July 2005 in Britain and Ireland - 14 July 2005 (Thursday)

14 July 2005 (Thursday)

• High Court: Former Transport Secretary Stephen Byers admits to giving false evidence to a House of Commons sub-committee. The admission came as Byers was giving evidence in the case brought by shareholders of Railtrack against the government. The shareholders accuse Byers and the government of misfeasance.(BBC)
• The 2005 Emmy Awards are announced with nominations for British stars Ian McShane, Hugh Laurie and Kenneth Branagh amongst others.(BBC)
• A two minute silence is held across Europe at 12:00 BST to remember the victims of the London bombings.(BBC)(Sky)(C4 News)
• Hatfield train crash: Charges of manslaughter against five rail bosses are thrown out by an Old Bailey judge, together with a charge of corporate manslaughter against Balfour Beatty. The judge, Mr Justice Mackay, has stated he is not permitted to reveal his reasons. Charges under the Health and Safety Act are still being considered.(Sky)(C4 News)(BBC)
• Thames Water and United Utilities are criticised by regulator Ofwat for failing to reduce leakages to agreed targets.(C4 News)(Sky)
• Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp sign an agreement with the former head of Ford in Europe, Mark Leach. The tie up between the two is expected to lead to a bid for the assets of MG Rover, currently held in administration by PricewaterhouseCoopers.(BBC)
• There is a fire at a factory near the site of the new Wembley Stadium. The smoke can reportedly be seen in the City.(BBC)
• Voting opens in the Cheadle by-election. The by-election was called due to Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament Patsy Calton's death from cancer shortly after the general election in May. (BBC)(Sky)
• The government will today present its London Olympics bill to Parliament. The bill will seek to outlaw ticket touting at the event and also create an Olympic Delivery Authority to oversee the event's building and staging on behalf of the government.(BBC)
• Women's Hockey: England beat the United States 3-2 in their Champion's Challenge match.(BBC)
• Newcastle complete the signing of Turkish International midfielder Emre from Inter Milan. He is the club's second signing in the summer transfer window.(BBC)
• The squad for the first Ashes test is announced, with Kevin Pietersen preferred over Graham Thorpe.(BBC)
• The 2005 Open Championship begins at St Andrews, with Yorkshireman Simon Dyson the first to tee off. Jack Nicklaus, competing in his final Open cards 75, three over par.(BBC)