Form Time News

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


Wednesday
4th February 2026

Around the world

Fearing Russia will seize her town, war widow moves husband's grave to Kyiv

Russia's gains on the battlefield have forced Natalia to rebury her husband in Kyiv.

Melinda French Gates says ex-husband Bill has questions to answer over Epstein

She said her ex-husband and others named in the Epstein files needed to answer whatever questions remain.

In the UK

MPs back plan to release Mandelson files after Labour anger forces climbdown

The PM is forced to back down over a plan to withhold some documents about the ex-minister's appointment as US ambassador.

Email appears to confirm Andrew and Virginia Giuffre photo is real

The former prince has previously questioned whether the picture had been doctored and claimed he had never met Giuffre.

Politics

MPs back plan to release Mandelson files after Labour anger forces climbdown

The PM is forced to back down over a plan to withhold some documents about the ex-minister's appointment as US ambassador.

Mandelson offered to help Epstein get Russian visa, documents suggest

Emails released by the US government suggest the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein planned to use the visa to meet young women in Moscow.

Education

Ban on phones in schools backed by House of Lords

The move comes just weeks after peers supported legislation to ban under-16s in the UK from social media.

University begins High Court challenge against £585k free speech fine

The University of Sussex says the watchdog overstepped its legal powers in imposing the fine last year.

Health

Three quarters will survive cancer by 2035, government promises

There are plans for earlier diagnosis and faster treatment in England but experts worry about lack of staff.

Government pledges 10,000 new foster care places in England

Rule changes aim to create thousands of new foster places and help full-time workers.

Business

US probes Nike over white worker discrimination claims

Court documents allege the sportswear company treated white employees less favourably.

Wegovy maker warns price cuts 'painful' for firm as shares plunge

Novo Nordisk is facing "unprecedented" price pressures, "intensifying competition" and patents expiring.

Science

Vast seagrass meadows will shield coastline

Trials to restore the saltwater plant to the Humber Estuary are hugely encouraging, experts say.

UK launches plan to tackle 'forever chemicals' amid growing concerns

Increasing testing for PFAS is part of the UK's first ever national plan for tackling the substances.

Technology

Netflix and Warner Bros struggle to defend merger

Concerns were raised by a subcommittee including potential price rises and the future of cinemas.

Pinterest sacks engineers for tracking staff job cuts

The social media platform recently announced that it was axing around 15% of its workforce.

Entertainment

Saturday Night Live reveals cast for new UK version

Sitcom stars, Taskmaster contestants and familiar panel show faces will appear on the British spin-off.

Claire Foy says she had parasites for five years

The Crown star has quit caffeine due to the bug which she thinks she caught in Morocco.