A British man evacuated from Afghanistan with his family said he feels “stuck” in his London hotel while he waits for news of permanent accommodation. Abdul and Fatima, whose names have been changed, fled to the UK after the Taliban captured Kabul in August. Abdul said refugees in the hotel would be happier in a flat, and it would offer more value to the taxpayer. The Home Office has been contacted for comment. Abdul, a 26-year-old medical student who was born in Afghanistan, and his wife have been staying at Hilton London Metropole in Edgware Road, central London, since September.

Transport for London’s (TfL) emergency funding deal with the government has been extended by a fortnight. The current financial deal was due to run out on 4 February, but negotiations have been given a short grace period. TfL is facing a £1.9bn budget black hole and has warned of massive cuts to bus, Tube and road services. There have been repeated rows over funding for TfL and the cause of its financial crisis. TfL said discussions were continuing with the government as it aimed to secure “long-term funding”. A spokesperson added: “There is no UK recovery from the pandemic without a

Protesters have marched over fears HS2 works could affect water supplies. Colne Valley Viaduct, the UK’s longest railway bridge, will carry the new high-speed rail line for 2.1m (3.4km) across a series of lakes and waterways on the north west outskirts of London. Protesters in Uxbridge called on Hillingdon Council to do more to protect the local environment. A HS2 spokesperson said they will work throughout construction to manage risks. Colne Valley Regional Park contains more than 60 lakes and 200 miles of river and canal, stretching from Rickmansworth in the north to Staines and the Thames in the south, Uxbridge and Heathrow