Wednesday morning briefing with British news: Today’s headlines of The Telegraph

Welcome to The Telegraph’s early morning news – an overview of the highlights we cover today. To receive email notifications twice a day, Sign up for our Front Page newsletter for free.

1. France calls for clarification of Exocet ‘killing switches’ that could save lives of British sailors

Senior lawmakers called for an investigation into allegations that France had deliberately concealed secrets about rockets that killed 46 British sailors in the 1982 Falklands War.

The Telegraph was told that French Exocet guided missiles contained a “killing switch” that could disarm them, but France denied that such a device existed. Read the full story.

2. Scottish tycoon calls Nicolo Sturgeon a ‘liar’ over failed ferry contract

Nicolo Sturgeon called one of Scotland’s richest men a liar after claiming a ferry contract that plagued the scandal saved his former shipyard and hundreds of jobs.

Jim McColl, who previously owned the Ferguson Marine shipyard, said the prime minister’s claim that the two-ferry deal prevented the company’s collapse was a “lie”. Read the full story.

3. Energy companies accused of artificially increasing direct debits paid by millions of customers

The cabinet minister has accused energy companies of charging too much direct charges to customers to support their own finances, while millions of households are facing a cost-of-living crisis.

Kwasi Kwarteng, business secretary, announced the suppression of suppliers after “worrying” reports that some were raising bills “beyond demand”. Read the full story.

4. Hospitals and universities have been forced to return to normalcy after ignoring the relaxation of Covid’s rules

Heads of hospitals and university vice-chancellors were threatened with government action if they did not return to normal after the pandemic, The Telegraph may reveal.

Sajid Javid, Minister of Health, and Michelle Donelan, Minister of Universities, have instructed NHS funds to drop restrictions on hospitals that limit operational capacity and return to face-to-face teaching. Read the full story.

5. ‘Deliveroo culture’ will soon make the UK the fattest nation in Europe

The UK will become the fattest country in Europe in a decade due to the pandemic-fueled “Deliveroo” culture, the World Health Organization has warned.

The damn 220-page report warns of “worrying” trends, meaning nearly four in 10 Britons will soon be fat. Read the full story.

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