bbc.com wrote: 'Boaty McBoatface' polar ship named after Attenborough

The UK's new polar research ship is to be named RRS Sir David Attenborough, despite the title "Boaty McBoatface" previously topping a public vote.
A website inviting name suggestions had attracted huge interest, with Boaty McBoatface the runaway favourite.



But Science Minister Jo Johnson said there were "more suitable" names.

On Friday, days before Sir David turns 90, it was announced that the £200m vessel will be named after the world-renowned naturalist and broadcaster.
Sir David said he was "truly honoured" by the decision.

While the polar ship itself will not be named Boaty McBoatface, one of its remotely operated sub-sea vehicles will be named Boaty in recognition of the vote.

James Hand, who first suggested the flippant moniker, said he was pleased the name would "live on".

In a tweet, he also said that RRS Sir David Attenborough, which came fourth in the public vote, was a "fitting and excellent choice".

Sir David Attenborough said he was "truly honoured" by the decision.

The science minister said: "The public provided some truly inspirational and creative names, and while it was a difficult decision I'm delighted that our state-of-the-art polar research ship will be named after one of the nation's most cherished broadcasters and natural scientists."

The ship would "put Britain at the forefront of efforts to preserve our precious marine environment," Mr Johnson added.

New online poll could see George Osborne renamed Cunty McCuntface


George Osborne Cunty McCuntface

A new poll could see Chancellor George Osborne renamed Cunty McCuntface after it was hijacked by mischievous members of the public.

With over 500,000 people having declared their preference for Cunty McCuntface in the poll, it seems inevitable that the Chancellor will be renamed.

The man behind the poll, Simon Williams said he welcomed the public getting involved.

He told us, “Naming a chancellor can be pretty boring. They’re always called things like George, or Gordon, or Alistair. So we’re grateful people have decided to get into the spirit of it.

“In second place is Gidiot Arseborne, but that only has a couple of hundred votes, so it’s looking likely he’ll be Cunty McCuntface from the naming ceremony onwards.

“Oh, and the queue for people wanting to smash a bottle of champagne off his face already goes round the block, sorry.”