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IPCC reforms from review of investigating deaths
- Strengthening the role of commissioners.
- Developing internal and external expertise of mental health, discrimination, scene management and forensic science.
- Setting up a dedicated referrals team.
- Developing a terms of reference with bereaved families and improving engagement.
- Keeping the officers under investigation as informed as possible of progress and timescale.
- Developing links with people and organisations in the community, including those that have little to no faith in the police.
IPCC lack 'empathy, sensitivity and compassion'
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has come under fire for the way it investigates deaths in custody, with many bereaved families saying they felt like they were under investigation.
Read: MPs: IPCC is 'hamstrung'
Grieving relatives accused the IPCC of lacking "empathy, sensitivity and compassion", while some "felt that they and those who had died were wrongly characterised or unfairly judged".
The IPCC was roundly criticised in a 111 page report into their handlings of deaths in police custody, with respondents urging better training for staff on diversity issues.
Mental health was also a major underlying issue in many deaths in custody investigated by the IPCC - approximately half of all those who died in police custody in 2012/13, and almost two-thirds of those who apparently took their own lives afterwards, were known to have mental health problems.
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Sir David Higgins: HS2 'vital for the future' of UK
HS2 boss Sir David Higgins has said the project was "vital for the future of the country".He added: "The cost and impact have to be recognised and acknowledged, but so too do the cost and impact of doing nothing.
"Without HS2, the people of this country will continue to face the failures of our transport system on a daily basis.
"This contingency has pushed the price of phase one, from London to Birmingham, up to £21.4 billion with £3 billion for the trains, while the cost of the second phase, taking the line in a Y-shape to north west and north east England is put at £21.2 billion with around £4.5 billion for the trains."
Labour welcomes greater HS2 connectivity in the north
Mary Creagh MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport Secretary, responding to David Higgins’ report into HS2, has welcomed his strong focus on the steps the Government needs to take to get High Speed 2 back on track and ensure value for money".
– Mary Creagh MP, Labour’s Shadow Transport SecretaryDavid Higgins has made it clear that there are significant savings to be made if David Cameron gets a grip of this project and stops all these delays.
On Phase Two, we are glad that more work will be done to link HS2 with future rail investment and that the greater focus we have been calling for on connectivity between our northern cities has replaced the Government’s previous take it or leave it approach.
That is how we ensure the maximum benefits for the whole country from this project while we pressure the Government to keep the costs down.
HS2 boss to say he would like to start second phase
Launching his report in Manchester, Sir David Higgins, HS2's recently appointed chairman, will say that he would like work to start on the second phase at the same time as the first phase.
The second phase, taking the line in a Y-shape to north west and north east England is set for completion around 2032/33. He is also expected to recommend a completely new station at Euston - the site for the line's London terminus.
Sir David, the former London Olympics supremo who has joined HS2 Ltd after being Network Rail chief executive, is also expected to recommend scrapping plans to link HS2 with HS1, the London to Kent coast Channel Tunnel high-speed line.
Cable: 'Compelling case' to speed up HS2 extension
Business Secretary Vince Cable has said there is a "compelling case" to speed up the extension of the controversial HS2 high speed rail link to the cities of the north.
His intervention came as HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins prepared to outline his plan for an accelerated construction timetable while reducing the cost of the #50 billion infrastructure project.
Sir David, who will publish his report on later, will also issue an appeal to the main political parties to unite behind the scheme.
Read: Vince Cable - 'Compelling case' to speed up HS2 extension
Read: HS2 chairman to announce recommendations but no new cuts
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HS2 chairman to announce new recommendations
Despite pledging to find savings in the expensive High Speed 2 train line, the project's boss has failed to find significant financial cuts.
Read the full storyObama tells Putin the US rejects Crimea referendum
President Barack Obama told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call that the US rejected the results of a referendum in Ukraine's Crimea region and warned that Washington was ready to impose sanctions on Moscow over the crisis.
"He [Obama] emphasised that Russia's actions were in violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and that, in coordination with our European partners, we are prepared to impose additional costs on Russia for its actions," the White House said in a statement.
Obama told Putin the crisis could still be resolved diplomatically, but said the Russian military would need to first stop its "incursions" into Ukraine, the White House said.
Young female stab victim identified by police
Police investigating the murder of a woman in Redditch have tonight identified her as 21-year-old Kirsty Wright.
Ms Wright died in hospital today after being admitted with serious stab wounds last night.
A 29-year-old man arrested at the scene remains in police custody.
Obama: US 'would never recognise Crimea vote'
President Obama has told Vladimir Putin today's referendum in Crimea "would never be recognised" by the US or the rest of the international community, the White House has said.
Read: Crimea 'votes to rejoin Russia' after controversial poll
