BBC News
UK announces first Middle East repatriation flight
The chartered flight is currently scheduled to leave Muscat International Airport in Oman on Wednesday evening.
Trump belittles Starmer with 'no Churchill' jibe but can the special relationship recover?
The remarks came amid a row over the refusal to permit the use of UK bases for the initial US-Israel strikes.
Funerals held for students and staff after Iran school strike
Iranian authorities say they were killed in a US-Israeli strike in the city of Minab on Saturday.
Fears over food shortages in Tehran as residents worry about length of war
Locals tell BBC Persian they are worried about the availability of groceries and price increases as strikes continue to hit the capital.
Mahmood to stop study visas from four countries due to 'abuse'
The government will end study visas from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, due to what says is abuse.
TikTok won't protect DMs with controversial privacy tech, saying it would put users at risk
TikTok tells the BBC it won't join rival platforms such as WhatsApp and Messenger in using end-to-end encryption.
Asia stocks tumble for third day, oil edges up as markets track Iran war
The conflict in the Middle East has rattled financial markets and global energy prices have soared.
New charges for son of Norway's crown princess on trial for rape
Marius Borg Høiby now faces a total of 40 charges at his trial and denies the most serious allegations.
No new tax rises in Spring Statement, but don't be fooled - tax bills are still rising
There are measures, announced ahead of the chancellor's Spring Statement, yet to take effect.
The Papers: 'Trump mocks Starmer' and 'Middle East energy shock for markets'
Many of the papers focus on the deteriorating relationship between Donald Trump and Sir Keir.
Celebrating Holi - the Hindu festival brings its array of colours to India and elsewhere
The Hindu festival, which celebrates the victory of good over evil, also marks the end of winter.
What to know about the 'two sessions', China's biggest political meeting
The carefully choreographed annual meetings signal the priorities of the world's second-largest economy.
'Shh please girls' - the night 11-year-old Gary Barlow left clubgoers gobsmacked
The Take That star was only 11 years old when he began performing to patrons at Connah's Quay Labour Club.
US and Israel bomb Iran for fourth day as Trump says air defences 'gone'
Iran is responding to the strikes by launching missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states hosting US bases.
Watch: Footage from across Iran shows scale of strikes
Footage verified by the BBC and news agencies shows large explosions in Iran following US and Israel strikes.
'All red lines have been crossed': Gulf states weigh response to Iranian strikes
Retaliatory Iranian strikes on Gulf states have tarnished their image as safe and prosperous, writes the BBC's Barbara Plett-Usher.
European allies rush to bolster Cyprus defences after drones target British base
The Cypriot government suspects the Iran-backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon targeted the UK's RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus.
Rapper Ghetts jailed for 12 years for killing student in hit-and-run
The grime artist failed to stop after his BMW hit Nepali student Yubin Tamang, 20, in Ilford.
Elton John's family photo hung in National Portrait Gallery
The portrait shows Sir Elton with husband David Furnish and their teenage sons Zachary and Elijah.
Ant and Dec take legal action over 'secret profits' in Banksy deals
A court hears that an art consultant working for the TV hosts took "secret and unauthorised profits".
Former Daily Mail showbusiness editor denies hacking Sadie Frost's voicemails
Seven high-profile claimants allege the Daily Mail's publisher committed "grave breaches of privacy" - something it denies.
Actor settles claim against theatre in Kevin Spacey assault case
He alleged that Spacey, who has denied the allegations, assaulted him on two separate occasions.
Video of US torpedo hitting Iranian warship released by Pentagon
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the US military has sunk "an Iranian warship" in the Indian Ocean with a torpedo.
Shifting stories and unanswered questions about Trump's war on Iran
BBC's Analysis editor Ros Atkins looks at the mixed messaging given by President Donald Trump's administration for its actions in Iran.
Satellite images show Iranian navy and nuclear sites hit by US-Israeli strikes
US-Israeli strikes have destroyed at least 11 Iranian naval vessels, images reviewed by BBC Verify show.
UK warship HMS Dragon not expected to sail to Cyprus until next week
HMS Dragon is being loaded with ammunition in Portsmouth having just recently come out of maintenance.
MP says she has seen nothing to suspect husband has broken law, after China spying arrests
The Met Police suspect three men of assisting Chinese intelligence services in the UK.
Starmer defends Iran response as Badenoch calls for more action
It comes after Trump criticised the PM for refusing to allow the use of UK bases in the initial US-Israel strikes.
Man on trial for rape that saw Andrew Malkinson wrongfully jailed
Paul Quinn denies raping a woman in a case that led to one of the "very worst" miscarriages of justice.
Ant and Dec win court order to trace 'secret profits' from Banksy deals
A court heard that an art consultant working for the TV hosts took "secret and unauthorised profits".
Al Fayed abuse should be investigated as human trafficking, says former senior Met officer
Investigation into claims of sex abuse by the late Harrods owner should include trafficking, says former head of Met's Anti-Trafficking Unit.
Brewdog founder admits 'many mistakes' as hundreds lose jobs in sale
James Watt apologises to staff and investors after hundreds of jobs were lost with the sale of the brewer and pub chain.
David and Victoria Beckham wish Brooklyn happy birthday despite feud
"I love you so much," Victoria says, two months after her son posted about the family breakdown.
Pregnant women's brains shed grey matter to prime them for motherhood, study suggests
It is time to move beyond the “baby brain” cliche, say scientists who scanned dozens of women’s brains.
My son lived in squalor with his dying mother - the system failed him
Leo came to Scotland for a better life but ended up living in squalor in a house surrounded by empty bottles and takeaway containers.
Use our tax calculator to see how Spring Statement forecasts may affect you
Wages are forecast to go up over the next five years but you could pay more tax because of frozen thresholds.
Harry Styles album review: The funkiest existential crisis in pop
The star's fourth album finds him in limbo, second-guessing both his relationships and his career.
Key takeaways from Texas primaries, as midterm build up begins
Contests in the southern state are signalling which way the Republicans and Democrats are heading.
First government flight for UK nationals due to leave Middle East tonight
Some British nationals are being invited to board the flight from the capital of Oman later on Wednesday.
UK stock market calms but oil prices rise over fears Iran war may drag on
European markets are trading a little higher but gas and crude prices remain volatile.
Israel tells people in large parts of southern Lebanon to leave ahead of attacks
Civilians are being displaced, taking shelter in tents, parks and cars, as Israel retaliates to Hezbollah rocket attack.
'No to war': Pedro Sánchez hits back as Trump threatens full trade embargo on Spain
Spain's prime minister delivers a strong rebuttal to US President Donald Trump's threat to end trade with his country.
Men on trial accused of 'shadow policing' for China on British soil
The duo are alleged to have carried out surveillance on Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigners.
Regulator contacts Meta over workers watching intimate AI glasses videos
Videos, including of glasses-wearers using the toilet or having sex, are sometimes reviewed by a Kenya-based subcontractor.
Video game Highguard axed weeks after release
It comes after the free-to-play game was given top billing at The Game Awards in December.
Three men connected to Police Federation arrested on suspicion of fraud
The City of London Police's corruption unit says it has carried out a "significant investigation" into alleged fraud.
Nigerian doctors suspended over death of author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's son
The author's 21-month-old son died in January after complications during medical procedures at a private hospital in Lagos.
Bournemouth Echo
Dramatic snow pictures mark anniversary of the "Beast from the East"
It feels an age since the infamous "Beast from the East" wreaked havoc across the county - after all, a lot has happened since.
Christchurch man says he's being made to feel like a 'criminal' by BCP council
A man threatened with criminal proceedings from BCP Council after he built a sheltered walkway to care for his disabled wife has said he is “not a criminal”.
Around 500 asylum seekers housed in BCP hotels – down by nearly 100
NEARLY 500 asylum seekers are currently housed in hotels across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, down from almost 600 just three months before.
Man blasts council for ‘cash cow’ car park after dozens of drivers reportedly fined
A MAN has blasted the council for using a car park as a ‘cash cow’ after dozens of drivers were reportedly fined in one evening.
Appeal by coroner for Dorset to find next of kin for woman who died at home
Dorset Coroner appeals for help tracing next of kin of Christina Sandra MacDonald, 76, who died in Bournemouth on 1 March 2026. Contact 01202 123900.
Sunseeker appoints new CEO and announces change in ownership
Sunseeker International has announced the appointment of a new CEO and chairman, as well as securing new ownership.
Inquest opens following death of 18-year-old in crash
An inquest has opened following the death of 18-year-old Joshua Blake, who died in a crash in the Wareham area.
Is it safe to travel to Turkey? UK government's new advice amid Middle East conflict
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has updated its latest travel advice for those heading to Turkey from the UK amid Middle East conflict
Is it safe to travel to Dubai? UK's latest travel advice for Brits flying to UAE
The intensifying conflict between Iran and US-Israeli forces has resulted in flight cancellations, including at Dubai Airport, and important travel advice.
Bournemouth man banned from attending football games after Reading pitch invasion
A man has been banned from attending any football match in the UK after entering the pitch at a Reading FC match.
Pair arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to 'endanger life' after fire
Two men from Poole has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a building fire in Bournemouth.
RECAP: Fire at building in Bournemouth town centre as cordon remains in place
A cordon is in place in Bournemouth town centre this morning after a building fire in Old Christchurch Road
All of the Dorset postcodes that scooped prizes in the Postcode Lottery last month
A few postcodes across Dorset won prizes in the People's Postcode Lottery in February 2026, including in Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth
Dorset Council invites feedback on safety proposals
Dorset Council seeks public feedback on A354 Milborne St Andrew road safety proposals, aiming to reduce speeding and improve pedestrian safety in the village.
New Forest asparagus to hit supermarket shelves six weeks early
New Forest Fruit is using recycled coir to deliver British asparagus to Tesco six weeks early.
Teen who went missing in Poole is located, say police
A teenager who went missing in Poole has been found, police have said.
Primary school sees partial lockdown after incident with 'threatening' pupil
Winton Primary School saw a partial lockdown take place, after a pupil became threatening to other students while in possession of 'lunchtime cutlery'.
£3m East Cliff stabilisation work to begin this autumn
£3million East Cliff stabilisation work is set to begin in September this year and will bring the seafront back into public use.
Man 'threatened with Stanley knife' in town centre
Police have revealed the CCTV image of an individual after a man was threatened with an alleged Stanley Knife in Bournemouth town centre.
70 additional specialist places proposed for school in Poole
An additional 70 specialist education places is proposed to be made available at a school in Poole.
Woman reportedly grabbed by the throat and pushed to the floor outside restaurant
A man reportedly grabbed a woman by the throat and pushed her to the floor outside a restaurant.
Flat 'severely damaged' after being engulfed by fire with two men arrested
The owner of a flat in Bournemouth town centre said it sustained 'severe damage' following a fire with two men arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
Man charged with assault after shop worker allegedly pushed
A man has been charged with assault after he allegedly "beat" a shop worker before he stole alcohol shortly in Corfe Mullen.
Dorset MPs say Britain should not be drawn into US-Israel conflict
Dorset MPs say Britain should not be drawn into US-Israel conflict with Iran.
Parking spaces being removed for bus service improvement
Parking spaces in Christchurch have been recommended to be removed to improve the reliability of bus services as part of an £8.9million improvement plan.
Cyclist in his 60s taken to hospital with injuries believed to be serious
A cyclist in his 60s was taken to hospital for injuries believed to be “serious” after a collision with a car in Poole.
Rock singer to headline classical 80s concert at Poole venue this June
T’Pau’s Carol Decker headlines 80s Classical at Lighthouse Poole with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, joined by Nik Kershaw and Johnny Hates Jazz.
Ukraine Relief charity delivers over £18 Million of life-saving aid to Ukraine
Ukraine Relief Charity in Bournemouth delivers over £18m of humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including ambulances, generators and oxygen machines.
Exhibition exploring Japanese cultural concept of Ma comes to Dorset castle
Explore Sayoko Takahata’s Ma (間) exhibition at Sandy Hill Arts, Corfe Castle, 7–15 March. Discover Japanese aesthetics, pointillism, and AUB research.
'Brave dippers' needed at Bournemouth beach to mark International Women's Day
Join the McCarthy Stone Foundation sea dip at Bournemouth beach on 4 March 2026 for International Women's Day, raising funds to tackle loneliness in later life.
Dorset pupils raise record total of £91,000 in weekend of charity fundraising
Bryanston School pupils raise a record £91,000 for UK and international charities during A2 Charities Weekend, featuring dance, sport, auctions and more.
Power up your Easter break as Super Mario experience lands in Dorset museum
Experience a Super Mario-inspired Easter at the Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne. Family-friendly interactive trail, craft activities, and gaming sessions.
Beaulieu's 2026 season announced including museum, trails and fairs
Beaulieu’s 2026 season features the revamped National Motor Museum, "Driven: Britain's Motoring Story" gallery, auto events and festive highlights.
Active Shift walks helping men boost wellbeing and build community each week
Men across Dorset are finding friendship and support through a weekly wellbeing walk that combines fresh air, movement and the power of conversation.
How to get into Dorset attractions for the price of a scratch card this month
Tourist attractions and venues across the Dorset are preparing to open their doors free for a limited time as part of the 'National Lottery Open Week' campaign.
In The Dock: Wimborne man caught with knife handed lengthy curfew
The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:
Poole hospice captures experiences of care workers during pandemic
A Poole-based hospice has written a booklet to commemorate its workers during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Funds sought to open archive of renowned Dorset writer and LGBTQ+ pioneer
Dorset Archives Trust launches £48,000 appeal to catalogue and digitise Sylvia Townsend Warner archive, preserving the Dorset author and LGBTQ+ icon’s legacy.
Dorset law firm unveils new brand identity as regional growth gathers momentum
Steele Raymond unveils new brand and website amid major growth across the South Coast, expanding offices, teams, and maintaining Top Tier Legal 500 status.
Town council secures former bank building in boost for museum and town centre
Wareham Town Council buys former NatWest building to expand Wareham Museum, create a Tourist Information Centre, and boost facilities.
Ferndown care home named among 20 best in the South West of England
Heathland House in Ferndown named among South West’s top 20 care homes by carehome.co.uk, praised for exceptional residential, respite and dementia care.
Hurn Court Opera announces partnership with AUB ahead of theatre performance
Hurn Court Opera partners with Arts University Bournemouth costume students to create 1930s-inspired outfits for Verdi’s La Traviata, opening in Christchurch.
Local electrical wholesaler says YESSS to fundraising for Oakhaven Hospice
YESSS Electrical raises £1,974 for Oakhaven Hospice with charity golf day in Christchurch and Lymington, supporting end-of-life care in the local community.
New Forest business show celebrates local business success with 2026 re-launch
The New Forest Business Show returns to the New Forest Showground on 18 June 2026, supporting local businesses, networking, and ‘Buy Local’ growth.
Environmental talks from local Dorset groups to reveal power of community action
u3a Wimborne and Planet Wimborne launch "Greener Wimborne, Better Planet"—a five-part series on local environmental action, education, and community events.
Urgent appeal by Age UK to donate to Broadstone shop to support older people
Age UK Broadstone urgently seeks donations of clothes, homeware and toys to support older people. Gift Aid boosts funds for vital UK-wide charity services.
BCP road to close for over a month to allow for gas mains replacement works
Cromer Road, Poole, will be closed from 23 March–1 May 2026 for SGN gas mains works, with diversions in place. BCP Council advises motorists to plan ahead.
BCP Council plans to install two controlled crossings
BCP Council to install new puffin and zebra crossings on Richmond Road and St Catherine's Road. Public consultation open until 13 March 2026. Have your say.
19 roads in the New Forest to be temporarily closed by council
Nineteen New Forest roads will face temporary closures for works from 23 February 2026. See affected routes and details at Hampshire County Council.
SGN connection works to suspend parking outside two houses on Boscombe road
Parking suspended on Crabton Close Road, Bournemouth, from 16–24 March 2026 for SGN utility works. No waiting or loading. BCP Council may extend restrictions.
New traffic orders for several roads by BCP Council in Bournemouth set for May
New Bournemouth traffic orders for Westover Road, Christchurch Road and Lansdowne Crescent start 11 May 2026. See BCP Council details, ref P123.
Shanty Spirit Ltd seeks premises licence change for its venue in Poole
Shanty Spirit Ltd seeks BCP Council approval to add a tap room at Arthur Brays Yard, Poole, with extended hours, live music and alcohol sales.
Government
Armed Conflict (Requirements) Bill
A Bill to require that, before armed forces may be deployed for armed conflict, a Minister of the Crown must publish a statement setting out the reasons for the deployment, an assessment of its compliance with international law, the objective of the deployment and an assessment of the viability of that objective; to require the approval in advance of any such deployment by a resolution of the House of Commons; to provide for equivalent requirements to apply to the use of UK military bases for the deployment of foreign armed forces for armed conflict; and for connected purposes.
Formula 1
12 rule changes you need to know in 2026
2026 is a year of significant change in the world of Formula 1, with this year’s cars having to adhere to brand new power unit and aerodynamic regulations. With so much that’s different, it can be hard to stay on top of all the developments, so here we run you through the main changes you need to know ahead of the new season.
Why race starts will be different in 2026
With new regulations in place, there will be a tweaked starting sequence for 2026.
2026 season match bet predictions and H2H battles
Our expert betting writers take a deep dive into the F1 team battles across the grid and make their 2026 predictions.
F1 Fantasy strategies for Australia
A brand-new regulation era begins in Australia, with fresh car designs and an unknown pecking order adding intrigue to the Formula 1 season opener. How should F1 Fantasy players build their line-ups with so many variables in play?
Top picks from the official teamwear drops and how to style them
Looking for some Formula 1 fashion advice? You’ve come to the right place, as we dive into the new teamwear collections for 2026.
QUIZ: Test your knowledge of F1 season openers in Australia
How much can you remember about F1 season openers at Albert Park in Melbourne?
Remembering ‘the other rookie’ from the 2001 season
On March 4, 2001, a quartet of drivers arrived on the F1 grid. Two of those, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen, would go on to claim the world title in the years to come, while another, Juan Pablo Montoya, achieved several race victories and knocked on the door of a championship triumph himself.
How to stream the 2026 Australian Grand Prix on F1 TV Premium
Here is all the information you need to follow the Australian Grand Prix weekend live on F1 TV.
Listen to Carlos Sainz's interview on Beyond The Grid
Carlos Sainz is the guest on the first Beyond The Grid episode of 2026.
F1 TV announces 2026 presenter line‑up
F1 TV will once again offer fans comprehensive access to every Grand Prix, Sprint, Qualifying and practice session live in 2026.
Top 10 moments from Albert Park as it marks 30 years of F1
We take a look back at 10 of the most memorable moments from three decades of racing in one of Formula 1’s best-loved cities.
What is the weather forecast for the Australian Grand Prix?
The weather forecast is in ahead of the Australian Grand Prix weekend at the Albert Park Circuit.
What tyres will the teams and drivers have in Australia?
Pirelli have confirmed the tyre compounds that will be in use for the 2026 season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Windows Central
Rumored Fallout 3 and New Vegas remastered dev says "Nope," teases involvement again immediately — "Now pardon us as we retreat back into our vault"
The rumored developer of Fallout 3 and New Vegas remastered has denied involvement with the projects, but teased it at the same time with its wording.
An old Xbox AI patent is going viral for the wrong reasons — assistive tech is actually one of the best use case scenarios for AI
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's AI background has thrust an old Microsoft patent into the spotlight. Its system would let assistants help you in-game.
Five new ID@Xbox games you might've missed — From star-crossed lovers to hack-and-slash frenzies
Our Spring roundup is overflowing with indie games that are ready to sweep you off your feet.
Xbox's Starfield reportedly has a PS5 release date according to a new leak — Bethesda's RPG may be coming to PlayStation sooner than I thought
Newly leaked information suggests Xbox and Bethesda's Starfield RPG is launching on PS5 in just a few weeks.
How long can you run a PC on AA batteries? — I think we just witnessed the birth of a chaotic new speedrun
How many AA batteries does it take to run a PC? One YouTuber found out, and the result is a high-tension "speedrun" that I need to see more of.
Sam Altman backpedals as ChatGPT uninstalls surge 295%, and critics torch Pentagon fiasco — calls deal "opportunistic and sloppy"
Pentagon AI partnership sparks backlash, driving a 295% surge in ChatGPT uninstalls and forcing OpenAI to amend some of the terms in the contract.
The best way to buy RAM is with bundles like this — Get a Ryzen 5 CPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, motherboard, and AIO liquid cooler for one low price for a limited time
I hate to see anyone overpay for RAM. So what's the solution? This bundle with Ryzen 5 9600X CPU, B850 motherboard, AiO liquid cooler, and 16GB of DDR5-6000 RAM is now down to just $439 for a limited time
PC gamers stay winning: Capcom confirms 50% of its sales now come from Windows
Capcom has revealed that 50% of its total game sales now come from PC, with the company expecting that share to increase. Resident Evil Requiem has already become the biggest Resident Evil launch on Steam.
My new favorite app makes AirPods feel like they're at home on Windows 11 — I can't believe I put up with audio issues for so long
What if I told you there's an app that can solve practically all of the audio issues usually experienced when connecting AirPods to a Windows PC? I only wish I'd started using the MagicPods app a lot sooner.
Microsoft AI can now fix your meeting conflicts — and finally prioritize the work that matters
Microsoft 365 Copilot can now automatically reschedule conflicting 1:1 meetings and appointments in Outlook. Here is how the new AI automation works.
I can't believe it: Apple’s $599 MacBook Neo just lit a monstrous fire under the Windows laptop market — Microsoft better be panicking
MacBook Neo is official. It's $599, with an efficient A18 Pro SoC that offers M1-level performance in an affordable package that prioritizes style above all else.
PC gamers are about to get a free performance upgrade — Microsoft's latest DirectX update boosts ray-tracing performance by up to 90%
Microsoft recently shared details about its latest DirectX update, containing the official launch of a Shader Execution Reordering (SER) feature. In early tests, SER is boosting framerates in ray and path tracing by up to 90%.
The legendary Windows XP “Bliss” wallpaper just got a 2026 glow‑up from somone on Reddit and people are going nuts
A brilliant new "Bliss" remix is taking over Reddit, blending Windows XP’s iconic hills with Windows 11’s Bloom. Here is how to get it on your PC.
Xbox backward compatibility wishlists surge in this fan-made community survey — with a surprising show of love for the OG Xbox
Early community voting data from "XboxGamePreservation" suggests fans may want more original Xbox titles added to backward compatibility than Xbox 360 games.
OpenAI rumors hint at a GitHub competitor to challenge Microsoft — is this supposed partnership becoming more of a rivalry?
Reports suggest that OpenAI is in the early stages of developing a GitHub rival, citing an increase in service disruptions on Microsoft's coding platform.
Is Microsoft Teams tracking your exact position in the office or not? The app says its new Wi-Fi location feature is built for collaboration — not employee surveillance
Microsoft has recently clarified its Teams Wi‑Fi location feature, addressing employee monitoring amid privacy concerns.
No, an AI-focused "Windows 12" is not coming this year — false report gets the facts completely wrong
A new report has caught the internet's attention, claiming that Windows 12 is coming this year and will be a modular, AI-powered OS. Here's why that's wrong.
Laffgaff
What is the name of the dragon that guards the Lonely Mountain in The Hobbit?
Smaug.
Plant Lover
I told my plants I love them. Now they're rooting for me.