1. PILOT LUBITZ ‘PLANNED HISTORIC GESTURE’
Andreas Lubitz planned a spectacular gesture that would go down in history, reports the Daily Telegraph. An ex-girlfriend of the Germanwings pilot who crashed his plane in the French Alps, killing all 150 on board, described him as “tormented”. She said he told her he would do something "that would change the system" and "make everyone remember" him.
2. FRESH EXPENSES SCANDAL HITS MPS
Dozens of MPs claimed expenses for renting a flat or staying in hotels in London despite owning property in the capital, according to Channel 4 News. The practice cost the taxpayer more than £1.3m over the past three years, according to the report. Many of the MPs adopted the tactic after changes to Westminster rules following the expenses scandal in 2009.
3. IS ‘JEALOUS’ CHARLES SENDING MESSAGE?
Is Prince Charles sending a message to the Middletons in his latest video? Just days after it was reported the Prince is jealous of the amount of time his grandson George is spending with the Middletons, he recorded a video message with a very prominent photograph of himself with his grandson. Reports claimed that the Prince has complained that he “almost never” sees his grandson.
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4. CARNEY: RATES WILL GO UP NEXT
The next move in interest rates will be a rise, not a cut, says Mark Carney. Speaking at a conference in Frankfurt, the Bank of England governor said Britain's record low inflation is unlikely to force the Bank of England to cut rates below their already rock-bottom levels. The announcement puts him at loggerheads with his chief economist, Andrew Haldane.
5. PM PLEDGES ‘TRULY SEVEN-DAY NHS’
A Tory government will create a “truly seven-day NHS”, David Cameron is to pledge. Launching his official general election campaign, the prime minister will promise that everyone in the country will have weekend access to urgent and emergency care. He will promise that voters will have “access to the NHS services they need seven days a week” by 2020.
6. IS DERMOT SET FOR TOP GEAR?
Dermot O'Leary is to leave ITV's The X Factor after eight years hosting the programme. "After eight wonderful years on The X Factor it's time for me to move on," he said in a statement. Following his announcement, speculation erupted that he may move to BBC’s Top Gear. Among those rumoured to replace O’Leary on X Factor are Olly Murs and Caroline Flack.
7. CLARKSON VICTIM: I WON’T PRESS CHARGES
The Top Gear producer attacked by Jeremy Clarkson has told police that he does not want to press charges. As inquiries continue into the fracas that led to the presenter’s sacking, Oisin Tymon’s lawyers sent a letter to North Yorkshire police. Although the development reduces the chance of Clarkson facing assault charges, he could still face a public order charge.
8. DID POLICE COVER UP CHILD ABUSE?
The police watchdog is investigating claims that officers covered up child sex abuse by actors, priests and judges, reports The Times. The Independent Police Complaints Commission has opened three fresh investigations into claims of corruption in the Metropolitan Police’s investigations into alleged paedophile rings involving prominent figures spanning 35 years.
9. LOADED MAGAZINE TO CLOSE DOWN
Loaded magazine, the leading lads' title of the mid-1990s, is to close down, publisher Simian said. The last-ever edition, published this week, featured former Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher and novelist Irvine Welsh. James Brown, who launched the magazine in 1994, said the news was “a pity”. Analysts say ‘lad culture’ has migrated from printed magazines to the internet.
10. HARRY KANE OPENS ENGLAND ACCOUNT
Man of the moment Harry Kane scored 79 seconds into his England debut last night. A comfortable 4-0 win over Lithuania at Wembley was also notable for the fact Wayne Rooney moved a step closer to Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time goalscoring record. Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck, also on the scoresheet, was named man of the match.
