The News - Tuesday, 11 February 2025

BBC News

MP behind assisted dying bill suggests scrapping High Court approval

It comes after concerns were raised over the court's capacity to hear each individual case.

Hamas blames Israel as it postpones hostage release

Israel's defence minister calls the Hamas announcement a "complete violation of the ceasefire agreement".

UK must respect Trump's mandate, new US ambassador tells BBC

In his first day on the job, Lord Peter Mandelson says "we have to respect and understand what drives" the US president.

Lawyer in Saudi trans student's suicide note had embassy links, BBC finds

Eden Knight had wanted a new life in the US but was persuaded home, according to her final X post.

Teacher fatally stabs eight-year-old in South Korea

The country's acting president has ordered an investigation into the incident in the city of Daejeon.

Smuggling gangs have taken hold, Cooper says during border debate

MPs are holding a debate in the House of Commons on Labour's plans to overhaul border measures.

Church risks further crisis if it doesn't act, says child abuse inquiry chair

The Church's national assembly is voting on options to radically change its safeguarding processes.

Couple can hand back moth-infested £32.5m mansion, judge rules

The pair - who bought the London property in 2019 - found moths on toothbrushes and in their clothes.

Musk-led group makes $97.4bn bid for ChatGPT maker OpenAI

The billionaire's attorney, Marc Toberoff, confirmed he submitted the bid for "all assets" of the company on Monday.

Trump signs order shifting US back toward plastic straws

The president has long been a critic of paper straws, which he says don't work and dissolve too easily.

Beware ill-fitting menstrual cups, warn doctors

Doctors have reported a rare case where the use of a menstrual cup was linked to kidney problems.

Chris Mason: Raids show ministers want to look tough on immigration

With high numbers still arriving in the UK, the government is keen not to appear wishy-washy on an issue that matters to so many people.

The Debate: Do Trump's tariffs mean the end of the post-war free trade world?

President Trump has proposed a sweeping set of tariffs. Does this mark the end of the post-war free trade world?

The Papers: PM backs pub campaign and 'Farage deal for the birds'

A range of stories on Tuesday's front pages including Sir Keir Starmer backing a Daily Mirror campaign.

How a North Korean went from begging to K-pop

The first K-pop boy band with North Korean members aims to debut in the US later this year.

Family 'heartbroken' as missing sailor named as London father

Charles Todd issued a mayday call from his yacht as Storm Herminia hit the Bay of Biscay.

Oliver Ryan suspended as Labour MP over WhatsApp messages

Ryan had been summoned to a meeting with his chief whip after the Mail on Sunday published the texts.

'I'm only asking for basic respect' says trans doctor in NHS changing room row

A tribunal hears Dr Beth Upton denied being a man multiple times in a row over who can use women's changing rooms.

Hundreds of tractors block Westminster in inheritance tax protest

Farmers from across the UK protesting in London against changes to inheritance tax.

Policing in 'hopeless position' after court ruling on vetting, Met chief says

The High Court rules that officers cannot be dismissed for losing their vetting clearance.

French prosecutors confirm how British couple died

Andrew and Dawn Searle, who moved to France from Scotland about 10 years ago, were found by a neighbour last week.

Chelsea star Sam Kerr cleared of racial harassment

The Chelsea striker was charged over an incident at a London police station in 2023.

Fishermen rescue humpback whale tangled in rope

A single rope had become anchored around the tail of the humpback just off the coast of Skye.

Kate meets new mothers and babies on prison visit

The Princess of Wales has visited HMP Styal in Cheshire as part of her ongoing early years initiative.

UK and US refuse to sign international AI declaration

It follows a warning from US Vice President JD Vance that excessive regulation could "kill a transformative industry."

Rubiales tells court Hermoso consented to World Cup kiss

The former Spanish football federation tells a court he is "absolutely sure" the kiss was consensual.

Google maps updates Gulf of Mexico name for US users

The update aligns with Donald Trump's order that the body be referred to as the Gulf of America.

Sergeant 'pinned down' teenage soldier, inquest told

Jaysley Beck called a friend "frightened and in tears" after a sergeant 'pinned her down'.

AI chatbots unable to accurately summarise news, BBC finds

The BBC's head of news and current affairs says the developers of the tools are "playing with fire."

UK not planning to hit back at US on steel tariffs

Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said the UK would not have "a knee-jerk reaction" but "a clear-headed" response.

Canada vows swift retaliation to 'unjustified' Trump tariffs

As top exporter of steel and aluminium to the US, Canada sees new trade barriers as a threat to its economy.

Lawyer in Saudi trans student's suicide note had embassy links, BBC finds

Eden Knight had wanted a new life in the US but was persuaded home, according to her final X post.

'I've waited so long for home adaptations that I have to shower at the gym'

The time taken for councils to do home adaptation assessments for elderly and disabled people has risen, the BBC finds.

The story behind Beyoncé's Chitlin' Circuit tour name

The title of the grammy-winning star's tour nods to the history of black music and entertainment.

Trump's citizenship order leaves expecting Indian immigrant parents in limbo

Thousands of Indian-origin couples in the US are anxious over Trump's plan to end birthright citizenship.

Bodies found in river in Aberdeen confirmed as missing sisters

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti - both 32 and originally from Hungary - disappeared in Aberdeen on 7 January.

Watch: Sue Gray takes seat in the House of Lords

Former Partygate investigator who went on to become Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff joins the Lords.

Fans bid farewell to Denis Law at United star's funeral

More than 1,000 fans gathered at Old Trafford to pay their respects to the Manchester United legend.

Maths and English skills ditched for adult apprentices

The Department for Education says rule change means 10,000 more courses could be completed every year.

Italian police arrest 181 in bid to stop Mafia rebuilding in Sicily

More than 1,200 officers were involved in an operation aimed at "dismantling" the mob in the Palermo.

Sabrina Carpenter to perform at Brit Awards

The Please Please Please artist will also receive the global success award to recognise her worldwide sales.

Chelsea striker Kerr cleared of racial harassment

The Chelsea striker was charged over an incident at a London police station in 2023.

Fans bid farewell to Denis Law at United star's funeral

More than 1,000 fans gathered at Old Trafford to pay their respects to the Manchester United legend.

Bournemouth Echo

Man torched neighbour’s vehicles after argument causing £10k of damage

A MAN torched three of a neighbour’s vehicles after an argument, causing around £10,000 of damage, a court heard.

'Lefty lawyers who hate UK are behind Chagos island sale'

“Lefty lawyers” who “hate and are ashamed” of the UK are partly to blame for the government possibly paying slavery reparations, an MP has said.

Why did the government halt the Wessex devolution deal?

The government has said geography is partly to blame for the reason why it couldn’t accept the Wessex devolution deal.

'I cycle to work but I'm worried about my bike being stolen again'

An NHS staff member has expressed disappointment after her e-bike was stolen from a cycle shed at Royal Bournemouth Hospital in broad daylight.

Man fined £1 after being caught with cocaine

A MAN was fined £1 after being caught in possession of cocaine in Bournemouth.

Police told councillors not to attend transport meeting - but won't explain why

POLICE advice was given to a councillor to not attend a public meeting with councillors, it has been claimed.

Bournemouth town centre restaurant closes for a refurb

A POPULAR Pizza restaurant in Bournemouth has closed its doors to customers for refurbishment of the place.

Department store set for major overhaul

PLANS are in place to modernise a high-street department store that hasn’t changed for around 80 years.

'Super meal at the oldest inn in Britain'

JUST had a super meal in the oldest inn in Britain.

Bin men 'prepared to strike' in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

BIN men are prepared to go on strike over the ongoing pay dispute with BCP Council, the union GMB has said.

In The Dock: Driver caught without 'L' plates among the cases

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Dog control officers to begin poo patrols after rise in fouling

DOG control officers are set to begin poo patrols after a rise in fouling complaints to Dorset Council.

Classic Honda motorbikes including CBX to be sold at auction

A HOARD of 27 Honda motorbikes has been entered into an auction next month.

Lounges set to open new high street restaurant

HOSPITALITY chain Lounges is set to open a new branch in the New Forest.

PHOTOS: BHS through the years in Dorset

We all miss British Home Stores - or BHS department store - but that's hardly surprising considering.

Grants help young designer make a name in fashion industry

Bournemouth designer Max Onn received more than £1k in SWEF Enterprise Fund grants from Dorset Community Foundation to grow his fashion brand of distressed clothing.

Dorset Police's 'Big Night In' campaign to tackle romance fraud

The force believes community empowerment to identify and disrupt romance fraud at the point of contact is the key to making Dorset safer.

Charity seeks help from public as it celebrates 70th anniversary

Dorset disability charity Diverse Abilities is celebrating 70 years of support and is reconnecting with past beneficiaries, families, staff, and volunteers.

Hamworthy care home helps elderly resident achieve her lifelong dream

Due to her limited mobility, an activities staff member, Chloe, found an ice rink that allowed wheelchairs on the ice.

Company celebrates 40 years in business with new warehouse

The new space was necessitated by the company's ambitious growth plans for 2025 and beyond.

New art exhibition opens featuring work from ten different artists

The From the City to the Sea exhibition, curated by Ben Oakley, opens at Lighthouse Poole, showcasing diverse works from ten artists across various mediums.

New fundraising initiative aims to create fruit orchard

The orchard will offer a dedicated space where the gardeners can build confidence and refine their skills.

Auction event set to raise money for two charities

Wimborne's mayor will host an Auction of Promises at the Town Hall, raising funds for Victoria Hospital and Planet Wimborne.

Half-term promotion offers discounts at two attractions

Visitors will receive a discount voucher at one attraction to use at the other.

Fordingbridge community shop offering free sustainability talk

Fordingbridge's award-winning Green Gram Community Refill Shop will host a free Being Clean and Green sustainability talk at Avonway Community Centre.

Free online programme launched to help thousands in the South West

The free HOPE programme is expanding across the South West, offering online support to help people manage long-term health conditions and improve wellbeing.

Rise in businesses in debt despite drop in insolvency activity

The South East, including Dorset, Wiltshire and more, remained the fifth-highest region in the UK for insolvency-related activities.

Company appoints new business development manager

Stephanie has nearly 20 years of experience in sales, legal progression and business development.

New campaign to tackle skills shortage in building materials sector

The Building Materials Careers campaign by the BMF aims to tackle the skills shortage by attracting new talent to the £51 billion industry, focusing on sustainability and innovation.

Swanage Jazz Festival announces full line-up

Swanage Jazz Festival 2025, running July 11-13, will feature over 40 bands, including top UK jazz artists Andy Sheppard, Elaine Delmar and Soothsayers.

Three-year project to uncover century of change at Poole Harbour

The Coasts in Mind project by MOLA, funded by a £2.3 million National Lottery grant, will explore a century of coastal change at Poole Harbour.

Ambulance service celebrates 'vital' role of apprentices

SWASFT is celebrating its 250+ apprentices, including paramedics and cyber security trainees, as part of National Apprenticeship Week.

National Trust invites people to try 'blind date with a book'

The National Trust team at Kingston Lacy are inviting people to buy a mystery book.

Music festival to return for tenth anniversary

Dub Pistols, Mad Dog Mcrea, Bar Stool Preachers, Skimmity Hitchers and Carsick are among the musicians set to perform.

Railway heritage information board installed in Upton

A new heritage board in Upton highlights the history of the Castleman Corkscrew railway, which operated from 1847 until its closure in the 1960s.

Golfers raise thousands for children's cancer charity

Christchurch's Blarney Golf Society raised £2,625 for Young Lives vs Cancer, continuing 14 years of fundraising in memory of a founding member.

Stage adaptation of award-winning book coming to Poole

The stage adaptation of Floella Benjamin's award-winning book, "Coming to England," is coming to Poole.

LIVE: Police cordon at recreation ground in Poole

Police have been called to Broadstone Recreation Ground this afternoon

Teenager dies after being found unresponsive in Poole

Officers and the ambulance service were alerted to an incident on Alder Road at around 9am on February 10.

Van driver in hospital after serious crash that closed road for hours

A van driver was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries after a crash on the A35 through the New Forest.

Woman in her 50s rescued after being stuck in mud

On arrival, it was confirmed that a woman was found trapped in mud.

Mobility scooter rider seriously injured after crash with van

A MOBILITY scooter rider has been seriously injured after a crash with a van in Bournemouth.

Man in his 40s pronounced dead in shopping centre car park

Dorset Police and the ambulance service were alerted to an incident in the Boscombe Sovereign Centre car park at around 7am on January 28.

Green energy firm and port to work together on plans to build Dorset wind farm

Portland Port has announced a partnership with a European renewable energy company which could bring an offshore wind farm to the Jurassic Coast

Sir Tom Jones and Sugababes announced as headliners for major Dorset festival

Welsh singing legend Sir Tom Jones has been confirmed as a headliner for Dorset’s biggest music festival

RECAP: Rush hour delays as major road is closed by emergency services

A major road is closed while emergency services deal with a crash

Man wanted in connection with serious assault may be in Dorset

Officers are eager to locate a wanted man with links to areas of Dorset.

Driver flees after stolen car crashes into Mazda in Bournemouth

The car drove along Castle Lane West to Castlepoint and Woodbury Avenue.

'Breathtakingly beautiful' Dorset beach named among best to visit in winter

Country Living has named Durdle Door Beach among the top eleven beaches to visit in the UK for winter 2025

Emergency services called to van fire in Poole

A van was on fire in Poole overnight.

Estate fined nearly £28,000 for over-abstraction of water

Ilchester Estates in Dorset was fined nearly £28,000 for exceeding its water abstraction licence by 7,500 cubic metres from the Dorset Frome during a drought period.

Government

Regulation of Cycling Bill [HL]

A bill to amend the Road Traffic Act 1988, the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 and the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 to regulate cycling.

Formula 1

F1 75 LIVE: How to watch the season launch event from The O2

There is just one week to go until F1 75 Live, the unprecedented season launch event taking place at London’s The O2 on February 18 – and now details have been revealed on how fans can watch the event live.

Antonelli reveals sneaky first F1 paddock experience after ‘hiding inside stack of tyres’

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli has shared the amusing story behind his first ever visit to the Formula 1 paddock, with tyres, a trolley and an umbrella all playing their part.

LIVESTREAM: Watch the qualifying action from Round 5 of the 2025 F1 Sim Racing World Championship

While we have a little longer to wait until the new F1 season begins, there is plenty of racing action happening in the 2025 F1 Sim Racing World Championship as Event 2 is about to get underway.

Williams announce new title partnership ahead of 2025 season

Williams have secured what the British Formula 1 team describes as the “biggest partnership deal” in their 48-year history, with software firm Atlassian becoming their title partner.

McLaren renew contract of ‘invaluable’ technical chief Prodromou in build-up to 2025 season

McLaren have announced a multi-year extension of Peter Prodromou’s contract as their Technical Director, Aerodynamics, following the team’s return to title-winning ways in 2024.

‘It’s almost always unexpected’ – Newey shares fascinating insight into where his F1 design ideas come from

Adrian Newey has opened up about the thought process behind his Formula 1 designs and the moments that tend to spark ideas, admitting they often “pop up” from nowhere when he is making coffee, taking a shower or going for a walk.

Bearman sets goals for first full F1 season as 2024 left him 'wanting more'

Ollie Bearman has set out his targets for his first full campaign in Formula 1, with the teenager admitting that he was left “wanting more” following his three substitute appearances during the 2024 season.

Formula 1 welcomes Allwyn as new Official Partner

Formula 1 has today announced that it is welcoming leading global lottery operator Allwyn as a new Official Partner in a multi-year deal, beginning in 2025.

F1 UNLOCKED: OWN A PIECE OF THE CHEQUERED FLAG

Win a piece of Grand Prix history with your name on it.

Windows Central

"Swindler." Elon Musk reportedly led an unsolicited bid to buy OpenAI for $97.4 billion, Sam Altman offers a withering response.

OpenAI's last funding round pinned its value at $157 billion, but Musk thought close to $100 billion would suffice. Sam Altman disagrees.

Bill Gates says the late Steve Jobs recommended taking LSD to make Microsoft products more appealing — matching Apple's flair: “Look, I got the wrong batch”

Apple co-founder, the late Steve Jobs urged Bill Gates to take acid because it would inspire more design prowess, making Microsoft products better and more appealing.

I'm having a blast with this new roguelike that's basically co-op Hades, and you can too for a huge discount if you hurry

SWORN is a sweet new roguelike that's basically co-op Hades, and thanks to this deal, you can pick it up for less right now.

Developing Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 for Xbox Series S "helped greatly" for other platforms, says Warhorse Studios

Working on Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 for Xbox Series S benefitted other platforms, says Warhorse Studios.

This apps adds features to Windows 11's File Explorer I didn't even know were missing

A free utility enhances Windows 11's File Explorer with features the app should have by default, such as support for a shortcut to reopen a tab with a combination of keys.

"I would have made different decisions than they made.” Diablo creator discusses the franchise's move to MMO-style in a recent interview

David Brevik, creator of Diablo, reveals insights into early Diablo 3 concepts, including its ambitious MMO-inspired design blending World of Warcraft and Diablo.

Xbox's South of Midnight weaves a dark yet empathetic tale while showing why "that kind of representation matters"

I talked with South of Midnight's narrative lead to discuss Hazel as a character and how her representation matters.

Microsoft loses executive to Google in the latest round of tech giant musical chairs

A nearly 16-year veteran of Microsoft has jumped ship to Google and will lead a newly formed organization at Google Cloud.

South of Midnight hands-on created a sinister folktale experience that speaks to me as a Southerner

Going hands-on with South of Midnight, I'm impressed with its attention to Southern detail and surprisingly dark storytelling.

Interested in buying Civilization 7 for PC? Here's where to get the best deal.

Civilization 7 launches fully on February 11, and you don't need to pay full price for any of the versions. Here's what you need to know to save some money.

The 16-inch AI PC deal saves you $200 on the chip that "challenges Snapdragon X and stomps Intel Meteor Lake"

The ASUS Zenbook S 16 is an AI PC with all-day battery life, a striking design, and a 3K OLED display. It's currently $200 off.

Sam Altman says AI prices will drop 10x yearly after OpenAI launched a $200/month ChatGPT sub that thinks "extra hard"

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently published a new blog post highlighting three key observations on the rapid progression of general artificial intelligence.

Lenovo Legion Go S vs ASUS ROG Ally: Which handheld is better?

We compared the Legion Go S against the ROG Ally. They're both good handhelds, but they outpace each other in different ways.

OpenAI CEO touts Trump's hands-on approach with $500B Stargate project as a "welcome breath of fresh air" — Altman predicts a "vibe shift" in Silicon Valley

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently touted President Trump's approach to tech and AI as opposed to Biden's "hostile" takes.

NZXT Capsule Elite review: A standout microphone for an aspiring streamer or content creator on a budget

A simple yet elegant design complements good audio with elegant aesthetics, and it's a must-have for anyone looking to upgrade their voice for the masses.

Stellar Blade will be coming to PC optimized for Steam Deck and other handhelds

Stellar Blade's upcoming PC port will be optimized for handhelds like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, as well as performing better than on PS5.

Laffgaff

Which country was formerly known as Ceylon?

Sri Lanka.

Talking DNA

What did one DNA say to the other DNA? "Do these genes make me look fat?"