June 19, 2025

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MI5 neo-Nazi spy: Judge had 'no confidence' in Security Service's account of false evidence

MI5 neo-Nazi spy: Judge had 'no confidence' in Security Service's account of false evidence

MI5 is under examination after a High Court judge expressed doubt over the truthfulness of a senior officer's testimony in the case of a neo-Nazi agent known as X, who was previously exposed by the BBC for coercive behavior. The judge has ordered MI5 to disclose secret documents, and a panel of judges is considering possible actions, including holding MI5 or its officers in contempt of court.

Key Facts:

  • A High Court judge questioned the credibility of testimony given by MI5 in a case involving a violent neo-Nazi agent.
  • MI5 has been ordered to provide secret documents related to this case.
  • The agent, identified as X, used his position to intimidate his girlfriend, including attacking her with a machete.
  • There is a possibility of contempt of court proceedings against MI5 or individual officers.
  • The Attorney General, who usually handles such proceedings, is technically representing MI5 in this case.
  • MI5 initially gave false evidence, stating they adhered to confidentiality policies, which the BBC later disproved.
  • The judge's concerns relate to inconsistencies found in MI5's internal and external investigations.
  • MI5 must disclose additional documents, including policy documents and interview notes, to the court.

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The Papers: Britain 'battle-ready' and 'new Maddie search'

The Papers: Britain 'battle-ready' and 'new Maddie search'

Britain plans to spend an additional £2 billion on drones and other defense upgrades to prepare for future threats. The country will introduce new weapons and tactics inspired by the war in Ukraine and grow the Army for the first time in a generation. Separately, German police will conduct a major new search for Madeleine McCann, who disappeared in Portugal in 2007.

Key Facts:

  • Britain will spend an extra £2 billion to improve its defense capabilities.
  • The government is looking at new tactics and weapons used in the Ukraine war.
  • The British Army is set to grow for the first time in many years.
  • The planned defense upgrades include 12 nuclear-powered submarines.
  • A new search effort is underway for Madeleine McCann, focusing on more than 20 sites in Portugal.
  • Germany is leading the investigation in this new search effort.
  • The search for McCann involves radar and digging up to 15 feet deep in specific areas.
  • Madeleine McCann disappeared at the age of three in 2007.

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Six families remember loved ones lost on Pan Am 103

Six families remember loved ones lost on Pan Am 103

A new program called "Lockerbie: Our Story" shares the personal stories of six families and friends who lost loved ones in the Lockerbie bombing, the UK's worst terrorist attack. This program lasts 59 minutes and first aired on June 3, 2025. It will be available to watch for 11 months.

Key Facts:

  • "Lockerbie: Our Story" tells the experiences of six families and friends affected by the Lockerbie bombing.
  • The Lockerbie bombing is known as the UK's worst terrorist attack.
  • The program first aired on June 3, 2025.
  • It has a duration of 59 minutes.
  • The program will be available to watch for 11 months.
  • The show may contain scenes that some viewers find upsetting.

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Draper rues 'missed opportunity' after Bublik loss

Draper rues 'missed opportunity' after Bublik loss

Jack Draper, a British tennis player, lost in the French Open to Alexander Bublik, ranked 62nd in the world. This unexpected defeat ended Draper's run before the quarter-finals, despite his recent rise in the tennis world. Bublik's strong performance, using effective drop-shots, was a decisive factor in the match.

Key Facts:

  • Jack Draper lost in the fourth round of the French Open to Alexander Bublik.
  • Draper is currently ranked number five in the world.
  • This was Draper's first year winning a match at the French Open.
  • Alexander Bublik is ranked number 62 in the world.
  • Bublik's win ended British interest in the singles competition at the French Open after Cameron Norrie's loss.
  • Draper aimed to reach the quarter-finals, with a possible match against top seed Jannik Sinner.
  • Draper has improved his ranking and performance over the past year, including a semi-final run at the US Open.
  • Bublik described the match as the best moment of his life.

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England to train in tents to replicate World Cup heat

England to train in tents to replicate World Cup heat

England's football team is using heated tents during training in Spain to prepare for the hot and humid conditions expected at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Coach Thomas Tuchel and his team are testing how players manage in these temperatures and plan to improve their recovery. Tuchel will visit the United States to check the tournament conditions firsthand.

Key Facts:

  • England's team is training in Girona, Spain, using heated tents.
  • The tents simulate the hot and humid conditions expected at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
  • Players are tested on exercise bikes inside the tents to see how they cope with the heat.
  • Thomas Tuchel started working as England's coach in January.
  • England will play Andorra in a World Cup qualifier and Senegal in a friendly match in June.
  • Tuchel plans to observe matches in the United States to learn more about the climate conditions.
  • There are concerns that temperatures at 14 of the 16 World Cup stadiums could reach dangerous levels.
  • Dallas, a host city, often has temperatures over 28°C in June and July.

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Human remains found in search for missing woman

Human remains found in search for missing woman

Human remains were found in a garden in Derby as part of a murder investigation into the disappearance of Izabela Helena Zablocka, who was last seen in 2010. Four people have been arrested in connection with the case. Police are working to identify the remains and are seeking information from the public.

Key Facts:

  • Human remains were discovered in a garden during a murder investigation related to Izabela Helena Zablocka.
  • Izabela moved from Poland to the UK in 2009 and was reported missing in May of this year.
  • Her family in Poland lost contact with her in August 2010.
  • Four people have been arrested on suspicion of murder; they include three women aged 39 and 43 and a man aged 41.
  • The identification of the remains is expected to take a long time.
  • Police believe the remains likely belong to Izabela and have informed her family.
  • The investigation continues, with detectives looking for more information about Izabela's last days.
  • A reward of £20,000 is offered for information that leads to a conviction in the case.

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The plan to get Britain ready for war

The plan to get Britain ready for war

The BBC's Newscast released an episode discussing how Britain plans to prepare for war. The talk features one of the authors of the UK's strategic defense review.

Key Facts:

  • The discussion is part of a Newscast episode from the BBC.
  • The episode, "The Plan To Get Britain Ready For War," was released on June 2, 2025.
  • This program includes a guest who helped write the UK's strategic defense review.
  • The strategic defense review is a plan that outlines how Britain can prepare for potential wars.
  • The episode is available on BBC Sounds and lasts 40 minutes.
  • The BBC provides help with signing in, privacy information, and newsletters through its website.

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Djokovic ends Norrie's run to advance in Paris

Djokovic ends Norrie's run to advance in Paris

Novak Djokovic defeated Cameron Norrie in straight sets at the French Open, advancing to the quarter-finals. Norrie, who had a strong run in the tournament, could not overcome Djokovic, who is aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title.

Key Facts:

  • Novak Djokovic won against Cameron Norrie with scores of 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.
  • This victory marked Djokovic's 100th match win at the French Open.
  • Djokovic aims to win his 25th Grand Slam singles title.
  • Cameron Norrie made it to the last 16 at the French Open for the first time.
  • Norrie had previously defeated Daniil Medvedev, the 11th seed, in the first round.
  • Djokovic will play against Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals.
  • Jack Draper was the last British player in singles competition, losing to Alexander Bublik.
  • Norrie will move back into the top 60 world rankings after the tournament.

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Defence plan will ensure UK is ready for war, minister says

Defence plan will ensure UK is ready for war, minister says

The UK government plans to spend billions to improve its military readiness against challenges from countries like Russia and China. The Strategic Defence Review recommends building new submarines, using advanced technologies, and strengthening the armed forces. These changes aim to make the UK military more prepared for modern threats.

Key Facts:

  • The UK will build 12 new nuclear-powered submarines.
  • Six new factories will make munitions, allowing constant production.
  • The UK plans to use technologies like artificial intelligence in its military.
  • Russia and China are seen as major threats to the UK.
  • There will be an increase in the UK's army size from 74,400 to at least 76,000 soldiers.
  • The UK will spend £15 billion on new nuclear warheads.
  • A "cyber and electromagnetic command" will be created to improve cyber defenses and attacks.
  • The UK aims to increase the defense budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2027.

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Americanswers... on 5 Live! Who controls Donald Trump's Truth Social account?

Americanswers... on 5 Live! Who controls Donald Trump's Truth Social account?

The article focuses on discussions around who manages former U.S. President Donald Trump's account on Truth Social, a social media platform. It mentions that Trump is a frequent user of this platform.

Key Facts:

  • The article discusses Donald Trump's account on a social media platform called Truth Social.
  • Truth Social is similar to platforms like Twitter or Facebook but has its own set of rules and audience.
  • Former U.S. President Donald Trump is a regular user of Truth Social.
  • There is a focus on understanding who has control over Trump's postings on the platform.
  • Truth Social is a platform used particularly by those interested in alternatives to mainstream social media.
  • The content was released on June 2, 2025, as part of a program.
  • The discussion lasts 31 minutes and is available on BBC Sounds.

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Britain's defence review has grand ambition. Now it needs the money

Britain's defence review has grand ambition. Now it needs the money

The British defence review outlines a plan to modernize the armed forces, indicating that more money will be needed beyond the current budget. It emphasizes the urgency of preparing for potential conflicts and adapting to new threats by using more advanced technology and increasing the size of the army.

Key Facts:

  • Britain's regular army has about 71,000 soldiers, which is below the target of 73,000.
  • The review suggests increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2034, but notes that this may need to happen sooner.
  • The government plans to build up to 12 new attack submarines, requiring increased funding.
  • The review identifies Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea as significant threats.
  • Modernizing the military involves using more drones and artificial intelligence.
  • A "defence readiness bill" is proposed to help the government quickly mobilize resources if needed.
  • The review emphasizes protecting critical infrastructure, like underwater pipes and cables.
  • There are plans to increase the regular army size to 76,000, but this has no set timeline or funding yet.

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Benefits cut led to mum of nine killing herself

Benefits cut led to mum of nine killing herself

A coroner concluded that Jodey Whiting, a disabled woman from Stockton-on-Tees, died by suicide in 2017 after her mental health declined when her benefits were wrongly stopped. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) expressed regret over errors made in her case, which led to her losing financial support.

Key Facts:

  • Jodey Whiting was found dead in 2017, two weeks after being declared fit to work despite missing an assessment due to hospitalization with pneumonia.
  • The coroner found that the decision to stop her benefits worsened her mental health, leading to her suicide.
  • Whiting had chronic health issues, including a spine condition and a brain cyst, and suffered from chronic pain and mental health problems.
  • Whiting's benefits, including housing and council tax support, were cut after she was labeled as fit to work.
  • Her mother, Joy Dove, pursued a legal battle for a second inquest, highlighting the DWP's role in the case.
  • An Independent Case Examiner's report found errors in the process and suggested the DWP compensate the family.
  • The DWP admitted errors and expressed regret, stating a need for a more compassionate approach.

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Minister apologises for grooming gangs report delay

Minister apologises for grooming gangs report delay

A government minister apologized for a delay in releasing a report on grooming gangs, which are groups involved in child sexual abuse. The report, led by Baroness Louise Casey, is now expected soon after a short extension request.

Key Facts:

  • The government asked Baroness Louise Casey in January to review data on group-based child sexual abuse.
  • The report was supposed to be published in May, but there has been a delay.
  • Home Office Minister Jess Phillips apologized for the delay in the House of Commons.
  • Baroness Casey requested a short extension to complete the report.
  • The report will help the government decide its next steps regarding grooming gangs.
  • An initial £5 million has been set aside for victim-focused local inquiries in Oldham and other areas.
  • The government recently decided against a national inquiry because a previous one lasted seven years.
  • Local inquiries will study specific incidents, with further inquiries expected after the report's publication.

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New search in Portugal in Madeleine McCann case

New search in Portugal in Madeleine McCann case

Police in Portugal and Germany have started a new search for Madeleine McCann, who disappeared in 2007 while on holiday with her family. The search is focused on areas near her last known location in the Algarve region and is part of investigations where 48-year-old Christian Brückner is considered the main suspect.

Key Facts:

  • Madeleine McCann went missing in 2007 during a family holiday in Portugal.
  • Portuguese and German police are conducting a search in Portugal from June 2-6, 2023.
  • The search targets the municipality of Lagos, near where Madeleine was last seen.
  • Christian Brückner, a German national serving a prison sentence for another crime, is the main suspect.
  • German investigators suspect Brückner of involvement in Madeleine's case but lack enough evidence for charges.
  • Brückner has denied any involvement in Madeleine's disappearance.
  • Portuguese authorities will hand over any found evidence to German authorities.
  • This new search is the first one in two years, with the last in 2023 concentrating on a remote dam area.

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Drones, submarines and nuclear warheads - what's in the new UK defence plan?

Drones, submarines and nuclear warheads - what's in the new UK defence plan?

The UK government has unveiled a new defence strategy for the next ten years. This plan includes increasing its focus on NATO, upgrading military technology, expanding personnel, and investing in nuclear and cyber capabilities. The government aims to adopt all 62 recommendations from the defence review, affecting various areas like the Army, Navy, Air Force, and more.

Key Facts:

  • The strategy emphasizes a "Nato-first" policy, making the UK a major contributor to NATO since its founding.
  • The military will shift towards "war-fighting readiness" as its main focus.
  • The Royal Navy will use a mix of aircraft, drones, warships, and submarines to patrol key areas.
  • The plan includes building 12 new submarines as part of a partnership with Australia and the United States, creating 9,000 jobs.
  • By 2029, there will be a small increase in full-time army personnel, with plans for fully-trained reserves.
  • A new Cyber and Electromagnetic Command will lead the UK's efforts in cyber and electromagnetic warfare.
  • The strategy sets aside an £11 billion budget for military equipment, including new factories and long-range weapons.
  • Over £1.5 billion will be spent to improve living conditions for the armed forces.

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Scheffler and Stark evoke memories of legends

Scheffler and Stark evoke memories of legends

Scottie Scheffler defended his title at the Memorial event in Ohio, achieving his 16th PGA Tour victory. Maja Stark won her first major at the Women's US Open, marking the first European win in the tournament since 2006.

Key Facts:

  • Scottie Scheffler won his 16th PGA Tour title at the Memorial event in Ohio.
  • Maja Stark won the Women's US Open, her first major victory.
  • Stark's win is the first by a European in this tournament since 2006.
  • Scheffler has won three major titles and 16 PGA Tour events in three years and three months.
  • Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods achieved similar records in slightly less time.
  • Scheffler consistently performs well in all areas of the game, according to Data Golf.
  • Scheffler is the first person to win back-to-back Memorial titles since Tiger Woods.
  • Stark won her major with a two-shot victory over Nelly Korda and Rio Takeda.

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Fourth man arrested over fires at homes linked to PM

Fourth man arrested over fires at homes linked to PM

A 48-year-old man was arrested in connection with a series of fires linked to the homes of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The police arrested him at London's Stansted Airport, and he is suspected of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. Three other men have been charged earlier for similar offenses related to these fires.

Key Facts:

  • A fourth man was arrested at Stansted Airport for alleged conspiracy to commit arson.
  • He is connected to fires at places linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
  • The arrest is linked to three incidents: a car fire in Kentish Town, a fire at Sir Keir's private home, and a fire at a former address in Islington.
  • The arrested man is 48 years old and is currently in police custody in London.
  • Three other men, including two Ukrainians and one Ukrainian-born Romanian, face charges related to these fires.
  • These three men are due in court at the Old Bailey.
  • The fires occurred between May 8 and May 12 in north London locations.

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Police confirm 109 people injured in Liverpool parade crash

Police confirm 109 people injured in Liverpool parade crash

Police reported that 109 people were injured when a car hit a crowd during Liverpool FC's parade. The suspect, Paul Doyle, faces multiple charges and will appear in court again in August.

Key Facts:

  • 109 people were injured during a car crash at Liverpool FC's parade.
  • The incident occurred on 26 May around 18:00 BST on Water Street.
  • Among the injured, a nine-year-old was the youngest victim.
  • Paul Doyle, 53, has been charged with several offenses, including causing serious harm and dangerous driving.
  • A baby boy in a pram was pushed several meters but was not harmed.
  • Previously, police reported 79 injuries, but more people later sought medical help.
  • Police ask anyone with information about the crash to contact them urgently.
  • Paul Doyle's next court appearance is scheduled for 14 August.

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How is the Ballon d'Or winner decided?

How is the Ballon d'Or winner decided?

The Ballon d'Or is a top football award given by France Football magazine to the best player of the year. Journalists from 100 countries vote on a shortlist of nominees to decide the winner. The rules for this award have changed over time, and now include players from all over the world.

Key Facts:

  • The Ballon d'Or is given by France Football magazine for being the best football player each year.
  • A shortlist of 30 nominees is created by France Football and L'Equipe journalists, along with some former players.
  • One journalist from each of the top 100 Fifa-ranked countries votes on the nominees.
  • Points are given based on a player's ranking in the vote, with the most points winning.
  • If players tie on points, first-place votes are used to break the tie.
  • Originally, only European players or those playing in Europe could win; now all players globally are eligible.
  • A women’s Ballon d'Or, called the Ballon d'Or Féminin, began in 2018.
  • Lionel Messi has the most Ballon d'Or wins, with eight trophies.

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World number 361 Boisson stuns third seed Pegula

World number 361 Boisson stuns third seed Pegula

Lois Boisson, ranked 361st in the world, won a surprising match against third seed Jessica Pegula at the French Open, advancing her to the quarter-finals. After recovering from a knee injury, she used a wildcard entry to compete, and she will next face sixth seed Mirra Andreeva.

Key Facts:

  • Lois Boisson is ranked 361st in the world.
  • She won against Jessica Pegula, who was the third seed, in the fourth round of the French Open.
  • Boisson had a serious knee injury last year which kept her out of competition for nine months.
  • She received a wildcard entry to compete in the French Open.
  • Boisson's victory over Pegula marked her debut in the main draw of a Grand Slam event.
  • Her win makes her the lowest-ranked player to reach the French Open fourth round since 2018.
  • She will play against the sixth seed, Mirra Andreeva, for a place in the semi-finals.

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