Top World News

Feb 18, 2026 - World

GMB union tells Labour delaying or halting equalisation to adult rates would be unacceptableThe US state department has confirmed that it still backs Britain’s deal with Mauritius handing over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, in return for an agreement allowing the UK and the US to carry on using the Diego Garcia airbase for at least another 99 years. Last month Donald Trump described the deal, which he had previously backed, as “an act of great stupidity”. But yesterday a state department spokesperson said:The United States supports the decision of the United Kingdom to proceed with its agreement with Mauritius concerning the Chagos archipelago.Starmer must urgently clarify whether the UK will be represented at these US-Mauritius discussions and if not, tell us why. It is vital for our defence and security interests that the US Government does not conclude any agreement about British territory without our input. The Conservatives have led the charge against the Chagos Surrender and we will continue to fight it every step of the way.The prime minister reiterated his condemnation of Putin’s barbaric attacks on innocent civilians in Ukraine, and the leaders discussed the ongoing negotiations to deliver a just and lasting peace.Turning to the situation in Gaza, the prime minister reflected on the current situation in the region and the importance of securing further access for humanitarian aid. He set out his support for the ongoing work to deliver the US-led peace plan. Continue reading...

Feb 18, 2026 - World

News agencies, citing officials, are reporting that the latest peace talks – held in Geneva – have now endedNews agencies, citing officials, are reporting that the peace talks in Geneva have ended. Reuters quoted one Ukrainian official as saying the talks lasted about two hours.Zelenskyy has described the talks with the US and Russia as “difficult” and accused Russia of “trying to drag out negotiations” when then could have reached the final stage.Yesterday there were meetings in different formats – both bilateral between Ukraine and the United States and multilateral formats. In particular, there were talks between Ukrainian, American, and Russian representatives … The Ukrainian delegation, together with the American team, also met with European representatives – from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.We consider Europe’s participation in the process indispensable for the successful implementation of entirely feasible agreements – Ukraine has no doubt that partners are capable of ensuring the constructiveness of the negotiation process and, therefore, a dignified result. Continue reading...

Feb 18, 2026 - World

Assistant to hard-left parliamentarian among those held over fatal attack on 23-year-old during protest in LyonFrench authorities have arrested 11 suspects over the killing last week of a far-right activist, including an assistant to a hard-left member of parliament, a prosecutor and an informed source said.Quentin Deranque, 23, died after sustaining a severe brain injury when he was attacked by at least six people on the sidelines of a far-right protest against a leftwing politician speaking at a university in the south-eastern city of Lyon. Continue reading...

Feb 18, 2026 - World

A Norwegian scientist suffers brain damage after testing a device designed to investigate Havana Syndrome, prompting US and Norwegian government involvement.

Feb 18, 2026 - World

FTSE 100 company reports 6% fall in annual profits weeks after collapse of $260bn merger with Rio TintoGlencore is to give $2bn (£1.47bn) to shareholders after a turbulent year in which profits slumped and talks collapsed over a blockbuster $260bn merger with the fellow mining company Rio Tinto.The FTSE 100 company announced the payout on Wednesday despite reporting that annual profits slipped 6% on the previous year to $13.5bn. Continue reading...