Form Time News

Current BBC News stories to read and discuss with your tutor group.


Monday
10th February 2025

Around the world

Trump says he will announce raft of new trade tariffs

All steel and aluminium entering the US will be targeted with a 25% levy, the president says.

Doge will look at military spending, says Trump as he defends Musk

The president dismissed conflict-of-interest concerns and promised more cuts 'maybe in 24 hours'.

In the UK

Second Labour MP apologises over WhatsApp comments

Burnley MP Oliver Ryan says his comments in the group were "completely unacceptable".

Freed Israeli hostage was unaware wife and daughters killed, British family says

His wife, Lianne Sharabi and two daughters were murdered by Hamas in the 7 October attack.

Politics

Second Labour MP apologises over WhatsApp comments

Burnley MP Oliver Ryan says his comments in the group were "completely unacceptable".

Health minister Andrew Gwynne sacked over messages

Gwynne apologises for the "badly misjudged" messages and is suspended as a Labour party member.

Education

'My university course made me who I am - now it's being cut'

Universities are cutting jobs to make financial savings, with students and staff bearing the brunt.

NI teachers reject pay offer of 5.5%

BBC News NI understands that some of the terms of the offer on workload and strike action had proved to be contentious.

Health

Vitamin pills and icy swims: Can you really boost your immune system?

After being struck down by winter illness, the BBC's James Gallagher goes in search of ways to boost his immune system.

Woman stuck for 18 months on an NHS ward evicted from her hospital bed

She lived in a cubicle, despite being fit to leave, because of difficulties finding a care home.

Business

China's tit-for-tat tariffs on US take effect

Beijing's move comes after President Donald Trump imposed a 10% levy on goods imported from China.

M&S boss says retailers 'raided like a piggy bank'

Stuart Machin says the sector is facing a wave of tax rises and the government needs to "lighten the burden".

Science

Concern UK's AI ambitions could lead to water shortages

Data centres can use vast quantities of water to cool them - but it's not clear where it will come from.

£22bn for 'unproven' green tech could raise bills, MPs warn

The Public Accounts Committee warns the government of gambling public money on carbon capture.

Technology

Parents suing TikTok over children's deaths say it 'has no compassion'

Four families who say their children died after taking part in a viral trend in 2022 speak to the BBC about their legal fight against TikTok.

UK demands access to Apple users' encrypted data

The Home Office served the notice to the tech giant under the Investigatory Powers Act.

Entertainment

It's the Beast Games finale, and Bridget Jones is back: What to watch this week

This week also brings a new Rizzle Kicks album, the release of Civilization VII, and the launch of Clueless the Musical.

Chelsea Handler 'thanks' Lively and Baldoni at ceremony

The Critics Choice Awards host described their lawsuits as "distracting".