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Top UK Special Forces general oversaw blocking of Afghan 'war-crime' witnesses to BritainGen Sir Gwyn Jenkins oversaw a process where Afghan special forces were prevented from settling in the UK.
Counter-terror police join Starmer London house fire investigationA fire was reported in the early hours of the morning and brought under control 20 minutes later.
PM promises migration drop as he unveils plans for 'tightened' visa rulesPlans to ban the recruitment of care workers from overseas are among efforts to curb near record net migration.
Driver jailed for murdering biker who did wheeliePolice believe Abdirahman Ibrahim killed Liam Jones, 22, "to teach him a lesson" for showboating.
Six Bulgarians jailed for spying for RussiaUK trial heard the ring had spied on Putin's enemies, including Alexei Navalny, in the UK and beyond
Power failure causes major disruption on London UndergroundThe Bakerloo, Waterloo & City and Mildmay lines are among the routes affected.
Trailblazing jockey Rachael Blackmore retires from racingGrand National-winning jockey Rachael Blackmore retires from racing with immediate effect.
First group of white South Africans lands in US under Trump refugee planDonald Trump says they are victims of "racial discrimination", which is strongly denied by South Africa.
Father Ted creator denies harassing trans womanGraham Linehan, 56, appears in court on charges of harassment of Sophia Brooks, 18, and criminal damage.
What are the challenges facing the government's plan?The government has outlined plans to "significantly" cut immigration - what are the challenges it faces?
At a glance: The plan to reduce immigrationThe government says its proposals will reduce record levels of migration to the UK in recent years.
Care providers say crackdown on overseas workers is short-sightedMany care workers say it is a rewarding job, so the task is how to get more people in the UK to apply.
Chris Mason: Why Labour aims to buck 25-year trend of rising legal migrationWhile the focus is on legal immigration, it is expected that ministers will discuss illegal immigration.
How many people come to work and study in the UK?The prime minister promises numbers will fall 'significantly' under Labour.
Scepticism and cautious hope as PKK takes historic step to disbandThere are calls for an amnesty for PKK prisoners, after the end of its 40-year insurgency against Turkey.
Faisal Islam: US and China step back from beyond brinkIt is not an end to the trade war, but it is a significant truce, writes the BBC's economics editor.
The humble pioneer who transformed racingAs trailblazing jockey Rachael Blackmore retires from the saddle, we look at her impact and success in jump racing.
Can Labour solve the big issue facing Britain's military when successive governments have failed?Troop numbers are down, morale is weak and some equipment is in a poor state - will the government's Strategic Defence Review be enough to turn that around?
Eurovision act Remember Monday: 'The closer we get, the hungrier we become'As rehearsals continue in Basel, Sweden, the UK's Eurovision act say want to avoid "nul points".
Entire Gaza population at critical risk of famine, UN-backed assessment saysFamine is not currently occurring in Gaza, the assessment says, but it calls for urgent action to increase humanitarian aid.
Detained former Philippine president Duterte wins mayoral electionThe former president's win was expected, but other races in the midterms proved less predictable.
Crates full of Nazi documents found in Argentine court's basementThe crates, dating back to 1941, contain Nazi party membership booklets and Nazi propaganda material.
Weight-loss drugs tested in first head-to-head trial - and there's a clear winnerScientists test Mounjaro and Wegovy - the big beasts of weight loss medication - to see which is best.
Ex-marine tops Everest after 8,000-mile triathlonMitch Hutchcraft and his team say the challenge is the longest ever ascent of Everest.
BBC News appTop stories, breaking news, live reporting, and follow news topics that match your interests
Has Putin Been Forced To The Table?The Russian leader called for "direct talks" with Ukraine in a late night address.
Americanswers... on 5 Live! Has China won its trade war with Trump?And why are Gen Z obsessed with the new American pope?
Pop duo Milli Vanilli and their lip-syncing scandalThe untold story surrounding the pop duo Milli Vanilli and their lip-syncing scandal.
Blackmore - the humble pioneer who transformed racingAs trailblazing jockey Rachael Blackmore retires from the saddle, we look at her impact and success in jump racing.
Ireland captain Doris ruled out for up to six monthsIreland captain Caelan Doris faces a spell of four to six months on the sidelines after having surgery on a shoulder injury.
Can Ancelotti fix Brazil and end World Cup hoodoo?Carlo Ancelotti will be in charge for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup. Can he fix their problems before then?
Raducanu's Rome run ended by classy GauffEmma Raducanu's encouraging Italian Open run ends in the last 16 as Coco Gauff proves too much of a step up in class.
A winner as boy and man - what it was like playing against KohliFrom playing against him in the Under-19s World Cup to bowling to him in Test cricket, ex-England bowler Steven Finn reflects on Virat Kohli's genius.
How bad have Amorim's United been in the league?Following Manchester United's seventh match without a win, BBC Sport takes a look at how United have fared under Ruben Amorim.
Gold-winning Paralympic equestrian star dies aged 76Anne Dunham was determined not to give up on her sport when she was diagnosed with MS aged 27.
Driver charged after pedestrian hit by carA man in his 40s was taken to hospital with serious leg injuries after the incident in Salisbury.
Dog attack leaves woman with multiple woundsPat Pope says she was walking in a park close to her home when the dog bit her many times.
Two left with life-changing injuries after crashA motorbike and a van were involved in the crash on Sunday morning.
Major route opens amid £33m revampA road in a town centre has reopened to pedestrians and cyclists, after the project faced delays.
Headlines: Hospital worker attacks and 950 new homesA look at what stories are trending across the West of England.
Coming up in the West: What's happening this week?Bristol City need a miracle, a floral clock needs volunteers to water it, and more news across the West.
Plans to protect Stonehenge from future developmentsAuthorities are coming up with a plan to safeguard the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.
Volunteer service to help those at end of lifeThe Butterfly volunteers will support those nearing the end of their life and their families.
Headlines: VE Day commemorations and play-off hopesA round-up of stories from local newspapers and the BBC from the past week in the West of England.
Wiltshire in Pictures: VE Day and bank holiday sunOur weekly Wiltshire image round-up is dominated by celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Police continue to question Iranian men over alleged terror plotThe men were arrested on 3 May on suspicion of preparation of a terrorist act, the Metropolitan Police say.
Country park with 'breathtaking views' to openBrynards Hill will be used as a shared green space for recreation, wildlife and wellbeing.
Ex-soldiers run six half marathons in six daysTwo former soldiers completed six half marathons in six consecutive days for charity.
Mobile cafe for youth offenders opens its doorsThe project gives young people the chance to become baristas to prevent reoffending.
New swap society aims to make pre-loved 'trendy'People are asked to take unwanted clothes to swap while "sipping coffee and enjoying pizza".
'We need to stand united' amid India-Pakistan conflictAs tensions rise between India and Pakistan, community leaders speak about the importance of unity.
The Big CasesThe shocking story of two innocent teenagers murdered in a case of mistaken identity.
The Big CasesSteven Craig re-enacted a torture scene from the film Reservoir Dogs burning his partner.
The Big CasesLinda Razzell was murdered by her husband in 2002 - will he now reveal where her body is?
The Big CasesKidnapped and murdered while on a gap year in France. Is it finally time for justice?
Wiltshire man scammed by fake banking appVictim Anthony Rudd "…sickening you could look someone in the eye…and then rob them”.
Wiltshire dog in “serious danger” after snake biteTerri’s dog Rollo was bitten by an adder while walking in the Wylye Valley.
Swindon park bans disposable barbecuesBBC Radio Wiltshire’s Jeremy Stern reports from Coate Water.
Secret WiltshireAuthor Tony McAleavy tells the story of how King Henry II brought bloodshed to the Abbey.
The Wiltshire boy who inspired a national charityHoratio Chapple’s mother Olivia talks about Horatio’s Garden.
Bristol beat much-changed Bath to go thirdBristol survive an ill-disciplined display against a much-changed Bath to edge a 36-14 victory at the Principality Stadium.
Swindon offer Glatzel new deal but release eightSwindon Town offer striker Paul Glatzel and four others new deals but release eight players as part of their end-of-season retained list.
Farrell injured as Lyon beat Racing to set up Bath finalOwen Farrell's final audition for British and Irish Lions selection ends early as England's record point-scorer suffers a head injury in Racing 92's 29-15 Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Lyon.
Bath oust Edinburgh to reach Challenge Cup finalBath keep their hopes of a domestic and European double on track by beating Edinburgh to seal their place in the Challenge Cup final.
Swindon offer Glatzel new deal but release eightSwindon Town offer striker Paul Glatzel and four others new deals but release eight players as part of their end-of-season retained list.
Swindon coaches Bignot, Mildenhall & Gunning agree new dealsAssistant boss Marcus Bignot plus coaches Steve Mildenhall & Gavin Gunning agree new deals to remain part of Ian Holloway's staff.
L1 & L2 preview: Promotion and play-off prospectsBBC Sport takes a look at the promotion and play-off issues still to be decided in League One and League Two.
1. How to apply April Theory to reignite your goals. January isn’t always the best time to reset - April might be. April Theory, a trend that’s gained traction on TikTok, reframes spring as the real new year. It makes sense: the days are longer, energy is rising, and motivation starts to thaw. If you’re feeling ready to reorganise, recommit, or reimagine your goals, now’s the perfect moment. READ MORE
2. A legacy of compassion and courage. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away at the age of 88, leaving a lasting legacy of humility, compassion, and courageous leadership. Elected in 2013 as the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit pope, he brought a fresh, human touch to the papacy. Throughout his tenure, he championed the poor, promoted social justice, and made environmental stewardship a moral priority. His leadership, marked by simplicity and a focus on mercy over judgment, opened the Catholic Church to a more inclusive and compassionate future. Pope Francis urged dialogue across faiths and cultures and confronted global challenges with courage and grace. In a time of division and uncertainty, he remained a powerful voice for peace, dignity, and hope. His influence extended far beyond the Church and will continue to shape the world for generations to come. Editor
3. IMF slashes UK growth forecast. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its forecast for UK economic growth in 2025, cutting it from 1.6% to 1.1%. The downgrade comes amid growing concerns about a potential global trade war and rising inflation, which the IMF says pose serious threats to the UK economy. In addition to the UK revision, the IMF also reduced its global growth forecast by 0.5 percentage points to 2.8%, citing uncertainty over current U.S. trade policies. Despite the downgrade, Chancellor Rachel Reeves pointed out that the UK is still expected to be the fastest-growing G7 economy in Europe next year. Sky News
4. Europe’s workers are disengaged. UK workers are among the saddest and most disengaged in Europe, a new survey by Gallup finds. Northern Cyprus (35%) took the top spot for workers who reported daily feelings of sadness in the 2025 State of the Global Workplace report, followed by the UK (26%) in second and Portugal (23%) in third. Ireland (21%) and Italy (21%) rounded out the top five. Just 7% of Croatian employees said they felt engaged at work, while France (8%), Spain (9%), Ireland (9%) and the UK (10%) also featured towards the bottom of the rankings. Gallup
5. Does it still pay to work 9–5? For decades, the 9–5 workday was seen as the foundation of a stable, successful career. Hard work, overtime, and loyalty to an employer were often rewarded with promotions, security, and status. But times are changing. Many Gen Z employees are pushing back against traditional expectations, saying no to overtime, and embracing “quiet quitting” — doing their job well, but refusing to sacrifice their personal time. They prioritise balance, well-being, and flexibility over climbing the corporate ladder at all costs. In a world where technology enables remote work and new career paths, does the old 9–5 model still pay off? Or are new ways of working now the smarter path to success and happiness? We’d love to know what you think in this week’s poll. VOTE HERE
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6. How are your New Year’s goals holding up? At TEN LTD, we believe leadership isn’t about how you start - it’s about how you finish. Back on 31 January, we shared 10 ways leaders stay on track with their goals. If your Q1 review shows you’re off course, don’t worry - this is the perfect time to reset and recommit. The ten leadership habits still apply, such as focus on systems, not just outcomes, reconnect with your purpose, celebrate small wins, adjust without drama, and more. Great leadership is built in moments like this - not when it’s easy, but when it’s necessary. We know first-hand: energy fades, distractions creep in, but the leaders who stick to the plan - and keep adapting - are the ones who win the long game. You can revisit the full article here: READ MORE 7. Word’s busiest international airports. London's Heathrow was the world's second busiest international airport in 2024, handling 79.2 million passengers, a 5.7% increase from the previous year, according to Airports Council International. Amsterdam's Schiphol ranked fifth, with 66.8 million passengers, followed by Paris, Charles de Gaulle on 64.5 million. Dubai International Airport maintained its position as the world's busiest for international travel in 2024, handling 92.3 million passengers. Including domestic travel, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson in the US was the world's busiest, recording 108.1 million passengers. The report noted a strong global travel rebound, with total passenger traffic rising 9% to 9.5 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 3.8%. CBS 8. Cancellations up, prices up, spirits down. It’s been a rough ride for Britain’s rail passengers - or rather, a rough wait on the platform. New figures from the Office of Rail and Road reveal that train cancellations have jumped 13% year-on-year, with a staggering 384,000 services partly or fully cancelled in the 12 months to April. That’s over 1,000 trains a day that just didn’t fancy turning up. Adding insult to injury, March saw ticket prices rise by 4.6%, meaning commuters are now paying more for the privilege of going absolutely nowhere. Rail bosses assure us they’re working hard to improve the service - presumably by cancelling trains even faster. With figures like these, it’s starting to feel like the only thing arriving on time these days is passenger frustration. Editor 9. Britons still judging accents. Turns out, it’s not what you say - it’s how you say it. A new YouGov poll of almost 5,000 adults found that 68% of Britons believe a person’s accent impacts how they’re treated and the opportunities they get. One in five reckons it makes a “great deal” of difference, while a plucky 4% live in a fantasy land where accents don’t matter at all. As someone who once endured Royal Navy elocution lessons before being unleashed on the fleet flagship, I can confirm: the right vowels can open doors - or at least stop them being slammed in your face. One moment you’re shouting “Aye aye!” like a pirate, the next you’re suavely requesting “more vol-au-vents on the quarterdeck.” So if you ever wonder why life feels like an uphill struggle, it might just be your Rs, not your CV. Editor 10. The bottom line. Government borrowing for the year ending in March hit £151.9bn, the Office for National Statistics said, nearly £15bn above forecasts. It is an increase of £20.9bn from the year before. Borrowing for March also slightly overshot expectations. UK public debt now stands at 95.8% of GDP, levels not seen since the 1960s. BBC |
We have yet to hear of the ‘Silver Curtain’ two stage armistice solution to the Ukrainian conflict. It is very simple and non-violent and can be applied at any stage of any war.
Stage one:. When a violent incursion occurs a silver curtain of total predetermined economic, sporting and political sanctions drops down between the aggressor nation and the rest of the law abiding world.
Stage two: When the aggressor retreats to the previously defined border the curtain is raised. The lifting of the Silver curtain could also be subject to the full payment of reparations and any outstand war crime cases being heard in The Hague
Crucially the sanctions are applied unilaterally by the free world and would not be linked to any peace negotiations which may or may not be equitably to either party.
What is different from the present sanctions? Putin does not know that the Silver Curtain sanctions would continue into the peace and last until he retreats. Potentially this could go on decades or until the Russian people weary of him or them.
Surely war must never be allowed to pay. Aggressive expansionist nations such a Russia and China have to know that they cannot win a war in the long term.
