Select a region
The general election was the most searched for news story of the year in the UK according to Microsoft’s search engine Bing, and its review of 2015.
Politics was a key subject for Bing users as the Labour Party leadership race was second on the list, with the Paris terrorist attacks in third.
Islamic State in Syria (Isis) and the birth of Princess Charlotte completed the top five, with the Ebola outbreak in Africa, Queen Elizabeth II surpassing Queen Victoria as the longest reigning monarch and the Alton Towers roller-coaster crash also featuring. The Nepal earthquake and September’s ‘Supermoon’ completed the top 10.
In sport, the Rugby World Cup was the most popular search despite an early exit for hosts England, with Wimbledon in second and the Six Nations third. Lewis Hamiltion’s third Formula One World Championship was fourth on the list, ahead of Floyd Mayweather’s fight with Manny Pacquiao, Brendan Rodgers being sacked by Liverpool and Great Britain’s Davis Cup success.
American football’s Superbowl 49, the Fifa corruption scandal and Jose Mourinho also made the top 10.
Bing’s Kevin Stagg said of the results: “With billions of searches on Bing every year, the insight it provides really does tell a fascinating story about the moments that moved us throughout the year.
“From the serious and sad world events like the Nepal earthquake, terrorism, and the Ebola crisis, search data shows how the UK wanted to find out more, understand the issues, look for news, check back for developments, and search for ways to help.
“And while many of the searches relate to international stories and stars, we continue to be especially interested in local events and faces. Alongside the general election and the battle for the Labour leadership, the royals feature strongly this year with both the birth of Princess Charlotte, and the Queen’s record-breaking reign showing that tradition and patriotism is alive and well.”
