Form Time News

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


Sunday
21st December 2025

Around the world

US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuela's coast

The move comes after US President Donald Trump ordered a "blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.

Survivors 'nervous and sceptical' about release of remaining Epstein files

US lawmakers who pushed for the documents to be made public have criticised the initial release as incomplete.

In the UK

Why British Jews are experiencing their biggest change in 60 years

There have been shifts in how secure many British Jews feel - and how connected they feel to the rest of the community.

William takes George to homeless charity he visited as a child with Diana

Prince William brings his son, aged 12, to the Passage charity, where he was once brought by his mother, Diana.

Politics

Foreign prison officers exempted from stricter visa rules

It follows warnings some jails were facing a staffing crisis after salary requirements were raised.

Watchdog hits out at potential local election delays

The Electoral Commission says postponing council elections further risks "damaging public confidence".

Education

Boys to be sent on courses to tackle misogyny in schools

The measure is part of the government's strategy to tackle violence against women and girls in England.

Teacher discussed cocaine with pupils and called Islam 'satanic'

Patrick Lawler previously featured in a BBC undercover investigation into far-right views.

Health

Resident doctors in Scotland to go on strike for first time

Their union BMA Scotland has accused the government of reneging on a commitment to restore pay to 2008 levels.

Has flu peaked? What the figures tell us

NHS remains on high alert over flu, health bosses say, but there are signs infections are levelling off.

Business

London's West End bucks Christmas shopping trends

While UK high streets saw a drop in footfall on Black Friday, the West End saw a rise in shoppers.

Supply 'too reliant' on one asset, says water firm boss

South East Water wants to expand output capacity after Tunbridge Wells issues, says David Hinton.

Science

Drones detect deadly virus in Arctic whales' breath

Whale breath collected by drones is giving clues to the health of wild humpbacks and other whales.

Sir David Attenborough's London - why he wouldn't live anywhere else

In a new one-off documentary, the broadcaster and conservationist comes home - to London.

Technology

Will the US TikTok deal make it safer but less relevant?

The key to the app's success - its algorithm - is to be retrained on US data. Will that make US TikTok blander?

TikTok owner signs deal to avoid US ban

The deals would end years of efforts by Washington to force ByteDance to sell its US operations.

Entertainment

Strictly winners crowned in glitzy live final

The winner of this year's contest is announced as Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly host the final for the last time.

Thomas Skinner claims BBC rigged Strictly vote removing him

The former contestant alleges he received an "anonymous" email from a BBC executive with stats showing he received "far more" votes.