Pa MediaBbc South

Mar 21, 2024 | bbc.co.uk | Tom Hepworth |Pa MediaBbc South

The Royal Navy's facility for handling international shipping emergencies has experienced an "unprecedented" increase in reported incidents. The UK Maritime Trade Organisation control centre at Portsmouth acts as a 999 call centre for ships in distress. It has seen a near fivefold increase in its calls since Houthi rebels began targeting ships with links to the UK and US in November 2023. More than 40 ships have been attacked in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Sep 20, 2023 | bbc.co.uk | Jaysim Hanspal |Pa MediaBbc South

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has defended the government's handling of an accommodation barge that has been empty for more than a month. The Bibby Stockholm, docked at Portland Port in Dorset, was evacuated of its first 39 residents after Legionella bacteria was found in the water supply. Ms Braverman said "various procedures" needed to be completed before they could return to the vessel. But she said the government had done "really well" in its work on the barge.

Sep 20, 2023 | bbc.com | Jaysim Hanspal |Pa MediaBbc South

Image source, PA MediaBy Jaysim Hanspal & PA MediaHome Secretary Suella Braverman has defended the government's handling of an accommodation barge that has been empty for more than a month. Ms Braverman said "various procedures" needed to be completed before they could return to the vessel. But she said the government had done "really well" in its work on the barge. The barge is part of the government's migration policy intended to cut the cost of housing asylum seekers.

Aug 14, 2023 | bbc.com | Ros Tappenden |Pa MediaBbc South

Image source, FacebookImage caption, Susannah Boddie's family said she "achieved so much in her short life"By Ros Tappenden & PA MediaA scientist who helped advise the government during the pandemic has died in a cycling crash in Italy. Susannah Boddie, 27, was the lead health data scientist at 10 Downing Street. Ms Boddie, of Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, was fatally injured when she was thrown from her bike near Lake Garda on Saturday.

Aug 1, 2023 | bbc.co.uk | Ros Tappenden |Pa MediaBbc South

By Ros Tappenden & PA MediaBBC SouthTwo parrots are living a life of luxury after their owner won £2m. Lesley Herbert, 44, moved to a new home in Basingstoke, Hampshire, after winning on a scratchcard and now the African greys, Alfie and Sonny, have their own specially-equipped room. The room has specialist flooring, air conditioning and a television so the birds can watch their favourite shows.