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Showing posts from May, 2025

Tough choices on public spending unavoidable, says IFS

With the NHS and defence getting more funding, cuts to other areas are inevitable, the influential think tank says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/o9iUQM6 via IFTTT

Rugby league anger at no knighthoods in 130 years

The Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle joins protests at the lack of knighthoods for rugby league players. from BBC News https://ift.tt/dqJKUPC via IFTTT

Environmental rules reviewed for small housebuilders

Ministers are considering how costs can be reduced for small firms to help them build more homes. from BBC News https://ift.tt/2kqaRMj via IFTTT

Idyllic Swiss village stood for centuries - until a roaring glacier wiped it out

Nine million cubic metres of rock and ice came crashing down on Blatten after a landslide. from BBC News https://ift.tt/GmkYWP9 via IFTTT

UK's muddy saltmarshes vital to tackle climate change, report finds

The UK's saltmarshes lock away climate-warming greenhouse gases in layers of mud, a new report from WWF says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/EB4GbgU via IFTTT

Badenoch attacks Starmer and Farage over welfare

The Tory leader says the PM and Reform UK are in a "race to the bottom" to scrap the child benefit cap. from BBC News https://ift.tt/s7CVt10 via IFTTT

MSPs back tobacco ban plan for 'smoke free generation'

MSPs back UK legislation which means it will be illegal for anyone currently aged 15 or under to ever buy cigarettes. from BBC News https://ift.tt/sDwTK3l via IFTTT

Planning change to make installing heat pump easier for millions

The rule requiring planning permission if a heat pump is within 1m of a neighbours property has been removed. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vUrcuo0 via IFTTT

Cats distinguish owner's smell from stranger's, study finds

Scientists believe cats can discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar humans using smell alone. from BBC News https://ift.tt/sQDIT4z via IFTTT

UK sea temperatures soar after exceptionally warm spring

Sea temperatures in some areas off the UK and Ireland are 4C above average. from BBC News https://ift.tt/fpm1UjD via IFTTT

Met chief warns anti-crime pledges need funding

In what amounts to a direct plea to the chancellor, Sir Mark Rowley says the police are "overstretched". from BBC News https://ift.tt/3scWTN7 via IFTTT

The tiny island where puffins are thriving despite global decline

A record number of puffins have been recorded on Skomer Island despite the birds being at risk of extinction. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pGJS60m via IFTTT

Environmental rules reviewed for small housebuilders

Ministers are considering how costs can be reduced for small firms to help them build more homes. from BBC News https://ift.tt/hEI18Af via IFTTT

'Shrinking Nemo': Smaller clownfish sound alarm on ocean heat

Fish made famous by the movie Finding Nemo are shrinking to cope with marine heatwaves. from BBC News https://ift.tt/4q6w3ZK via IFTTT

Churchill photo thief sentenced to two years in jail

'The Roaring Lion' - one of the 20th century's most iconic images - was stolen from a hotel in Ottawa. from BBC News https://ift.tt/kvgMpBP via IFTTT

Streeting urges doctors to vote no in strike ballot

Resident doctors unhappy with 5.4% pay rise with union warning strikes in England could return. from BBC News https://ift.tt/RXC4JDp via IFTTT

Call for freeze on Syrian asylum claims to end as thousands still in limbo

The UK paused processing of Syrian claims five months ago, following the fall of President Assad. from BBC News https://ift.tt/gXMmupE via IFTTT

Farage commits to reinstating winter fuel payment

Reform UK also plans to scrap the two-child benefit policy, as part of plans to outflank the government. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DlAzone via IFTTT

'It's going to be ugly': Westminster braces for Spending Review

As the chancellor prepares to set government budgets for future years, who are likely winners and losers? from BBC News https://ift.tt/j7gNDul via IFTTT

There is an alternative, Labour MPs tell Reeves

Some MPs are calling on the chancellor to raise taxes on the wealthy instead of cutting welfare. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OG6rxMu via IFTTT

Reform UK prepares for real power on a council it now dominates

Lancashire's new councillors start their jobs, after the party's big wins in this month's local elections. from BBC News https://ift.tt/VQ9Xfx6 via IFTTT

Ship footage shared with BBC captures sound of Titan sub imploding

Support ship video shows the wife of Oceangate CEO Stockton Rush hearing the sound of the implosion. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Xjbakce via IFTTT

Why did the government sign the Chagos deal now?

A deal to hand Mauritius the Chagos Islands and lease back a key military base has been months in the making. from BBC News https://ift.tt/z0jKeHE via IFTTT

Decades-long mystery of ginger cats revealed

Researchers in Japan and US have unlocked the 60-year mystery of what gives cats their orange colour. from BBC News https://ift.tt/c56wOGg via IFTTT

Scientists propose novel way of treating mosquitoes for malaria

Normally the insects are targeted with insecticide, but US researchers say anti-malaria drugs absorbed through their legs can stop them spreading disease. from BBC News https://ift.tt/jaJHbop via IFTTT

MP considered bladder removal over chronic UTI

Stoke-on-Trent South MP Allison Gardner says at one point she considered having her bladder removed. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Xt15KuN via IFTTT

Wild chimpanzees filmed using forest 'first aid'

The research builds on the discovery that chimps seek out and eat certain plants to self-medicate. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YN7ptyw via IFTTT

Will this woman be the first Briton to walk on the Moon?

The BBC meets astronaut Rosemary Coogan who is training at Nasa’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas. from BBC News https://ift.tt/PafRkwe via IFTTT

Labour postpones women's conference after Supreme Court ruling

The decision has been condemned by trans rights advocates and by gender critical activists. from BBC News https://ift.tt/mj9Q37u via IFTTT

Peers demand more protection from AI for creatives

MPs have already overturned calls for more copyright protection for artists against AI once before. from BBC News https://ift.tt/iaYShZI via IFTTT

Who are the winners and losers from the UK-EU agreement?

A deal between the UK and European Union (EU) has been agreed at a post-Brexit leaders summit in London. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YtUZ6gQ via IFTTT

Brussels hails UK deal as 'new chapter' - but much is yet to be written

The two sides have struck a new post-Brexit deal but this so-called 'reset' of the relationship is just the beginning. from BBC News https://ift.tt/K3Lj4Jt via IFTTT

Soviet-era spacecraft 'likely' to have re-entered Earth's atmosphere

The spacecraft, which launched in 1972 on a mission to Venus, circled Earth for over five decades. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Tc3JSpn via IFTTT

The inside story of a council held to ransom in cyber-attack

The BBC investigates one of the most damaging ranswomare attacks on a UK local council. from BBC News https://ift.tt/4UzuQsJ via IFTTT

Chris Mason: Brexit back in the news - but what do both UK and EU want?

Expect talk of haggling, fish, cash and courts as the summit risks inflaming old Brexit rows. from BBC News https://ift.tt/yGE9135 via IFTTT

Criminals could fill potholes and clean bins under government plans

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is said to want to expand unpaid work, which she believes to be too lenient. from BBC News https://ift.tt/7ghAWaQ via IFTTT

Far-right leaders attempting to hijack success of Reform

Two prominent figures have set out plans to use Nigel Farage's party to push their own 'pro-white' agenda. from BBC News https://ift.tt/xSlbgKQ via IFTTT

Gove 'in agreement' with Swinney over second independence referendum

Former Tory MP Michael Gove reveals his change in position over a second vote. from BBC News https://ift.tt/jCGtmUi via IFTTT

Youth mobility scheme could be part of EU deal, PM signals

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to announce a broad agreement on the issue at a summit on Monday. from BBC News https://ift.tt/8aNxcYV via IFTTT

Rise in disabled people facing homelessness in England

Analysis of data also suggests the amount of social housing given to disabled people has gone down. from BBC News https://ift.tt/fQpEJe1 via IFTTT

Is Britain really inching back towards the EU?

The first UK-EU summit since Brexit takes place on Monday - but is it a "surrender summit" as the Conservatives fear, or could it be, as Starmer puts it, an example of "serious pragmatism"? from BBC News https://ift.tt/DSmsRgH via IFTTT

PM's Albania trip shows tricky path on migration

Keir Starmer chose a curious location to talk up his plan for hubs to host failed asylum seekers. from BBC News https://ift.tt/2Xj45Kh via IFTTT

Man charged over fires at homes linked to PM

The 21-year-old man has been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life. from BBC News https://ift.tt/WAB7NkF via IFTTT

Anti-poverty strategy to be signed off after 18 years

The anti-poverty strategy has been a a requirement since the St Andrews Agreement in 2006. from BBC News https://ift.tt/huBgxHt via IFTTT

Overhaul needed to prevent benefit claimants suffering harm, MPs say

MPs say new laws and "deep-rooted cultural change" are needed at the Department for Work and Pensions. from BBC News https://ift.tt/fnldVD0 via IFTTT

Thousands of civil servant jobs to leave London

The government is aiming to cut roles in London by 12,000 and close 11 offices in the capital. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OYv9WcX via IFTTT

AI tool put to test sifting public views on botox and fillers

The technology's success sorting comments on cosmetic surgery paves the way for its wider use, the government says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Y3C4Qwr via IFTTT

Scottish assisted dying bill passes first vote

MSPs have been debating proposals to allow terminally-ill adults to seek medical help to end their lives. from BBC News https://ift.tt/LVE6ikd via IFTTT

Asylum hotel companies vow to hand back some profits

Three companies have made combined profits of £383m since 2019, according to the National Audit Office. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1UaB5dn via IFTTT

Why the mighty Himalayas are getting harder and harder to see

Severe air pollution is obscuring visibility of the highest mountain peaks on Earth, hitting tourism hard. from BBC News https://ift.tt/FypbwuH via IFTTT

Starmer's robust language nods to immigration failures

The PM knows cutting immigration is crucial to his credibility, political editor Chris Mason writes. from BBC News https://ift.tt/gyEMtja via IFTTT

BBC Inside Science

A new study says 99.999% of the world’s deep seafloor is still unseen by humans. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pcZx0ws via IFTTT

BBC Inside Science

A new study says 99.999% of the world’s deep seafloor is still unseen by humans. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DZd426B via IFTTT

Care worker recruitment from abroad to end, Cooper says

Up to 50,000 fewer lower-skilled workers will come to the UK under new measures aimed at tackling net migration, the home secretary says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/w0rv2if via IFTTT

Green Party duo launch joint leadership bid

Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay and MP Ellie Chowns join forces in a bid for the leadership. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vwlT7gN via IFTTT

Chris Mason: Why Labour aims to buck 25-year trend of rising legal migration

While the focus is on legal immigration, it is expected that ministers will discuss illegal immigration. from BBC News https://ift.tt/zUNHIQc via IFTTT

PM promises tougher visa rules to fix 'broken' migration system

Sir Keir Starmer promises new migration rules will "create a system that is controlled, selective and fair". from BBC News https://ift.tt/bYPEvpx via IFTTT

Time to end care worker recruitment from abroad, Cooper says

Up to 50,000 fewer lower-skilled workers will come to the UK under new measures aimed at tackling net migration, the home secretary says. from BBC News https://ift.tt/w0rv2if via IFTTT

Labour to unveil big immigration plans next week - but will they win back votes?

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to release her White Paper called "Restoring Control Over the Immigration System". from BBC News https://ift.tt/yqfeaLF via IFTTT

In pictures: 25 years of London's mayors in action

The first mayor of London was elected in May 2000 - we mark 25 years with these memorable images. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1DgHqyn via IFTTT

Kyiv ceasefire talks a 'significant moment', says Starmer

Global leaders urge Russia to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire from Monday, warning of further sanctions if it does not comply. from BBC News https://ift.tt/V9PSb81 via IFTTT

What's likely to be in Labour's immigration crackdown?

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is preparing to unveil an immigration white paper. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pQtfoCi via IFTTT

Bold spending needed to halt prison crisis - union

A probation service union says a sentencing review may have no impact without extra funding. from BBC News https://ift.tt/u2D6vnB via IFTTT

Starmer joins world leaders in Ukraine to call for ceasefire

The prime minister will join world leaders as they vow to "ratchet up pressure on Russia's war machine". from BBC News https://ift.tt/mhoWfPz via IFTTT

Litter 'nightmare' as street cleanliness worst on record

Residents say litter near their homes is "heart-breaking" as survey finds worst situation on record. from BBC News https://ift.tt/dn96Ega via IFTTT

Moon dust 'rarer than gold' arrives in UK from China

First Moon samples collected in nearly 50 years and loaned by China for the first time are now in the UK. from BBC News https://ift.tt/EMRXtlu via IFTTT

Sandeel fishing ban to remain in place

Sandeels are a vital source of food for seabirds that live along the UK coastline. from BBC News https://ift.tt/hxkWYqc via IFTTT

US and UK agree deal slashing Trump tariffs on cars and metals

It will leave a 10% import tax on most goods shipped from the UK to the US. from BBC News https://ift.tt/P3RJHdO via IFTTT

More offenders could be tagged, as minister insists he's 'not soft on crime'

The prisons minister tells the BBC more criminals could be tagged in future, rather than sent to prison. from BBC News https://ift.tt/yxAsopG via IFTTT

Soviet-era spacecraft likely to crash back to Earth

The spacecraft was meant to go to Venus but has been stuck in orbit for more than 50 years. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Wx4OUMQ via IFTTT

Endangered axolotl release raises hopes for rare amphibian

Study provides hope for future of the axolotl amphibian, pushed to the brink of extinction in Mexico. from BBC News https://ift.tt/3WncvHA via IFTTT

Labour MPs signal rebellion over welfare cuts

A number of Labour MPs say they will vote against the government's proposed welfare reforms. from BBC News https://ift.tt/EdSAbZX via IFTTT

Chris Mason: Can Delhi deal mask Labour's problems at home?

Labour says the deal has "tangible benefits", but it comes as the government faces heat at home. from BBC News https://ift.tt/NhWycPf via IFTTT

Climbing of Winston Churchill statue to become a crime

The home secretary will include Churchill's statue in new law trying to stop war memorial vandalism. from BBC News https://ift.tt/KClZFr4 via IFTTT

India trade deal could undercut UK workers, opposition parties say

The trade deal gives a tax break to Indian professionals, which critics say undercuts UK businesses. from BBC News https://ift.tt/sclg9x2 via IFTTT

Reform clarifies flag policy after red rose row

Blackpool South MP Chris Webb raised concerns that Lancashire's flag would be banned from being flown. from BBC News https://ift.tt/MErFjVh via IFTTT

BBC Inside Science

Massive power cuts brought parts of Spain, Portugal and France to a standstill this week. from BBC News https://ift.tt/XbY1AMz via IFTTT

BBC Inside Science

Massive power cuts brought parts of Spain, Portugal and France to a standstill this week. from BBC News https://ift.tt/mQP13OH via IFTTT

Trump film tariffs to be part of UK-US trade talks

It comes as moviemakers worry the UK's thriving film industry could be hit by the new tariff threat. from BBC News https://ift.tt/dvYAyam via IFTTT

Doing nothing on social care 'untenable', MPs warn

The report says failure to fix England's social care system carries an unknown human and financial cost. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ft5zIrp via IFTTT

Scotland's election countdown - should Swinney be optimistic?

The first minister will set out his programme for government this week, with a focus on steadying the ship. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tljawDe via IFTTT

Ex-Tory council leader calls for Badenoch to resign

Jason Smithers says the Conservatives need a new face at the top after "terrible" election results. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tOvhDTw via IFTTT

Sir John Curtice: The map that shows Reform's triumph was much more than a protest vote

It suggests the party was particularly popular among those who voted for Brexit in 2016 and for Boris Johnson in 2019. from BBC News https://ift.tt/6cboL31 via IFTTT

Labour minister sorry over grooming gangs remark

Leader of the Commons Lucy Powell has sought to clarify comments she made in "the heat of" a radio debate. from BBC News https://ift.tt/y4fCA9V via IFTTT

Science meets shape-throwing in 'Dance your PhD' contest

Could you explain "insights into oral chemesthetic perception" using dance moves? from BBC News https://ift.tt/5BAt0SV via IFTTT

Chris Mason: Fireworks for Reform as Labour and Tories write election post-mortems

Senior Reform figures believe the primary driving motivation behind their surge is betrayal. from BBC News https://ift.tt/C9M2Gdi via IFTTT

Reform UK makes big gains in English local elections

Nigel Farage's party gains its first foothold in local government after seizing hundreds of seats. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OhmfQYq via IFTTT

Assisted deaths could top 4,000 a year within decade

Estimate included in official review of costs and impact of passing assisted dying law in England and Wales. from BBC News https://ift.tt/h0HLEyI via IFTTT

Streeting accused of 'betrayal' over maternity funding plan

Campaigners say the move will “rip the heart out of any moves to improve maternity safety”. from BBC News https://ift.tt/DSBqekV via IFTTT

Lynx could be first UK zoo-born cat freed into the wild

It has been moved to Germany's Black Forest in preparation for its release from BBC News https://ift.tt/qQOjuy9 via IFTTT

Runcorn and Helsby by-election - all you need to know

The poll was prompted after the incumbent MP was sentenced for assaulting a constituent. from BBC News https://ift.tt/6OwophC via IFTTT