Saka left out of England squad to face Andorra

BBC Top Stories • June 07, 2025 • Home

Bukayo Saka is not part of the England squad for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra due to fitness concerns. Conor Gallagher and Ollie Watkins are also left out, with Watkins returning home because of a minor injury.

Key Facts:

• Bukayo Saka, an Arsenal player, is missing from the England team for the match against Andorra.
• Saka only managed one full training session this week, likely due to fitness issues.
• Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa is returning to England because of a minor injury.
• It is not clear why Conor Gallagher is not included in the squad.
• England has won both of their first two World Cup qualifying matches against Latvia and Albania.
• Saka has not yet played under England's coach, Thomas Tuchel, due to previous injuries.
• The World Cup qualifier against Andorra is on Saturday, 7 June at 17:00 BST.
• England's match can be followed through live radio commentary and text updates.

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Spurs captain Son says Postecoglou a club 'legend'

BBC Top Stories • June 07, 2025 • Home

Ange Postecoglou was dismissed as the manager of Tottenham Hotspur shortly after leading the team to a Europa League victory, ending a 17-year wait for a trophy. Despite finishing 17th in the Premier League, team members and fans praised his leadership and called him a "legend."

Key Facts:

• Ange Postecoglou was sacked two weeks after winning the Europa League with Tottenham Hotspur.
• Tottenham won their first trophy in 17 years under his management.
• The team ended the Premier League season in 17th place, losing 22 out of 38 matches.
• Players, including Son Heung-min, praised Postecoglou for his leadership and belief in the team.
• Goalkeeper Vicario and defender Micky van de Ven expressed gratitude for Postecoglou's support and leadership.
• The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust acknowledged mixed results but appreciated the cup success.
• Several candidates, including Thomas Frank and Mauricio Pochettino, are rumored to be considered for the manager role.

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What now for Scotland as Clarke enters final chapter?

BBC Top Stories • June 07, 2025 • Home

Scotland's soccer team played a friendly match against Iceland and lost. The team's performance raised concerns about their readiness for future competitions, though the head coach remained calm and hopeful for improvement in upcoming matches.

Key Facts:

• Scotland played a friendly soccer match against Iceland and lost.
• The match took place at Hampden Park, Scotland's national stadium.
• Steve Clarke is the head coach of Scotland’s team.
• Cieran Slicker, a backup goalkeeper from Ipswich Town, made his debut unexpectedly.
• Scotland's defense and offense struggled against Iceland, who ranks 74th in the world.
• There are concerns about the team's consistency, with recent losses to Northern Ireland, Finland, Greece, and now Iceland.
• Scotland aims to improve before the World Cup qualification begins in September.

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Rod Stewart cancels US gigs ahead of Glastonbury

BBC Top Stories • June 07, 2025 • Home

Sir Rod Stewart has canceled four concerts in the United States due to the flu as he prepares for his upcoming performance at the Glastonbury Festival later this month. He announced that he will reschedule two additional shows and expressed his apologies to fans. Sir Rod will perform in the festival's prominent legends slot on June 29.

Key Facts:

• Rod Stewart canceled four U.S. concerts because he has the flu.
• He plans to reschedule two more concerts in California.
• He is set to play the legends slot at Glastonbury on June 29.
• This will be his first appearance at Glastonbury since 2002.
• Sir Rod Stewart announced his plans to stop large tours by the end of 2025.
• At Glastonbury, he will perform with his former bandmate Ronnie Wood.
• Rod Stewart is famous for songs like "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" and "Maggie May."
• He will be the first artist to perform both the legends slot and headline at Glastonbury.

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Polo-loving drug lord's double life catches up with him

BBC Top Stories • June 07, 2025 • Home

Muhammed Asif Hafeez led a double life as a respected businessman and polo club ambassador while secretly running a large drug trafficking operation. He was extradited to the United States and sentenced to 16 years in prison for drug smuggling.

Key Facts:

• Muhammed Asif Hafeez was known as a businessman and an ambassador of a London polo club.
• He secretly controlled a major drug trafficking network, distributing heroin, methamphetamine, and hashish globally.
• US officials labeled him as one of the world's most prolific drug traffickers.
• Hafeez's businesses were based in Pakistan, India, and the UK, and he used them to maintain his lifestyle and connections.
• He provided information to authorities, leading to drug interceptions, but mainly to eliminate competition.
• British and American authorities conducted a joint operation leading to his extradition in 2023.
• He pleaded guilty to drug smuggling charges and was sentenced to 16 years in a New York prison.
• His sentence will end in 2033, taking into account his detention since 2017.

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McIlroy 'concerned' for US Open after driver issues

BBC Top Stories • June 07, 2025 • Home

Rory McIlroy, a professional golfer from Northern Ireland, struggled with a new golf club called a driver at the Canadian Open, causing him to miss the cut. He is worried about his performance as he prepares for the upcoming US Open and plans to test different drivers to improve his game.

Key Facts:

• Rory McIlroy is a golfer from Northern Ireland.
• He missed the cut at the Canadian Open by finishing nine over par.
• McIlroy used a new 44-inch driver at the tournament.
• He had trouble hitting the ball well, finding only 13 out of 28 fairways.
• His previous driver was ruled non-conforming, meaning it didn't meet the rules, at another event.
• McIlroy plans to test several drivers to improve his accuracy before the US Open.
• The US Open, where he aims to perform well, starts on June 12.

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Gauff and Sabalenka face off in French Open final

BBC Top Stories • June 07, 2025 • Home

Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff will compete in the French Open women's singles final, marking the first time in seven years that the top two female players face off in a Grand Slam final. Sabalenka aims for her fourth major title, while Gauff seeks her second. Both players have equal wins against each other, and the winner will earn 2.5 million euros and 2,000 ranking points.

Key Facts:

• Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff are the top two women's tennis players in the world.
• Sabalenka is the world number one, while Gauff ranks second.
• Both have 17 Tour-level wins on clay this season.
• The winner of the French Open final will get 2.5 million euros and 2,000 ranking points.
• Sabalenka defeated Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals, breaking Swiatek's 26-match winning streak.
• Gauff beat French wildcard Lois Boisson in the semi-finals.
• Sabalenka and Gauff each have five wins in their previous 10 matches against each other.
• Sabalenka has reached seven finals in 10 tournaments this year, leading the WTA Tour with 40 wins in 46 matches.

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MI5 misled watchdog about neo-Nazi spy case after lying in court

BBC Top Stories • June 07, 2025 • Home

MI5, the UK's domestic security service, misled its oversight body, the Investigatory Powers Commissioner's Office (IPCO), about a case involving a neo-Nazi agent. Initially, IPCO found that MI5 had disclosed the agent's identity, but after MI5 challenged this, the final report was altered to align with MI5's claims.

Key Facts:

• MI5 is responsible for domestic security in the UK.
• IPCO oversees MI5's use of investigatory powers.
• The case involves a neo-Nazi agent, referred to as X, who was involved in extremist activities.
• MI5 told IPCO that it did not disclose X's identity, which contradicts an earlier draft report by IPCO.
• MI5 admitted their mistakes and apologized to IPCO after the BBC challenged their statements.
• IPCO's role is to ensure MI5 operates within the law and serves the public interest.
• MI5 was accused of shielding the agent, X, who also reportedly abused his girlfriend.
• There was a dispute between IPCO and MI5 about the disclosure policy known as "neither confirm nor deny" (NCND).

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We always joked dad looked nothing like his parents - then we found out why

BBC Top Stories • June 07, 2025 • Home

Nearly 80 years ago, Matthew's father was accidentally swapped at birth in a hospital in England. This discovery was made through DNA testing and family research, which showed that he was more closely related to another family. The United Kingdom in the mid-20th century had several such cases due to hospital practices at the time.

Key Facts:

• Matthew's father was swapped with another baby in a hospital in the late 1940s.
• The truth was uncovered using DNA testing and genealogy research done by Matthew.
• Matthew learned about the mix-up through DNA results that showed unexpected family connections.
• The BBC has reported five known cases of babies accidentally swapped in hospitals from the 1940s to the 1960s.
• Rising use of affordable DNA tests may lead to more such cases being discovered.
• Before the NHS, many births in the UK took place at home; this changed as more were delivered in hospitals.
• In hospitals at the time, babies were often separated from mothers and cared for in nurseries.
• Newborn babies had identity cards tied to their cots, which sometimes led to mix-ups if the cots, not the babies, were labeled.

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Illegal work arrests surge as police target 'unscrupulous' employers

BBC Top Stories • June 07, 2025 • Home

Police in the UK have increased arrests for illegal work by 51% over the past year, focusing on employers who exploit undocumented migrants. Immigration officers conducted more than 9,000 business inspections and made over 6,400 arrests, though the number of arrests leading to further legal action or deportation is not detailed.

Key Facts:

• Police arrested over 6,400 people in the UK for illegal work in the past year, which is a 51% increase from the previous year.
• Immigration officers checked over 9,000 businesses, including restaurants, nail bars, and construction sites.
• Many workers faced poor living conditions, low pay, and illegal working hours.
• A significant raid in March at a Belfast building site resulted in 36 arrests.
• The government has returned nearly 30,000 people who were in the UK illegally.
• The government plans to tighten work visa rules and address visa overstaying.
• About 44,000 people entered the UK illegally in the past year, mostly through small boats.

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The papers: 'Trump and Musk, babies at war' and 'DIY Ozempic boom'

BBC Top Stories • June 07, 2025 • Home

Allies of former President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk are trying to fix the strained relationship between the two. Various news outlets are covering a range of stories, including an increase in the illegal sale of a drug called Ozempic in the UK, new funding for the NHS, asylum policies, developments in the Madeleine McCann case, and potential concerns about an anti-terrorism program.

Key Facts:

• Trump and Musk are encouraged by their allies to repair their relationship to avoid political and commercial problems.
• News reports discuss a growing illegal market for a drug called Ozempic in the UK.
• The UK government plans to add £30 billion to the NHS budget, possibly reducing funds for other services like police and councils.
• UK opposition leader Kemi Badenoch claims the country is becoming more lenient on asylum seekers.
• The main suspect in the Madeleine McCann case allegedly stated police need more evidence to implicate him.
• An anti-terrorism program in the UK includes "cultural nationalism" as a potentially concerning belief.

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Government struggles to cut foreign aid spent on asylum hotels

BBC Top Stories • June 07, 2025 • Home

The UK government is facing difficulties in reducing the amount of foreign aid spent on housing asylum seekers in hotels. Despite pledges to end the use of asylum hotels and cut costs, the planned spending for this year is still close to previous levels, indicating ongoing challenges.

Key Facts:

• The UK government plans to spend £2.2 billion of foreign aid on hotel accommodations for asylum seekers this year.
• This amount is slightly less than the £2.3 billion spent in the 2024/25 financial year.
• Approximately 32,000 asylum seekers are currently housed in hotels across the UK.
• The Home Office is trying to cut costs by speeding up asylum decisions and tightening financial checks.
• Rules allow some foreign aid money to be spent on asylum seekers in their first year in the UK.
• Large expenditures on asylum hotels have led to cuts in the UK's international development aid.
• The National Audit Office reported expected costs for asylum accommodation could rise to £15.3 billion.
• There is concern that these expenditures are affecting UK humanitarian and development goals overseas.

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Understated Dawson shows England magic they've been missing

BBC Top Stories • June 06, 2025 • Home

In the first T20 cricket match, Liam Dawson helped England secure a victory over the West Indies by taking four wickets. This was Dawson's first international game in over three years, showcasing his skill as a reliable bowler. England decided to bring Dawson back amid recent challenges to improve their team performance.

Key Facts:

• Liam Dawson returned to play for England after more than three years.
• Dawson took four wickets, contributing to England's 21-run win over the West Indies.
• Before returning, Dawson last played a Test match in Adelaide during a past Ashes defeat.
• Dawson's absence from the England team was a frequent topic of discussion among fans and selectors.
• England's managing director, Rob Key, had previously commented on Dawson's exclusion from test squads.
• The match marked the start of a new era under captain Harry Brook.
• England has been working to improve their left-arm spin bowling after recent poor performances.
• Dawson has been active in cricket leagues worldwide and was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year.

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Slicker endures horror debut - but who is Scotland's seventh-choice keeper?

BBC Top Stories • June 06, 2025 • Home

Cieran Slicker made an unexpected debut as Scotland's goalkeeper during a friendly match against Iceland when Angus Gunn left due to injury. Unfortunately, Slicker made mistakes that contributed to Scotland's 3-1 defeat. The team now faces a challenge with several injured goalkeepers before their next match.

Key Facts:

• Cieran Slicker replaced Angus Gunn early in the match against Iceland.
• Slicker made a mistake shortly after coming onto the field, leading to an Iceland goal.
• Scotland lost the match 3-1, with Slicker struggling in his first senior debut.
• Several key Scotland goalkeepers are injured, causing a shortage for future games.
• Slicker previously played for Manchester City and was part of Ipswich Town before his debut.
• Steve Clarke, the Scotland head coach, sympathized with Slicker's difficult situation.
• Scotland faces a potential goalkeeper crisis with Gunn, Gordon, Kelly, and Clark all injured.

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William to address Monaco forum in bid to help world's oceans

BBC Top Stories • June 06, 2025 • Home

Prince William will speak at a forum in Monaco to urge action to protect the world's oceans. He is focusing on bringing together environmentalists and investors to tackle issues like rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and overfishing. The event is linked to World Oceans Day and serves as a lead-up to a United Nations conference on the same topic.

Key Facts:

• Prince William will speak at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco.
• The event coincides with World Oceans Day and precedes a UN Oceans Conference in Nice.
• William aims to unite environmental activists and financial investors to protect ocean health.
• Global challenges like rising temperatures, pollution, and overfishing threaten oceans.
• Monaco's Prince Albert II supports many ocean protection initiatives and is involved in the event.
• The forum will include leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and Costa Rican President Rodrigo Roblez.
• William created the Earthshot Prize to find solutions to climate issues, inspired by Sir David Attenborough.
• The prince will have both public and private meetings to discuss ocean protection strategies.

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Farm day visitors warned over Cryptosporidium parasite threat

BBC Top Stories • June 06, 2025 • Home

Visitors planning to attend a farm event in the UK have been warned about the risk of infection from a parasite called Cryptosporidium, which can cause serious stomach illness. Recent reports show that some farms in England and Wales have had repeated outbreaks of this illness, affecting many people, and have not always followed health and safety advice.

Key Facts:

• The parasite Cryptosporidium can cause a stomach illness with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
• The illness spreads through contact with infected animals or surfaces contaminated with animal feces.
• Vulnerable groups include young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
• In 2024, there were 17 outbreaks in England and Wales linked to farms.
• A specific farm in Cowbridge, Wales, saw 89 cases of illness linked to farm visits this spring.
• Some farms have ignored advice from health inspectors about improving cleanliness and safety.
• Open Farm Sunday is an event attracting 190,000 visitors, with a focus on health and safety standards.
• Farms have diversified their operations to include public events, which can be important for income but require strict health measures.

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Reform UK struggles to find friends to share council power

BBC Top Stories • June 06, 2025 • Home

Reform UK, a political party, gained many new councillors in England's recent local elections but is struggling to form alliances with other parties to govern councils. Despite speculation about possible partnerships, other parties have been reluctant to cooperate with Reform UK, often due to differences in policy focus.

Key Facts:

• Reform UK gained many council seats in the recent local elections in England.
• Almost half of the councils did not have a clear majority, leading to what are called "hung councils."
• Reform UK is not part of any official coalitions or partnerships in areas with local elections this year.
• In Cornwall, other parties like the Liberal Democrats, Labour, and the Conservatives refused to work with Reform UK despite its success in winning seats.
• Parties cited differences in core values and lack of local policies as reasons for not partnering with Reform UK.
• Reform UK campaigned more on national issues like immigration, rather than local matters.
• In Worcestershire, the Conservatives highlighted Reform UK's focus on national rather than local issues.
• Reform UK might have to make informal agreements to govern effectively without formal coalitions.

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Did Welsh rarebit start as a joke by the English?

BBC Top Stories • June 06, 2025 • Home

Welsh rarebit is a traditional Welsh dish made from toasted bread with a cheese sauce on top. It is believed to have developed in Wales over time, and its name may have started as a joke by the English. The dish has no direct connection to actual rabbits, despite its original name, "Welsh rabbit."

Key Facts:

• Welsh rarebit consists of toasted bread topped with a cheese sauce.
• The dish is linked to Welsh culture and history.
• Cheese was an important food in Wales, especially during times when meat was scarce.
• The name "Welsh rarebit" may have originated as a joke by the English about Welsh people.
• The dish's original name, "Welsh rabbit," suggested a humorous connotation, as it contains no rabbit.
• The term "rarebit" is a variation of "rabbit" and is specific to this dish.
• Welsh rarebit first appeared in records in 1725.
• The name may have changed from "rabbit" to "rarebit" to avoid patronizing connotations.

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Secret Glastonbury: The mystery of the festival's surprise stars

BBC Top Stories • June 06, 2025 • Home

Glastonbury Festival is keeping fans guessing by listing "Patchwork" as a surprise performer for the upcoming event, similar to how the Foo Fighters were revealed as "The ChurnUps" in 2023. Speculation includes various well-known bands and artists possibly taking the stage under this mystery name.

Key Facts:

• Glastonbury Festival featured a mystery band called "Patchwork" on the lineup.
• "Patchwork" will play on the main Pyramid Stage on Saturday night.
• The Foo Fighters previously used a fake name, "The ChurnUps", for a surprise set in 2023.
• Speculation about "Patchwork" includes artists like Pulp, Haim, Mumford and Sons, and Oasis.
• The band Pulp was initially thought to be "Patchwork," but their representative denied it.
• There are other mysterious performer slots labeled "TBA" (To Be Announced) at the festival.
• Glastonbury has a history of featuring surprise performances by big-name artists.
• Fans have formed theories and use social media to guess who might perform.

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Hopes of closure fade as police wrap up Madeleine McCann search

BBC Top Stories • June 06, 2025 • Home

Police have ended their search efforts in the Madeleine McCann case without finding her, which leaves many in the Praia da Luz community still seeking closure. A German prosecutor named Christian Brückner as a suspect in 2020, claiming strong evidence that she is dead, but they have not publicly revealed all the evidence yet.

Key Facts:

• Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007 from Praia da Luz, Portugal.
• The initial investigation by Portuguese police lost critical forensic evidence.
• In 2011, the UK Metropolitan Police started their own investigation.
• In 2020, German prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters identified Christian Brückner as a suspect, saying they believed Madeleine was dead.
• Brückner is currently in prison in Germany for an unrelated crime but is due for release soon.
• Prosecutors partly base their suspicions on a conversation Brückner allegedly had in 2008.
• Brückner's criminal record includes offenses related to sexual abuse of children.

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