Cabinet split as Mahmood calls on Starmer to set out...

Introduction

Catching up on world news? Here are the top 10 headlines from BBC News as of May 12, 2026. The BBC is one of the most trusted international news organizations, with reporters and bureaus across more than 100 countries.

📌 Previously: Fugitive former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro... — catch up on yesterday's world news.

Today's Top 10 Stories on BBC News

#1 — Cabinet split as Mahmood calls on Starmer to set out timetable to go

Over 70 Labour MPs have publicly urged the PM either to resign immediately or set out a timetable to stand down.

Read full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7v9r38d24do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

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#2 — Chris Mason: PM confronts his most difficult day as party revolts

A dam appears to have broken, with Labour MPs posting their public loss of confidence in the PM, our political editor writes.

Read full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn9py15w5yxo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

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#3 — Trump says Iran ceasefire is on 'massive life support'

The US president criticises an Iranian counteroffer to end the war, and says the month-long ceasefire is "unbelievably weak".

Read full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgznxn18zgo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

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#4 — How the Trump-Xi summit could set superpower relations for many years to come

Trump's whirlwind visit to China is the most significant for years - but will it bear fruit?

Read full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceqprgen1nyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

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#5 — Last passengers leave virus-hit cruise ship as three more test positive

An American and a French national who have returned home have tested positive for hantavirus.

Read full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjep78l5835o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

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#6 — Pupils hopeless and crying after 'poorly worded' Higher Maths exam

More than 11,000 people have signed a petition calling for a review of the exam saying it was "totally unrecognisable" from what they had prepared for.

Read full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx21j20l9wlo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

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#7 — Wordle to become TV quiz show with Savannah Guthrie as host

The online word game from the New York Times will hit the small screen in the UK and US from next year.

Read full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czd2vpdr9g6o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

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#8 — How driving test booking is changing for learner drivers

From 12 May, only learner drivers can book their own tests, not instructors.

Read full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgpl9zdw3po?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

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#9 — Calls for 'urgent action' on baby-sleep industry after BBC investigation

The BBC investigation revealed how some self-described sleep experts have been giving new parents advice that goes against NHS guidelines.

Read full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c232glp2ej8o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

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#10 — Students at risk if universities go bust, say MPs

An Education Select Committee report finds the government needs to make urgent plans for universities facing insolvency.

Read full article: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3p93j3823o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

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Why These World News Stories Matter

These headlines from the BBC offer a quick overview of the major events shaping the world today — from geopolitics and conflict to climate, business, and culture. For full context, follow the original article links above.

About BBC News

BBC News (bbc.com/news) is the news division of the British Broadcasting Corporation, the world's oldest national broadcaster and one of the largest broadcast news organizations globally.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news
Updated: May 12, 2026