BBC News
Legal advisers help migrants pose as gay to get asylum, undercover BBC investigation finds
The BBC exposes a shadow industry charging migrants thousands of pounds to help them cheat the asylum system.
Watch: Legal adviser helps undercover reporter pretend to be gay for asylum claim
A BBC reporter goes undercover and speaks to an adviser encouraging migrants to cheat the asylum system.
'Bit of pain' worth long-term security from Iran, Bessent tells BBC
US Treasury Secretary said a "small bit of economic pain" was worth it to eliminate the threat of Iranian strikes on Western capitals.
Help to Buy mostly helped high earners, IFS says
People with lower incomes benefitted less from the house-buying scheme than those with high incomes, the influential think tank says.
'I'm not being listened to' - new health plan launched as women say they are still ignored
New plans to improve healthcare for women and girls have been set out, but will they change anything?
250 missing after migrant boat sinks in Indian Ocean
The trawler "reportedly sank due to heavy winds, rough seas and overcrowding", the United Nations said.
Butterfly numbers are dropping but here are five species you may see more of
A warming climate has helped some to flourish, researchers say, but the outlook is troubling.
King not meeting Epstein survivors, but state visit could help ease US-UK tensions
The US state visit will see the King heading into choppy diplomatic waters during London-Washington tensions.
Watch: Vance heckled as he chides Pope
The US Vice-President was speaking at a Turning Point USA event, where he said Pope Leo should "be careful when he talks about matters of theology."
Harry says children should be an 'upgrade' of their parents
The Duke of Sussex combines two of his passions, mental health campaigning and sport, on the second day of an Australia visit.
Driver jailed over death of mum hit by crane while pushing pram
A man is jailed after Rebecca Ableman, 30, was fatally injured by loose equipment on the back of a truck.
Nazi search engine shows if ancestors were in Hitler's party
Christian Rainer told the BBC he found his grandfather within seconds using the online tool, which also helped clear other members of his family.
Don't feel like exercising? Maybe it's the wrong time of day for you
Time your workout to your body clock, health researchers advise based on latest evidence.
Diplomacy on ice: Mark Carney and Alexander Stubb play hockey
The Canadian prime minister joined the Ottawa Charge team on the rink alongside the Finnish president during his first formal bilateral visit.
Stormzy's stab vest goes on display in landmark exhibition of Black British music
The Banksy-designed vest features alongside artefacts from Shirley Bassey, Sade and Craig David.
The Papers: 'UK economy takes triple hit' and 'Cheers, Timmy!'
Iran war impact on UK economy and Chalamet's opera-ballet jab surges ticket sales leads the papers.
Australia's richest person must share part of her mining fortunes, court rules
The long-running legal dispute is over a lucrative iron ore projects in the top west corner of Australia.
South Korea jails American YouTuber for public nuisance
Johnny Somali sparked outrage after kissing a statue representing World War Two sex slaves.
US justice department seeks to throw out Capitol riot convictions
The Trump administration is asking a court to throw out the convictions of Stewart Rhodes and other members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys.
Watch: What are Harry and Meghan doing in Australia?
BBC News journalist Simon Atkinson explains how the couple's tour will be different compared to their last visit.
UK faces biggest hit to growth from Iran war of major economies, IMF says
The financial body cuts its growth forecast for the UK and warns the war threatens to throw the global economy "off course".
Households could get free electricity for doing washing on sunny weekends
Providers can encourage people to use energy when "weather conditions result in excess supply".
Single-sex space guidance for organisations to be published after May elections
Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson says election rules mean a new draft cannot be published until next month.
Mahmood promises action against 'sham lawyers' abusing asylum system after BBC investigation
An undercover investigation revealed how law firms and advisers are helping migrants pretend to be gay to stay in the UK
Starmer says he is 'not going to yield' to pressure from Trump on Iran war
It follows a warning from the US president that America's trade deal with the UK "can always be changed".
Two officers charged after pregnant woman killed in crash with police car
The woman and her unborn child died in a crash with a police car in Kidbrooke, south-east London.
BBC to cut almost one in 10 staff to make £500m savings
The BBC's interim director general says the cuts will require "some big and some difficult choices".
Manhunt after attempted arson attack on synagogue
Police say two suspects threw petrol-filled bottles at Finchley Reform Synagogue but they did not ignite.
Trump's rift with Pope is playing out in public - it's costing him valuable support
Leading conservative Catholics tell the BBC why they back the American pontiff in his spat with Trump.
Man arrested climbing into Israeli embassy had arrived on small boat twice, court hears
Abdullah Albadri denies charges preparing terrorist acts and being in possession of two knives.
Nine killed in second Turkish school shooting in two days
Eight students and one teacher died in the attack, according to Interior Minister Mustafa Cifci.
'Sad step backwards' in recovery for Tate fall boy
A French boy who fell from a Tate Modern balcony is recovering more slowly than his family had hoped.
Israel and Hezbollah continue attacks after Israel-Lebanon talks in US
Israel strikes hit southern Lebanon and Hezbollah fires rockets at Israel, a day after rare direct negotiations.
Chris Mason: Iran war has trapped Labour in a vicious circle
A subdued economy makes trade-offs and choices over public spending more difficult, Chris Mason writes.
Sri Lanka repatriates 238 Iranian sailors stranded after US torpedo attack
The survivors of the US attack on Iranian vessel Iris Dena, which claimed the lives of 104 people, were among those sent home.
Bogus websites, staged protests and pretend atheists: Inside the fake asylum industry
In the second part of an undercover investigation, the BBC exposes elaborate deceptions being used to bolster fake asylum claims.
Jessie Ware on the 'hyper-surreal' high of her first arena tour
The singer will play three UK arenas later this year, 14 years after her first album came out.
'I'm not being listened to' - new health plan launched as women say they are still ignored
New plans to improve healthcare for women and girls have been set out, but will they change anything?
My brother's killer brags on TikTok about partying in jail
Ben McCulloch, who stabbed his victim and left him to die, recently posted videos of a party inside a Scottish jail.
The human cost of the war in Sudan, three years on
The conflict, which erupted in 2023, has left behind a human toll which is "simply staggering", reports the BBC's Barbara Plett Usher.
Leo Woodall and Kate Winslet join new Lord of the Rings cast
Jamie Dornan also joins the franchise for The Hunt for Gollum, alongside returning stars Sir Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood.
Prominent Palestinian prisoner Marwan Barghouti assaulted three times in a month, family says
The Israeli Prison Service says the allegation that Barghouti was subjected to physical violence by prison guards are "false and baseless".
AA and BSM ordered to refund learner drivers for hidden fees
The owner of the driving schools has been fined for failing to disclose fees upfront online.
Watch: Moment gunman tackled by school principal in Oklahoma
CCTV footage shows a high school principal charging towards a former student who was armed in Oklahoma.
Madonna announces sequel to Confessions On A Dancefloor album
The pop star confirms the follow-up to her classic 2005 album will be released in July.
Trump threatens to fire Fed chair Powell if he doesn't leave in May
Donald Trump's threat marks the latest escalation in his ongoing spat with Jerome Powell.
Chinese national given one year in prison for smuggling ants out of Kenya
Zhang Kequn was arrested in March while trying to travel to China with more than 2,000 live ants.
Bournemouth Echo
Look inside a waterfront pub's stunning refurbishment
TAKE a look inside a waterfront’s pub major refurbishment featuring stylish décor and outdoor dining.
Three-year driving ban for ketamine-driver caught behind the wheel - In the Dock
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
Cameras, lighting and patrols part of drive to make women feel safer across BCP
MORE cameras, better lighting and visible patrols are among the steps to make women feel safer on the streets of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
'Be happy and eat well' - An evacuees secret to reaching 100 years old
A Bournemouth centenarian has marked her 100th birthday in style, receiving a card from the Royal Household to honour the milestone, whilst celebrating with loved ones.
Maintenance works on Poole Quay extended into June
MAINTENANCE works on Poole Quay have been extended, with harbour users warned a section of the quay will remain out of bounds until early June.
Town's popular event postponed for next year after 'lack of entries'
THE TOWN's much-loved pedal car race will not go ahead this year after organisers confirmed a lack of entries, following a decision to move the event to an earlier date.
Opening date announced for new 24-hour gym in Christchurch
An opening date has been announced for a new 24-hour gym set to open in a retail park in Christchurch.
Fist-banging causes technical disruption at meeting
Councillors united in chants of “leave the New Forest alone” while banging their fists against the table in a show of unity which temporarily disrupted a council meeting.
Delays on A31 after multi-car crash
A multi-car crash near Wimborne is causing traffic delays.
Woman cut free after car flips over in crash
A WOMAN had to be cut free after her car flipped over along the A31 yesterday evening
Concern for welfare as Poole man reported missing since Tuesday
A man has been reported missing after he was last seen near Canford Heath on Tuesday afternoon.
Pensioner, 82, caught with 75,000 child abuse images is spared jail
A pensioner caught with more than 75,000 child abuse images has avoided jail because of his age
Dorset trio take on 110-mile canoe charity challenge in memory of beloved dog
Three Dorset friends launch a 110-mile Scottish canoe and hiking challenge in memory of a golden retriever, raising funds for Helpful Hounds Assistance Dogs.
Dorset MP launches campaign to guarantee GP investment on new developments
Lib Dem MP Vikki Slade urges a “GP Guarantee” in Dorset, calling for new housing developments to include GP facilities to tackle NHS surgery pressures.
New Forest named the UK's best road trip destination
The New Forest has topped the charts as the UK’s best road trip destination.
'Landmark moment' as section of Upton Heath saved from 'possible destruction'
Rapid fundraising efforts from the public have saved a section of healthland in Upton Heath from the risk of mineral extraction and devesting enviromental impact.
Child safety and crime fears as convenience store applies for late alcohol licence
CHILDREN’S safety, risk of crime, disorder and aggressive behaviour are just some of the concerns that have been raised after a convenience story applied for a licence to sell alcohol until 3am.
Dorset farmers urged to secure land after more than 200 bags of seed stolen
More than 200 bags of maize seed, cattle feed, were stolen earlier this month from a farm near Sturminster Newton
Missing man last seen yesterday located by police
A man who's been missing since yesterday afternoon has been located.
Two arrested after man 'robbed' and police car windows smashed
Two people have been arrested and officers are continuing to investigate a reported robbery in Blandford.
Arrest warrant issued for man found guilty of assaulting teenage girl at holiday park
A man has been found guilty of assaulting a 14-year-old girl at a Weymouth holiday park after offering her group whisky, cannabis and cocaine.
Risk remains 'high' of council not achieving the savings it hopes for
THE RISKS of Dorset Council not achieving the savings it hopes for through a multi-million-pound investment in technology and new ways of working remain ‘high’. Despite this the authority says the changes it has already made are generally working well. A report lists the potential risk as
New planning applications have been submitted in and around Motcombe
NEW planning applications have been submitted in and around Motcombe, ranging from householder extensions and alterations to proposals for new homes and changes of use of rural buildings. Among the householder schemes, an application has been submitted for Oak Tree Cottage, Shorts Green Lane,
Plans for new special educational needs school in Dorset
A SPECIAL educational needs school is among the latest developments planned across the Ferndown area. The proposal, for the former Lloyds Equestrian Centre on Christchurch Road, West Parley, is to create a school which will eventually employ around 50 teaching staff. The site, behind The Curlew
Council leader survives after losing majority
A council leader has survived after her party lost its majority on the council.
Mexican restaurant chain targets Bournemouth and Poole in expansion plans
Zambrero plans to open nine new Mexican restaurants in the South West, including Bournemouth and Exeter, creating 135 jobs and seeking UK franchise partners.
Pop legends set to perform at Dorset venue in 2027 as part of anniversary tour
Wet Wet Wet announce 2027 UK tour celebrating 40 years since debut album Popped In Souled Out, including Poole date and classic hits like Wishing I Was Lucky.
West End stars head to Bournemouth venue for spectacular musical season
West End musicals including Mean Girls, Blood Brothers, Barnum, MAMMA MIA!, and Aladdin come to Bournemouth Pavilion in 2026. Book tickets now.
Cinema audiences double at Dorset venue despite decline in national admissions
Lighthouse Poole, Dorset's leading independent cinema, doubles audience numbers in 2025 with record admissions, diverse film seasons, and new Film Pass scheme.
Primary school pupils and families raise more than £1,700 in Lent fundraiser
St Joseph’s Catholic Primary in Christchurch raised over £1,700 for CAFOD with a Lent walk in Waterman’s Park, ranking third in the UK Big Lent Walk.
Comedy legend to bring adult-only pantomime to Dorset venue this summer
Jim Davidson brings adults-only pantomime Big Dick Whittington to Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre, 16–20 June. Book tickets now for this bold comedy show.
'Boscombe railway station should be reopened'
Since the closure of Boscombe Station in 1965 the Bournemouth conurbation has increased in size massively, so I would have thought there would be far more usage for a modern day Boscombe Station than when the Beeching Report was made in the early 60s.
Woman started gluten-free business after struggling with food intolerances
A woman created a gluten-free baked goods business after struggling with food intolerances for many years and noticing a lack of gluten-free products in circulation.
Dorset charity wins Best Place To Work award at Wimborne Business Awards
Home-Start Wessex named Best Place To Work at Wimborne Business Awards 2026 for supporting Dorset families and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Dorset tool hire giant launches lifting division with £1m revenue goal
Alliance Tool Hire launches new Lifting Division in Poole, investing £300,000 in LEEA-qualified engineers and equipment, aiming for £1m annual revenue growth.
Dorset bookshop that's a 'haven' for readers crowned as best in the south west
FOLDE Dorset, which can be found in Shaftesbury, was named as the best bookshop in the South West at the British Book Awards 2026
'The older generation should hang their heads in shame'
Being an elderly reader, I can clearly remember the oil crisis of 1973.
Exciting ska band to perform in church charity gig in Dorset next month
Ska in the Church returns to St Peter’s, Parkstone, 8 May 2026, with RATRACE headlining. Charity gig supports Teenage Cancer Trust. Tickets online.
Poole model railway exhibition expanding to two days for 2026
Poole Model Railway Exhibition 2026 at Corfe Hills School spans two days, featuring finescale layouts, trade stands, demos, and family-friendly facilities.
Local residents get vital debt help amid warnings that more could struggle
Nearly 200 New Forest residents used the Government’s Breathing Space Debt Respite Scheme in 2025, gaining 60 days’ protection from creditor action.
130 entries and more than 150 visitors make Spring Show a blooming success
Wimborne Gardening Club’s Spring Show 2026 at Allendale Centre saw record entries, stunning floral displays, and strong community spirit in Dorset.
Care home resident's childhood dream fulfilled with spellbinding magic show
Fernhill care home in Dorset delighted resident Graham Pepler with a magic show by magician Alistair Brien, fulfilling his childhood wish and spreading joy.
New WeBuyAnyCar branch opens at Bournemouth retail park
Webuyanycar relocates its Bournemouth branch to Turbary Retail Park, offering a quicker, paperless car selling process with solar-powered facilities.
Excitement builds ahead for Dorset venue ahead of panto 'Oscars' this Sunday
Lighthouse Poole’s Dick Whittington panto shortlisted for Best Panto and Best Sound at the UK Pantomime Awards 2026, celebrating national theatre excellence.
Poole hospice awarded for efforts to reduce environmental impact
Forest Holme Hospice wins the UK’s first Greener Palliative Care Silver Award for sustainability, reducing carbon footprint and eco-friendly innovations.
Family's holiday park voted Dorset's dream destination in national poll
South Lytchett Manor in Poole crowned Dorset’s top caravan and glamping park in Practical Caravan’s 2026 awards, ranking among UK’s best sites.
Road in Poole to temporarily close next month for ground investigation works
Broadstone Way in Poole to close for Wessex Water ground works from 5–8 May and 11–15 May. Diversions in place. Check BCP Council updates.
High street café in Dorset applies for premises licence to sell alcohol
The Courtyard Cafe on Poole High Street has applied to BCP Council for a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003. Comments accepted until 30 April 2026.
Two roads in Wareham to temporarily close from next week
Dorset Council will close Church Street and Church Lane in Wareham from April 2026 for SGN gas main works. Diversions in place.
Dorset farm owned by National Trust could be leased for 50 years
The National Trust plans a 50-year lease of Chilbridge Farm, Wimborne, Dorset. Public invited to comment by 30 April 2026. Agricultural holding proposal.
Tesco seeks permission to sell alcohol from 6am to midnight at Dorset store
Tesco Express in Wimborne has applied to Dorset Council for a new premises licence to sell alcohol 6am–midnight and offer late-night refreshment daily.
Government
Type 1 Diabetes Screening (Children) Bill
A Bill to make provision for a national programme of screening for type 1 diabetes in children; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
Bernd Maylander on reaching 500 races as the Safety Car driver
Safety Car driver Bernd Maylander is Tom Clarkson’s guest on this week’s Beyond The Grid podcast.
Piastri backed for race wins after Japan podium
The McLaren star has already shown potential for Grand Prix wins despite only starting one race this season.
Pin on ‘learning’ in new Mercedes role and her F1 goal
Reigning F1 ACADEMY champion Doriane Pin tells F1.com about how she is finding her new role as a Mercedes Development Driver and what the year ahead holds as she continues to work towards her dream of reaching Formula 1.
F1 returns to Nurburgring for Pirelli tyre test
Mercedes and McLaren were back in action on Tuesday as they helped tyre supplier Pirelli with another development test – this time staged at the famed Nurburgring track, which last hosted F1 back in 2020.
JACQUES: Who will be F1’s next new winner?
Back in March, Kimi Antonelli crossed the line in Shanghai to take his maiden Grand Prix victory and become the 116th winner in Formula 1 World Championship history – but who will be the 117th?
Inspirational people describe their journeys to working in F1
In the latest instalment of My Untold Story, we hear the stories of two inspiring people working in Formula 1.
10 quiz questions about F1’s most unusual records
Test your knowledge of some of the most incredible – and unusual – records from across the sport's history.
Windows Central
Starfield's sales on PlayStation 5 make me wonder why Xbox even bothered... was this worth devaluing exclusivity?
Reported Starfield sales on PS5 suggest a slower start than expected, raising questions about Xbox’s multiplatform strategy and whether moving away from exclusivity impacts hardware value.
Overwatch Season 2 just dropped with new hero Sierra and a launch on Nintendo Switch 2
Overwatch Season 2: Summit arrived today, and it’s a massive update introducing high-octane DPS hero Sierra and a bounty of rewards to earn on an all-new battle pass.
"We have ideas that we want to get out there": Bethesda's Todd Howard says Xbox's Starfield and Fallout 76 were "creatively different" by design, for better or worse
Bethesda's Todd Howard says Fallout 76 and Starfield were different than its usual RPGs by design, as the devs "have ideas that we want to get out there."
Your Xbox Storage Expansion Cards can have a life after the console; as it turns out, you can use it as PC storage
A Reddit user has found a way to use an Xbox Expansion Card on PC with a CFexpress adapter, potentially giving unused storage a second life with faster-than-SATA SSD speeds.
Surface Laptop prices are skyrocketing — this deal might be your last chance to own one without taking out a mortgage
Microsoft's 7th Edition Surface, one of the best AI laptops we use daily for its supreme workflow performance and perfected clamshell, is now 38% off to defy the recently announced price hikes.
Subnautica 2 publisher changes from Krafton to the game's devs on Xbox and Steam amid Early Access legal battle — is Unknown Worlds indie once more?
The publisher of the upcoming Xbox Game Pass title Subnautica 2 has been changed from Krafton to its devs, raising questions about their partnership.
Metro creator Dmitry Glukhovsky says Metro 2039 "will be darker than anything you've seen before" ahead of full reveal — is Artyom's story finished?
Ahead of the full Metro 2039 reveal, franchise author Dmitry Glukhovsky says the game will be darker than any other entry in the acclaimed FPS series.
Before Forza Horizon 6 takes us to Japan, let's remember where the legend began almost 14 years ago
Forza Horizon 6 may well be upon us, but the franchise owes its roots to the first Horizon Festival in Colorado almost 14 years ago. Take a trip down memory lane with this epic retrospective.
"Users can now simply ask what happened": AppControl's optional AI integration gives you in-depth PC diagnostic history in plain English — It works with popular LLMs, but I'll use offline models for added security
AppControl has replaced Task Manager on my PCs, and it seems like it's just getting started. The latest update adds optional AI integration that answers questions regarding system history, which is basically like having your own private IT tech inside your system.
Our friends at Tom's Guide are upgrading: Here's what it means, and how our sister site's overhaul affects Windows Central
Our sister site, Tom's Guide, just launched its overhaul, featuring all-new shopping tools and exciting prospects for the future. Here's what it all means.
WWE 2K26 review: It comes close to being the best in the world — but yearly releases are clearly holding it back
WWE 2K26 delivers the best gameplay and biggest roster in the WWE 2K series, but there are bigger issues elsewhere.
ASUS Zenbook A16 vs. Zenbook S 16: Lots of similarities don't necessarily make for an easy choice, and it might come down to pricing and performance hardware
ASUS now has Zenbook A16 and Zenbook S 16 models on the market, and at first glance, they seem quite similar. But once you get inside, differences begin to appear. I've put together this comparison based on our reviews of both laptops to help you make the right decision.
"This is one headset that absolutely will not disappoint anyone": Our favorite Xbox headset raises the bar for sound quality with a price that's lower than I expected
Turtle Beach's Stealth 700 (Gen 3) gaming headset is back on sale for a 33% discount, so players can enjoy its immaculate soundscapes and comfortable ergonomics at a lower price.
"One of the better laptops I’ve encountered and one I’d happily use daily": This high-end ThinkPad is a solid bet for professionals — especially after this generous discount
The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 Aura Edition laptop is having a Doorstopper discount at Lenovo, giving business professionals a chance to own its powerful specs for office work for 18% less.
I've finally found a loophole to block a specific type of YouTube ads, and it won’t cost you a dime: Just a little teamwork
YouTube viewers can now work together to prevent ads from playing during livestreams without paying for Premium.
Microsoft veteran says the Task Manager was under 80 KB because "small was fast and fast mattered" — but wishes "we had carried more of that taste, not the suffering"
Microsoft veteran Dave Plummer shares why the original Task Manager was lean, fast, and designed to stay calm when Windows crashed.
"The Lotus guys probably figured it didn't matter to be wrong": Excel thinks 1900 was a leap year because of a small shortcut taken in the '80s — I'll think of this next time I want to cut corners
Microsoft Excel was originally created as competition for Lotus 1-2-3, which has had lasting effects on my favorite spreadsheet software. Here's how a small shortcut taken in the '80s has lasted through until 2026.
Laffgaff
What animal is associated with the military commander Hannibal?
Elephant.
Anger Management Flyer
My anger management flyer blew out the car window yesterday. That's when I totally lost it.
Itsfoss
A PHP Dev Just Solved a 20+ Year-Old KDE Plasma Problem No One Else Would
KWin can now show different virtual desktops on each screen independently.