Claims that a university lecturer was “transphobic” for playing Harry Potter soundtracks in his laboratory classes have been dismissed. Dr John Baird — Senior Lecturer of Zoology at the University of Aberdeen — was under investigation for over a year after four postgraduate students alleged he was a racist, bigot, homophobe, misogynist and transphobe, despite having never attended his classes. The academic regularly posts content on social media critical of transgender ideology and shares gender-critical comments from the likes of JK Rowling, Sharron Davies, Sex Matters and Kathleen Stock. ‘Preposterous’Announcing on X that he had “been cleared of all accusations”, Dr Baird said: “The evidence was preposterous and I should never have been investigated.”He explained: “Highlights included that I play Harry Potter music in my teaching labs, which I do. I was asked directly by the external HR company who were employed to interview me, why I played it — I burst out laughing.

December 02, 2025 15:50 UTC

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December 02, 2025 14:56 UTC

GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA is on course for a piece of Premier League history just three months after arriving at Manchester City. The Italy No1 is just one booking away from becoming the first ever goalkeeper to be suspended for totting up five yellow cards. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe began the season as No1 and has made six appearances but Donnurumma became first choice after arriving. However, a move that may force teams to temporarily take out an outfield player if a goalkeeper goes down on the turf is being discussed reports the BBC. Another idea on the table was banning players from approaching the touchline in such an instance with the outfield player suggestion ‘getting increasing support’.

December 02, 2025 13:06 UTC

What Time Does the Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Beta Start? Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls' closed beta begins on Friday 5th December, and concludes on Sunday 7th December. What's Included in the Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Beta? The Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls closed beta features several playable characters to take into online and offline matches. No, you do not need a PS Plus membership in order to play the Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls closed beta test.

December 02, 2025 12:47 UTC

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December 02, 2025 11:56 UTC





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December 02, 2025 10:55 UTC

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December 02, 2025 10:22 UTC

A Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) has said plans to modernise a county's CCTV network are at risk because several councils have not signed up to the plan. Matthew Barber, who is in charge of the Thames Valley, has warned that without the backing of local authorities the upgrade cannot go ahead, with West Oxfordshire District Council currently the only one on board. He told the BBC: "We've had some money on the table, councils have missed deadlines, and we really need to know by Christmas if they're in or out." South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, and Cherwell district councils, and Oxford City Council, said they were still looking at the offer.

December 02, 2025 09:44 UTC

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December 02, 2025 09:24 UTC

BP has shelved plans to build a major hydrogen project in Teesside in a fresh blow to Ed Miliband’s net zero plans. The two proposed sites were earmarked on overlapping plots of land, pitting the Energy Secretary – who was relying on the BP project to meet his net zero ambitions – against the Prime Minister and Peter Kyle, the Business Secretary. BP said a decision by the Labour-led Redcar and Cleveland council to throw its weight behind the data centre ultimately made its project unviable. In a letter to the Energy Department, a spokesman for the BP-backed H2Teesside project insisted its decision had “not been taken lightly”. It said it still believed hydrogen had “an important role to play in the future energy market”.

December 02, 2025 08:32 UTC

REECE JAMES proved pivotal for ten-man Chelsea as they shackled league leaders Arsenal. The Gunners would have fancied their chances of picking up another valuable three points after Moises Caicedo saw red shortly before half-time. That was largely thanks to the role played by captain Reece James, who was key to Enzo Maresca‘s tactical triumph. He linked with Malo Gusto, playing one-twos that saw him receive the ball with plenty of space in midfield. That system worked to Chelsea’s advantage, despite Maresca only implementing it at half-time because of the red card.

December 02, 2025 06:32 UTC

Whole genome sequencing provides a readout of a person’s entire genetic code and looks for changes that relate to specific health conditions. One family have described how their son’s diagnosis with a rare condition has given them “power” to help their child. Dr Emma Wakeling, consultant in clinical genetics and genomic medicine at Gosh and study lead, told PA: “We were able to really show quite nicely that the diagnostic rate overall is now significantly better in the diagnostic service that we’re running in the NHS through the Genomic Medicine Service. After his diagnosis Nathaniel now has access to specialist care (handout/PA)“Making a diagnosis earlier in life brings so many benefits to children and their families. “Gaining access to genetic testing and receiving a diagnosis can be vital for families to move forward, both practically and emotionally.”

December 02, 2025 06:04 UTC

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December 02, 2025 06:03 UTC

The Bodleian, OxfordOxford’s Bodleian Library, a must-visit spot for bibliophiles CHRISTOPHER FURLONG/GETTY IMAGESIn terms of English libraries, this is the magnum opus. Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden, FlintshireIf you’re a fan of reading in bed, Gladstone’s Library will be right up your alley: it’s the UK’s only residential library. Leeds Library, LeedsThe Leeds Library moved to its present location in 1808 SIMON MILES PHOTOGRAPHYThis members’ library in Leeds has a special claim to fame: it’s the oldest surviving lending library in the UK, founded in 1768 by a forward-thinking society of northern notables, including its first secretary, the polymath chemist-clergyman-philospher Joseph Priestley. Leeds Art Gallery is just around the corner, while the boutique hotel Dakota Leeds is a quick walk away. Central Library, EdinburghCentral Library overlooks George IV Bridge ALAMYThe Scottish capital has more than 20 libraries, but the blockbuster is the central one.

December 02, 2025 05:02 UTC

Karoline Leavitt slammed New York Times reporter Katie Rogers over a shocking piece she wrote last week that claimed Donald Trump was showing 'signs of fatigue' in his second term. The press secretary made an example of Rogers' piece about 79-year-old Trump's scaled back public appearances during Monday's White House briefing. 'Oh, same outlet, same reporter who wrote that President Trump is not fit for the job. Leavitt singled out Rogers' piece as part of a new 'Media Offenders' portal of the White House website meant to shame what the White House considers the worst of the 'fake news' media. 'The Creeps at the Failing New York Times are at it again,' Trump told his followers on Truth Social on Wednesday morning.

December 02, 2025 04:05 UTC