PM warned more funding needed to halve crime against women

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Two senior government officials warned the Prime Minister that without more money, the government will not achieve its goal of reducing violence against women and girls by half. This warning comes before a spending review that is likely to include cuts. Police chiefs have also expressed concerns that reduced budgets could affect which crimes they can investigate.

Key Facts:

• Two government watchdogs have warned that cutting funds could harm efforts to reduce violence against women and girls.
• The government aims to cut violence against women and girls by 50%.
• The warning is linked to an upcoming spending review which may include budget cuts.
• The Home Office, managing police and victim services, is still negotiating their budget with the Treasury.
• Police chiefs say budget cuts could force them to focus less on some crimes.
• Police have already seen reduced numbers due to previous austerity measures, leading to increased violence rates.
• There are concerns that without proper funding, police and the National Crime Agency may shrink further.
• Police chiefs informed that early release of prisoners poses a safety risk without extra funding.

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Man killed in racist attack told police he saw similar assault weeks before death

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Police were aware of a series of racist incidents involving local youths in Leicestershire before Bhim Kohli, an elderly man, was attacked and subsequently died. Mr. Kohli had previously reported witnessing a racially motivated attack on another man, who was hit with stones and verbally abused. Two youths were later convicted of manslaughter for Mr. Kohli's death.

Key Facts:

• Bhim Kohli reported a racially motivated assault on a man two weeks before he was attacked.
• Mr. Kohli was attacked by a 14-year-old boy while a 12-year-old girl filmed it; he died the next day.
• Both youths involved in his attack were convicted of manslaughter.
• An earlier victim of racist abuse in the area described being attacked with rocks and verbally insulted.
• Police were informed about previous incidents of anti-social behavior and racism in the area.
• A local resident, Linda Haigh, also raised concerns about racial problems but felt police did not respond effectively.
• Mr. Kohli had previously been targeted by youths throwing stones and using racial slurs in July.
• Police mentioned they were investigating reports of anti-social behavior in the park area before Mr. Kohli's death.

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The Papers: 'Good weather' small boat surge and 'tax bombshells'

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Several newspapers report on small boat crossings in the English Channel, with some connecting it to recent weather and others noting government efforts to deter these crossings. Other key stories include the potential renationalization of Thames Water, the UK stockpiling medical supplies for nuclear scenarios, and the ongoing search for Madeleine McCann. Various headlines also mention financial concerns and political spending plans in the UK.

Key Facts:

• Some newspapers report on increased small boat crossings in the English Channel, potentially due to good weather.
• The UK government found that its Rwanda plan appears to have deterred some migrants, according to a recent report.
• Thames Water may become government-owned again after a US firm decided not to invest £4 billion.
• The UK plans to store military medical supplies to prepare for possible nuclear attacks.
• Police in Portugal renewed their search for Madeleine McCann, who disappeared almost 20 years ago.
• Large accounting firms are trying to develop ways to audit new artificial intelligence products.
• Rachel Reeves, a UK political figure, has announced a £15 billion spending plan in response to concerns from her political party.

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Author Bernardine Evaristo 'astonished' to receive one-off £100k prize

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

Bernardine Evaristo received a special award with a £100,000 prize from the Women's Prize for Fiction for her significant work in literature and promoting diversity. She plans to use the prize money to support female writers and will share more about her plans later this year.

Key Facts:

• Bernardine Evaristo was honored with a one-time outstanding contribution award by the Women's Prize for Fiction.
• She is the first Black woman to win the Booker Prize, sharing it with Margaret Atwood in 2019.
• The award recognizes her career achievements and advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the arts.
• Evaristo will get £100,000 and a sculpture, to be awarded at a ceremony in London on 12 June.
• She intends to use the prize money to support projects for female writers.
• Evaristo co-founded Britain's first Black women's theatre company and other initiatives for diverse writers.
• She was awarded an MBE in 2009 for her contributions to literature.
• Evaristo emphasized the ongoing need for advocacy to maintain progress in women's rights.

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Labour is cosying up to China after years of rollercoaster relations

BBC Top Stories • June 04, 2025 • Home

A group of UK mayors and their deputies visited China, marking the largest British civic mission to the country in recent times. This trip focused on rekindling diplomatic and trade relations, with discussions on business cooperation and climate talks. The visit is seen as a shift towards improving ties between the UK and China after years of strained relations.

Key Facts:

• A delegation of UK mayors and deputies visited China in March, marking the biggest British civic visit to China in modern history.
• The group traveled to several southern Chinese cities and met with local Chinese leaders and technology companies.
• Approximately six deals were signed during the visit, including a new UK headquarters for Chinese energy company EcoFlow in Birmingham.
• The visit aimed to rebuild diplomatic and trade relations between the UK and China.
• This shift echoes the "golden era" of UK-China relations in the early 2010s when economic relations were a key focus.
• Chancellor Rachel Reeves co-chaired the first UK-China economic summit since 2019, aiming to boost the UK economy by engaging with China.
• Energy Secretary Ed Miliband resumed climate talks with China to address joint environmental concerns.

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Athletes urge PM to back London 2029 World Championships bid

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

More than 100 British athletes have asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer to support London's bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. The event would take place at the London Stadium and requires public funds, with a prospective benefit of £400 million to the UK's economy.

Key Facts:

• Over 100 British athletes signed a letter to the Prime Minister.
• The athletes want London to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
• Famous athletes like Sir Mo Farah and Dame Kelly Holmes supported the bid.
• The event would be held at the London Stadium.
• It needs public funds in 2028 to go ahead.
• Hosting the event could potentially add £400 million to the UK's economy.
• The last time London hosted the Championships was in 2017.
• The decision process for the bid begins this summer.

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Jonathan Joss: Three roles the late US actor was known for

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Jonathan Joss, a US actor known for his roles in "King of the Hill" and "Parks and Recreation," has passed away at 59. He was recognized for bringing more Native American representation to television through his diverse career in films, TV shows, and stage productions.

Key Facts:

• Jonathan Joss was an actor famous for "King of the Hill" and "Parks and Recreation."
• He died at the age of 59, and his death is being investigated by police in Texas.
• Joss voiced the character John Redcorn in "King of the Hill," a Native American healer.
• Redcorn's character dealt with cultural themes, including Native American land rights.
• Joss portrayed Chief Ken Hotate, a Native American tribe leader, in "Parks and Recreation."
• Both characters highlighted issues faced by Native American communities.
• Joss's work helped increase the visibility of Native Americans on screen.

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How Bazball's baby showed merit in England's thinking

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

England's cricket team won a series against the West Indies, powered by Jamie Smith's impressive performance. Smith scored 64 runs from 28 balls, helping England secure a 3-0 series win. England's coach, Brendon McCullum, has shown confidence in Smith, suggesting his potential as a valuable opener for future matches.

Key Facts:

• England's cricket team beat the West Indies to win the series 3-0.
• Jamie Smith scored 64 runs quickly in the final match, boosting the team's performance.
• The match took place at The Oval in London.
• England's team faced traffic issues and arrived on e-bikes.
• Jamie Smith's performance was part of England's new strategy under coach Brendon McCullum.
• Smith, 24, was chosen to open the batting, a position he started playing recently in professional cricket.
• Smith has played 24 international matches and is known for both aggressive and technically solid batting.
• England is looking to improve its opening partnerships after challenges in previous games.

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Grand Slam Track investigating alleged abuse of Thomas

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Grand Slam Track is looking into claims that Gabby Thomas, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, was harassed at a Philadelphia track event. A man allegedly followed her and shouted insults, which he admitted to doing, saying it helped him win a sports bet.

Key Facts:

• Gabby Thomas won three gold medals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
• The incident happened during a track meet in Philadelphia.
• Thomas reported the harassment on X, a social media platform.
• The man admitted to heckling Thomas and shared a video online.
• He claimed that his actions helped him win a sports bet.
• Event organizers, Grand Slam Track, are investigating the incident.
• They plan to take action and improve security to stop future issues.

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'Very good week' for England or 'back to the drawing board'?

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

England's women's football team played two recent matches in the Women's Nations League as they prepare for the European championship in Switzerland. They won against Portugal 6-0 but lost to Spain 2-1. The team faced the retirement of key players before these matches and used the games to test returning players from injuries.

Key Facts:

• England won 6-0 against Portugal, showcasing returning players' fitness.
• They lost to Spain 2-1, which did not advance them to the Nations League semi-finals.
• Key goalkeeper Mary Earps announced her international retirement, and defender Millie Bright stepped away for personal reasons.
• Aggie Beever-Jones scored a hat-trick against Portugal, highlighting England's strong attack.
• Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood, and Georgia Stanway returned to the field after knee surgeries.
• Missy Bo Kearns made her senior debut, while Fran Kirby retired from international football.
• England's coach, Sarina Wiegman, used these matches to prepare her team for the upcoming European championship.
• The team focused on building player experience and readiness for future competitions.

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Dive-bombing buzzard forces school to close playground

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

A primary school in east London has kept its playground closed because a buzzard, a type of bird, is swooping at people near its nest. The school is worried that the bird might attack children.

Key Facts:

• Dame Tipping Primary School in east London has closed its playground.
• The closure is due to a buzzard dive-bombing in the area.
• The bird is believed to be protecting its nest.
• There are concerns it might attack children if they go outside.
• The school is located in Havering-atte-Bower.

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England seal series win against West Indies after emphatic victory

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

England won a series against the West Indies by taking all three matches. The last match took place at The Oval and was interrupted by rain.

Key Facts:

• England won all three matches in the series against the West Indies.
• The final match was held at The Oval cricket ground.
• Rain interrupted the last match, but the game continued.
• England's victory in the series is described as emphatic, meaning it was clear and convincing.
• The series result was 3-0 in favor of England.
• The match and series were part of One Day International (ODI) games.

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England thrash Windies to seal 3-0 series win

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

England won the third one-day international cricket match against the West Indies by seven wickets, completing a 3-0 series victory. Jamie Smith's fast scoring helped England reach their target quickly, while Adil Rashid took key wickets for England in bowling. Harry Brook, England's new captain, successfully led the team in his first series as leader.

Key Facts:

• England defeated the West Indies by seven wickets in the third one-day international match at The Oval.
• The victory secured England a 3-0 series win over the West Indies.
• Jamie Smith scored 64 runs from 28 balls, his first half-century in a one-day international match.
• England chased a target of 246 runs in just 29.4 overs.
• Adil Rashid took three wickets, giving away 40 runs, to help limit the West Indies to 251-9 in 40 overs.
• Gudakesh Motie scored 63 runs for the West Indies, supporting their struggling innings.
• Harry Brook led England to their first one-day international series win since 2022, following changes in the team after recent tournament performances.

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Kirby announces England retirement before Euros

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Fran Kirby, an attacking midfielder for England, has retired from international football. She decided to retire before the European Championships and confirmed her decision in an interview with BBC Sport. Kirby, who has played in 77 international matches, is recognized for her significant contributions to England's Euro 2022 victory.

Key Facts:

• Fran Kirby announced her retirement from international football.
• She has played 77 matches for the England women's national team, also known as the Lionesses.
• Kirby was planning to retire after the upcoming European Championships but was not selected for the squad.
• Her last appearance for England was in a 6-0 win over Portugal.
• She has won numerous titles with Chelsea, including seven Women's Super League titles and five Women's FA Cups.
• Kirby played a key role in England's Euro 2022 win, starting all the games and scoring twice.
• Her career has been affected by injuries and health issues, including a knee injury that prevented her from playing in the 2023 World Cup.

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Suspended Met officer spent five years on full pay

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

A senior officer from the Metropolitan Police, Cdr Julian Bennett, was dismissed after a nearly five-year process. He was suspended in July 2020 for refusing to take a drug test and later dismissed for gross misconduct.

Key Facts:

• Cdr Julian Bennett was suspended from the Metropolitan Police from July 2020.
• He was on full pay during his suspension.
• He refused to take a required drug test.
• He was initially dismissed in October 2023, but the decision was appealed.
• The Police Appeals Tribunal ordered a new hearing, which found him guilty of gross misconduct.
• Allegations that he used cannabis and gave false reasons for refusing the test were not proven.
• Mr. Bennett was previously involved in writing a drug strategy for the Met.
• Following his dismissal, he will be added to a list that bars employment in police-related roles.

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Major new search for Madeleine McCann

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

This article announces a major new search for Madeleine McCann, a girl who went missing years ago. It also mentions political changes happening in Poland and the Netherlands.

Key Facts:

• Madeleine McCann is a girl who disappeared in 2007.
• Authorities have started a new search to find her.
• The search is happening as of June 2025.
• Political changes are also occurring in Poland and the Netherlands.
• The article is from BBC Sounds and was released on June 3, 2025.
• The program is available to listen to for over a year.

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MI5 lied ‘deliberately and repeatedly’ in neo-Nazi spy case, BBC tells High Court

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

A BBC investigation claims that MI5 lied on purpose about their handling of a neo-Nazi agent who harmed women. The BBC is asking for contempt of court charges against MI5, despite MI5's apology and claims that any errors were not intentional. Judges are deciding on the case, which questions MI5's credibility and secrecy policy.

Key Facts:

• MI5 is accused of lying about a neo-Nazi agent who misused his role.
• The BBC presented evidence that MI5 gave false information to courts.
• MI5 issued an apology but said the mistakes were not deliberate.
• Judges are currently deciding on possible contempt of court charges.
• The case involves MI5's secrecy policy, which usually keeps information confidential.
• The woman affected by the agent's actions is pursuing a separate legal claim.
• The case challenges how MI5's evidence is viewed by the courts.
• Contempt of court can lead to fines or prison if it hinders justice.

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What we know about killings near US-Israeli backed Gaza aid site

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

Over the last three days, several incidents near an aid distribution site in Gaza resulted in deaths. The site, managed by a group supported by the US and Israel, saw violence allegedly involving Israeli military fire. Israel has denied firing on civilians, stating only warning shots were fired.

Key Facts:

• Three incidents occurred near a new aid site in southwest Gaza.
• The first incident on Sunday resulted in 31 Palestinian deaths, according to local officials.
• Two more incidents on Monday and Tuesday led to additional deaths.
• Israel denies targeting civilians and claims only suspects were fired upon.
• The aid site, SDS 1, started operating on May 26 but faced challenges, including site crowding and safety issues.
• The aid system, led by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, is criticized for bypassing the UN.
• The site directs civilians to approach via a specific road, raising safety concerns.

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Has good weather helped to fuel record small boat crossings?

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

The Home Office reported a record number of "red days" in 2024-25, indicating favorable weather for small boat crossings in the English Channel. Alongside weather conditions, overcrowding in small boats has increased, contributing to a rise in migrant crossings this year.

Key Facts:

• In 2024-25, there were 190 "red days" that favored small boat crossings, marking an 80% increase from the previous year.
• "Red days" are when the weather is likely or highly likely to support small boat crossings, as assessed by the Met Office.
• So far in the current year, 14,812 people have crossed in small boats, about 40% more than in the same period last year.
• Nearly 1,200 people crossed the Channel in small boats on one Saturday alone.
• The government links good weather conditions to the increase in crossings.
• Overcrowding on boats has increased, with 33 boats carrying 80 or more people in the year to April 2025, compared to 11 the previous year.
• The total number of boats used for crossings dropped from 1,116 in 2021-22 to 738 last year.
• The Home Office attributes the record number of deaths last year to overcrowding in unsafe boats orchestrated by people smugglers.

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House fire victims include former death row inmate

BBC Top Stories • June 03, 2025 • Home

A house fire in County Galway, Ireland, resulted in the deaths of Sonia 'Sunny' Jacobs and Kevin Kelly. Ms. Jacobs was known for being wrongfully convicted and spending 17 years in prison in the U.S. for murders she did not commit.

Key Facts:

• Sonia 'Sunny' Jacobs and Kevin Kelly were found dead after a house fire in County Galway, Ireland.
• The fire occurred in a rural area near Casla, Connemara, and started around 06:20 local time on Tuesday.
• Ms. Jacobs was a U.S. woman who spent 17 years in prison after being wrongfully sentenced for killing two police officers in Florida in 1976.
• Her death penalty was changed to a life sentence, and she was later released when evidence came to light.
• After her release, she moved to Ireland, married Peter Pringle, who also had been wrongly convicted, and worked to support others in similar situations.
• The house fire's cause is being investigated, but foul play is not suspected.
• Gardaí (Irish police) are asking for witnesses to come forward with information about the fire.
• The bodies have been sent to University Hospital Galway for post-mortem examinations.

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