PA HEADLINES AT 7.15AM
SANCTIONS COULD HIT PUTIN CRONIES
Vladimir Putin's closest allies could be targeted by European Union sanctions as the West grows increasingly frustrated with Russia's leader over his refusal to use the influence he holds over pro-Moscow separatists to secure the MH17 crash site.
Prime Minister David Cameron, who is expected to make a Commons statement on the disaster, told the Russian president that his support for the rebels in eastern Ukraine had "contributed to an appalling tragedy" and the delay in experts being able to carry out their investigation was "indefensible".
Mr Putin has released a statement, Sky News reported, in which he has promised to "do everything to ensure the security and safety" of experts investigating the crash site of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.
(AIR Malaysian)
GAZA ACTION 'MUST BE PROPORTIONATE'
Prime Minister David Cameron gave Benjamin Netanyahu his "strong support" for Israel's right to take "proportionate action" to defend itself.
Mr Cameron spoke to his Israeli counterpart as the death toll mounted on both sides in Gaza and Downing Street said the Prime Minister expressed condolences for the loss of Israeli troops while raising concerns about the civilian casualties.
The phone conversation came as 65 Palestinians and 13 Israeli soldiers were killed in the first major ground battle of the offensive.
The United Nations Security Council was holding an emergency meeting on the situation in Gaza early today.
(POLITICS Israel)
OSBORNE SIGNALS FREE PENSION ADVICE
Millions of people will get free, impartial advice on how to make the most of their retirement savings under Chancellor George Osborne's radical shake-up of the pension system.
The announcement follows a consultation on the reforms set out in the Budget, which increased the flexibility for people to access their pension pots.
The guidance will be delivered by a range of independent organisations, including The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) and the Money Advice Service (MAS) and follows concerns consumers would not trust information given by organisations with a vested interest in selling a financial product or service.
(MONEY Pensions)
HS2 REGENERATION BODY LAUNCHED
A huge redevelopment around the HS2 project, creating 14,000 jobs, 2,000 homes and worth up to £1.3 billion a year to the economy, is being announced by the Government today.
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin is launching a regeneration body that will drive economic growth around the Curzon Street HS2 city centre terminus in Birmingham.
He is also announcing the location of the high-speed rail project's construction HQ, which taken together sees the creation of a large number of jobs, significant regeneration of the city centre and a massive economic boost to the city.
(RAIL HS2)
CALL TO SPLIT UP JOBCENTRES
Jobcentres should be split up, with their employment arms forced to compete against private sector and voluntary providers and the remaining services rebranded as Citizen Support, a think-tank has recommended.
Under the plan, the employment services arm would be mutualised, while the remaining part of Jobcentre Plus would be expanded and renamed to reduce the "stigma" attached to it.
The right-of-centre Policy Exchange said just over a third (36%) of people using jobcentres find sustained work, with many finding themselves in and out of employment largely due to having barriers to work which are not fully dealt with.
(POLITICS Jobcentres)
BBC'S 'TALENT PAY' SLASHED BY £6m
The amount paid to the BBC's top stars was slashed by more than £6 million last year, the corporation is set to reveal.
Details of the BBC's so-called "talent pay" will be included in its annual report which is due to be published today.
The corporation has been heavily criticised for the amount it pays its top talent with presenters including Jeremy Clarkson and Graham Norton reportedly among its biggest earners.
(MEDIA BBC)
HOUSE PRICE GROWTH FORECAST RAISED
Property website Rightmove has raised its forecast for annual house price growth in 2014, despite a fall in values this month for the first time this year.
House prices have fallen 0.8% so far this month, but the firm forecasts annual prices will lift 8% this year, boosted by Help to Buy for first-time buyers, more affluent third-time buyers in the market and faster selling times.
Rightmove estimates house prices will continue to rise despite measures introduced by the Bank of England last month to curb prices such as new caps on high loan-to-income value loans and stronger affordability "stress tests" for borrowers.
(MONEY House)
WAGE GROWTH SET TO KEEP RATES LOW
Slow wage growth will keep the Bank of England from raising interest rates this year despite a run of strong economic data, according to an influential report.
The EY ITEM Club said in its latest quarterly survey that despite unemployment falling to its lowest level since 2008 and wage inflation at its lowest for a decade, it expects rates will not rise until the first quarter of next year.
Its chief economic adviser, Peter Spencer, said: "The markets are jumping the gun in thinking that rates will rise this year. Low inflation, the strong pound, and ongoing risks from the eurozone, all suggest caution in raising rates."
(ECONOMY Item)
MILIBAND HOPES FOR OBAMA MEETING
Labour leader Ed Miliband is expected to meet US President Barack Obama today.
Reports have indicated that he will have an informal "brush by" with the president, although the meeting in Washington could be in doubt as the president responds to the crises in Gaza and Ukraine.
Mr Miliband has hired the president's former adviser David Axelrod as his election strategist and will hope the US political guru's connection to the White House secures an audience with Mr Obama.
(POLITICS Miliband)
WARM SPELL ON WAY AFTER FLOOD CHAOS
Flooding from summer storms that brought brought parts of the country to a halt over the weekend is gradually subsiding and forecasters say much of the UK will enjoy dry weather today and over the coming week.
Homes and communities in south-east England were flooded after heavy downpours yesterday, with people stranded in vehicles, roads blocked by rising waters and properties damaged by lightning.
Essex Fire and Rescue Service said properties were affected in Canvey Island and resources were stretched as crews were called to incidents in Southend, Harlow and Ongar, compounded by striking union members.
(WEATHER Heat)
