The News - Friday, 08 May 2026

BBC News

Election results so far at a glance - and what's still to come

Reform UK has made gains at the expense of Labour and the Conservatives in early council election results overnight.

When will we know the results in England, Scotland and Wales?

Millions have voted in parliamentary elections in Scotland and Wales, and local elections in England.

Labour expected to lose Senedd after century of winning elections in Wales

Labour sources have told the BBC the party's century-long winning run is expected to come to an end.

Six things to watch out for in the Scottish election

Results are expected to be announced across the country from early on Friday afternoon.

David Attenborough says he is 'overwhelmed' by 100th birthday messages

The legendary wildlife broadcaster thanks fans in a message the day before he reaches his centenary.

Quiz: Which facial feature almost stopped Attenborough's TV career?

Sir David Attenborough turns 100. How well do you know the broadcaster's life and career?

Trump says US-Iran ceasefire still in place after exchange of fire in Strait of Hormuz

Iran accuses the US of violating the truce, alleging it targeted an oil tanker and carried out attacks on coastal areas.

Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship not start of pandemic, UN health agency says

Ther World Health Organization says it is not in the same situation as with Covid-19 because hantavirus spreads differently.

Man charged with allegedly threatening Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Alex Jenkinson, 39, of Stowmarket, Suffolk, has been remanded in custody ahead of a court appearance.

Bonnie Tyler in induced coma after emergency surgery

The Total Eclipse of the Heart singer was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery in Portugal on Wednesday.

Instagram privacy tech is turned off today- what does this mean for your DMs?

The platform said it would remove end-to-end encrypted messages, a major U‑turn by parent company Meta.

Two Islamic-State linked Australian women charged with crimes against humanity

A third woman who also returned to Australia from Syria was charged with joining a terrorist organisation.

Live from your living room: The rise of concert films and livestreamed gigs

Can't see your favourite act in the flesh? There might be a solution - but not everyone's a fan.

Weekly quiz: Who was this mystery masked star at the Met Gala?

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

The Papers: 'Official exposed as Chinese spy' and 'Time for Starmer to stand aside'

Several of the papers report that a Home Office official has been found guilty of working for Chinese intelligence.

Rosenberg: Russia's Victory Day parade with no tanks a sign Ukraine war not going to plan

For the first time in nearly two decades, there will be no military hardware, just soldiers during Saturday's parade in Moscow.

Anti-war protests rock Japan as PM pushes for stronger defence

Japan's largest anti-war protests in decades highlight a population divided over changes to its pacifist constitution.

How worried should we be about hantavirus?

Some passengers potentially exposed to hantavirus have already taken flights to numerous countries.

Thousands of North Koreans fought for Russia. A memorial hints at the death toll

An estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to fight in Russia's war against Ukraine.

Five killed in huge fire at packed Mexico fairground

The blaze in the south-eastern city of Villahermosa erupted during a concert reportedly attended by some 135,000 people.

Crowds cheer China's new snooker star on return from championship win

Wu Yize, 22, receives a rock star's welcome after becoming second-youngest player to win a world title.

US to revoke passports of parents with child support debt

Parents who have outstanding debt of more than $2,500 (€1,844) in child support payments could be impacted.

Grogu is real star of new Star Wars film, says Pedro Pascal

The Mandalorian and Grogu marks Star Wars' return to cinemas for the first time in more than six years.

Trump gives EU ultimatum deadline to approve trade deal with US

Trump's deadline to the European Union came as a trade court ruled his global tariff policy violated US law.

UK immigration officer among two men guilty of working for Chinese intelligence

Chi Leung "Peter" Wai used the main immigration database to track Hong Kong dissidents in the UK.

Henry Zeffman: Election results leave Starmer vulnerable

Henry Zeffman: Election results leave Starmer vulnerable

Reform election gains show historic shift in British politics, says Farage

Labour and the Conservatives suffer losses at the expense of Reform across England.

Five election moments you may have missed

Campaigners have been fighting each other for votes, but there have also been heart-warming moments.

Iran accuses US of 'reckless military adventure'

Abbas Araghchi says the US attacks each time there is a diplomatic solution on the table.

Third British national has suspected hantavirus infection, government says

The patient is on the remote Atlantic island of Tristan da Cunha, which was visited by the cruise ship in April.

Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of breaching Victory Day ceasefire

The two sides report responding to hundreds of drone attacks, just hours into a truce to cover celebrations of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.

Man pleads not guilty to threatening Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Alex Jenkinson, 39, denies using threatening behaviour in separate incidents - one involving the former prince.

Drug dealer caught with £1.6m cash jailed

Zulfiqar Shah, 58, is jailed for 16 years and six months at Bradford Crown Court.

Ninth person arrested over Jewish ambulance arson

The arrest of the 48-year-old man is the latest linked to the burning of Hatzola ambulances in March.

Nationwide cashier jailed after stealing from vulnerable customers to fund luxury holidays

One of Kerry Kershaw's victims was a 49-year-old man with learning disabilities.

King and Queen lead tributes for David Attenborough's 100th birthday

The royal couple shared photographs of Sir David and wished him a very happy birthday.

Ten of Attenborough's best documentaries and where to watch them

From hanging out with primates to early climate warnings, here's a selection of his trailblazing programmes.

Are concert 'livestream tickets' the future or a cash-grab?

Can't see your favourite act in the flesh? There might be a solution - but not everyone's a fan.

The companies making billions from the Iran war

Through surging profits or soaring share prices, the war has been a boon for some firms.

Instagram privacy tech is turned off today - what does this mean for your DMs?

The platform said it would remove end-to-end encrypted messages, a major U‑turn by parent company Meta.

The global race to find passengers from hantavirus-hit cruise ship

About 12 countries have so far been linked to the hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, as the UN health agency confirms at least five cases.

Weekly quiz: Who was this mystery masked star at the Met Gala?

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

Watch: Return of Palestine Marathon attracts thousands of runners

Thousands of people have taken part in the Palestine Marathon and Half Marathon which returned to the West Bank city of Bethlehem after a two-year pause because of restrictions over the Gaza War.

Anti-war protests rock Japan as PM pushes for stronger defence

Japan's largest anti-war protests in decades highlight a population divided over changes to its pacifist constitution.

Families of IRA men shot dead reach settlements for damages

Brian Campbell, 19, and Colm McGirr, 23, were shot dead after the SAS mounted an operation at the scene of an arms dump in December 1983.

Football club owners in court on rape charges

Maldon & Tiptree owners Barrie Drewitt-Barlow and his husband Scott are remanded in custody.

Major train operator to be renationalised in months

GWR, which runs trains between London and South Wales, will come under government control.

Celebrities send well wishes to Bonnie Tyler as singer in induced coma after surgery

The Total Eclipse of the Heart singer was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery in Portugal on Wednesday.

US jet fuel could be used in Europe to ease possible shortages

An international air body suggests wider acceptance of US-grade jet fuel could help to head off any supply problems.

White House calls Mark Hamill 'sick' after actor's Trump grave post

The Star Wars actor apologised and deleted the post, which contained an AI image of the president in a shallow grave.

Woman's joy at rare quintuplets after 12 years trying for a baby

The woman, 35, says she was praying for a baby and was "overjoyed" to be "blessed with five at once".

Bournemouth Echo

Reduced hours and temporary layoffs leave airport workers facing 'uncertainty'

Bournemouth Airport workers could be facing temporary layoffs and financial uncertainty due to a reduction in cargo operations.

New Forest beach's secret history changed course of WWII

Lepe has always been defined by its coastal setting - from smugglers to Second World War contributions.

Three arrested and four vehicles seized in Dorset roads crackdown

Three drivers were arrested for drink or drug offence and four vehicles were seized during five days of joint action between police and National Highways.

Cocaine fuelled driver banned for 17 months - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Town council election results to be revealed today

Votes for the first-ever Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone Town Council elections are being counted today, May 8.

Local business recognised for international trade in King's Award

A Christchurch electric fires business has been recognised for international trade in this years King’s Award for Enterprise. The award is designed to highlight the “strength, innovation, and ambition of British enterprise”.

Four-bedroom luxury chalet with harbour views hits market for £1.25 million

A luxury home with harbour views has gone on the market for £1.25million.

Twynham Learning Trust CEO resigns as trustee

THE CEO of Twynham Learning Trust has resigned as a trustee of the charity, the trust has confirmed.

Sir David Attenborough's most memorable moments as he turns 100 today

As he celebrates his 100th birthday today, we took a look at some of Sir David Attenborough’s most memorable moments.

The plants and animals named after Sir David Attenborough as he turns 100

From butterflies to pygmy locusts to the Attenborosaurus dinosaur, the naturalist has lent his name to many plants and animals.

Sir David Attenborough turns 100 after a life bringing wonder to millions

Sir David Attenborough has captivated audiences for generations with his documentaries, including the landmark Planet Earth series, Frozen Planet, and Africa.

LIVE: Woman allegedly raped on Boscombe beach

A police cordon has been set up on Boscombe Pier after a woman was allegedly raped

LIVE - Stabber sentenced to eight years after teenager killed

A MAN who stabbed 18-year-old Cameron Hamilton to death in Bournemouth town centre is set to be sentenced following a re-trial.

LIVE - Reform and Lib Dems make big wins in town council elections

The Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone election results are being declared today. We will be bringing you latest updates today from the count at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Reform to have majority on new Bournemouth Town Council

REFORM UK will have a majority on the newly formed Bournemouth Town Council.

Man hospitalised after 'assault' in road near town centre

A man has been hospitalised after an “assault” in the early morning near Bournemouth town centre.

LIVE: Elderly man falls in road on Christchurch High Street causing diversions

Good afternoon, It has been reported that an incident on Christchurch high street is causing diversions to multiple bus routes. Dorset Police has been contacted. Updates to follow.

LIVE - Police cordon after assault in Bournemouth town centre

A police cordon has been put in place in Bournemouth town centre. We will be bringing you updates as we get them.

Man jailed after fatally stabbing teenager in Bournemouth town centre

A man has been sentenced to eight years in a young offenders institution for fatally stabbing an 18-year-old man in Bournemouth Square.

PHOTOS - Teddy Rocks Festival 2026, Blandford

A band on the main stage shouted out “It’s Festival Season Baby” and there is no better sign of that than the opening day of Teddy Rocks.

New Forest results: Conservatives lose ground as Lib Dems and Reform make gains

The latest Hampshire County Council results have redrawn parts of the political map across the New Forest, with the Conservatives losing ground as the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK made key victories.

New photos show new attraction at Paultons Park ahead of opening

Paultons Park has released a look inside its largest themed world ahead of its opening.

LIVE - 'Netflix' filming on Southbourne beach today

The latest news, traffic, travel and weather updates today.

Concern as high street chain with shops in Dorset could close up to 150 stores

A high street chain with stores in Dorset could close up to 150 shops

What's on in cinemas in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole this weekend

A mystery comedy film, a video game adaptation, and a Billie Eilish concert film are among films shown in BCP cinemas this weekend.

Acclaimed Grammy-winning singer to perform at Dorset venue next month

Grammy-winning singer and composer Arooj Aftab will perform at Lighthouse Poole on June 18 with London Contemporary Orchestra conducted by Robert Ames.

Two Dorset friends to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats for charity

Dave Harding and Dave James will be cycling from Land’s End to John o’Groats in memory of local man Kieran Davidson, who took his own life last year aged 34.

Food and music festival bursting with flavour and sound returns to Poole in June

The home-produced festival in Poole’s ‘back garden’, Upton House Food & Music Festival returns to Upton Country Park in Poole from June 12 to June 14.

Salvation Army branch in Dorset has served more than 300 free meals this year

The Salvation Army branch in Winton, Bournemouth, has already provided 323 meals this year thanks to the generosity of donors, funders, and legacy givers.

Dedicated footway and signals to be trialled on busy Wimborne bridge

Temporary traffic management will be placed on Julian’s Bridge in Wimborne from Tuesday May 26 to test a safer way for people to cross the bridge on foot.

Dorset’s legendary ‘Moonfleet’ takes to the stage at university theatre

AUB Theatre Productions presents a bold, physical reimagining of J. Meade Falkner’s classic Moonfleet at the historic Palace Court Theatre from May 14-16.

Bongo's Bingo event to come to Bournemouth venue this summer

Bongo’s Bingo, a nationwide bingo party night, is coming to Bournemouth's O2 Academy on July 31. Books tickets now.

Centenary wisteria bursts into bloom at New Forest gardens

Visitors to Exbury Gardens are being treated to a spectacular display as its eye-catching Wisteria floribunda ‘Macrobotrys’ reaches its 100th year.

Housebuilder offers up to £25,000 towards new homes in Dorset

Bellway is offering up to £25,000 in flexible incentives to new homebuyers in Dorset as part of its latest 'Feels like Home' campaign.

Rotary club donates £20,000 to centre supporting people with multiple sclerosis

On May 5, President Virginia Beck of Bournemouth Rotary presented a cheque for £20,000 to the MS Centre Dorset.

Bournemouth landlords warned to take action against disease amid renting reforms

Landlords in Dorset could face heavy fines up to £20,000 and potential jail time if they fail to address the risks of Legionnaires’ disease in properties.

BCP community website for parents launches 'half-price vouchers' scheme

BCP Mumbler, the leading community website for local parents, has announced the launch of a brand-new initiative designed to “make family life cheaper”.

10cc co-founder to perform with semi-acoustic group at Poole church this summer

Graham Gouldman, co-founder of 10cc, will perform with his semi-acoustic group Heart Full of Songs at St Peter’s Church in Poole on Tuesday, July 28,.

Dorset housebuilder launches development in honour of family member

Morrish Homes, based in Poole, has unveiled The Hamlet, a collection of six homes, as a tribute to joint managing director Steve Morrish, who died in 2021.

Beachside Italian pop-up returns for sixth summer with pizzas and cocktails

An Italian beach pop-up is back for the summer season, delighting visitors with pizza, cocktails, and seaside views.

Visually impaired children experience sport for the first time in Bournemouth

Bournemouth University hosted a Sports Day for visually impaired children which took place on Talbot Campus on April 30.

Orchestra to mark 10th anniversary with performance at Dorset venue next month

To celebrate a decade of musical excellence, Magna Sinfonia will perform Gustav Mahler’s monumental Symphony No. 8 at Lighthouse Poole on June 13.

Pioneering dance company to perform new show at Dorset venue next month

25 years after Michael Nunn and William Trevitt’s debut, dance company BalletBoyz returns with new show Still Pointless at Lighthouse Poole on June 30

Dorset property finance firm renews sponsorship of top competitive shooter

Poole-based Lender MSP Capital has renewed its partnership with Andover-based Chris Morgan, a top clay pigeon shooter.

Bournemouth Coastal BID to bring back Westbourne Motor Show next week

Bournemouth Coastal BID to bring back Westbourne Motor Show on May 16 for a big celebration and inaugural full road closure of the Westbourne Circuit.

Health and social care company in Dorset launches expert mental health guide

Dorset health and social care company, Cygnet is urging people to take action this Mental Health Awareness week and protect their wellbeing.

Casting underway for next series of unique Channel 4 social experiment show

Channel 4 is currently casting for the next series of Handcuffed, a show produced by award-winning TV production company 72 Films.

Historic Thomas Hardy home and Cerne Abbas Giant to feature in BBC show

Max Gate, the historic home of Thomas Hardy, and the iconic Cerne Giant feature in BBC’s Hidden Treasures of the National Trust on May 15.

Final call for entries to this year's Poole Regatta

Sailors from across the UK and northern Europe have until midnight on May 8 to secure their place at one of the UK’s most established sailing events.

Morebus team gears up for Three Peaks Challenge in memory of late colleague

Representatives from Morebus operator Go South Coast will tackle the Three Peaks challenge next month in memory of their late managing director.

Holidaymakers 'distraught' after holiday park ends family's 60-year caravan licence

A woman has said she feels “distressed, alarmed and shocked” after a holiday park terminated her family’s caravan licence which it had held since the 1960s.

Courts on 'brink of collapse' as delays for justice soar to two years

Crown courts are "on the brink of collapse" — with cases in Dorset taking nearly two years to complete, leaving victims waiting for justice and defendants unable to move on with their lives.

Major Spanish airport closed until end of May with all flights cancelled

Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport will be closed until May 27 - see why and how this will impact British travellers.

Formula 1

Wolff praises Bonnington’s role in Antonelli’s success

Pete ‘Bono’ Bonnington, Kimi Antonelli’s race engineer at Mercedes, has received praise from team boss Toto Wolff for how he has handled working with the youngster.

Proposals agreed for further evolutionary regulation changes

Proposals for further evolutionary changes to the 2026 regulations have been agreed in principle following an online meeting, convened by F1’s governing body the FIA and attended by Team Principals, Formula One Management and power unit manufacturer representatives.

Who holds the key to the 2026 driver market?

F1 correspondent Lawrence Barretto evaluates what's happening with the F1 driver market so far in 2026.

Vowles explains why Williams had a 'messy' winter

James Vowles has explained why Williams had a 'messy' winter in preparation for the new-for-2026 regulations, with the team finally securing its first double points finish of the season last weekend in the Miami Grand Prix.

Brown on whether Verstappen could join GP at McLaren

With Red Bull's Gianpiero Lambiase set to join McLaren in 2028, Zak Brown has addressed speculation over whether there is a possibility of Max Verstappen following in the future.

Windows Central

"The most addictive Xbox game right now": Build your own unstoppable tank Lego-style in this moreish bullet heaven — right now on Xbox Game Pass

TerraTech Legion fuses survivor-like bullet‑heaven chaos with its signature Lego‑style vehicle building, dropping players into arenas where they must scrap together ever‑evolving tech to survive an AI‑controlled swarm. Available now on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.

Scared that Edge loads your passwords into memory in plaintext? A dedicated password manager keeps them inside an encrypted vault

A researcher found that Microsoft Edge is the only Chromium browser that loads all your saved passwords in plaintext in memory on startup. If that makes you nervous, a dedicated password manager is a safe and simple way to protect sensitive accounts.

The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 is "a solid device performance-wise and a step up from previous Galaxy Book Pro laptops" that deserves this discount

We have uncovered a 25% discount for a high-end configuration of the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 2-in-1 laptop. If you're a student or desk jockey looking for a laptop with strong performance rates, a detailed screen, and long battery life for work and art, then this bargain is for you.

Xbox Mode on a Windows 11 PC with dual monitors is exactly what you should expect — and that’s a shame

Xbox Mode’s handling of dual monitor setups is raising concerns among PC gamers, with secondary displays left blank while the primary monitor runs the new console-style interface.

"We have to sweat every single detail": Microsoft's Xbox CEO Asha Sharma vows to deliver Xbox updates every two weeks to "fix the fundamentals on console and PC" in 2026

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is planning frequent updates for Xbox on both console and PC as part of Microsoft's efforts in "restoring our core."

Microsoft teases a new Xbox dashboard UI for console and PC — it's got fewer ads, and takes inspiration from Xbox Cloud Gaming too

Microsoft seems to be teasing a new Xbox dashboard UI with less ads as it aims to address "a lot of fragmentation within the experience" across devices.

The all-new Xbox achievement update is rolling out now to everyone — here’s what's changed

Xbox’s latest achievement update is now rolling out to players, bringing refreshed unlock animations, customizable visuals, hidden games support, and improved profile tracking for completed games.

"Too many of us are eager to take Xbox for granted": Despite sentiment online and fears for the future — I've never been happier and more satisfied to be an Xbox gamer.

It's Schrödinger's Xbox. Simultaneously dead, and simultaneously feeling more alive than ever. Despite mainstream negative sentiment towards Xbox and Microsoft in general, I've never been happier to be a gamer in this ecosystem. On paper, everything is better than ever, but fears for Xbox's long term viability as an ecosystem are clouding everything.

Microsoft's Xbox architect Jason Ronald says we'll see more of Project Helix "later this year" — we'll know more about the next Xbox console before long

Microsoft's Xbox architect Jason Ronald says we'll get to see more of the next Xbox console, Project Helix, later this year.

My Windows 11 backup broke after KB5083769 — Microsoft says this simple fix might save your files

Windows 11 update KB5083769 may break backups due to blocked drivers. Microsoft says it's not a bug and recommends updating your backup software.

Microsoft Store drops registration fees for companies as part of onboarding overhaul

Microsoft has removed the $99 registration fee for companies joining the Microsoft Store, matching last year’s change for individual developers.

Sony's $565M Bungie hit has me wondering what's next — Destiny 2 feels strained, and Marathon's future suddenly looks fragile

Sony has recorded another major impairment loss tied to Bungie, totaling roughly $565 million. The write-down raises fresh concerns about Marathon, Destiny, and the long-term future of the studio.

Resident Evil Requiem's new "Leon Must Die Forever" DLC shadowdrops for free — Capcom turns zombie roundhouse kicks into a roguelike mode, and more are coming

Capcom has recently updated Resident Evil Requiem with a free DLC game mode called "Leon Must Die Forever". Here's everything you need to know about this new roguelike challenge mode.

Windows 11 can block Google Chrome's 4GB AI model from reinstalling itself on your PC — A simple Registry tweak for "Pro" users

Windows 11 now gives you the power to block Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge from automatically downloading local AI models for on-device generative AI features without explicit user consent.

Laffgaff

What is the second longest river in Africa?

The Congo River.

Fridge Chill

The recipe said "chill in the fridge for twenty minutes". There's no way I'll fit in my fridge.