Farming sector needs food strategy
BBC Minette Batters was attending the opening of the two-day Staffordshire County Show on Wednesday An urgent plan of action is needed to stop food price rises or the industry will keep contracting, the National Farmers Union (NFU) has said. Minette Batters, president of the NFU, appealed to the government at the start of the […]
Meet the electric ferry pioneers
Adrienne Murray Technology of Business reporter Adrienne Murray Thomas Larsen captains Ellen, the world’s biggest electric ferry “Have a pleasant journey,” blurts the tannoy, as the engines ramp up and we pull away from the harbour in Fynshav, southern Denmark. I’m aboard Ellen, an electric-powered ferry, sailing to the island of Ærø, in the west […]
‘Eerie’ atmosphere on an island without tourists
Steven McKenzie BBC Scotland Highlands and Islands reporter Getty Images The Sligachan Hotel usually caters for hillwalkers, families and tourists At this time of year the Sligachan Hotel, with its backdrop of Skye’s Red and Black Cuillin hills, should be “buzzing”. The hotel is usually a hub for hillwalkers and tourists on an island where […]
The firefighters’ sausages that sparked strong emotions
Pewsey Fire Station Firefighters celebrated their reward by putting the sausages on a barbecue Some firefighters save a group of piglets from a barn fire – and are later rewarded with a gift of sausages made from the animals. It was a story that provoked strong emotion, from discomfort, through to disgust and exasperation. But […]
Hundred people die fighting for terminal illness benefits
Alex Homer BBC Shared Data Unit Michelle McCluskey Christine McCluskey pictured around a fortnight after the physical assessment which prompted her benefits to be cut Around 100 people denied fast-tracked disability benefits for terminal illness died challenging the decision. “Our priority is dealing with people’s claims quickly and compassionately,” the Department for Work and Pensions […]
Hamas says it will postpone hostage release, blaming Israel
A spokesperson for the armed wing of Hamas says the group is postponing the next scheduled release of Israeli hostages, blaming what he said were Israeli violations of the ceasefire deal. Three hostages held in Gaza are due to be freed on Saturday in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Abu Obeida said […]
Are cruise ships really ‘floating Petri dishes’?
David Abel, one of 3,700 people in quarantine aboard the Diamond Princess, speaking soon after the quarantine began The largest coronavirus outbreak outside mainland China is not in a country, but on a cruise ship. It’s been more than a week since the Diamond Princess went into lockdown, after a previous passenger tested positive for […]
McDonald’s looks for ‘gender parity’ by 2030
Getty Images McDonald’s has set a goal of having an equal number of men and women in leadership roles by 2030 as it looks to improve diversity at the company. The fast-food chain also said it would work to boost minority representation in the firm’s senior US ranks from 29% to 35% over the next […]
Blue passports and Bitcoin nosedive
Getty Images Boris Johnson stands in front of Saint Basil’s cathedral in Red square in Moscow Several papers carry pictures of Boris Johnson in Moscow in front of the famous coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral. There’s plenty of discussion too about what the i calls his “highly charged” meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei […]
With a new Michelin guide, Moscow’s best-kept culinary secrets are out
Steve Rosenberg BBC News, Moscow Getty Images Nine Moscow restaurants have received prestigious Michelin stars for their food It’s been described as one of the Russian capital’s best-kept secrets: Moscow’s restaurants are excellent. Michelin has published a Moscow Guide, heaping praise on Russian chefs and serving up its prestigious awards. Seven restaurants received one star. […]