Author: BBC

Girls Aloud are to release a new version of their hit single I’ll Stand By You, with the lead vocal sung entirely by their late bandmate Sarah Harding.The ballad was originally released as a Children In Need song in 2004 and topped the UK chart for two weeks. The 20th anniversary re-release will again raise money for the charity.”It really is a special celebration of Sarah, and also Girls Aloud’s involvement with Children In Need over the years,” singer Nadine Coyle said.Harding died of complications from breast cancer in September 2021 at the age of 39.Her isolated vocal for I’ll…

Getty ImagesSome textile dyeing is still done by handIn a small corner of rural Taiwan, set amongst other dye houses and small factories, the start-up Alchemie Technology is in the final phase of rolling out a project it claims will upend the global apparel industry and slash its carbon footprint.The UK-based start-up has targeted one of the dirtiest parts of the apparel industry – dyeing fabric – with the world’s first digital dyeing process.“Traditionally in dyeing fabric, you’re steeping the fabric in water at 135 degrees celsius for up to four hours or so – gallons and tons of water.…

Getty ImagesPolice will no longer be able to hold people who are being detained for mental health reasons in police cells, under government plans for England and Wales.Officers can currently use cells as a “place of safety” for up to 24 hours to allow those needing immediate care to be assessed by a doctor.New legislation will also introduce additional rights for those receiving treatment, in a bid to modernise decades-old mental health laws.Charities have broadly welcomed the changes, whilst highlighting the need for better funding for mental health.Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the “outdated” system was in need of changes…

The US dollar has surged as Donald Trump is on the cusp of winning back the White House in the presidential race.Bitcoin is also at a record high as traders bet on potential tax cuts, tariffs, and rising inflation under Trump.The result of the election is expected to have a major impact on the global economy.According to a projection from the BBC’s US partner CBS, the Republican Party is set to take control of the Senate but there are still votes left to count.The dollar has soared by around 1.5% against a host of different currencies, including the pound, euro…

GettyThe tiny wood-panelled, solar-powered satellite will orbit Earth for six monthsThe world’s first wood-panelled satellite has been launched into space to test the suitability of timber as a renewable building material in future exploration of destinations like the Moon and Mars.Made by researchers in Japan, the tiny satellite weighing just 900g is heading for the International Space Station on a SpaceX mission. It will then be released into orbit above the Earth. Named LignoSat, after the Latin word for wood, its panels have been built from a type of magnolia tree, using a traditional technique without screws or glue. Researchers…

Ministers must act to ensure Britain’s public broadcasting landscape does not become a thing of the past, the BBC’s chairman is to warn.Dr Samir Shah is expected to say “the fight is on” for the future of public service broadcasting in his first major speech since taking the role.Dr Shah will say public service broadcasters like the BBC are a “very British success story” when he speaks to a group of TV industry figures in Leeds on Tuesday.But amid the rise of streaming, Dr Shah, who became chairman in March, will warn: “Action is needed now to future-proof public service…

The regulator says a merger between Vodafone and Three could go ahead – if both companies make price promises for consumers and commit to boosting the UK’s 5G rollout.The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had previously said that creating what would be the country’s biggest mobile network could drive up prices and harm competition.But it has now provisionally concluded those concerns could be addressed – and the merger could proceed – if the firms agree to its proposed remedies. A Vodafone spokesperson said both companies would need to study the CMA’s proposal more closely but believed on first impressions it…

Getty ImagesThe government has announced plans to make it illegal to smoke in children’s playgrounds and outside schools and hospitals in England, with some places also becoming vape-free.In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, it is already an offence to smoke on NHS hospital grounds.The Tobacco and Vapes Bill would also make it impossible for anyone currently aged 15 or under to buy cigarettes – something the previous government had planned – and give more powers to restrict vape flavours, displays and packaging.A ban on the sale of single-use disposable vapes from next June in England and Wales has already been…

ReutersBoeing workers have voted to accept the aviation giant’s latest pay offer, ending a damaging seven-week-long walkout.Under the new contract, they will get a 38% pay rise over the next four years.Striking workers can start returning to their jobs as early as Wednesday, or as late as 12 November, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union says.The walkout by around 30,000 Boeing workers started on 13 September, leading to a dramatic slowdown at the plane maker’s factories and deepening a crisis at the company.IAM said 59% of striking workers voted in favour of the new deal, which…

Flash flooding hit some areas around Barcelona, less than a week after devastating floods in Valencia.It comes as Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) placed part of the north-eastern Catalonia region on red alert for torrential rain, with its capital experiencing flooding on Monday morning.Video shows a flooded terminal inside El Prat airport and partially submerged cars on a highway.