Six O'Clock News

Burnham To Support North Sea Drilling, BBC Told 18.07.2026 15min

BBC News has been told that one of the first announcements by Andy Burnham, when he becomes prime minister, will facilitate new drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea. The Labour manifesto in 2024 ruled out any new licences to drill but said extraction would be allowed close to existing fields. In other news: South East Water has apologised to thousands of customers in the Tunbridge Wells area of Kent who have lost supplies -- or have low pressure; and Britain's Josh Kerr has broken the men's world record for running a mile by nearly half a second.

Andy Burnham takes over as leader of the Labour party 17.07.2026 30min

The new Labour leader, Andy Burnham, says he's finalising his decisions about who will be in his Cabinet, and will announce the details on Monday when he becomes Prime Minister. Also: The mother of Henry Nowak's killer is sentenced to three years in prison for assisting an offender. And Sir Garry Sobers, the first man to hit six sixes in first class cricket, has died aged 89.

Protesters take to the streets in Ukraine 16.07.2026 30min

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in several Ukrainian cities, after President Zelenksy sacked his popular young defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov. Also: An official report has concluded that MI5 lied while giving evidence to three courts about a neo-Nazi informer, whose abuse of his partner was uncovered by the BBC. And a lost trove of David Bowie songs is unearthed.

England to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final 15.07.2026 28min

England's footballers are set to kick off against Argentina with a World Cup final against Spain in New Jersey on Sunday up for grabs. Also: A man has been arrested in south London for allegedly threatening to shoot the Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. And the government is promising to install tougher ticket barriers at railway stations across England.

Covid inquiry delivers its report on protective equipment 14.07.2026 30min

The Covid Inquiry says billions of pounds of public money were wasted in the scramble to secure protective equipment during the pandemic. Also: Counter terrorism police investigating the death of Ann Widdecombe believe she was killed in a "targeted attack". And the fossilised remains of a Tyrannosaurus Rex has become the most expensive dinosaur ever sold at auction.

Counter-terrorism police take over Ann Widdecombe investigation 13.07.2026 30min

Counter-terrorism officers are now leading the investigation into the death of the former Conservative government minister, Ann Widdecombe. Also: Donald Trump says he's reimposing the United States' blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. And an apology from Brendon McCullum after his sacking as England's Test cricket coach.

Police not looking for other suspects over Ann Widdecombe murder 12.07.2026 16min

Police investigating the death of Ann Widdecombe say they aren't looking for anyone else -- as they question a twenty-eight-year-old on suspicion of murder. The long-delayed bill to create a 'Hillsborough Law' will return to Parliament next week. Also: Brendon McCullum has been sacked as the England Test cricket head coach.

Ann Widdecombe attacked 24 hours before found dead 11.07.2026 16min

Police in Devon say the former Conservative minister, Ann Widdecombe, was attacked 24 hours before being found dead at her home on Thursday. The force says its investigation is moving at "pace" and detectives are searching for a suspect -- believed to be a white man.Also: Rachel Reeves comments on Andy Burnham, Russia strikes several regions of Ukraine and TV presenter and prostate cancer campaigner Dermot Murnaghan dies age 68.

Murder inquiry launched into the death of Ann Widdecombe 10.07.2026 30min

A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering the former government minister Ann Widdecombe. Also: Officials in Spain say four British citizens are believed to be among 12 people who have been killed by a big wildfire in the south of the country. And the British wildcard Arthur Fery has crashed out of Wimbledon in the semi-finals.

Jersey assisted dying legislation is formally approved 09.07.2026 30min

Jersey has become the first part of the British Isles where legislation to allow assisted dying has been formally approved by Royal Assent. Also: calls for an apology from the leader of the Restore Britain party, after comments he made about the Dunblane school shootings. And the singer Bonnie Tyler has died at the age of 75.

President Trump declares the ceasefire with Iran over 08.07.2026 29min

President Trump has threatened to hit Iran 'hard" again after declaring the ceasefire agreed three weeks ago 'over'. Also: Nigel Farage defends his decision to trigger a by-election in his Clacton constituency. And the British wildcard, Arthur Fery, triumphs at Wimbledon.

England cricket captain Ben Stokes announces shock retirement 28.06.2026 16min

Ben Stokes, the captain of England's men's test cricket, has announced his retirement from the international game. Iran has warned that any challenge to its control of the Strait of Hormuz will only further increase tensions, as the ceasefire with the US remains under strain. Venezuela's interim president says thirty-three people have this weekend have been rescued from rubble - after Wednesday's twin earthquakes.

Aid arrives in Venezuela 27.06.2026 16min

Venezuela's main airport, near the epicentre of Wednesday's twin earthquakes, has partially reopened, raising hopes that mobile hospitals can be brought in for the many casualties. The government is introducing what is calls a "capped, safe and legal" route for refugees to come to Britain, starting in the autumn. Germany has broken its all-time temperature record, with a reading of 41-point-5 celsius taken in in the east of the country.

Venezuela searches for earthquake survivors 26.06.2026 30min

Rescue teams from around the world, including the UK arrive in Venezuela where tens of thousands of people are missing after 2 powerful earthquakes on Wednesday. Hundreds of people are confirmed to have died. Also: The record for the hottest June day in the UK has been broken for a third day in a row, and BBC Radio 4 prepares to broadcast on Long Wave for the final time.

Venezuelan earthquakes, heatwave sweeps Europe 25.06.2026 30min

Rescuers in Venezuela are searching the rubble in the capital, Caracas where more than 100 buildings have collapsed after a double earthquake hit the country last night. 164 people have died and almost 1000 other people have been injured. The record for the hottest day recorded in the UK in June has been broken for a second day in a row, with 36.7 celsius recorded in Somerset. The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves says she'll back Andy Burnham to be the next Prime Minister, despite speculation that he would demote her to a junior position in the cabinet.

Growing expectations PM will resign 21.06.2026 16min

Sir Keir Starmer is pondering his political future tonight amid growing expectations he will resign as Prime Minister -- with an announcement possible as early as tomorrow. The US vice-president, J D Vance, has hailed the start of talks with Iran in Switzerland as "historic". The Met Office has expanded its extreme heat warning -- saying temperatures could reach the high 30s in parts of England and Wales in the coming days.