The News - Tuesday, 12 May 2026

BBC News

Chris Mason: PM hangs on by a thread as party revolts

A dam appears to have broken, with Labour MPs posting their public loss of confidence in the PM, our political editor writes.

BBC unmasks key people smuggler in network behind most small boat crossings

The 28-year-old Iraqi Kurd has evaded arrest by operating under the alias “Kardo Ranya”.

Last passengers leave virus-hit cruise ship as three more test positive

An American and a French national who have returned home have tested positive for hantavirus.

Israel passes law to allow death penalty and public trials for those linked to 7 October

Israel passes a law that permits the death penalty and public trials for those involved in the unprecedented Hamas-led attacks.

Polanski apologises over houseboat council tax

The Green Party admits that its leader has, until recently, been living on a houseboat in London and may have failed to pay council tax.

How the Trump-Xi summit could set superpower relations for many years to come

Trump's whirlwind visit to China is the most significant for years - but will it bear fruit?

How driving test booking is changing for learner drivers

From 12 May, only learner drivers can book their own tests, not instructors.

Calls for 'urgent action' on baby-sleep industry after BBC investigation

The BBC investigation revealed how some self-described sleep experts have been giving new parents advice that goes against NHS guidelines.

Students at risk if universities go bust, say MPs

An Education Select Committee report finds the government needs to make urgent plans for universities facing insolvency.

Trump says Iran ceasefire is on 'massive life support'

The US president criticises an Iranian counteroffer to end the war, and says the month-long ceasefire is "unbelievably weak".

Virginia Giuffre’s memoir wins top book award

Nobody's Girl, published last year, detailed Giuffre's encounters with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

British passengers from hantavirus-hit cruise ship isolating in hospital

The passengers landed in the UK on Sunday and none have reported symptoms, but they will will be monitored in hospital for 72 hours.

I led hikers up an Indonesian volcano - and then it erupted

An Indonesian guide who led hikers up Mount Dukono has described the moment of Friday's eruption which killed three people.

Almost 200 sanctioned Russia-linked ships have entered UK waters despite warning

BBC Verify analysis of ship-tracking data suggests "shadow fleet" vessels sailed into UK water despite the government threatening to board them.

The Papers: 'Cabinet turns on Starmer' and 'You have been murdered'

Every paper on Tuesday has dedicated its front page to the future of Sir Keir Starmer's premiership.

'Britain at the heart of Europe': How Starmer's plans are going down in the EU

Sir Keir Starmer pledged to rebuild the UK's relationship with Europe in a defiant speech on Monday.

Baby loss couple: We were told we'd picked a bad day to give birth

A couple whose baby was stillborn in hospital hope a maternity review will lead to improvements.

US in closely-guarded talks to open new bases in Greenland

It is seeking to open three bases in the south of the Arctic territory, according to multiple officials familiar with the talks.

Australian musician's US ban prompts apology from girlfriend over Trump post

Keli Holiday, one half of electronic duo Peking Duk, was detained at the US-Canada border on Friday.

Stars come out for 50th anniversary of the King's Trust

George Clooney, Sir Idris Elba and other stars joined King Charles and Queen Camilla in London.

China should stop hoarding food and fertiliser, says former World Bank chief

David Malpass also said that Beijing's claim to be a developing nation is no longer credible.

South African president says he will not step down after impeachment call

President Cyril Ramaphosa said he would not resign on Monday evening after days of speculation.

Elon Musk and Tim Cook among CEOs expected to accompany Trump on China trip

A total of 17 US executives are set to join the president on his visit, where he will meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

The potential challengers to Keir Starmer

Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are all potential candidates for the top job.

Read all the ministers' resignation letters in full

Ministers including Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips have resigned over Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.

Which Labour MPs have come out against Starmer?

A growing number of Labour MPs are coming out against the prime minister.

Watch: Reporters shout questions at ministers leaving No 10

Several ministers were met with a barrage of questions about the PM's future after leaving a cabinet meeting.

'Crisis in Great Britain!' How global media is reporting Starmer's fight for survival

Sir Keir Starmer's fight for survival after a dismal set of elections last week is receiving coverage across the globe.

BBC unmasks key people smuggler in network behind most small boat crossings

The 28-year-old Iraqi Kurd has evaded arrest by operating under the alias “Kardo Ranya”.

No sign of larger hantavirus outbreak, says UN health agency

The situation could still change and there might be more confirmed cases, warns the head of the World Health Organization.

Armed man shot dead by police after overnight stand-off

The man, in his 40s, "presented a weapon" after barricading himself inside a property, police say.

Green Party admits Polanski may have failed to pay council tax

The Green Party admits that its leader has, until recently, been living on a houseboat in London and may have failed to pay council tax.

Bonnie Tyler 'stable' in Portuguese hospital following emergency surgery

The Welsh star had undergone emergency intestinal surgery in Portugal last week.

TV chef questioned on suspicion of sexual assault

A man has been released on bail as enquiries continue.

Midwife told us we 'picked a bad day to have a baby' before our daughter died

A couple whose baby was stillborn in hospital hope a maternity review will lead to improvements.

Why a slice of Edinburgh is being bought up by overseas owners

More than a third of the properties in Quartermile area have been bought by people based outside the UK.

Russia's shadow fleet ships defying PM's threat and entering UK waters

BBC Verify analysis of ship-tracking data suggests "shadow fleet" vessels sailed into UK water despite the government threatening to board them.

How the Trump-Xi summit could set superpower relations for many years to come

Trump's whirlwind visit to China is the most significant for years - but will it bear fruit?

How are countries responding to hantavirus?

The UK, US and EU are asking all citizens returning home from the virus-hit MV Hondius to self-isolate for about six weeks.

How driving test booking is changing for learner drivers

From 12 May, only learner drivers can book their own tests, not instructors.

Barrister in Palestine Action trial wins contempt challenge

Rajiv Menon KC says he was performing his duty to fairly and fully represent his client.

Zoe Ball confirms she did not get Strictly presenting role

The broadcaster says she was "so chuffed to even be in the mix" for the job on the BBC One show.

eBay rejects $55.5bn offer from GameStop

The online auction giant said it doubted how the video game retailer would finance its offer.

Calls for 'urgent action' on baby-sleep industry after BBC investigation

The BBC investigation revealed how some self-described sleep experts have been giving new parents advice that goes against NHS guidelines.

Canvas hack: Company pays criminals to delete students' stolen data

The company behind Canvas says it has "reached an agreement" with the hackers who disrupted thousands of colleges and universities.

Scottish military instructor who spied for Russia jailed in Ukraine

Ross David Cutmore, from Fife, admitted passing on information about training bases and the location of Ukrainian forces.

Bournemouth Echo

Drink and drug drivers handed lengthy bans - In the Dock

The following cases were heard at Poole Magistrates' Court:

Headteacher warns of danger as school backs lollipop lady campaign

A SCHOOL is rallying behind its local lollipop lady after the council plans to scrap the crossing patrol.

Community centre confirms new operator following former pre-school exit

Mudeford Wood Trust have announced that a new pre-school will be starting at the site in September of this year.

Author reimagines classic Dorset tale for a new generation

A Weymouth-based author has published his sixth children’s story – a reimagining of one of Dorset’s best-loved tales.

Wild Dorset village was home to smugglers, snipers and a pig whisperer

For centuries, Verwood was the undisputed, albeit grimy, beating heart of Dorset’s pottery industry.

Increase in Neighbourhood Police Officers 'not enough'

Dorset PCC David Sidwick, despite welcoming 23 extra Neighbourhood Police Officers (NPTs) in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, has voiced wider funding concerns.

New £23 million building heralds a new era for mental health care in Dorset

Chaddesley House, located at St Ann’s Hospital in Poole, is part of a £70.6 million investment in mental health services across Dorset.

Two landmark Bournemouth attractions collaborate on new discount deal for visitors

A historic hotel in the centre of Bournemouth has announced a new partnership to celebrate the town's fascinating heritage.

Boy loses eye to cancer after mum noticed 'white glow' while watching Paw Patrol

A four-year-old boy had his right eye removed after his mum noticed a white glow while watching Paw Patrol.

PICTURES - Smoke billows from building after roof fire breaks out

SMOKE was seen billowing from a building in Wimborne after a fire broke out in the roof.

LIVE - 'Avoid the area' Firefighters tackle blaze near high street

FIREFIGHTERS are currently tackling a blaze near the high street in Wimborne. Updates to follow.

2 Labour MPs quit as ministerial aides and call for Keir Starmer to resign

Labour MPs Tom Rutland and Joe Morris have quit their ministerial aide roles and called for Keir Starmer to resign as Prime Minister

Jeremy Clarkson invites New Forest egg stall girl to visit Diddly Squat Farm

Diddly Squat Farm run by Jeremy Clarkson has hosted a little girl from the New Forest who had her egg stand stolen during her birthday party

Poole's Labour MP calls for Keir Starmer to resign

THE Labour Party is facing an “existential crisis” following historic local election defeats, requiring “radical change to bring about a better position”.

Firefighters tackle restaurant roof blaze for more than seven hours

Firefighters tackled a roof blaze for more than seven hours in Wimborne town centre.

Green councillors resign from party over concerns of misconduct and safeguarding

Two BCP councillors have resigned from the Green Party, over concerns about misconduct, abuse of power and the handling of safeguarding issues within the organisation.

Dorset Police highlights how homes can be kept secure from burglars over summer

Dorset Police's Good Safe Summer campaign is promoting simple security measures to deter break-ins this summer.

Your questions answered following town council elections

The political make up of three new town councils in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone is now known.

LIVE - news, traffic, travel and weather updates for BCP

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

LIVE: Traffic and travel updates during rush hour in Dorset

Heavy traffic and 'severe' delays reported on A31- updates to follow

'Huge' new soft play and arcade aims to offer ‘affordable’ family fun

A new family entertainment venue with a 'huge' soft play, arcade games and a café is set to open in Boscombe later this month.

Man accused of raping woman in seafront toilet claims sex was consensual

A teenager accused of raping a 19-year-old woman in a portable toilet on Bournemouth seafront told police that the complainant wanted to “hug” him and the sex was consensual.

Thief broke into six BCP car parking meters and stole nearly £1,000

A thief damaged half a dozen BCP car parking payment machines in three car parks in a spate of offences.

Youths detained after anti-social behaviour reports

Two youths were detained following reports of anti-social behaviour in Corfe Mullen.

Have your say on what new town councils should do

What do you want to see happen now that councillors have been elected to town councils in Bournemouth, Poole and Broadstone?

Search launched to locate next of kin after death of man

A search is under way to trace the next of kin of a man who died at his home in Blandford Forum.

Jess Phillips resigns from Keir Starmer's cabinet after declaring 'Decency is vital'

The senior Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips has resigned from Keir Starmer's cabinet.

Harry Redknapp joins controversial Safeguard Force as 'ambassador'

Former Cherries manager and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here winner Harry Redknapp has purportedly joined controversial community group.

Popular attraction at country park closes after 35 years

A popular woodland attraction at Moors Valley has closed after 35 years following recent maintenance checks.

Bournemouth 7s unveils most ambitious line-up to date for 2026

A festival is raising the bar with its most ambitious plans yet.

REVIEW - That’ll Be the Day is the ultimate feel-good show

A joyous, celebratory night of high-energy, nostalgia-fuelled music and comedy …it could only mean one thing.

New plans for film director's airfield

MORE changes are being planned by the film director and owner of Compton Abbas Airfield, Guy Ritchie, who also owns the Ashcombe Estate.

Lorry driver left with 'potentially life-changing injuries', police say

A LORRY driver has been left with potentially life-changing injuries after a serious crash.

FULL LIST: Everyone elected to Poole Town Council

Reform UK has control of Poole Town Council after winning more than two thirds of the seats up for grabs.

FULL LIST: Everyone elected to Bournemouth Town Council

Reform UK has a one‑seat majority on Bournemouth Town Council but comfortably outperforms the other parties at the ballot box.

Police hunt for alleged stalker ends after man found and arrested

A manhunt for an alleged stalker has ended after he was found and arrested, police has said.

Former editor returns to lead Bournemouth Echo

NEWSQUEST editorial development director Toby Granville is returning as editor of the Bournemouth Echo.

Teenage girl and young woman taken to hospital after Lansdowne crash

A TEENAGE girl and a young woman avoided serious injuries after a reported crash with a car in Lansdowne.

National Trust plans changes to beach car parks

Changes to parking arrangements are being planned by the National Trust at its Studland car parks.

Plans to turn flats into nine-bed HMO 'not sufficient' for parking

Plans to turn flats into a nine-bed HMO have been recommended for approval despite objections

Stallions returning to the New Forest to start breeding season

Stallions are returning to the New Forest to mark the start of the traditional breeding season.

Paedophile pensioner, 82, could be jailed after committing more offences

A paedophile pensioner could be jailed after committing more offences nine days days after being spared an immediate jail term

Dorset airfield linked to tycoon’s escape more than 30 years ago

Here's how quiet Dorset airfield Compton Abbas became entangled in the Asil Nadir 1990s Polly Peck scandal

Dorset museum to host week of interactive events exploring Cold War history

The Tank Museum in Bovington will host the Cold War Heritage Week experience led by The Cold War Network, running from May 18 to 22.

Great British Bake Off star to appear at Dorset food festival

Great British Bake Off’s Maggie Richardson to host a live choux pastry demo at Wimborne Food Festival 2026. Join food lovers for tastings and chef events.

Popular New Forest pub temporarily closed to undergo six-figure makeover

The Queen's Head, a countryside pub situated in Burley, New Forest, Hampshire temporarily closed yesterday on Monday, May 11 while renovations take place.

Joe Wicks among wellbeing headliners at Dorset festival at Lulworth Castle

Slomo Wellbeing will host a three-day programme of free activities at Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle, headlined by Jasmine Hemsley, Joe Wicks, and Zita West.

World's last seagoing paddle steamer to visit South Coast in September

Waverley, the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, has launched her 2026 sailing season from Glasgow, marking 80 years since her launch in 1946.

Business recognised in King's Award for innovation

A Lymington business has been recognised for innovation in this year’s King’s Award for Enterprise. Solent Rib Charters Ltd, who specialise in high-performance Ribs and shallow-draught vessels, were commended for the development of CRC Walrus— the world’s first amphibious crew transfer vessel for intertidal windfarms.

"My way of giving back": resident creates app that helps users find public toilets

A Bournemouth entrepreneur has developed a free smartphone app designed to help people find public toilets. In January, he launched “Where to Wee”, which maps where toilets are located, whether they’re open, and their condition.

Dorset housebuilder reports strong sales despite global economic uncertainty

Dorset-based Barratt David Wilson Homes has reported strong sales with strong customer demand – despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Dorset road to be temporarily closed from later this month

Burnhams Lane will shut in both directions from its junction with Sandy Hill Lane to its junction with Washpond Lane from May 20 to June 3.

Up to £25,000 in funding now available for community groups across Dorset

Not‑for‑profit organisations are invited to apply for grants from £1,000 to £25,000 through Round 7 of the Capital Leverage Fund, managed by Dorset Council

Dorset school to host fourth annual cricket week fundraiser next month

Sherborne Boys will host its fourth annual Ruth Strauss Foundation Cricket Week in promoting cancer research and supporting families facing bereavement.

Charities in Dorset issued warning over increased HMRC activity in sector

Charities and not-for-profit organisations in Dorset are being warned to ensure all their procedures and records are watertight by Azets.

Formula 1

McNish on stepping into the hot seat at Audi

When Audi were in need of a replacement for Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley, they didn't have to look very far. Allan McNish, who became their new Racing Director in time for the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month, had been with the brand in various guises for the last two decades.

Autumn Fisher confirmed as Montreal Wild Card

Autumn Fisher is set to line up on the F1 ACADEMY grid in Montreal as Standard Chartered’s Wild Card entry.

How Antonelli has made best points start in 10 years

F1.com examines how Kimi Antonelli's pattern of points scored so far in 2026 has proven to be the strongest since another Mercedes driver's run one decade ago.

Windows Central

Windows Central Podcast: How does Windows K2 impact the next Xbox?

Podcast: Daniel and Zac discuss the latest with Xbox and Windows K2.

Fallout Season 3 just added one of the best actors from my favorite TV show to its cast, and I'm ecstatic — Amazon and Bethesda can't bring it fast enough

Amazon has announced that for Fallout Season 3, Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad and Westworld fame is joining the show's star-studded cast.

Xbox and PC may get the sequel to this hit PS5 exclusive at launch — its devs are ditching Sony to "reach a broad global audience from day one"

The dev behind the hit PS5 exclusive Stellar Blade is going independent and making a sequel — and it sounds like the series could be headed to Xbox.

ON THIS DAY: People ask why I use a Lumia 950 XL, so here it is

People have been asking me, possibly in jest, why I use a Lumia 950 XL. So here are some of the reasons why.

Our "best overall" SSD for 4.0 PCIe gaming PCs is on a 33% discount — If you hate running of space or waiting on loading screens, this SSD is a must

The Samsung Pro 990 SSD is enjoying discounts on its 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB models on Amazon, giving hardcore PC gamers a chance to upgrade their storage space and cut down on loading times for less.

Why Windows 11 users are switching to Fluent Cleaner, the sleek CCleaner alternative that actually feels native

Fluent Cleaner is a modern open-source alternative to CCleaner with deeper Windows 11 cleanup tools, extensions, and a native WinUI design.

"We are taking strict enforcement action": Microsoft and Xbox hardware ban a Forza Horizon 6 pirate for 8,000 years after the disastrous Steam leak, threaten more hammer swings

Forza Horizon 6 leaked early and cracked builds are online, but Xbox and Playground Games say you're getting a hardware ban if you're caught playing them.

Forget cat ears, I want this awesome gaming headset themed after one of my favorite Pokémon — especially now that it and other accessories are on sale

Several Razer gaming accessories themed after the classic Pokémon Gengar, including a gaming headset, gaming mice, and a mouse pad, are all enjoyable limited-time bargains at Amazon.

Every Microsoft Surface should have this tiny Windows 11 app that finally fixes a long‑standing battery headache

Microsoft still makes you dig through the Surface app to pause Smart Charging, but a new third-party tool called Surface Charging Tray brings those toggles to your taskbar.

Does Forza Horizon 6 on PC have Denuvo DRM?

Denuvo is a polarizing thing for PC gamers, to say the least, but with Forza Horizon 6 looming large, will it be one of those using it?

Kenya's President warns Microsoft’s $1 billion AI data center will "switch off half the country" — but my government insists it hasn't failed or withdrawn from the project

Microsoft’s $1 billion Kenyan AI data center stalls as the power grid struggles to meet demand, sparking fears of blackouts and resource strain.

Microsoft optimizes WinUI 3 framework to increase Windows 11 responsiveness

WinUI is a key part of Microsoft's initiative to fix Windows 11, and that framework is being updated. Here's how those improvements will show up on your PC.

This SSD's massive 4TB of storage could jumpstart my gaming PC, as SanDisk's absurd price is finally chipped away

The WD_Black SN850X is currently enjoying a major price drop on Amazon for its gigantic 4TB model, with several bonus discounts for its 1TB, 2TB, and 8TB models for a limited time.

5 nefarious RAM scams you need to know about in 2026 — Bad actors are benefitting from the memory shortage, and I want to help honest buyers

RAM prices remain out of control, and bad actors are taking advantage of honest buyers with a wide range of scams. Here's how they work and how you can protect yourself next time you buy memory.

Gears of War: E-Day's release date potential hints from an unlikely source at WWE's Triplemania PLE, and I'm not joking

WWE has announced that Gears of War: E-Day, the highly anticipated prequel to the Gears of War series, will be a sponsor for an upcoming PLE event called Triplemania 34. Given past video game sponsorships, people are speculating that this event could provide hints when Gears of War: E-Day will release.

"Unethical use of Azure" reportedly leads to firing of Microsoft Israel execs — Microsoft has been investigating potential abuse of its products in targeting Palestinians

Microsoft's Israeli subsidiary has been placed under ownership of Microsoft France in the interim, after a Microsoft investigation reportedly uncovered "unethical" use of its products violating its terms of service and code of conduct.

"It was sort of amateur city": Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella believes Sam Altman was fired out of jealousy, not for being consistently candid in his communications

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella testified in the ongoing Musk v. Altman trial, indicating that the billionaire didn't raise any issues about the partnership and investments despite having his phone number.

Reddit is now blocking your access to its mobile website, forcing users into its app instead: "I just won't use Reddit anymore"

Reddit’s website lockout on mobile marks another chapter in enshittification, frustrating users who prefer browser access.

Halo Infinite's cutscenes were building up to the canceled "Project Tatanka" Battle Royale, but it didn't have what I wanted.

A new report from Rebs Gaming claims Halo Infinite’s multiplayer narrative cutscenes were originally building toward Project Tatanka, Halo’s canceled Battle Royale-inspired project, before layoffs at 343 Industries reportedly led to the storyline being scrapped.

Laffgaff

What bean variety shares its name with the capital city of Peru?

Lima.

Duck Detectives

Why do ducks make the best detectives? Because they always manage to quack the case.

Itsfoss

Linux 7.0.6 is Out, and It Fully Patches the Dirty Frag Exploit

Fedora and Pop!_OS have also pushed fixes. Here's what changed and how to get patched.