Former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been released after being arrested on suspicion of abusing his official position. Authorities confirmed that investigations will continue. Following the arrest, King Charles III stated that the law must take its own course and assured full cooperation with the police. Andrew is the younger brother of King Charles.

Police said they are examining allegations concerning Andrew’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and possible exchanges of confidential information. Recently released U.S. government files on Epstein revealed communications involving Andrew. Earlier in February, claims surfaced that Epstein had arranged a meeting between Andrew and a woman in 2010, though Andrew was not directly accused of any sexual crime.

Andrew served as the UK’s trade envoy from 2001 to 2011, during which he gained access to high-level government and business contacts. Documents indicate he shared reports on investment opportunities and official trips with Epstein. Despite repeated allegations, Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing and has not commented on the newly released files.

The United Kingdom has refused to allow the United States to use its military bases for a potential attack on Iran, according to reports published on February 20, 2026. Washington had proposed using a Royal Air Force base near Swindon in southwest England, but the British government declined the request over concerns that such action might violate international law.

The Times reported that the UK’s refusal may have influenced recent criticism from President Donald Trump regarding the lease agreement for the joint UK-US base on Diego Garcia and the planned transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. A UK government spokesperson stated that the country does not comment on military operations but supports the ongoing political process between the US and Iran. The spokesperson reaffirmed that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and ensuring regional security remain the UK’s priorities.

The United States has been pressuring Iran to limit its nuclear program and has warned of possible military action, deploying warships, aircraft, and other assets to the region as part of its preparations.

Columnist, researcher, and education administrator Shah Monsur Ali Noman has been honored with the 'Best Feature Writer of the Year–2025' award in London. The recognition was given by the UK Bangla Reporters Unity (UKBRU) during an award and induction ceremony held on Sunday, February 15, at the London Academy. The selection was based on evaluations of the best features, columns, and essays published by members of the organization. The event was presided over by UKBRU President and political scientist Principal Muhammad Shahed Rahman and attended by Bangla-speaking journalists, columnists, researchers, and cultural figures living in the United Kingdom.

Scottish Parliament member Faisal Chowdhury MBE attended as chief guest, while Luton Council Deputy Mayor Councillor Shahanara Naser and Croydon Council DC Mayor Councillor Mohammad Islam were present as special guests. Noman, who views society through a deeply humanistic lens, has a background in political science and law and is currently pursuing an LLM at the University of Portsmouth. His writings focus on social issues, environmental degradation, and human rights, and several of his reports have prompted real development initiatives.

Noman has previously been recognized by various newspapers and organizations for his contributions to journalism and social service, reflecting his long-standing commitment to public welfare and intellectual engagement.

Mark Bonwick, 62, who served as Arsenal’s kitman for 22 years, claims he was dismissed after criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza. He said he was fired following a December 2024 social media post condemning Israel’s military operations. In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Bonwick stated that his remarks were political expressions, not hate speech or discrimination. He is now pursuing legal action against the club, with mediation expected in June and the process possibly extending to 2028.

Bonwick argued that his comments were part of a broader call to speak out against injustice, comparing them to global discussions on apartheid in South Africa and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He accused the media of emphasizing antisemitism allegations instead of the political context of his statements. Bonwick insisted there was no antisemitic content in his post and noted that neither police nor the Football Association had contacted him.

He cited the case of Bristol University academic David Miller, arguing that the same standards of free political expression should apply to everyone, regardless of profession.

The British Museum has removed the term 'Palestine' from its ancient Middle East exhibition, triggering strong criticism from academics and rights activists. According to The Telegraph, the change followed a letter from the pro-Israel group UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI), which argued that labeling the eastern Mediterranean coast as 'Palestine' and describing the Hyksos people as 'of Palestinian descent' obscured the history of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah. The museum replaced those labels with 'Canaan' and 'Canaanite descent'.

A museum spokesperson said the decision was not made in response to any specific complaint, explaining that 'Palestine' was not a geographically accurate term for that period and that the museum uses United Nations terminology for modern maps. However, scholars speaking to Middle East Eye argued that 'ancient Palestine' is historically accurate for the region. Marcella Ward, a lecturer in Classical Studies at the Open University, said denying the term amounts to historical distortion. Advocacy groups also accused the museum of rewriting history and erasing Palestinian identity.

The pro-Palestinian campaign group Energy Embargo for Palestine accused the museum of hypocrisy, alleging it collected Palestinian artifacts while now attempting to erase Palestine and its people from historical narratives.

Former Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko was detained while allegedly trying to leave the country, according to a statement from the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU). Authorities said his arrest is part of the ongoing 'Midas case,' a broad investigation into corruption within Ukraine’s energy sector. The bureau stated that the detention is linked to allegations of large-scale embezzlement and illicit enrichment.

The report notes that Galushchenko, a close ally of President Volodymyr Zelensky, was accused in September 2025 of illegally earning and transferring abroad about 100 million dollars. The scandal previously triggered a political crisis, leading both the sitting and former energy ministers to resign at Zelensky’s request, though both denied wrongdoing. Investigators claim the misappropriated funds came through state enterprises, including Energoatom, which operates Ukraine’s nuclear power plants.

Preliminary investigations remain ongoing, focusing on how funds intended for strengthening the security of critical energy facilities were allegedly diverted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused the United States of pressuring Kyiv, rather than Moscow, to make concessions in ongoing peace negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he said sustainable peace requires concrete and long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, not just compromises. A trilateral meeting in Geneva, mediated by US President Donald Trump, is scheduled for next week, which Zelensky views with cautious optimism but also frustration over the negotiation format.

Zelensky criticized the absence of European nations from the talks, calling it a major mistake that could hinder prospects for ending the war. One of the most contentious issues remains Russia’s demand for Ukrainian troop withdrawal from the Donetsk region. Kyiv refuses unilateral withdrawal and seeks at least 20 years of Western security guarantees, while the US has proposed 15 years. Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to oppose any foreign troop presence in Ukraine.

Zelensky also called for a national referendum before any peace deal, alongside nationwide elections, a ceasefire monitoring mission, and prisoner exchanges. He said Russia holds about 7,000 Ukrainian soldiers, while Ukraine detains around 4,000 Russian troops.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a 'slave of war' during his speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. He said Putin may see himself as a Russian emperor but is bound by war. Zelensky stated that every power plant in Ukraine has suffered major damage from Russian attacks and warned that granting territorial concessions to Moscow would only fuel further aggression.

Drawing a parallel to the 1938 Munich Agreement, Zelensky cautioned that appeasing Putin would not bring peace, likening the situation to European powers’ concessions to Hitler before World War II. He made these remarks just days before the fourth anniversary of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, accusing Russia of killing thousands, destroying eastern Ukraine, and forcing millions to flee.

Zelensky reiterated Kyiv’s call for Western nations to expedite air defense supplies to Ukraine, emphasizing that his government is doing everything possible to end the war. Kyiv and its Western allies have accused Moscow of deliberately targeting Ukraine’s power grid to inflict suffering during the harsh winter.

The London High Court has ruled that the UK government’s decision to ban the pro-Palestinian organization Palestine Action Group as a terrorist group was unlawful. The verdict, delivered on Friday, followed a legal challenge by the group’s co-founder Huda Ammori, who described the ruling as a major victory for the organization. The group had been banned in July of the previous year for taking direct action against Israel-linked defense companies, including blocking entrances and spraying red paint on facilities.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, saying she disagreed with the view that the ban was disproportionate. The British government announced it would appeal the ruling. The court stated that the ban would remain in effect until the appeal process is completed, noting that the prohibition represented a disproportionate interference with freedom of expression and assembly.

London police confirmed that despite the court’s ruling, the ban remains in force, and supporting the group’s activities continues to be a criminal offense. A hearing on whether the government can proceed with its appeal is scheduled for February 20.

The United Kingdom’s High Court has ruled that the government’s decision to designate the activist group Palestine Action as a terrorist organization was unlawful. The ruling, delivered in London after several months of legal proceedings, came in response to a judicial review petition filed by the group’s co-founder Huda Ammori. Justice Victoria Sharp stated that the government’s ban represented a serious interference with freedom of expression and assembly, and therefore lacked legal justification.

The British government had imposed the ban in July 2025 under anti-terrorism legislation, making membership, public support, or display of the group’s symbols a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Following the ban, hundreds of people across the UK were arrested and charged under terrorism laws. The government justified the prohibition by citing an incident in which activists allegedly caused £7 million in damage at a southern England airbase during protests over the Gaza conflict.

The High Court’s decision removes the terrorist label from Palestine Action and has reignited political and legal debate over the government’s handling of protest movements related to the Gaza war.

Arab Barghouti, son of imprisoned Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, has called on the British government to prioritize his father’s release as part of efforts to renew Palestinian democracy. Speaking at a meeting in London, he warned that the UK’s recent recognition of a Palestinian state would amount to false hope unless backed by diplomatic action to secure his father’s freedom. He argued that Marwan Barghouti, despite being jailed since 2003, remains a unifying figure capable of advancing a peaceful two-state solution and democratic reform.

A cross-party group of UK MPs has been campaigning for Barghouti’s release, describing him as a potential bridge toward peace and a legitimate successor to Mahmoud Abbas. The Foreign Office, however, has declined to support the calls, limiting its stance to endorsing Red Cross access to Palestinian prisoners. Barghouti’s 2003 trial, which resulted in multiple life sentences, was criticized by an Inter-Parliamentary Union inquiry for failing to meet fairness standards.

Arab Barghouti said his father has been held in solitary confinement and assaulted since October, urging the UK to act in defense of international law and to help enable genuine Palestinian political renewal.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under intense political pressure following controversy surrounding former minister and influential politician Lord Peter Mandelson. Scottish Labour Party leader Anas Sarwar has publicly called for Starmer’s resignation, arguing that the ongoing scandal is overshadowing the government’s achievements. The crisis deepened after two senior aides—communications chief Tim Allan and chief of staff Morgan McSweeney—resigned within two days.

The controversy stems from revelations about Mandelson’s close ties with convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer faced criticism for appointing Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States in late 2024, a decision later reversed in September of that year. Although Mandelson resigned from both the Labour Party and the House of Lords, the issue continues to dominate headlines. Despite internal discontent, senior cabinet members including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, and Angela Rayner have expressed support for Starmer.

Opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer of losing control of his government and warned that failure to manage the situation could trigger calls for a new election. The Foreign Office is currently reviewing financial matters related to Mandelson’s dismissal.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing political pressure following the release of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Amid the controversy, Starmer’s close aide and senior adviser Morgan McSweeney has resigned, according to Al Jazeera. The U.S. Department of Justice recently released hundreds of thousands of new Epstein-related documents, which revealed details of Lord Peter Benjamin Mandelson’s close ties with Epstein, sparking intense debate and criticism in British politics.

In response, Lord Mandelson was removed from his post as the UK ambassador to Washington and later resigned from the Labour Party. Al Jazeera reported that McSweeney accepted responsibility for recommending Mandelson’s appointment and described it as a mistake that damaged public trust in the government and politics. He said he had personally advised the prime minister on the appointment and took full responsibility for that advice.

Earlier, Prime Minister Starmer publicly apologized for appointing Mandelson as ambassador. The British government also announced that all information related to the appointment would be made public and referred sensitive documents to a bipartisan security committee for review.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that ending the ongoing war requires a face-to-face meeting between the leaders of Ukraine and Russia to resolve the most difficult issues in peace negotiations. He claimed that only U.S. President Donald Trump has the authority to secure an agreement capable of stopping the conflict. Sybiha expressed Kyiv’s eagerness to accelerate the end of the four-year-long war and to use the current momentum in U.S.-mediated talks before the upcoming midterm congressional elections in November.

In an interview with Reuters at his office on the Dnipro River in Kyiv, Sybiha stated that most points in a 20-point peace plan, developed through recent trilateral discussions among Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, have already been agreed upon. However, he noted that a few highly sensitive and difficult issues remain, which must be resolved directly by the national leaders. The main unresolved matter concerns territorial control: Russia demands that Ukraine cede the remaining 20 percent of eastern Donetsk, while Kyiv firmly rejects this and insists on regaining control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian occupation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing one of his toughest weeks in office after senior Labour figure and diplomat Lord Peter Mandelson resigned following revelations of his past connection with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson, appointed by Starmer as ambassador to Washington, announced his departure from both his post and the Labour Party after new details emerged in the Epstein files, saying he wanted to avoid further embarrassment for the party.

The resignation has intensified internal unrest within Labour, with some members reportedly considering a leadership change. Starmer, who led Labour to a landslide victory in July 2024 promising stability after years of Conservative turmoil, has seen his popularity decline. Party rules make it difficult to remove a sitting leader quickly, but discussions are ongoing about possible mechanisms such as a confidence vote or coordinated pressure from senior figures.

Upcoming by-elections and local polls in Scotland, Wales, and England are seen as key tests for Starmer’s leadership. Poor results could heighten calls for his resignation, though potential challengers Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner are not yet ready to contest his position.