BBC News
OBR head resigns over Budget day publishing error
The government's official forecaster inadvertently published a crucial Budget document early.
OBR head's resignation leaves potential landmines for Reeves
Chancellor's next mission to find a respected and credible economist to run the OBR will require careful balance
British Fashion Awards: Baby bumps and Traitors stars
Designers, models and celebrities gathered at the Royal Albert Hall for the glitzy ceremony.
Hillsborough police report 'may not give answers'
A long-delayed report into police conduct at Hillsborough is due to be published by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Australia won't be intimidated by firms over social media ban, minister tells BBC
Anika Wells says she is 'ready to help' nations that wish to copy Australia's social media ban for under-16s.
Jury trial reforms set to be announced
The changes will restrict the right to a jury trial in a bid to reduce the backlog of cases.
White House doctor releases Trump's 'perfectly normal' MRI results
The release comes as Democrats have been pushing to see the results amid concerns about Trump's age.
Jamie Laing's Candy Kittens to acquire UK snack brand Graze
The deal comes as Unilever plans to offload some food brands to focus on care and beauty.
Teenage girl dies in minibus crash near school
The teenager was travelling in a minibus when it collided with a car in Toulston Lane, police say.
Sound of 2026: 10 acts you'll be obsessed with next year
The list tips new music for the coming year, following previous winners like Adele, Haim and Chappell Roan.
The Papers: 'OBR chief resigns' and 'Reeves clings on'
The exit of the Office of Budget Responsibility chair follows continued attention on the chancellor.
Is it too early to put your Christmas tree up?
When you should you decorate for Christmas – and how to keep your tree looking good until the big day.
Car made famous by Bond was left to rust on a drive - now it's worth £1m
Local children jumped on the bonnet, and there was even a mouse nest in the highly-valuable car.
Australia's social media ban explained... in 60 seconds
Australia is banning social media for everyone under the age 16 - but will it actually work? Here's everything you need to know.
Watch: Melania Trump reveals White House Christmas decorations
This year's theme is "Home Is Where the Heart Is" and features Lego portraits of Donald Trump and George Washington, and 3D-printed ornaments.
Global shortage of obesity jabs, warns WHO
Too few people who could benefit from so-called "skinny jabs" are able to access them, says WHO.
US and UK agree zero tariffs deal on pharmaceuticals
The deal follows threats of tariffs as high as 100% on branded drug imports.
US Navy commander ordered second Venezuela boat strike, White House says
The White House confirmed the second strikes on 2 September, but denied reports that Defence Secretary Hegseth said "kill everybody" on board the vessel.
Mangione in court as lawyers seek to rule out notebook, gun and other key evidence
A legal expert explains how the defence could stand to gain even if their longshot bid fails this week.
Car-sharing company ZipCar to end UK operations
ZipCar, which has more than 600,000 UK members, temporarily suspends new bookings on its platform.
'We will never get justice,' say Hillsborough families as report finds fundamental police failures
A report finds 12 ex-police officers would have faced misconduct cases over the disaster.
Jury trials scrapped for crimes with sentences of less than three years
The reforms are being brought in to tackle unprecedented delays in the Crown Court.
Quarter of police forces lack basic policies on sexual offences, Sarah Everard inquiry finds
The report, four years after the 33-year-old's murder, says urgent action is needed to prevent violent, sexual attacks against women.
Andrew won't get any money back after Royal Lodge move
MPs announce an inquiry into the Crown Estate and its properties after Andrew's departure from Windsor.
Reeves speech did not mislead on challenges facing UK ahead of Budget, says OBR official
Prof David Miles tells MPs the messaging given by the chancellor was "not inconsistent" with the situation she faced.
Friends to leave Netflix in UK at the end of the year
The comedy, which is one of the streamer's most popular shows, will leave the platform on 30 December.
Watch: James Bond-style Aston Martin now worth £1m after being left to rust on drive
The car - made famous by James Bond became so dilapidated local children played on it - has been restored and is now worth £1m.
Our teen daughter died from meningitis - we didn't know a booster jab would have saved her
Meg Draper was enjoying the social side of student life - within weeks she had died from meningitis.
Search for British hiker who went missing in Romanian mountains
His rugby club says its thoughts are with him, family and friends in this "incredibly worrying time".
Scotland qualifying for the World Cup put me in hospital
The BBC's entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson needed surgery after a mishap ahead of Scotland's World Cup qualifying game.
'Hung by my wrists and beaten': Israeli-Russian woman says Iraqi militants tortured her in captivity
Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was freed in September, tells the BBC that her two years in captivity left her physically and mentally scarred.
Traitors stars, Sienna Miller's baby bump and more pictures from the Fashion Awards
Designers, models and celebrities gathered at the Royal Albert Hall for the glitzy ceremony.
Devastating toxic spill seen as test of whether African countries will stand up to China
Chinese companies provide jobs and much needed revenue in Zambia, where the disaster took place.
Pavarotti statue frozen knee-deep in ice rink strikes wrong note in Italy
The opera legend's widow said the town had made an "absurd decision" after it also encouraged skaters to high five the statue.
Twelve more prisoners released in error, with two still missing, says Lammy
The releases happened in the past three weeks, coming on top of 91 prisoners who were freed by mistake between April and October.
Diddy hits out at 'shameful' and 'illegal' documentary
The rapper's representatives say the series is "a shameful hit piece" that "relied on stolen footage".
Tax rises and tighter spending to hold back UK growth, new report warns
Growth in the UK economy is expected to slow next year, an influential global policy group predicts.
US Homeland Security secretary calls for more travel bans
Kristi Noem says she will recommend a ban on entry for several countries that she says are "flooding" the US with criminal activity.
Bournemouth Echo
MP praised school leading the way in pupil attendance
A BOURNEMOUTH school is leading the way in its pupil attendance.
'It's been through all sorts': Long-running Bournemouth bar hits 15-year anniversary
A BOURNEMOUTH cocktail bar is celebrating their fifteen years with its manager sating the achievement is “no small feat” in an industry where businesses come and go within few months.
Parish council objects to 'unacceptable' music festival expansion
A PARISH council has objected to a music festival becoming a three-day event saying it shows a ‘substantial and unacceptable’ change from what has been allowed previously.
Proposal to close road to motorists in favour of active travel after car flips
A car that flipped on its roof has prompted a councillor to propose closing a through road in favour of active travel.
Bournemouth-based ski travel agent named best at prestigious awards
A business based in Charminster has been named as the world's best ski travel agent at recent prestigious awards.
Poundland branch hopes to leave Bournemouth with 'pride' in 2026
Poundland's Winton branch will be closing its doors in 2026, following restructuring within the business.
'I feel so loved': Pub owner overwhelmed by community support after closure
A PUB owner says she has been left “cared for, loved and appreciated” after villagers rallied in support for her following the closure of her business.
Council fines business owner after reported fly-tipping incident
A BUSINESS owner has been fined by council after dumping waste in the New Forest.
Town's over-60s walking football team finds major sponsor
Wimborne Town over-60s walking football team secures local shirt sponsor, sporting black-and-white stripes at Wyatt Homes stadium. Community sport support.
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 November 2025, including in Bournemouth
One Dorset resident wins £100k prize as December Premium Bonds winners revealed
Here are the Premium Bonds winners for December 2025 in Dorset - check if you've won a prize.
Jury still deliberating verdicts over alleged murder of motorcyclist
A JURY are still deliberating their verdicts over the alleged murder of a motorcyclist.
Mercedes and two electric bikes stolen in burglary
A MERCEDES and two electric bikes were stolen after a burglary at residential property in Poole.
Car on top of transporter caught ablaze
A CAR on top of a transporter vehicle caught on fire in Ferndown, as residents thanked firefighters for their quick response.
Town hits back after being described as "Dorset's rectum"
A community has hit back following claims that Weymouth is “Dorset’s rectum” following a hugely popular festive event held over the weekend
Nearly £40 million allocated to BCP to improve and maintain roads
NEARLY £40 million of funding to improve and maintain roads has been allocated to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Poole professional reaches career milestone with employer
Caroline Gregory celebrates 25 years at Lawton Tubes in Poole, Dorset, highlighting her key role in UK copper engineering and export for the manufacturing sector.
Children's Christmas show sponsored by nursery group
Tops Day Nurseries sponsors Lighthouse Poole’s Little Robin Red Vest Christmas show for children, supporting early years theatre, artist development, and community outreach.
South West councils respond to 2025 autumn budget
South West Councils react to the 2025 Autumn Budget, urging clarity on council tax surcharge, SEND funding, tourism tax, and future local authority funding.
Drivers face higher risk of drink-driving checks this month
Dorset Police ramp up roadside breath tests in December, with drink-driving checks nearly doubling. Over 10% of motorists tested over the legal limit.
Howden reopens letter slots for sending letters to Santa
Howden branches across the UK reopen their North Pole Mail Service, letting children post letters to Santa and receive replies. Festive events in-store.
Youngsters delighted residents at care home by visiting on bus
Toddlers from Tops Day Nursery in Wimborne visited Hyacinth House Care Home, delighting residents with flowers, handmade cards and intergenerational activities.
Family business marks 45 years selling Christmas trees
Strawberry Fields Christmas Tree Farm in Lymington celebrates 45 years in business with free weekend hot drinks for customers. New Forest festive tradition.
GPs face huge surge in demand as millions contact them online
Over 8 million patients contacted their GP online in October 2023, a record high as NHS England boosts digital access for appointments, admin and prescriptions.
Heavyweight regional law firm opens office in Dorset
Stephens Scown LLP opens a new Bournemouth office, expanding Dorset legal services for SMEs. Employee-owned, B Corp™ firm seeks local recruits.
Town mayor's charity event raises cash for local causes
Wimborne Mayor’s charity brunch at The Olive Branch raises £225 for Millstream Theatre Group and Dorset Community Action, showcasing local school choirs.
Dorset Chamber Choir to perform Christmas concert in Wimborne
Dorset Chamber Choir announces 2025 Christmas concert at Wimborne Methodist Church on 15 December. Enjoy carols and festive music—tickets £10, under 18s free.
Event to celebrate 99th year of 'performances for all ages'
Bournemouth Performing Arts Competition 2026: entries open 19 January. Open to ages 3–80, with prizes, feedback, and events across Dorset venues.
Dorset hospitality businesses facing big fines over tipping
Dorset hospitality businesses warned by Azets to comply with the Tipping Act 2023 or risk fines and employment tribunals. New tip law changes due in 2026.
Cherry tree planted at New Forest youth and family hub
More than 100 trees are set to be planted this season on council land, plotted on the Hampshire Forest Partnership map.
'Truly exceptional' community welcomes new headmaster
Durlston School appoints Bennjamyn Smith as new headmaster from September 2026, succeeding Richard May. Smith brings UK and international education expertise.
More than 40 attend Bournemouth tax and spending seminar
Over 40 attended Saffery's Bournemouth Budget Breakfast Seminar, discussing government tax plans, personal and corporate tax, EMI scheme changes, and business impact.
Free parking to encourage shoppers to support town centre
Christchurch offers free town centre parking on 6 & 13 December in selected car parks to support local shops and boost Christmas shopping this festive season.
Home care provider recognised for 'exceptional dedication'
Abbots Care Dorset wins Outstanding Community Business Gold Award at Ferndown Business Awards for exceptional home care, community support, and tackling loneliness.
Writing festival launches project for people living with dementia
Bournemouth Writing Festival launches free dementia-friendly writing workshops with Tricuro Cares and Bournemouth University, ending with a public celebration.
Police make urgent drink and drugs plea to residents
Dorset Police launch Christmas drink and drug driving crackdown from 1 Dec 2025–1 Jan 2026. Report offenders to help keep Dorset roads safe this festive season.
Hedgehog Cup tournament between 32 football clubs announced
UK football clubs compete in the 2025/26 Hedgehog Cup, organised by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, promoting hedgehog-friendly actions and wildlife awareness.
Dorset disability charity to double donations this December
Dorset charity Diverse Abilities joins the Big Give Christmas Challenge to double donations for Langside School’s speech and language therapy, 2–9 December.
Art exhibition against gender-based violence in Bournemouth
Art exhibition in Bournemouth highlights gender-based violence, featuring Arts University Bournemouth students. Open daily at Bobby's during 16 days of activism.
Bournemouth funeral home launches 'bereavement tree'
Co-op Funeralcare Westbourne in Bournemouth launches a bereavement tree, offering community support and remembrance for those grieving at Christmas.
Drivers warned as TikTok hack could result in '£400 repair bill'
UK motorists warned: TikTok car care hacks like hot water on windscreens and homemade de-icers risk costly repairs, fines and Highway Code breaches.
Coastal landslip risk to be reduced with £1.4 million funding
BCP Council approves £1.4m to boost cliff stability in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, tackling landslips and safeguarding key seafront areas.
Iconic poet Dr John Cooper Clarke to perform in Poole
Dr John Cooper Clarke brings his acclaimed punk poetry to Lighthouse Poole on 10 October as part of his UK tour and new book "Have It." Tickets on sale soon.
Performers stage 'festive' show during charity advent event
Mad4Dance to host a festive charity show for the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar, raising funds for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation. Free event, 14 Dec.
Key road closures planned for work and construction
Dorset Council announces road and footpath closures in Buckland Ripers, East Stour, and Winterbourne Abbas for utility works by Wessex Water and Wessex Internet.
New warning to motorists on multiple roads across BCP
BCP Council warns of delays as roadworks and closures hit Wallisdown Road, Morrison Avenue, Alton Road and more. Check diversion routes and updates.
Dorset law firm advises on East Midlands acquisition
Ellis Jones Solicitors advised Hampshire-based entrustIT on its acquisition of Bedford's DWM Technical Solutions, boosting UK IT services and nationwide growth.
Dorset company making global mark with theatrical special effects
Dorset’s The Twins FX delivers world-class theatrical special effects for pantomimes and films, working with UK stars and championing sustainability in theatre.
Bournemouth firefighter features in national portrait series
Bournemouth firefighter David Waters features in White Ribbon UK’s ‘We Speak Up’ portrait campaign at centre:mk, Milton Keynes, highlighting men’s role in ending violence against women.
Residents to vote on neighbourhood plan - here's what it means
Melbury Abbas and Cann residents to vote on neighbourhood plan referendum on 4 December. Plan shapes local development, housing and green spaces. Photo ID required.
Original oil paintings by Berrisford Hill to go under the hammer
A collection of original Berrisford Hill oil paintings will be auctioned by Charterhouse in January, with works expected to fetch thousands of pounds.
Christmas concert to raise funds and gifts for those in need
Join the YMCA Bournemouth Christmas Concert at St Peter's Church on 13 December, supporting homelessness charities with music, gifts and festive fundraising.
Government announces 'historic' £170 million HIV action plan
Government launches £170m HIV action plan to end new transmissions in England by 2030, boosting testing, treatment and NHS home test kits. World AIDS Day.
Historian David Starkey and economist to appear in Bournemouth
David Starkey and Mark Littlewood to debate in Bournemouth on 12 January, hosted by 1832 Club. Key event for SMEs, political reform, and UK economic issues.
Bournemouth MP backs government plans to clean up local politics
This is intended to address concerns about inconsistent use of rules on behaviour and the lack of effective sanctions.
Dorset town to star in its own Christmas romantic comedy
Wimborne’s festive 2025 advert, "A Match Made in Wimborne", stars Rhiannon Duffin and celebrates local Christmas shopping, romance, and community spirit.
Rail strikes set to stop train services to Bournemouth
RMT strikes to disrupt CrossCountry train services on Saturdays in December, with major cancellations and limited routes. Check journey updates before travel.
Government
Iconic Trees and Nature Education Bill
A Bill to make provision for a register of iconic trees; to make provision about the designation and protection of trees on that register; to require the Secretary of State to review the provision of nature education in England; and for connected purposes
Formula 1
Aston Martin announce launch date for 2026 car
Aston Martin have become the latest team to reveal their launch date ahead of the 2026 season.
Which drivers impressed our judges in Qatar?
Max Verstappen claimed his seventh victory of the season in the Qatar Grand Prix, meaning that he has closed in on championship leader Lando Norris in the process. But how did our Power Rankings list for the weekend shake out? Check out the latest scores and overall leaderboard below...
F1 2026 line-ups confirmed in full
With the announcement of the Red Bull and Racing Bulls line ups, the 2026 grid is finally complete. So, which teams have changed and which teams are sticking with their current drivers ahead of a season where there is a very big shake up in the regulations? Read on to find out…
The key questions as Red Bull confirm 2026 line-up
Red Bull and Racing Bulls are switching it up for 2026, with Isack Hadjar stepping up to Red Bull and Arvid Lindblad earning his F1 debut with Racing Bulls. Liam Lawson keeps his Racing Bulls seat while Yuki Tsunoda is sent back to the bench. F1 Correspondent Lawrence Barretto looks at the key questions surrounding the news..
Red Bull and Racing Bulls reveal 2026 driver line-ups
Red Bull and Racing Bulls have revealed their 2026 driver line-ups – with some big changes afoot…
Williams recruit Jade Jacquet for 2026 F1 ACADEMY season
Cian Shields set for F1 weekend debut with Aston Martin
The key technical factor that’s aided Verstappen’s title bid
Ever since Zandvoort, Red Bull have been paying a lot of attention to their front wing – and that seems to be at the heart of the car’s improved performances compared to the first half of the season, something which has brought Max Verstappen into championship contention.
Vowles calls Williams’ P5 ‘a dream come true’
Williams have secured fifth place in the Teams’ Championship with one round to go, thanks to Carlos Sainz’s podium finish in Qatar. The Spaniard came home third for his second rostrum of the season – third if you include Sprint results – to make sure that Williams finish on top of the midfield.
Ferrari 'did a worse job than the others' in Qatar – Vasseur
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has conceded that they “did a worse job” than their rivals in the Qatar Grand Prix, which contributed to one of their lowest points hauls of the season.
Fornaroli joins McLaren Driver Development Programme
Newly-crowned Formula 2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli has become one of three new signings to the McLaren Driver Development Programme, with the Italian joining alongside fellow F2 racer Richard Verschoor and 2025 FIA European Karting Champion Christian Costoya.
Windows Central
Final Cyber Monday 2025 hours — The 12 top tech deals at Best Buy ending tonight, from Surface and mini PCs to gaming
As Cyber Monday comes to a close, I hand select the greatest deals at Best Buy. This is your final chance to save money on tech and accessories before it ends.
Surprise! The price of Battlefield 6 just fell in Cyber Monday's final hours — I can't recommend this deal on 2025's biggest new game enough
Cyber Monday is almost over, but in its final hours, Battlefield 6 has gotten a big price drop. If you don't have 2025's biggest new game yet, now's the time to snag it.
This underrated new action game has an awesome Cyber Monday discount — I can finally get it on sale, and you can too
Hell is Us is an underrated action RPG that's gone under the radar despite strong reviews. With these Cyber Monday deals, though, you can check it out for less.
This FromSoftware action RPG is a must-play favorite of mine, cheaper than ever on Cyber Monday — no, it's not Elden Ring
Armored Core 6 proves FromSoftware can make incredible ARPGs that aren't Soulslikes, and Cyber Monday deals have it cheaper than it's ever been right now.
Need a reliable and affordable laptop to help you get work done early? — Feast your eyes on this Copilot+ PC now on 44% off for Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday has come, and thanks to it, Amazon has managed to procure a 44% discount on the ASUS Vivobook 14, making it more affordable for people craving for a reliable, mid-range Copilot+ Laptop.
Cyber Monday Legion Go S deals — The accessories I recommend most for your Lenovo handheld gaming PC
The Legion Go S has the best Cyber Monday deal of any handheld this year. If you have one of these devices, don't forget the essential handheld accessories to go with it.
Ask Windows Central: The best Cyber Monday PC deals and why waiting could cost you big in 2026
Windows Central breaks down the best PC and laptop deals live right now — and why waiting could cost you big. Stock is limited, discounts vanish fast, and tomorrow might be too late. If you’ve been eyeing a laptop upgrade, this is the moment to act.
Paws off my keyboard — Cyber Monday PC accessory deals that will keep your cat away from your laptop or desktop
I have three cats and I've fostered dozens of others. These Cyber Monday deals will help cat-proof your computer area while making both you and your feline friend happy.
This Xbox Series X Best Buy deal (no, seriously) throws in a $100 gift card for Cyber Monday — hurry if you want to save
A Cyber Monday deal at Best Buy will net you a $100 gift card when you buy an Xbox Series X, making it easily the best deal on an Xbox console this season.
Antonline's massive Cyber Monday sale knocks up to 44% off top Windows laptops — I picked the 13 best PC deals out of hundreds of discounts
With deals from all major laptop brands, Antonline could have the perfect Windows 11 PC for you on Cyber Monday.
I wasn't going to spend money — but the Meta Quest 3S Cyber Monday deals at Best Buy are just too good to pass up
I've been on the fence for a while about buying a Meta Quest 3 or Quest 3S, but Best Buy's Cyber Monday deals finally made me crack with its discounts.
Microsoft’s 2025 Limted Edition Windows Ugly Sweater celebrates 50 years of nostalgia with Clippy, DOS, MSN, and more— and it’ll sell out fast, so act now!
To cap off Microsoft's 50th anniversary year, the company has announced a new Windows Ugly Sweater for 2025, this time themed after nostalgic and popular icons from Windows' past.
Valve is working on a "Lepton" Android compatibility layer for Linux and VR — Could we ever see Android games running on the Steam Deck and its Steam Machine PC?
Valve's new translation layer could massively expand its Steam library with Android games via Lepton, just like Proton did for Windows.
I accepted all of Microsoft's suggested Windows 11 setup settings with a fresh ISO, forced online accounts and extra telemetry included — can any of it be bypassed?
Windows 11 comes under fire for forced online accounts and default telemetry. Can any of it be disabled, or are modern builds like 25H2 making it more complicated?
These Xbox controllers didn't get the memo that Cyber Monday is over — but I'll happily take these discounts regardless
Razer's Wolverine V3 controllers have managed to secure some amazing 20% discounts, even though Cyber Monday and Black Friday are over. So, if you need some premium controllers to play this year's Game of the Year nominees for less, now's your chance.
How to stop internet results in Search for Windows 11 — get rid of Bing suggestions for a clean, simplified experience
On Windows 11, you can disable web search results in the Windows Search home page using the Registry and Group Policy, and in this guide, I'll show you how.
For the Counter-Strike fans — This esports accessories collection is easily one of the best-looking collaborations I’ve ever seen
I went hands-on with the Razer Counter-Strike 2 Dragon Lore Collection, which gives Razer's best high-performance esports gear a beautiful gold-and-red redesign.
Microsoft's advantages in artificial intelligence evaporate — Google Gemini surges ahead, and OpenAI declares "code red" situation
Microsoft's advantages in artificial intelligence look shaky as Google rapidly catches up. Google Gemini and Nano Banana image generation tools take the world by storm, as OpenAI declares "code red."
I thought this price was a typo — one of my favorite keyboards earns a shocking discount still live after Cyber Monday
The price for this NZXT Function 2 MiniTKL keyboard is absolutely insane.
Microsoft confirms Windows 11 KB5071142 issues: File Explorer white flash and invisible login icons
Microsoft's latest December 2025 non-security preview update for Windows 11 comes with two confirmed known issues that will likely impact your time using your PC.
Laffgaff
What was the last of the plagues of Egypt according to the Old Testament?
The death of the firstborn.
Coal Extraction Job
I applied for a job extracting coal but they said I didn't have the right experience. Never mined.
Itsfoss
Google's New AI Tool Solves a Problem for Every Lazy Developer
Code Wiki uses Gemini to create and maintain up-to-date documentation for code repositories.
Not Every Browser is Built on Chrome: Explore These Firefox-based Options
Think all popular browsers out there are Chromium based? Take a look at this Firefox-based options.
ONLYOFFICE Docs 9.2 Release Brings AI Grammar Checks to the Free Office Suite
Along with macro recording, customizable hotkeys, and enhanced PDF redaction tools.