Form Time News

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


Wednesday
18th March 2026

Around the world

Top US counterterrorism official resigns over Iran war, urging Trump to 'reverse course'

National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent says Trump "started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby".

Death of Ali Larijani deepens crisis at heart of Iran's leadership

Larijani has long been seen as one of the Islamic Republic's most experienced and influential policy makers.

In the UK

Scotland's assisted dying bill rejected after emotional debate

Scotland would have become the first part of the UK to legalise the process had MSPs backed the proposals.

Zelensky calls for Trump and Starmer to meet and find common ground

In an exclusive interview with the BBC after talks with Starmer, the Ukrainian president says the pair should meet to "re-load the relationship".

Politics

Zelensky calls for Trump and Starmer to meet and find common ground

In an exclusive interview with the BBC after talks with Starmer, the Ukrainian president says the pair should meet to "re-load the relationship".

Scotland's assisted dying bill rejected after emotional debate

Scotland would have become the first part of the UK to legalise the process had MSPs backed the proposals.

Education

'Explosive' meningitis outbreak is unprecedented, officials say

Officials confirm 15 cases of meningitis following an outbreak in Kent, in which two people died.

Mum of stabbed schoolgirl was abroad and 'terrified'

The parents of a 15-year-old girl who survived a stabbing say they are overwhelmed with support.

Health

Scotland is about to vote on assisted dying. How would it work?

The Scottish Parliament will soon decide whether to allow terminally-ill adults to end their lives.

Why is MenB vaccine not given to teenagers in UK and should they be offered it?

Students and older teens have not been vaccinated against the strain that has caused the outbreak of cases in Kent.

Business

Mayors to gain more spending power under Reeves tax plans

The chancellor sets out the government's plan for economic growth, which also includes closer ties to the EU.

Typical new mortgage costs soar £788 a year in two weeks

Lenders have hiked rates on new deals and withdrawn products as war creates uncertainty in the markets.

Science

Higgs Boson breakthrough was UK triumph, but British physics faces 'catastrophic' cuts

Britain is preparing to cancel its contribution to one of the Large Hadron Collider's next major upgrades.

Dog owners to face unlimited fines if their pets attack livestock under new law

Police will have new powers to seize and detain dogs that have attacked or chased farm animals.

Technology

Ad for AI editing app which said it could 'remove anything' banned

The UK regulator said the ad condoned "digitally altering and exposing women's bodies without their consent."

Nvidia faces gamer backlash over 'breakthrough' AI graphics feature

Nvidia says the tool will transform game graphics - critics warn it could squeeze out artistic expression.

Entertainment

Blackpool, Ipswich, Milton Keynes among nine finalists for UK City of Culture 2029

The nine-strong longlist of cities will receive a £60,000 boost of funding to develop a full bid plan.

'Babe, they're AI' - Zendaya says it wasn't just fans fooled by fake wedding photos

The star has spoken about the viral images that appeared to show her marrying partner Tom Holland.