibility the agency did not act in the spirit of the laws governing it, the damage to public trust in Britain's spooks appears limited.

Polls suggest that a majority of the public appears not to be concerned about the powers held by GCHQ, nor its methods.

Nevertheless, the presence of a journalist inside the headquarters of an agency (which did not officially exist until the 1980s) indicates that management understands it needs to explain GCHQ more fully.

Staff appear to be at best irritated, and at worst hurt, by suggestions they have acted illegally. They are keen that there should be a better understanding of not just what they do, but why they do it.

For example, if the 'opposition' is developing weapons of various types, including surveillance weapons, it is part of their work to find out and develop counter measures.

About a third of analysts' work is in counter-terrorism. The rest is in cyber security, support for military operations, operations against serious criminals, and a variety of other tasks.

In the public domain, but not widely known, is the fact that more than 200 staff have been awarded medals for service in a military theatre.

Many of these have been won during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The staff were remarkably normal. Some in suits, some in shorts, none of them looking like Daniel Craig.

I did ask to see the "big room with the map of the world on a screen and a guy stroking a white cat" but permission was refused. The room does exist but, alas, the cat does not.

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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 while Mr Hammond said: "I'm going to focus on making sure that we have a successful renegotiation with our European partners.

"I don't think the way to enter a negotiation is to start issuing threats."

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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