Manchester, Leeds HS3 Rail Link needs 'Kick-starting', Report Concludes

HS3, the planned fast rail link between Manchester and Leeds, needs "kick-starting" as part of a broader plan to improve transport links in northern England, a report has concluded.

The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) also called for improvements on the most congested part of the M62 motorway to be sped up.

The government is set to commit £300m for transport projects in the Budget.

It is also expected to fund the start of work on the Crossrail 2 rail line.

'Economic boost'

UK Inflation Figures shows Lower Cost of Living

It is the first time Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation has turned negative since 1960, based on comparable historic estimates, the Office for National Statistics said.

The biggest contribution to the fall came from a drop in air and sea fares.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney said he expected inflation to remain very low over the next few months. 

FedEx to buy rival TNT Express for €4.4bn

US parcels delivery firm FedEx is to buy its Dutch rival TNT Express for €4.4bn ($4.8bn; £3.2bn) as it looks to expand its European operations.

In a joint statement, the companies said both management boards had reached a "conditional agreement".