The News - Tuesday, 15 July 2025

BBC News

Trump threatens Russia with tariffs while unveiling Ukraine weapons plan

Under the new plan, the US will sell weapons to Nato countries who will send them to Ukraine.

John Torode says allegation he used racist language upheld in MasterChef report

The TV presenter said he had "no recollection" of any of it, adding: "I do not believe that it happened."

The fate of the Sycamore Gap tree has shed light on a deeper concern

The felling has prompted calls for stricter legal protections for other trees and drawn attention to wider issues

Who's missing from the BBC salaries list, and why?

Claudia Winkleman, Rylan Clark and Michael McIntyre are among the names who will not appear.

Faroes-style tunnels could 'transform' fortunes for Shetland isles

The local council says it is pushing ahead with plans to build tunnels to four outlying isles in the archipelago.

UK to start processing Syrian asylum claims again

Decisions were paused more than seven months ago, following the fall of the Assad regime.

Antisemitism report finds 'unacceptable' increase in anti-Jewish discrimination

Report includes specific recommendations for NHS, the arts industry and the police.

Animals react to secret sounds from plants, say scientists

It opens up the possibility that an invisible ecosystem might exist between plants and animals.

More of England likely to be declared in drought

The National Drought Group meets on Tuesday morning after another hot, dry spell.

Freeholders begin High Court challenge over reforms

A group of landowners is challenging the government's attempts to reform the freehold and leasehold system of property ownership.

US weapons pledge marks major step forward for Ukraine

For the first time since returning to the White House, Trump pledges to make new weapons available to Ukraine.

The Papers: 'Killer aristocrat' and Trump's 'warning to Putin'

Tuesday's papers focus on Trump's push to end the war in Ukraine and the conviction of Constance Marten.

Watch: Timeline of the allegations against Gregg Wallace

BBC culture reporter Noor Nanji takes a look at when the allegations were first made and what's happened since.

BBC's twin-crises prompt apologies and promises - but will it work?

The BBC faces issues over Gregg Wallace and the Gaza documentary it says breached guidelines.

Biggest human imaging study scans 100,000th person

UK Biobank scientists say the human body can be studied in greater detail than ever thanks to people like Steve.

First image of new Harry Potter released as filming begins for TV series

Several new cast members have been announced, for roles including Dudley Dursley and Neville Longbottom.

Reddit starts verifying ages of users in the UK

The platform will bring in the measures from 14 July to stop under-18s looking at "certain mature content".

Thames Water issues hosepipe ban for one million people across four counties

The water company says a lack of rain and increasing demand has stretched its supplies.

Knightsbridge murder possibly a 'targeted attack'

Three men in their 20s are arrested in connection with the murder of Blue Stevens in Knightsbridge.

India orders airlines to check fuel switches on Boeing jets

India's aviation regulator gives airlines that operate in the country a week to comply with the order.

Man who murdered girlfriend and tried to cover up her death jailed for life

The body of Phoenix Spencer-Horn, 21, was discovered at her home in East Kilbride in November 2024.

Post Office could be owned by its postmasters, government says

The service could be turned into an employee-owned business, under options set out by the government.

John Torode sacked as MasterChef host after racist language allegation upheld

It plunges the BBC cooking show into a deeper crisis after co-host Gregg Wallace was also sacked.

Thousands of Afghans were moved to UK in secret scheme after data breach

The existence of the scheme could not be reported until now because of a court injunction.

Men who felled Sycamore Gap tree in act of 'sheer bravado' jailed

One of the men's lawyers says felling the Sycamore Gap tree was an act of "drunken stupidity".

I'm 'disappointed but not done' with Putin, Trump tells BBC

Trump says he trusts "almost nobody" in exclusive interview discussing the war in Ukraine, Nato and the UK.

Trump woke me up for a surprise interview - these are the key takeaways

The US president signalled a new tone on Nato, voiced his respect for Keir Starmer - and showed his reflective side.

Savers to be targeted with offers to invest in shares under new plans

Banks will send savers details of possible investments and an ad campaign will raise awareness, the Treasury says.

Constance Marten spent months at 'torture' church, friend tells BBC

Aged 19, Marten became a disciple of a notorious preacher who allegedly controlled and raped women.

Immigration status of benefit claimants published for first time

In June, nearly eight million received universal credit, 83.6% of whom were British and Irish nationals.

Couple guilty of murdering two-year-old grandson

Ethan Ives-Griffiths' grandparents and mother are all found guilty of charges relating to his death.

Thames Water 'extremely stressed', warns boss

The company's future remains uncertain as it posts losses of £1.65bn for the year to March.

Emmys 2025: Severance and The Penguin scoop top nominations

See which shows and actors are up for the TV industry's most prestigious awards in Los Angeles.

Watch: How do you get a phone call with the president?

The BBC's Gary O'Donoghue shares the story behind his exclusive telephone interview with Donald Trump.

How CCTV exposed lies of couple who murdered their grandson

Ethan Ives-Griffiths was two when he died from a brain injury inflicted by his grandparents.

Who are the Sycamore Gap tree fellers and why did they do it?

Who are Adam Carruthers and Daniel Graham and what possible motive did they have for their action?

The full list of the BBC's highest-paid stars

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, who left in May, is still the corporation's top earner.

I've never seen a case like Constance Marten and Mark Gordon's - it was jaw-dropping

Now the case is over, the BBC can report some of the remarkable moments when jurors weren't in court.

'Not our war' - US-Nato weapons deal for Ukraine sparks MAGA anger

Marjorie Taylor Greene, a key Trump ally, and former Trump strategist Steve Bannon have criticised the move.

Girl in union jack dress told she couldn't give 'British' speech at school

Bilton School in Rugby apologised after preventing a pupil from making a speech at school while wearing a union jack dress.

Asda fined for selling out of date food

Trading standards officers found 115 items, including some that were more than two weeks out of date.

WeTransfer says files not used to train AI after backlash

Some social media users had threatened to delete their accounts after WeTransfer's terms were updated.

Israel bombs Syrian forces entering Druze city after sectarian clashes

About 100 people have reportedly been killed since fighting between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes erupted in Suweida on Sunday.

Emmys 2025: Severance and The Penguin scoop top nominations

See which shows and actors are up for the TV industry's most prestigious awards in Los Angeles.

Bournemouth Echo

Woman compares hospital to 'war zone' after 'total chaos'

A woman compared Bournemouth Hospital to a 'war zone' after a recent experience which she described as 'total chaos'.

Poole athlete selected for European Youth Olympic Festival

Poole’s Paige Vincent to represent Great Britain in taekwondo at the 2025 European Youth Olympic Festival in Skopje. Team GB squad announced by BOA.

Poole comedian in finals of UK's biggest bingo contest

Poole’s Esther Cross reaches Dabbers Comedy Caller 2025 finals in London, impressing with cheese-themed bingo cabaret. Winner secures £1,000 prize.

Museum to bring Minecraft to life with new activities

Experience Minecraft Adventures at the Museum of East Dorset this summer. Enjoy themed family activities, clay workshops, mob hunts and creative crafts.

Bournemouth MP unveils £1bn plan to tackle child poverty

UK launches £1bn fund to tackle child poverty, backed by Tom Hayes, Save the Children UK & The King’s Trust, aiming to help 200,000 vulnerable children.

Public urged to have their say on New Forest rules for visitors

Residents and visitors are invited to give their views on whether two public space protection orders (PSPOs) in the New Forest should be extended for another three years.

New trust to preserve history of shipbuilding on Beaulieu River

Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust launches to preserve Beaulieu River shipbuilding heritage, with archaeological surveys, education projects, and public events.

Huge Boeing 737 to be pulled to raise money for charity

This year, the event will support charities such as Autism Unlimited, Blesma, Dorset Mind, Dreamflight and Home Start Wessex.

New modular endoscopy centre being built at Poole Hospital

Premier Modular and P+HS Architects start building a new modular endoscopy centre at Poole Hospital for University Hospitals Dorset, boosting NHS diagnostic services.

Council launches new strategy to tackle domestic abuse

New Forest District Council launches domestic abuse strategy; residents invited to share feedback. Priorities: victim support, awareness, training and housing.

Time Team to bring activities to Corfe Castle this weekend

Families can enjoy games and activities throughout the ruins, such as archery, slingshots, balance beams and garden games.

Champagne and canapés to be served at new estate home open day

"This event is a perfect opportunity for prospective buyers to experience the potential of our homes firsthand."

Bournemouth Airport named second most expensive for parking

This would mean spending just £29 on parking for a week, saving 76 per cent compared to the official car park.

Public asked to have their say as council reviews bus services

BCP Council reviews subsidised bus services in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Residents urged to take part in consultation on future public transport.

Council asks for public's thoughts on plans for Lilliput

All comments received during the consultation period will be considered and will feed into the council’s formal decision-making process.

Dorset law firm promotes key staff member to partner

"I am grateful to work at a firm which encourages and supports its people to fulfil their potential and I am excited about the opportunities my new position holds."

Wimborne Craft Fair returns with 30 tables of arts and crafts

"We have already had a great deal of interest from local crafters and I’d recommend securing your space sooner rather than later."

Former students return to bid farewell to school buildings

Former Oak Academy pupils reunite to say goodbye as historic Bournemouth school buildings set for demolition. New state-of-the-art campus opens September 2025.

Cottage in 'the new Sandbanks' goes on market for £4m

Ballard Cottage, a £4m four-bed home in Studland’s exclusive Glebe Estate, offers sea views, privacy, eco tech and is for sale via DOMVS estate agents.

School praised for its 'proactive approach' to sustainability

Ballard School in New Milton wins Eco-Schools Green Flag Award with distinction for environmental action, tree planting and sustainability education.

Survey launched to protect and enhance Dorset's landscapes

Have your say on Dorset National Landscape’s future. Take part in the public survey to help shape the protection of Dorset’s countryside and wildlife.

Three mermaid tails from Great Tail Trail now at Sandbanks

Entrepreneur Tom Glanfield displays three Great Tail Trail mermaid sculptures at Sandbanks, supporting Julia’s House children’s hospice after £201,100 raised.

'Brilliant' scooter day at museum attracts 150 classic two-wheelers

Over 150 scooters joined Scooter Day 2025 at Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, with Vespa Club of Britain, classic awards, and rare Lambretta displays.

Charity walk to support hospitals to take place this weekend

Join the Walk for Wards 2025 at Upton Country Park, Poole, to support University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity. Sign up to raise funds for hospital care.

Care home achieves new status to support armed forces community

The Potteries care home in Poole becomes Dorset’s first to earn Veteran Friendly Framework accreditation, supporting veterans’ wellbeing and community events.

Morebus and hopsital trust slam 'inherently unsafe' proposals for new junction

The hospital trust has said it objects on the grounds of plans “creating increased traffic and congestion on one of the most overwhelmed junctions in BCP” which would pose a “health and safety risk to pedestrians, cyclists, buses and drivers”.

Resident 'intimidated' by rise in shoplifting at Co-Op

A resident has raised concerns about rising shoplifting and anti-social behaviour at the Co-op on Queens Road in Bournemouth, saying it is making it difficult for regular customers to shop safely.

Plea for community support if carnival is to continue as costs exceed £11k

A PLEA for community support has been issued after basic costs for a town carnival have exceeded £11,000.

Eight new electric vehicle chargers proposed for shopping centre

Castlepoint Shopping Centre in Bournemouth may see the introduction of eight new electric vehicle chargers (EV chargers) as plans have been submitted by Envevo, an electrical installation service.

Group complete 'unofficial' pier to pier swim following cancelled event

A group completed an unofficial pier to pier swim after the British Heart Foundation event was cancelled due to bad weather.

Plans submitted to build 115 apartments in Poole

PLANNING application has been submitted for development of 115 apartments at Commercial Road, Poole.

Armed police and helicopter called for teens with knife

Armed police have been called to Southbourne following reports of two teenagers with a knife

Air ambulance called after woman falls from window

A woman has been taken to hospital after falling from a window in Bournemouth.

Additional driving ban sentence for disqualified driver caught speeding at 124mph

The speed of the car – a silver Volkswagen Polo saloon – was recorded on a laser device to be 124mph.

Firefighters battle massive blaze for HOURS as buildings, trailer and land burn

Firefighters spent almost seven hours tackling a large fire involving buildings, a lorry trailer and vegetation

Watch seal pop its head up to say hello to swimmers near New Forest

A seal kept "popping" its head up to say hello to swimmers yesterday at a beach on the edge of the New Forest.

Tenants evicted over anti-social behaviour

East Dorset Police assisted with the evection of tenants in a Verwood address after reports of antisocial behaviour.

Two car crash closes road for multiple hours

A crash involving two cars closed the A31 eastbound for multiple hours.

Firefighters protest against government cuts which could see 30 firefighter jobs axed

Hampshire firefighters have taken a stand against government cuts to the fire service which could result 30 firefighter posts being axed.

Teachers at school to strike in protest at restructure plans

Teachers from Sturminster Newton High School are taking strike action today after in protest at proposed restructuring plans and job cuts.

RECAP: Road closed and long delays after crash on A31

Crash closes A31 eastbound near Ringwood, heavy traffic and long delays are to be expected.

Rare animal seen in the New Forest after an absence of decades

Pine martens have been spotted in the New Forest after being absent from the national park for decades.

Dozens of illegal e-scooters and electric bikes seized crushed by police

A number of illegally modified electric vehicles have been seized as part of an operation to tackle organised crime and anti-social behaviour, says police.

Road closed after concerns for woman's welfare

A road was closed in Bournemouth after police were called to concerns for a woman’s welfare near a bridge.

Public warned not to approach stolen quad bike

New Forest Police have issued an appeal after a quad bike was stolen near Lymington.

Controversial Irish trio announces Bournemouth tour date

Kneecap will perform at the Bournemouth O2 Academy on Friday, November 14 despite controversy surrounding the group's recent political statements.

Swanage Railway only running diesel trains 'until further notice' following fire

Swanage Railway has now announced on its website that due to a "high fire risk", all services are operated by heritage diesels until further notice.

Plane seen circling airport due to 'technical issue'

A Ryanair flight was seen circling above Bournemouth Airport for almost an hour due to 'technical issues'.

Police locate missing woman following searches

Police searching for a missing woman can confirm she has been found.

Fabulous family fun: Our selection of the top five summer days out near you

If you're looking for something to do with the whole family, look no further! Here is our top five list of things to do near you this summer.

Coastguard leads four hour search for missing Poole woman

The coastguard led a four hour search to help find a missing woman in the area of Sandbanks.

'Several' 999 calls made after dinghy capsizes in Poole

Poole Coastguard Rescue Team responded to an incident involving a 50ft boat that had run aground.

Government

Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill

A Bill to give effect to, and make provision in connection with, an agreement between the governments of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius concerning the Chagos Archipelago.

Formula 1

The front-end developments behind McLaren’s success

The integrated sophistication of the McLaren’s mechanical and aerodynamic package sits at the very heart of the MCL39’s advantage over the competition this season.

Sainz rues ‘everything’ going wrong in ‘tough’ run of races

Carlos Sainz has given his reflections on what has been a “tough” run of races for himself and Williams during the first half of the season, with the Spaniard stating that “everything that could go wrong this year so far has gone wrong for me”.

How Mansell's 1986 title dreams were dashed

Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost and Nelson Piquet were all vying for title glory as the 1986 F1 season reached its climax in Australia.

Brown explains hopes for Norris and Piastri’s rivalry

Zak Brown has insisted that handling the relationship between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both on and off the track is an “enjoyable” task for McLaren rather than a “problem”, with the CEO hopeful that the pair’s rivalry will continue until the end of the season.

Gasly labels Bottas to Alpine rumours ‘a lot of noise’

Pierre Gasly has labelled the rumours linking Valtteri Bottas to Alpine as “a lot of noise”, with the Frenchman suggesting that the team need to “just focus on the work ahead” as they try to take steps forward.

Windows Central

Marvel Rivals' swimsuit lineup kicks off this week — with hot new outfits for these characters

Marvel Rivals' swimsuit lineup is finally close, with new outfits for Psylocke and Loki revealed ahead of a launch on July 18.

Windows 11 will soon be able to describe images on your screen using AI — and it'll all be done locally

A new "Describe Image" feature is coming soon to Click To Do, which will allow Windows 11 to use AI to describe an image that's currently on your screen.

I'm shocked Microsoft's Xbox Graphics department used this embarrassing AI-generated ad — "The irony that the head of Xbox Graphics using a Al image and didn't see the screen was backward."

An AI-generated Xbox hiring ad recently posted by Microsoft contains blatant errors, drawing scathing criticism following the recent wave of layoffs.

GOG is delisting two of the best indie games ever — buy them now before it's too late

GOG is delisting Playdead's Limbo and Inside, so if you want to play two of the best indie games ever, act fast.

I can finally use this awesome NVIDIA feature on my RTX 40-series GPU, and you can too — if you're willing to test an unstable preview driver

NVIDIA Smooth Motion is now available to use on RTX 40-series cards thanks to the release of the new 590.26 preview driver.

Microsoft shareholders call for review of ties to Israel — "In the face of serious allegations of complicity in genocide and other international crimes, Microsoft’s HRDD processes appear ineffective"

A shareholder resolution demands that Microsoft report on its human rights due diligence amid allegations about Azure and AI use by the Israeli government.

Microsoft's new 'flash' reasoning AI model ships with a hybrid architecture — making its responses 10x faster with a "2 to 3 times average reduction in latency"

Microsoft recently unveiled Phi-mini-flash-reasoning as its latest entry in the Phi family of small AI models, developed using a new hybrid architecture (SambaY), making its responses 10x faster.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is being fully revealed at Gamescom 2025 — here's when to tune in

Activision, Treyarch, and Raven Software are unveiling Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 during Opening Night Live at Gamescom 2025.

Microsoft Copilot scores low on AI IQ tests — but that's not the full story

Microsoft Copilot ranked a lowly 25th out of the top 26 large language models in terms of IQ, using questions that do not appear anywhere else online.

You only have a short time left to own the only official John Wick video game — soon it'll be gone for good (luckily, it's now only $3.99)

An update from the John Wick Hex developers has confirmed that the game will soon be delisted from sale for good, and you don't have long to grab a copy if you ever thought of playing it.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater — How to pre-order, release dates, story, gameplay, and everything else you need to know

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, the highly anticipated remake of the third entry in Konami's historic Metal Gear franchise, is on the horizon.

Windows 11 Firewall with Advanced Security flags up errors in "under development" code — but it's nothing to worry about

An issue in Windows Firewall with Advanced Security for Windows 11 24H2 was prompted by a feature in development, but not fully implemented.

AI-powered malware eludes Microsoft Defender's security checks 8% of the time — with just 3 months of training and "reinforcement learning" for around $1,600

Outflank researchers are set to unveil new AI malware at Black Hat 2025 in August with the capability to bypass Microsoft Defender.

7 games that are perfect for handheld gaming PCs — with my favorite Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go titles

I've played dozens of games on my ROG Ally, Steam Deck, and Legion Go. These are the ones I've enjoyed playing most on these portable gaming devices.

Laffgaff

What video game character was originally called Jumpman?

Mario.

Itsfoss

The Curious Case of AUR Updates Fetching 30 GB of Data for Electron

No one has time for a 30 GB update, right?