The News - Friday, 05 December 2025

BBC News

Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia boycott Eurovision after Israel allowed to compete

There had been calls for Israel's exclusion over the war in Gaza, as well as unfair voting accusations.

We'll end children living in B&Bs, government says in child poverty pledge

The child poverty strategy also includes making childcare more accessible for families on Universal Credit.

How a 'fertility gap' is fuelling the rise of one-child families

The proportion of UK families with one child has grown since the turn of the century - with knock-on effects for society

My husband would still be alive if he'd got Post Office compensation

The widow and daughter of Jonathan Armstrong tell the BBC about the toll the Horizon scandal took on his health.

Putin says Russia will take Donbas by force or Ukraine's troops will withdraw

The Russian leader's comments come as US and Ukrainian negotiators are due to hold a new round of talks.

Turkey breeder supplying luxury stores investigated over welfare

Farm workers are suspended over animal welfare and biosecurity concerns at a turkey breeding site.

Top UK scientist says research visa restrictions endanger economy

Prof Sir Paul Nurse says the UK is "shooting itself in the foot" with its visa system for researchers.

Anthony Zurcher: Boat strike briefings help Hegseth - but shipwreck video release may hurt

Republicans and Democrats agreed he didn't order killing everyone on an alleged drug boat. That's where the consensus ended.

'All Israeli people are with us', parents of last dead hostage in Gaza tell BBC

The body of Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old Israeli police officer, is the last not yet returned by Hamas from Gaza.

Have British spies learned lessons from the Skripal poisonings?

Rusia's ability to target a defector with nerve agent is almost certainly diminished but it may pose other threats, the BBC's security correspondent writes.

Details of plan to keep pubs open longer for World Cup revealed

Licensing hours could be extended to 01:00 if a home nation reaches the final stages next summer.

Why I'm terrified of motorways even though I've been driving for 20 years

A woman shares her experience of driving anxiety and a driving coach gives tips to combat this fear.

The Papers: Russian assets 'deal' plan and 'Joe the GOAT'

A mixed range of stories feature on Friday's front page - but many picture England cricketer Joe Root after his heroics in the Ashes.

Weekly quiz: Where did shopkeepers find a drunk raccoon?

How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?

We would sell books by AI, says Waterstones boss

James Daunt says booksellers instinctively have "disdain" for AI but it could be sold if clearly labelled.

What legal experts say about second US strike on Venezuela boat

Several legal experts have told BBC Verify that there was no legal basis for the second strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat by the US military.

Teen influencers on Australia's world-first social media ban

Australia is banning social media for everyone under 16 from December 10. The BBC spoke to two teenage content creators about how this might change their lives.

Faroe Islands scraps one of Europe's strictest abortion laws

Politicians in the self-governing Danish territory have voted to overturn legislation which banned abortion in most cases.

US Supreme Court allows Texas to use redrawn voting maps in midterms

The electoral map could boost the Republican effort to shore up their majority in the coming 2026 midterm elections.

Man who killed ex-Japan PM Shinzo Abe apologises to his family

Tetsuya Yamagami said during his trial that he felt '"deeply sorry" towards Abe's widow Akie.

Volcanic eruption may have triggered Europe's deadly Black Death plague

A volcanic eruption may have set off a chain reaction that led to Europe's deadliest pandemic.

He’s King of romance, but what’s Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s marriage advice?

Shah Rukh Khan and fellow actor Kajol were in London for the unveiling of a new statue of them.

German president compares UK ties post-Brexit to Oasis

Frank-Walter Steinmeier says both sides had decided to not look back in anger while referencing band's reunion.

Netflix to buy Warner Bros film and streaming businesses for $72bn

The major Hollywood deal means Netflix will takeover ownership of franchises including Harry Potter and Game of Thrones.

Germany votes to bring in voluntary military service programme for 18-year-olds

The shift in its approach to its military follows a push to create Europe's strongest conventional army.

Doctor charged with sex assaults of 38 patients

The charges against Nathaniel Spencer relate to his time working at two West Midlands hospitals.

Catherine's Christmas carol concert honours charity helpers

The concert will also feature readings from actors including Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

US hits out at EU for fining Elon Musk's X

The European Commission says the social media site is opening its users up to scams and impersonations.

LGBT survivors tell of 'barbaric' NHS shock therapy

More than 250 people were subjected to painful electric shocks in NHS hospitals, the BBC discovers.

Man, 18, struck on motorway Tasered before death

Logan Smith, 18, died after getting out of an ambulance on the M5 on Sunday evening.

Kim Cattrall marries fiancé she met on BBC radio show

The actress met Russell Thomas when he was working at the BBC and she was a guest on Radio 4 in 2016.

What Putin and Modi got out of Delhi meeting

BBC editors explain what lies behind the high-optics visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Delhi.

Boycotts and arguments - can the Eurovision Song Contest survive its biggest crisis?

The biggest crisis in the Eurovision Song Contest's history raises major questions about its future.

They're sweets, but not as you know them - why freeze-dried candy is trending

Big confectionery makers are rolling out freeze-dried sweets after they become an online sensation.

Weekly quiz: Where did shopkeepers find a drunk raccoon?

How much attention did you pay to what happened in the world over the past seven days?

Why I'm terrified of motorways even though I've been driving for 20 years

Feeling anxious about driving is common, but there are simple techniques you can use to overcome your fear.

Work began on a hotel on Edinburgh's Royal Mile in 2020 - why is the scaffolding still there?

Scaffolding was due to be torn down from the G&V Hotel on George IV Bridge by November, but now may be delayed again.

We would sell books created by AI, says Waterstones boss

James Daunt says booksellers instinctively have "disdain" for AI but it could be sold if clearly labelled.

Evidence of burial ground at Tuam mother and baby home

Agency said it found "graves of child or infant size" at an area on the western edge of the site.

'It's worse than Covid,' says principal as 170 pupils off sick in one day

Confirmed flu cases among adults and children across Northern Ireland have more than trebled in the last two weeks.

Reeves will not face ethics probe over pre-Budget remarks

The chancellor has been accused of painting an overly-negative picture of the economy to justify tax rises.

City's 'grubby and grimy' phone boxes 'need to be replaced'

Newport residents have called for 'radical improvements', saying kiosks are a blight on the city centre.

Mum's eight-year justice battle to see rapist jailed

Allan Peyton is jailed for five years for raping a woman in her home in the West Mercia area.

Bournemouth Echo

The great artist in the village who rode horseback through the New Forest

Its members were figures of genuine local colour typified by the artist who would don his robe and mount his horse to ride through the New Forest,

The terrifying mystery of the 'Summer of the Beast' in Dorset

When a woman and her elderly mother strolled across Canford Heath, their pleasant ramble soon turned into a horror show.

Another Poundland store to close its doors in BCP

Another Poundland shop will close its doors in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area in the new year.

Man found dead at beachfront car park

A MAN was pronounced dead at the scene after being found unresponsive at car park in Bournemouth.

Body found after search for missing Bournemouth man

A BODY has been located of a missing man in Bournemouth.

“They’ve ruined my Christmas": Residents hit out at Evri over issues

Residents across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch say they are “frustrated, heartbroken and losing trust” in online shopping after issues with Evri.

Bournemouth and Poole secondary schools named among best in the south west

Schools in Bournemouth, Poole and Ringwood were named among the best in the south west region for 2026 according to the Sunday Times

Christmas and new year bin collections for BCP

Bin collections will be pushed back by a couple of days over the Christmas period.

Police searching for man who tried to approach two young boys

Dorset Police appeal for witnesses after two boys were approached by a man in a white van near Bailey's Drove, Dorchester Road. Dashcam and CCTV sought.

Sunseeker CEO steps down with immediate affect

Andrea Frabetti, the CEO of Sunseeker has stepped down with immediate affect.

Mercedes and electric bikes stolen from home

Police are investigating a burglary after a car and two electric bikes were stolen from a property in Upton.

Buses to replace trains ahead of station closure this weekend

The lines around Christchurch train station are set to close this weekend.

Thousands of bulbs planted to brighten up parks and green spaces

Communities in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole will see a ‘boost to nature’ in 2026 after thousands of bulbs planted to brighten up parks and green spaces.

Christmas market postponed due to forecast for high winds

Swanage Christmas market has been postponed due to bad weather.

Missing girl, 15, last seen in Poole found

A teenager from Poole last seen in Canford Heath area has been found.

Man charged in connection with alleged assault in town centre

A man from Poole was arrested and charged with “inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent” in connection with an assault incident.

Hillbourne housing development still set to open summer 2026

Plans are still on track for residents to be able to move into a new housing development in the summer of 2026.

MP secures nearly £8million for local transport

A Bournemouth MP has secured nearly £8million of funding to improve bus services across BCP.

Crime wave affecting farmers with crops being 'driven over'

A series of incidents involving crops being driven over, damage to gates and the poaching of pheasants has been reported in Blandford Road.

Christmas Tree Festival to spread joy this weekend

The joy of Christmas can be found at a village event in Christchurch this weekend.

Where you can park for free across Dorset for Christmas shopping

Free parking is being offered in car parks across Dorset in the run-up to Christmas.

Major upgrades to play areas underway in BCP

Major upgrades to play areas are underway with plans for carry on improving facilities in 2026.

Motorcyclist taken to hospital after crash with car

A MOTORCYCLIST was taken to hospital after a collision with a car in Christchurch.

New Christmas fayre to be hosted at Christchurch church

A visit to Santa's grotto sees children listen to a story read by Father Christmas himself and receive a special gift.

Is Cloudflare down? Users report error 500 in second outage within months

Is Cloudflare down? Users have reported an error 500 issue as software goes down for second time within months

Santa to join farm's first-ever Christmas Market this weekend

A special visitor will be dropping in to Bere Marsh Farm next month as part of the Countryside Regeneration Trust's first-ever Christmas Farmers’ Market.

PICTURES: Stargazers treated to supermoon over Dorset skies

Stargazers across Dorset were treated to a supermoon last night

Pub 'dehumanised' disabled woman after demanding she leave

A family say they were left “dehumanised” after being ordered to leave a Southampton pub because of an assistance dog.

LIVE: Road partially blocked after collision involving motorbike and car

Good Morning,

Company named among best in the country for school meals

Local Food Links wins ProVeg School Plates Award for healthy, sustainable school meals in Dorset, launching a new planet-friendly menu in January 2026.

Housebuilder creates 43 'football pitches' of green space

Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton created 30 hectares of green space and built 330 new homes in Dorset, boosting sustainable housing and biodiversity.

Work on first phase of Milford on Sea seawall project finished

New Forest District Council completes first phase of Milford on Sea seawall repairs, placing 1,300 tonnes of rock armour to protect against winter storms.

Major finance seminar to take place at Vitality Stadium

Saffery hosts a finance leaders’ seminar at AFC Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium on 22 January, covering FRS 102, corporate tax, VAT, payrolling, and CPD.

MP welcomes reforms to 'better protect rape victims'

Research by the victims' commissioner found that nearly 60 per cent of victims in 2024 believed they could not get justice.

Two-thirds of people fear for children's safety at Christmas

NSPCC survey finds over two-thirds in south west fear increased child abuse and domestic violence at Christmas. Childline offers 24/7 support to youth.

Volunteers needed to help protect rapidly declining toad populations

A wildlife charity is looking for volunteers after research has shown a rapid decline in toad populations.

Food waste caddies to be picked up behind property gates

New Forest District Council to make behind-gate food waste caddy collections permanent for homes neaar free-roaming livestock, boosting recycling and safety.

Tech companies from the South West to pitch to UK investors

South West tech firms like LettUs Grow and Co Charger to pitch at UK investor event at Microsoft London HQ. Tech South West hosts showcase and 2025 Impact Report.

Charity appeal following serious illness of 14-year-old

Emily, 14, fronts Rainbow Trust’s Christmas appeal to support families with seriously ill children. Donate to help this vital UK charity.

Taylor Swift tribute show coming to the Lighthouse Theatre in Poole

Taylor Swift tribute show by Xenna comes to Poole’s Lighthouse on 31 March 2026. Enjoy hits, all 12 eras, dancers and costumes. Tickets available now.

Dorset locals suffering due to poor technology habits

Trooli research finds poor digital wellbeing in Dorset, with locals reporting tech overuse, screen time concerns and issues with digital skills and isolation.

Hundreds of generators sent to bomb sites in Ukraine

New Forest For Ukraine sends 47 generators and vital aid to Ukraine after Russian attacks on power. Charity appeals for donations to support ongoing relief.

First pleasure boat policy draft to be approved and go to public consultation

BCP Council is set to establish first pleasure boat and boatperson policy after draft plans agreed and public consultation takes place.

Poole MP renews ‘watertight’ hunting ban call

Poole’s MP has renewed his call for a ‘watertight’ ban on hunting with dogs, warning that every delay means more wildlife crime and animal suffering, after an unannounced visit to the Grafton Hunt.

Adventure company wins ten-year lease at popular Poole spot

Rockley Watersports secures 10-year lease from BCP Council to run Poole Park Lake activities, promising new watersports, facility upgrades and sustainability.

Poole cabin crew member found dead at hotel in Jamaica

An inquest was held into the death of a woman in her 20s, after she was found dead at a hotel in Jamaica.

Bournemouth dad wins more than £1m on National Lottery

Bournemouth dad wins over £1 million in National Lottery Lotto draw, secures family’s future, pays off mortgage, and plans holidays. Winning numbers: 09, 12, 18, 37, 43, 45.

In The Dock: Man caught driving after licence revoked due to disability

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Students learn about council jobs during two-hour session

Bournemouth University students gain insight into local government careers from BCP Council leaders through the Employability Skills Programme masterclass.

Families increasingly turning to GoFundMe for cost of funerals

A SunLife report reveals that the average funeral costs more than £4,000.

Formula 1

OFFICIAL RACE PROGRAMME - 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Check out the digital race programme for this weekend's Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025.

Which rookies are getting FP1 outings in Abu Dhabi?

A total of nine rookie drivers will be in action during Friday’s first practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with McLaren, Red Bull, Ferrari, Williams, Racing Bulls, Haas, Aston Martin and Alpine all making line-up changes for FP1.

What's the best F1 Fantasy line-up in Abu Dhabi?

The 2025 season reaches its crescendo at Yas Marina, with a three-way fight for the World Drivers’ Championship separated by just 16 points. Which title contender will deliver in the decider?

Watch Weekend Warm-Up ahead of the Abu Dhabi GP

The Formula 1 paddock reconvenes this weekend for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with all eyes on who will take this year's Drivers' title.

Hamilton suggests personnel changes needed for 2026 at Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton has suggested that he and Ferrari may need to look at making changes to personnel ahead of 2026, with the seven-time World Champion admitting that they will examine factors that could help to “optimise our teamwork” after a challenging 2025.

Norris, Verstappen or Piastri – the title showdown is here

After 23 Grands Prix and six Sprints, it comes down to one final race – with three drivers in the hunt for the Drivers’ Championship at the death for the first time in 15 years. Lando Norris leads the way, 12 points clear of reigning World Champion Max Verstappen, with Oscar Piastri four further adrift. In Abu Dhabi, the sport’s governing body, the FIA, brought the three of them together on a sofa for the final Thursday press conference of the season...

Russell predicts ‘surprises’ in Abu Dhabi Qualifying

George Russell has admitted that Mercedes have work to do if they want to fight towards the front in Abu Dhabi, after a highly competitive day of practice left him anticipating “surprises” in the field.

Why the Yas Marina Circuit makes for a great season finale

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been the season finale for over a decade, but what makes it so special? With the 2025 Championship coming to a thrilling conclusion this weekend, let’s explore what makes Yas Marina a perfect F1 season closer.

Leclerc says brother’s FP1 run the ‘only positive’ from Friday

Charles Leclerc hailed his younger brother Arthur’s Free Practice 1 appearance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a “very special moment”, with the Monegasque suggesting that it was the “only positive” from Friday after another tough outing for Ferrari.

Ride onboard with Norris for the fastest lap of Friday in Abu Dhabi

Lando Norris set the pace on the opening day of action at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, building a commanding advantage over his championship rival Max Verstappen in the second practice hour.

‘The car is insane!’ – Bearman energised by Abu Dhabi showing

Ollie Bearman was delighted with Haas’ performance on the opening day of action at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as he was confidently in the mix in FP2, ending the session in fourth place.

Verstappen fears Red Bull ‘not quick enough’ in Abu Dhabi

While Max Verstappen was left feeling “fairly happy” with the balance of his Red Bull after Friday practice in Abu Dhabi, he fears the package is “not quick enough” to challenge for honours as things stand.

FIA Team Principals press conference – Abu Dhabi

Jonathan Wheatley (Kick Sauber), Zak Brown (McLaren) and Laurent Mekies (Red Bull) talk to the press ahead of the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Relive FP2 in Abu Dhabi as Norris goes fastest

Lando Norris continued his strong form in a busy second practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, topping the times ahead of Max Verstappen and George Russell.

Piastri insists he's ‘finding feet’ in Abu Dhabi amid P11 in FP2

Oscar Piastri felt that he was “finding [his] feet” during Free Practice 2 in Abu Dhabi after sitting out the day’s opening session, but the McLaren driver was left believing that he has a “pretty good” chance of fighting for pole position on Saturday.

Norris ‘not completely confident’ despite topping Abu Dhabi practice

Lando Norris declared that there is “nothing to smile about just yet” after the McLaren driver’s pace-setting start to the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.

MS Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics 365 named a Leader in three Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ reports: Cloud ERP for Service-Centric Enterprises, Cloud ERP for Product-Centric Enterprises, and Cloud ERP Finance

We’re excited to announce Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a Leader in three Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ reports.

The post Microsoft Dynamics 365 named a Leader in three Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ reports: Cloud ERP for Service-Centric Enterprises, Cloud ERP for Product-Centric Enterprises, and Cloud ERP Finance appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Enhance productivity with Copilot-recommended email templates

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, customer service teams need speed and consistency to meet rising expectations. Copilot-powered email template recommendations deliver both by instantly suggesting the right template for every interaction helping agents respond faster with consistency to maintain brand trust.

The post Enhance productivity with Copilot-recommended email templates appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Customer Feedback Survey Agent is now generally available

We are thrilled to announce that the Customer Feedback Survey Agent, powered by Microsoft Copilot Studio in Dynamics 365 Contact Center, is now generally available for the chat channel.

The post Customer Feedback Survey Agent is now generally available appeared first on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Blog.

Windows Central

Microsoft Store Awards 2025 lean heavily on AI and overlook obvious standouts — community voting has been ditched

Microsoft’s Store Awards 2025 are heavily focused on AI, ignoring community input and featuring odd choices like naming a 2024 game as the 2025 Game of the Year winner.

A new Banjo Kazooie game is here ... sort of, and it's not on Xbox

A small team of fans has created an unofficial, yet amazing new Banjo-Kazooie game — but it's only playable on PlayStation, through Dreams.

As if Xbox's most creative game in years wasn't beautiful enough already — it just got a crazy cool black and white mode

Keeper is one of my favorite video games of the year, and Double Fine just updated it with a brand-new, super unique black-and-white Noir Mode (and more).

Total War: Medieval 3 is finally happening, entering early pre-production — and thanks to an engine upgrade, it might launch on Xbox consoles

Total War: Medieval 3 is on the way, with the game in early pre-production using an upgraded engine that could see it launch on Xbox.

Netflix's Stranger Things is crossing over with the Xbox game you'd least expect — I'm sure Microsoft is hoping this one takes off

One of the biggest TV shows right now is Netflix's Stranger Things, and it's about to crossover with, of all games, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on Xbox and PC.

After 30 years, Microsoft is redesigning the Run dialog box on Windows 11 — now with an updated modern UI for the first time

The Run dialog box (Win+R) is finally being updated with a modern interface that matches the rest of Windows 11 for the first time since Windows 95. Here's a first look!

AMD accidentally leaks Ryzen 7 9850X3D details — A higher boost clock compared to the 9800X3D and ... not much else

AMD accidentally added details about an unannounced Ryzen 7 9850X3D CPU to its driver support page, but the rumored specs certainly don't seem like much of an upgrade over the flagship Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

My most anticipated game of 2026 finally has a release date, and I'm so excited to play it day one on Xbox Game Pass

I've had my eyes on REPLACED since it was announced all the way back in 2021, and it finally has a definitive release date for Xbox, PC, and Xbox Game Pass.

Total War: Warhammer 3 unleashes Lords of the End Times DLC with its most powerful necromancer — Nagash is coming in 2026

Creative Assembly kicked off the December 2025 Total War showcase with a look at Lords of the End Times, the next DLC coming to Total War: Warhammer 3 in 2026.

RAM prices are insane right now, but this bundle breaks the trend — Get an MSI B650 motherboard with 16GB DDR5 for only $189

DDR5 RAM prices are completely out of control right now due to the AI buildout, but that doesn't mean there aren't some shining opportunities (like this one) to land some RAM at a reasonable price.

Windows 11 version 25H2 is hitting more PCs — here’s the fastest way to get it today

Windows 11 version 25H2 is now available for all eligible devices, but users must opt in via Windows Update to install it ahead of automatic rollout.

Judge forces OpenAI to produce 20 million chat logs in copyright lawsuit — CEO Sam Altman's "fair use" defense relies on this

OpenAI was recently ordered to hand over 20 million ChatGPT user chat logs in its ongoing legal battle with the New York Times, aimed at supporting copyright infringement claims.

ChatGPT ads for $200/month Pro users might be OpenAI's biggest fumble yet — but an overall necessity for its financial woes

Recent reports suggested that OpenAI was planning to integrate ads into ChatGPT, but the company has dismissed the claims as mere speculation. However, this could be the solution to the company's financial problems.

Laffgaff

What pastry is used to make eclairs and profiteroles?

Choux.

Broken Spectacles

My girlfriend is leaving me after I accidentally broke her spectacles. She said she can't see me anymore.