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EU and UK officials are pushing for renewed negotiations on defense cooperation and trade, including UK defense companies' access to EU weapons loans and potential reforms to the Erasmus+ program. The discussions aim to strengthen European security and economic ties amid ongoing Brexit adjustments.
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Conservative and Reform UK politicians have been involved in controversies over social media posts. Badenoch refused to apologise for inflammatory remarks about Labour, while Lancashire councillor Evans shared a post with a death threat against Labour MP Fleet. Both incidents sparked widespread criticism and calls for accountability.
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UK government figures show a 4% decline in asylum claims in 2025, despite a 13% rise in small boat crossings. Hotel housing for asylum seekers decreased by 19%, with the backlog falling 48%. Visa issuance also declined, amid ongoing border control efforts.
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Labour's Angeliki Stogia faces Reform's Matt Goodwin in a tightly contested by-election in Gorton and Denton, Manchester. The race is too close to call amid allegations of illegal family voting and high-profile campaign visits. Results are expected early Friday morning, with implications for national political dynamics.
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Lord Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to passing sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein. The arrest followed claims he planned to flee the UK for the British Virgin Islands, which his lawyers deny. He was released on bail after questioning.
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As of February 2026, tensions sparked by President Trump's threats to acquire Greenland have softened following a 'framework' deal with NATO. Canada and France opened consulates in Nuuk, signaling diplomatic support amid Greenlanders' concerns. Negotiations continue between the US, Denmark, and Greenland on Arctic security, while European leaders call for stronger unity and economic resilience against US and Chinese pressures.
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The UK government has announced significant reforms to its immigration system, including extending settlement wait times from five to 10-15 years, affecting hundreds of thousands, including children. Critics warn these changes will increase insecurity for migrant families and harm vital sectors like healthcare and social care. The proposals face opposition from unions, opposition parties, and migrant communities.
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As of February 16, 2026, French prosecutors have intensified investigations into former Culture Minister Jack Lang and his daughter Caroline over suspected tax fraud linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Raids at the Arab World Institute and other locations are underway. Meanwhile, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has ordered probes into diplomat Fabrice Aidan's alleged ties to Epstein, amid broader European fallout from newly released US Justice Department documents.
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On 16 February 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a forthcoming three-month consultation on restricting social media access for under-16s, including potential bans, curfews, and limits on addictive features. The government will also close legal loopholes on AI chatbots and preserve children's online data after death. The consultation aims to enable swift legislative action within months, reflecting growing international moves to protect children online.
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UK inflation dropped to 3% in January, with benefits increasing in April. Despite support, many still struggle with high living costs, cutting essentials and facing unclaimed benefits. Argentina and Australia face rising household debts and living costs amid economic challenges.
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At the Munich Security Conference in February 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a conciliatory yet firm speech emphasizing the enduring ties between the US and Europe. He warned against mass migration and economic complacency, urging Europe to strengthen its defenses and supply chains. European leaders welcomed the tone but remained cautious about underlying policy differences, especially on migration and security commitments.
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On February 14, 2026, the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands announced that analysis of samples from Alexei Navalny's body confirmed poisoning by epibatidine, a lethal toxin from South American poison dart frogs. The countries blamed Russia, citing its means, motive, and opportunity, and reported the case to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Russia denies involvement.
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Keir Starmer's government is under intense pressure following a series of crises, including the departure of key aides, internal party dissent, and controversy over appointments linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for Starmer's resignation, but the Prime Minister survived a week of turmoil, with support from senior figures. Meanwhile, UK politics remains volatile as investigations and internal conflicts unfold.
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At the Munich Security Conference, EU officials, led by Kaja Kallas, rejected US claims of civilizational erasure and emphasized Europe's resilience. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reassured allies of trans-Atlantic ties but stressed the need for Europe to defend its borders and values amid ongoing tensions over migration, defense, and sovereignty.
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Britain is exploring ways to increase its defense budget to 3% of GDP by 2029, ahead of previous plans. Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the need to 'step up' spending amid ongoing security threats, with discussions ongoing about the timing and funding of this increase.
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On February 17, 2026, Thomas Pritzker resigned immediately as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels amid revelations of his ongoing contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Pritzker, 75, expressed regret for his "terrible judgment" and will not seek re-election to Hyatt's board. CEO Mark Hoplamazian succeeds him as chairman.
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A bipartisan New Mexico panel is investigating allegations that Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch facilitated sex trafficking and abuse. The commission aims to uncover survivor testimonies, examine potential public official involvement, and address why Epstein was not registered as a sex offender after his 2008 plea. The investigation follows the release of US government files and Epstein's death in 2019.
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The UK House of Lords is under renewed scrutiny after Lord Mandelson's resignation amid scandal. Critics call the chamber outdated and undemocratic, while supporters defend its review role. The government plans legislation to strip Mandelson of his peerage and reform the Lords, amid ongoing debates about its future.
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European leaders, including Germany and France, acknowledge the decline of the US-led rules-based order amid rising US-China tensions. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz warns of European complacency, while Canada and the US reassess their alliances amid deteriorating relations and increased military spending. The US signals readiness to act alone on security.
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Four years into the Ukraine conflict, drones dominate the battlefield, making traditional tactics obsolete. Small FPV drones now threaten armored vehicles, causing casualties and complicating evacuations. Ukraine is adapting its military strategy, with increased drone use and production, reflecting a shift driven by technological innovation and declining industrial capacity.
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On February 24, 2026, Ukraine commemorated four years since Russia's full-scale invasion. President Zelenskyy declared Ukraine's independence defended and Russia's goals unmet. Despite ongoing peace talks, territorial disputes persist, with Russia controlling 19% of Ukraine. European leaders reaffirmed support amid stalled sanctions and aid due to Hungary's veto. The war remains a costly stalemate with severe humanitarian impacts.
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The UK stock market closed at a record high, outperforming US markets amid strong earnings from companies like Howden Joinery and LSEG. Meanwhile, US tech stocks declined, with Nvidia's results failing to sustain investor enthusiasm. The FTSE 100 rose 0.4%, driven by industrials and financials, while Wall Street saw mixed results.
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The UK government is pausing legislation to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after conflicting signals from the US. US President Trump’s recent criticism has complicated the process, with UK officials now awaiting further US discussions. The deal, originally agreed by Keir Starmer, faces political and diplomatic hurdles today.