Evening briefing Tuesday 19th May

0:00This episode of the Times Radio News Briefing is sponsored by PwCWC. Staying competitive means getting ahead, not just keeping up. So how do business leaders cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. PwC takes you further with tech, from optimising the systems that put your data to work, to scaling AI from proof of concept to competitive edge. PwC helps you meet tomorrow's tech demands so you can compete at a speed that rewrites the rules. Discover more at pwc.co.uk. Welcome to the Times Radio evening briefing for Tuesday the 19th of May. Up to 57 individuals and 20 companies could face criminal charges over the Grenfell Tower fire.

0:45Scotland Yard has examined the potential role of 15 ,000 individuals and 700 organisations. A decision will be made before the 10th anniversary of the disaster next summer. 72 people died. Detective Superintendent Gary Moncrief says the investigation is almost complete. When we go to the CPS in September, that marks the point where we're saying we've done enough of the investigation that they're able to take charging decisions and are able to decide whether or not criminal charges should be brought and against whom and what for. So this is a significant date that's taken. We acknowledge a long time to get here, but it's really important that we do it in the most professional and diligent investigation possible to enable that justice is done.

1:28Andy Burnham says he feels proud and humbled after being confirmed as the Labour candidate for the Makerfield by-election. He's the only person approved by Labour's National Executive Committee. The Mayor of Greater Manchester says people need life to be more affordable again. He's released a campaign video. If we could do for the country what he's done for Manchester, we would be in a better place, for sure. I knew in my heart politics in this country had to change. And that's what I came back here to do. Reform UK's candidate in Makerfield is Robert Kenyon, a local plumber. The party says he has served as an army reservist and has worked for the NHS in Lancashire as a specialist technician.

2:09He's also released a campaign video. I was born in Makerfield. If I was elected, I'd be the first person born in the constituency to become the MP. I don't think any MP that's ever studied in Makerfield was actually born in the area. I'm a plumber, gas engineer. I've done that for a long time. I did my apprenticeship when I was 18. I love being a plumber. Surrey police are examining new claims linked to the Epstein files after two people came forward with allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse. The alleged victims have been interviewed and are being supported by detectives. Surrey is the third British police force to formally examine allegations of criminality.

2:46Geoffrey Epstein's plane was logged at several British airports. And the Transport Secretary has told MPs the cost of the high-speed rail line, HS2 could be almost£103 billion. Heidi Alexander says the project has been plagued by misunderstanding, underestimation and inefficiency. If this seems like an obscene increase in time and costs, it is because it is. And if it seems like I'm angry, it is because I am. I am angry on behalf of taxpayers and affected communities who have been swindled by the failures of successive conservative governments. And you can follow the Times Radio News Briefing on Spotify and listen live to Times Radio online.

3:29This episode of the Times Radio News Briefing is sponsored by PwC. AI is everywhere. In the news, in our hands, but return on investment, not so much. So how do you get beyond the hype and deliver AI that powers reinvention and growth across your business? Strong foundations unlock AI's potential. That's why PwC takes you further with tech, strengthening the data quality, processes and workflows that shape how well AI performs. PwC turns innovation into implementation so you can accelerate from experiment to scale. Discover more at pwc.co.uk.

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4:50McDonald's at the FIFA World Cup 2026.