The protracted absence of the government's "defence investment plan", which is already more than six months late, has even prompted some people to ask whether a sweeping review of defence that was released last year might now need a "refresh". This is not an idea that is under official consideration – as far as I can tell. But the mere fact the words "strategic defence review refresh" are being speculated in the margins is a sign of growing unease about what is happening with the UK's stuttering efforts to rearm at a time of increased threats. Sir Keir Starmer, addressing a major security conference in Munich in February, talked about the need for Britain and its European allies to strengthen their militaries. "We must build our hard power, because that is the currency of the age," he said. But the failure by his government since then to finalise its defence investment blueprint means much of the UK's defence industry – vital for any war effort – is waiting in limbo. In an indication of disarray behind the scenes, government and industry officials had been preparing for the investment plan to come out this Thursday. That date will almost certainly now slide by at least 24 hours – quite possibly longer – after the latest offer of additional money from the Treasury fell too far short of what the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is looking for. The case for the defence As part of the discussions, there is thought to be a desire from the defence industry for the government to commit to a clear timeline for increasing military spending to 3% of GDP from around 2.3% at present. Such a move would guarantee tens of billions of pounds in extra funding within a more certain timeframe than the current pledge, which is for the uplift merely to happen at some unspecified point during the next parliament. There is also an ambition for a clearer pathway to meet an ultimate goal to boost defence expenditure to a new baseline of 3.5% of GDP that was set last year by all NATO allies. Sir Keir has so far pledged to achieve this by 2035. But that is the latest possible date by which the alliance has said the target could be met and some allies are moving much faster, leaving the UK in the slow lane even though it prides itself as being a leading member of NATO. With or without a firm date for at least the 3% target to be reached, the MoD needs to accept what the Treasury is offering in terms of extra funding before the defence investment plan can be finalised. As of Tuesday evening, it's thought this had not happened. But there still appears to be a desire for the prime minister to make an announcement on the investment plan on Friday, even though parliament will not be sitting. Here's what could happen One possibility is that Sir Keir is able to say it is finished, give some topline figures and talk about investment in priority programmes such as a multi-billion-pound agreement with Japan and Italy to develop the next generation of highly sophisticated fast jets. That could then be followed by the full document being published next week. Or else, the whole thing is yet again delayed, though the prime minister has said it will be released before the next NATO summit on 7-8 July. The proposed settlement for additional defence investment, which is thought to range from an extra £12bn to £18bn over four years, is still less than what the MoD wants, but the upper end is probably just about manageable. However, the Treasury is thought to have gone back to defence with an offer at the lower end. If that is the final deal, it could mean more defence cuts, while efforts to rebuild the military would happen at an even slower pace. How did it come to this? Last June's Strategic Defence Review was meant to be the defining document on the armed forces of the Starmer government. It set out the parlous state of the army, navy and air force following decades of underinvestment since the end of the Cold War. The review then mapped out a plan for modernisation, transformation and rearmament, which could be accelerated should the government agree to spend more. This body of work, led by Lord George Robertson, a former Labour defence secretary, should have been followed last autumn by the defence investment plan, which would explain how the vision would be funded. It was always going to be a challenge because the Treasury's original spending envelope was never enough to avoid significant, further cuts to capabilities. So began a protracted and at times tense negotiation between the MoD, the Treasury and Number 10 on what the new funding figures for the military should be. More from Sky News:UK set for another heatwaveThomas Tuchel gives World Cup update The decision for the prime minister has long been whether to go all-in and give a lot more to defence at the cost of other departments or to heed Treasury caution about the military's poor track record at spending its already sizeable budget. Yet, months on, there is still no clarity, creating uncertainty for the entire defence community at a time when it should be preparing for the possibility of war. Asked previously about the defence investment plan, an MoD spokesperson has said: "The defence investment plan will deliver the best kit into the hands of our armed forces. We are working hard to finalise it, and it will be published as soon as possible."

Artist Talay Riley, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, died after he was found with stab wounds in Silvertown on Friday, the Metropolitan Police said. The Grammy award-winning songwriter was pronounced dead at the scene. The musician worked with Dua Lipa, Britney Spears, Ellie Goulding and numerous other artists. He has almost 77,000 listeners on Spotify and had toured with Usher and other artists. In a tribute on social media, his brother, artist Scribz Riley, whose real name is Michael Orabiyi, said: "My heart is shattered! This doesn't feel real. It feels like a bad dream. Just before he went to sleep we spoke about the future, staying positive and about everything we still had left to do. I never imagined that would be our last conversation." He added his brother was a "friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people's lives". "He loved deeply, gave freely, and touched countless people through his talent, kindness, and spirit," he said. Rapper Stormzy commented on the post: "I'm sorry bro", while singer Kehlani wrote "Big hugs Scribs I'm so sorry" and British rapper Wretch 32 said: "Sending love to you & your family bro. Your brother was a gem & will be missed & never forgotten, Never! RIP." Craig David, Paloma Faith and Oritse Williams also joined in the social media tributes. "Omg I am in shock. I had no idea I worked with him quite a few times and he was such and amazing talent and fun person to be around," Paloma Faith said. In a statement, Orabiyi's family said: "Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. He brought love, light and joy to our family and to all who knew him. "We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit and remarkable talent. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever. "May his soul rest in perfect peace." A second man in his 20s, who suffered stab wounds in the incident on Friday, remains in hospital, police said. His condition is not believed to be life-threatening. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident, the Metropolitan Police said. A 27-year-old man has been released on bail pending further inquiries. A 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were released with no further action after police questioning. The artist received a writing credit for the song Lights On on R&B artists H.E.R's self-titled album, which won a Grammy in 2019.

The protracted absence of the government's "defence investment plan", which is already more than six months late, has even prompted some people to ask whether a sweeping review of defence that was released last year might now need a "refresh". This is not an idea that is under official consideration – as far as I can tell. But the mere fact the words "strategic defence review refresh" are being speculated in the margins is a sign of growing unease about what is happening with the UK's stuttering efforts to rearm at a time of increased threats. Sir Keir Starmer, addressing a major security conference in Munich in February, talked about the need for Britain and its European allies to strengthen their militaries. "We must build our hard power, because that is the currency of the age," he said. But the failure by his government since then to finalise its defence investment blueprint means much of the UK's defence industry – vital for any war effort – is waiting in limbo. In an indication of disarray behind the scenes, government and industry officials had been preparing for the investment plan to come out this Thursday. That date will almost certainly now slide by at least 24 hours – quite possibly longer – after the latest offer of additional money from the Treasury fell too far short of what the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is looking for. The case for the defence As part of the discussions, there is thought to be a desire from the defence industry for the government to commit to a clear timeline for increasing military spending to 3% of GDP from around 2.3% at present. Such a move would guarantee tens of billions of pounds in extra funding within a more certain timeframe than the current pledge, which is for the uplift merely to happen at some unspecified point during the next parliament. There is also an ambition for a clearer pathway to meet an ultimate goal to boost defence expenditure to a new baseline of 3.5% of GDP that was set last year by all NATO allies. Sir Keir has so far pledged to achieve this by 2035. But that is the latest possible date by which the alliance has said the target could be met and some allies are moving much faster, leaving the UK in the slow lane even though it prides itself as being a leading member of NATO. With or without a firm date for at least the 3% target to be reached, the MoD needs to accept what the Treasury is offering in terms of extra funding before the defence investment plan can be finalised. As of Tuesday evening, it's thought this had not happened. But there still appears to be a desire for the prime minister to make an announcement on the investment plan on Friday, even though parliament will not be sitting. Here's what could happen One possibility is that Sir Keir is able to say it is finished, give some topline figures and talk about investment in priority programmes such as a multi-billion-pound agreement with Japan and Italy to develop the next generation of highly sophisticated fast jets. That could then be followed by the full document being published next week. Or else, the whole thing is yet again delayed, though the prime minister has said it will be released before the next NATO summit on 7-8 July. The proposed settlement for additional defence investment, which is thought to range from an extra £12bn to £18bn over four years, is still less than what the MoD wants, but the upper end is probably just about manageable. However, the Treasury is thought to have gone back to defence with an offer at the lower end. If that is the final deal, it could mean more defence cuts, while efforts to rebuild the military would happen at an even slower pace. How did it come to this? Last June's Strategic Defence Review was meant to be the defining document on the armed forces of the Starmer government. It set out the parlous state of the army, navy and air force following decades of underinvestment since the end of the Cold War. The review then mapped out a plan for modernisation, transformation and rearmament, which could be accelerated should the government agree to spend more. This body of work, led by Lord George Robertson, a former Labour defence secretary, should have been followed last autumn by the defence investment plan, which would explain how the vision would be funded. It was always going to be a challenge because the Treasury's original spending envelope was never enough to avoid significant, further cuts to capabilities. So began a protracted and at times tense negotiation between the MoD, the Treasury and Number 10 on what the new funding figures for the military should be. More from Sky News:UK set for another heatwaveThomas Tuchel gives World Cup update The decision for the prime minister has long been whether to go all-in and give a lot more to defence at the cost of other departments or to heed Treasury caution about the military's poor track record at spending its already sizeable budget. Yet, months on, there is still no clarity, creating uncertainty for the entire defence community at a time when it should be preparing for the possibility of war. Asked previously about the defence investment plan, an MoD spokesperson has said: "The defence investment plan will deliver the best kit into the hands of our armed forces. We are working hard to finalise it, and it will be published as soon as possible."

"We play with the hunger and the joy to win, not with the fear to lose," he said. Everything he has done in the US since this England squad arrived here 10 days ago seems to have been with that original mission statement in mind. World Cup 2026 fixture schedule and UK kick-off timesEngland's fixtures and routes to 2026 World Cup finalWorld Cup kits revealed! He has been repeatedly asked whether he thinks England can win this World Cup. He has repeatedly chosen to bat the suggestion away. In his latest news conference, he was questioned by journalists from Portugal, Brazil and Spain, and to each of them, with a big grin on his face, he pointedly said that he felt each of those nations is a challenger to be the champion in 2026. But he also said that while England are not among the favourites, they are among the "challengers who want to go all the way". He went on to say much depends on luck, and that England should not get too ahead of themselves thinking about trying to win the World Cup, when the tournament hasn't even started yet. When he added that there must be hard work and dedication, taking each step in turn, it was as if he was addressing his players directly. Everything Tuchel does or says he treats as a subliminal message to his squad. The England boss revealed the players' families and friends have been invited into the base for a big barbecue all together; that the players have been given a lot of time off to enjoy their "holiday"; that they've been free to pop out to restaurants in Miami in the evening. Marc Guehi told us he had been to the beach to chill out and met up with family in local coffee shops. Never before have I known England's players to be given so much free time, and so much freedom, in the build-up to a major tournament. The fact that there have been no pictures or social media posts of England's players out and about in Florida tells you much about how they have behaved, but also about the appetite and knowledge of soccer in these parts. That relaxed approach to team discipline is likely to stiffen once England are done with this final friendly against Costa Rica in Orlando. But it is a startling contrast that, while English cricket is imploding with a culture of questionable self-discipline, Tuchel is showing the ultimate respect to his players, treating them like adults, who must take responsibility for themselves. The players are unlikely to lapse, however, because they know that their behaviour is constantly being monitored by the German coach and his staff, and that it could well have an impact on whether they get the nod to play at this World Cup. It is clearly a deliberate ploy from Tuchel to try to make the players as relaxed as possible and remove any negative thoughts of pressure before a World Cup ball has been kicked. The nerves and expectation will come, he says, inevitably and organically, once the squad fly out to their substantive tournament base in Kansas City on Saturday, and once the World Cup matches start appearing on the big TV in camp. The head coach sees it as a key part of his role to remove as much of the pressure as possible before it builds. It's interesting that Tuchel's first speech to the players from 15 months ago - rousing and Churchillian as it was - is once again doing the rounds on social media before this World Cup. He talked then of England's "Everest" and the mountain they have to climb if they are to deliver the first men's major trophy in 60 years. Many have been fooled into thinking that was a more recent speech, designed to motivate the players right now. It wasn't. It was Tuchel setting out his stall and his ambition right at the start of his journey with these players. He doesn't need to remind them right now that they have a chance. A real chance of putting "a second star on the shirt". He doesn't want to instill any "fear". So it's "contenders" - yes. "Favourites" - no. Expect that mantra to continue throughout the tournament.

Afghan national Tajik Mohammad, 32, was a small boat pilot who abandoned the dinghy he was driving across the English Channel and its passengers when a rescue ship arrived on 17 January, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said. The boat was overcrowded and some passengers were not wearing life jackets during the attempted crossing in poor weather conditions. Mohammad was sentenced to two years jail at Canterbury Crown Court on Wednesday. Sudanese national Alnour Ali is being sent to prison for 27 months. He had admitted the charge of endangering others during a sea crossing on April 9, the day that two men and two women drowned after being swept away by strong currents while trying to climb on to a dinghy at Equihen-Plage, near Boulogne-sur-Mer in France. Endangering others during a journey by sea to the UK is a new offence that came into force in January as part of new border security legislation. Under the offence, those who endanger or risk another life at sea could face up to five years in prison. That rises to a maximum of six years for those in breach of a deportation order. According to the Home Office, the offence is designed to stop people being crammed into unsafe boats and would apply to those involved in physical aggression and intimidation, as well as anyone who resists rescue. It covers physical or psychological injury and journeys by water to the UK from France, Belgium and the Netherlands. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. "Veteran news anchor Jon Snow has shared that he's living with dementia, speaking publicly for the first time to raise awareness of a condition affecting around one million people across the UK," the Alzheimer's Society said. The charity said the 78-year-old has decided to speak out in a new documentary which will air on Channel 4 later this month. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised Mr Snow as a "true giant in journalism" and said his decision to go public with his diagnosis is "helping others feel less alone and raising awareness of a condition that affects so many families". Michelle Dyson, CEO of Alzheimer's Society, said: "Jon's decision to talk publicly about his dementia diagnosis is a real act of courage and his story will resonate with so many. "His support for Alzheimer's Society will help spark a national conversation about dementia that we so desperately need. "Despite being the UK's biggest killer, dementia is still not treated with the same urgency as other major health conditions like cancer. "Alongside his wife Precious, Jon is shining a light on the need for faster, fairer access to diagnosis. "I would encourage anyone needing help or information to call our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk." Read more from Sky News:Anthony Head dies aged 72Two men found guilty of stabbing TV presenter Mr Snow, who gave an exclusive interview to the Daily Mail, revealed he has had the disease since 2023 and that before his diagnosis he was reluctant to see a doctor and had insisted there was nothing wrong. The journalist also revealed he was part of a clinical trial for the condition and has previously spoken about how his mother, Joan, struggled with Alzheimer's in the years leading up to her death. Alzheimer's is the ongoing decline of brain functioning and can affect memory, thinking skills and other mental abilities, according to the NHS. Louisa Compton, head of news, current affairs, specialist factual and sport at Channel 4, said: "It is a profound privilege that we are able to document his last big investigation, in a sensitively made film that frames Jon's current affairs nous alongside a new life lived with Alzheimer's. "We hope this film will go a long way to raise awareness of how to live whilst facing a life-changing diagnosis."

New figures shared exclusively with Sky News reveal that between January 2024 and March this year, 545 laptops, tablets and phones have gone missing, as have 744 phones. None of these devices have been recovered, according to information shared by the department following a Freedom of Information request. In total, 132 laptops and tablets are thought to have been stolen according to the MoD, alongside 36 phones. The rest of the devices are thought to have been lost by staff. The data also shows the cost of replacing all of these devices could be as much as £1,634,944. It comes at a time when the department is under immense pressure to deliver value for money, as defence chiefs call for increased spending. But the Treasury has been seeking to minimise additional expenditure from the MoD. 'Security crisis' James MacCleary, the Liberal Democrats' defence spokesperson, said the missing devices constituted a "security crisis" and urged Defence Secretary John Healey to "get a grip". He told Sky News: "Every pound counts when our national security is at stake and the government's defence investment plan is still missing in action – yet the MoD is leaking money through basic incompetence. "Seeing taxpayer cash vanish into a black hole of lost laptops and stolen phones is a kick in the teeth – every pound spent replacing an iPad is a pound taken away from the frontline." "We cannot strengthen our national security if we cannot even keep track of the technology being used to defend it," he added. 'A real concern' Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said the figures are "a real concern". "With Labour still failing to produce the defence investment plan, the public will hear these reports of lost and stolen MoD kit and wonder what on earth Starmer is doing – especially at a time of war on two fronts," he told Sky News. "For 1,000 items to disappear in two years is a real concern and raises questions about security in our most sensitive government department. "Ministers must act now to ensure as few devices as possible go missing – and get on with delivering the funding our military needs to keep us safe." Key defence blueprint still yet to be published It comes as the government is still yet to publish its long-awaited defence investment plan, which was due last autumn. The plan is effectively a blueprint setting out how the government will pay for the biggest overhaul of the armed forces since the Cold War. The document has been repeatedly delayed due to disagreements between the Treasury and the MoD about the scale of the investment needed, with defence bosses pushing for more money to fulfil the plans envisioned by last year's strategic defence review. An MoD spokesperson told Sky News: “We take the security of defence assets extremely seriously and have robust policies and procedures to prevent losses and thefts. “If any assets are reported lost or missing due to suspected criminal activity, we take the necessary steps to investigate, prosecute and recover the items.”

It was revealed following Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix that Mercedes, who have won all six of this season's grands prix, and Ferrari have been granted engine upgrades after Red Bull were deemed to have Formula 1's most powerful engine. As part of the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) system, the FIA have judged the pecking order of the 2026 power unit manufacturers - Red Bull, Mercedes, Ferrari, Audi and Honda. Barcelona-Catalunya GP: UK schedule and how to watch on Sky SportsF1 2026 standings | F1 2026 Calendar | F1 Gossip ColumnDownload the Sky Sports app for expert analysis, best video & more📱Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺 Lewis Hamilton first revealed the FIA's decision during his post-race interview with Sky Sports F1 in Monaco, while Sky Sports News has since seen the document confirming the results, which are taken from the performance of the non-electrical half of the power unit, the internal combustion engine (ICE). It states that Mercedes are more than two per cent behind Red Bull, so will be given one engine upgrade this year, while Ferrari, Audi and Honda will be given two upgrades as they are deemed to be more than four per cent adrift of Red Bull. As the benchmark power unit manufacturer, Red Bull, who are making their own engine for the first time in F1, will not receive an engine upgrade. The ADUO result is a surprise given Mercedes have clearly had the best car and been strong on the straights during the six rounds so far. The Silver Arrows are 79 points clear of Ferrari at the top of the Constructors' Championship, while Red Bull are 172 points back in fourth. The FIA has not told the teams exactly how it measures the power units, in an attempt to prevent manufacturers from attempting to manipulate certain areas of performance to try to qualify for an upgrade. The fact that the results only came out as the Monaco weekend was winding down means that several key figures have yet to comment, but when the season resumes in Barcelona this weekend, there is an expectation that some of Mercedes' rivals may feel aggrieved. Croft 'baffled' by ADUO ruling Speaking on the latest episode of The F1 Show podcast, Sky Sports F1's David Croft questioned the logic of the ruling. Croft said: "How have we got to a situation where the team with the best, from the outside, power unit and chassis package put together, now get upgrade opportunities alongside the team that it's beating? "And the team that are struggling a little bit now suddenly has the best internal combustion engine and can't make those upgrades? "If this is some sort of balance of performance, it's not exactly going to balance anything out. I don't understand why we've got this in Formula 1. We've never had a balance of performance in the past. I don't understand why we need it now. "If at the end of the season you have such a stinker that you need to improve your power unit, fine, do it, give people some extra money to do that. But why are we in this position?" Croft believes the FIA could have avoided this controversy by giving the teams greater freedom to develop their all new engines for 2026. He added: "What I would prefer to have seen in the first - and maybe second - year of these current power units, to enable all the engine manufacturers to make a power unit that is reliable and is the best that they possibly can, is not put them under the cost cap restrictions. "Let them spend and upgrade. Unfreeze the engine, don't have a cost cap, and let them get it right, because they are very complex pieces. And we've got, certainly in Audi and in Red Bull Powertrains, and to a certain extent Honda coming back, new people at the table. "Make it simple. Because what's transpired is baffling." Slater: Red Bull stunned by ADUO results Sky Sports F1 reporter Craig Slater said Red Bull are "stunned" by the FIA's decision, and questioned whether it could impact Max Verstappen's future in the sport. Slater said. "I saw Laurent Mekies on the plane, he was on the same flight back as me, and he was heading straight to Milton Keynes. "They haven't said anything publicly on the record about this. They are quite stunned to be in this position, from what I can gather. "I mean, it's an achievement and a half, and we've got to pay tribute to Christian Horner and people like Ben Hodgkinson and Steve Brodie and all those that came from Brixworth to build that power unit. "But it's not flattening the sporting landscape. I can't see how that is going to do it, because they need a bit of help, Red Bull. "And then it doesn't help Max's cause if we're concerned about keeping him in F1, keeping him competitive, so it's a slightly strange one." Despite Red Bull's potential frustration at the consequences of the ruling, Slater points out that their status as having the best engine is a "miracle" for a first-time engine manufacturer. "They've built a great internal combustion engine," Slater added. "For a drinks company, to do this from a standing start five years ago against established engine builders, is a miracle. "But in terms of propelling their car, they probably all-round, battery included, do not have the best all-round power unit, and now they can't enhance it." Formula 1 heads straight to Spain for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix with live coverage on Sky Sports F1 from this Friday. Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime