Sanya Burgess

A British drone manufacturer based near Maidenhead has supplied Ukraine with drones used in deep strikes against Russian industrial and military targets, including a successful operation against a logistics bridge in occupied Kherson. Security experts warn that the company's facilities, personnel and supply chains could become targets of Russian sabotage, cyberattacks or espionage as part of Moscow's hybrid war against the UK and its allies. The UK government says it is protecting defence firms and remains committed to supplying Ukraine, while analysts consider digital and covert attacks more likely than a direct physical strike.

Nigel Farage earned £2,007,665 from 16 companies during his first two years as Clacton MP, equivalent to 1,603 hours or about 219 working days. GB News, Direct Bullion and Cameo were his largest sources of income, while he made fewer than 90 parliamentary contributions, including 20 written questions. The findings have intensified scrutiny of whether MPs can properly represent constituents while holding lucrative second jobs, as well as concerns about conflicts of interest and Farage’s wider financial affairs, including an inquiry into an undeclared £5m gift from Christopher Harborne. Critics called for tighter restrictions on MPs’ outside work, while supporters argued that external employment can keep Parliament connected to ordinary working life.

Reform UK raised £31.9 million in 2025, overtaking the Conservatives and ending the year with £10.2 million in the bank, despite Labour raising more overall. Donations accounted for £22.9 million of Reform’s income, with £13.2 million coming from Christopher Harborne, Fiona Cottrell and Nick Candy. The party’s rapid financial growth has intensified scrutiny of its dependence on wealthy donors, including investigations and questions involving donations linked to Cottrell and Harborne. Reform denies wrongdoing and says it complies with electoral law. Rising office and staff costs, as well as ongoing legal disputes, also feature in the party’s accounts.

Emails from 2011 indicate that Jeffrey Epstein and his legal and public-relations advisers considered pressuring Sarah Ferguson to retract or clarify public comments distancing herself from him. Epstein compiled private correspondence, including evidence that Ferguson and her daughters visited him shortly after his release from prison, and discussed leaking the material or threatening a defamation lawsuit. Ferguson’s representative described one legal letter as potentially constituting attempted blackmail. The correspondence later shows Ferguson apologising to Epstein and the pair apparently repairing their relationship.

A framed photograph apparently showing Sarah Ferguson was found in the library of Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in New Mexico. Epstein sent the image to Ferguson in 2010 with the message “the good old days,” while a separate email suggests their friendship began around 1995. The discovery raises questions about whether Ferguson ever visited the ranch, which survivors describe as a major site of Epstein’s alleged sexual abuse and trafficking operation. Ferguson has not commented, while Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor denies wrongdoing amid continuing investigations into his links to Epstein.

A Russian frigate conducted an unusual live‑fire artillery exercise in international waters south of Plymouth, prompting heightened UK and French military activity, including RAF Typhoons and naval monitoring by HMS Tyne. Although legal, Russia did not issue standard NAVAREA warnings, leading experts to argue the move was timed to exert pressure as Andy Burnham became prime minister. UK defence officials condemned the action as performative, citing a pattern of increased Russian naval assertiveness in the Channel. Analysts warned that Moscow is escalating grey‑zone tactics to normalise its presence and test Western responses.

Joshua Kerry, a 28-year-old man from Rotherham, was identified as the suspect arrested in connection with the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe at her home in Devon. Neighbours described Kerry as reclusive and caring for his father prior to the latter’s death in late 2025. After his initial arrest on suspicion of murder, Kerry was rearrested on suspicion of preparing for an act of terrorism following evidence recovered from his property, though investigators have not confirmed any specific ideology. Family members expressed shock, noting no history of extremist behaviour. The investigation continues with counter-terror police examining potential links to left-wing or single-issue extremism.

A 28-year-old man from Rotherham has been arrested and rearrested under terrorism legislation in connection with the killing of former MP Ann Widdecombe at her home in Haytor, Devon. Police describe the incident as a targeted attack and are investigating whether other Reform UK figures may have been considered targets, while stressing that the motive and ideology remain unclear. Neighbours and the suspect’s uncle describe him as withdrawn, polite and reclusive, and express shock at the arrest. Investigators have reportedly recovered electronic devices and other material, including possible political literature, but the inquiry remains at an early stage.

Archived magazine articles from the 1990s and 2000s portrayed Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a newly transformed, party-loving bachelor who socialised with women, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Commentators suggest Epstein and Andrew’s wider social circle may have encouraged an entitled and reckless lifestyle after Andrew’s divorce. The report also examines uncertainty over when Andrew and Epstein first met, later allegations involving sexual misconduct and the passing of confidential information, and Andrew’s repeated denials. The revelations have contributed to Andrew’s isolation from the Royal Family and renewed scrutiny of his conduct.

Parents in Corby believe the town’s industrial toxic-waste legacy may be linked to an unusually high number of childhood cancer cases. Alison Gaffney says 150 families reported affected children, while hospital data identified at least ten cancer diagnoses in 2025 near the former steelworks, compared with an estimated four expected for a town of Corby’s size. North Northamptonshire Council says its studies found no significantly elevated childhood cancer rate and no unacceptable health risk, but families and their lawyer dispute the findings because raw data has not been released. Parent-organised groundwater tests found elevated heavy metals, although an expert said they do not prove harm to residents and the Environment Agency found no significant freshwater impact. Families are seeking an independent government inquiry and greater transparency about contaminated sites and monitoring.

At least 11 people, including a pilot, five skydiving students and five instructors, died when a civilian parachuting plane crashed shortly after take-off near Nancy-Essey airfield in Tomblaine, eastern France. The aircraft fell almost vertically near a housing estate, but no one on the ground was injured. The victims have not been publicly identified, though several may have been independent nurses. Authorities have not established a cause; possible explanations include mechanical or engine failure and aircraft imbalance, with investigators expected to examine control-tower and radar recordings, onboard footage and witness accounts.

Sarah Ferguson met Jeffrey Epstein twice at his Palm Beach office in 2009 while he was serving a sentence for procuring a minor for prostitution. Emails from the Epstein files show the pair discussing Ferguson's Mother's Army initiative, with Epstein reviewing her documents and offering advice on commercialization and fundraising. A third planned meeting appears not to have occurred because Ferguson missed her flight. Ferguson has since expressed regret over the association, said she was deceived by Epstein, and stated that she cut contact after learning the extent of the allegations against him.

Far-right activist Daniel Thomas says he plans to put 50 boats in the English Channel and blockade the Port of Dover as part of a new platform intended to coordinate direct action against migrants. The plan follows the collapse of Raise the Colours’ earlier “Operation Overlord,” which included attacks on migrant boats and led France to ban Thomas and nine others. The article questions Thomas’s claims of widespread support, noting discrepancies between his claimed sign-ups and the number of welcome emails issued. It also details his visit to Belfast after anti-migrant riots, his calls for similar unrest in England, and the backgrounds of people associated with him. Government data cited in the report shows roughly 36,000 small-boat arrivals in the year to May 2026, with French authorities intercepting many vessels.

Six Russian-linked, UK-sanctioned oil tankers changed course or turned back within 77 minutes after British forces seized the tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel. The six vessels—Lion I, Sona, Qasr, Pate, Maini and C-Viking—were tracked altering routes toward Scandinavia, Russia or Ireland, although two other sanctioned tankers, Solaris and Norelia, continued through the Channel. The Smyrtos, carrying roughly 700,000 barrels of Russian crude worth an estimated £45 million, was boarded by Royal Marines and National Crime Agency officers in Britain’s first interception of a shadow-fleet vessel. The operation is intended to disrupt Russia’s oil revenues, while the aging and poorly maintained vessels raise environmental and maritime-safety concerns.

Tommy Robinson travelled to Moscow, where he appeared with Errol Musk at the Metropol Hotel, before promoting demonstrations linked to a knife attack in Belfast and using inflammatory anti-migrant language. The protests later turned violent. Intelligence and extremism researchers said Robinson’s activity could complement Kremlin efforts to exploit grievances, amplify divisive narratives and undermine trust in Western institutions, although the article notes that direct Russian involvement in the Belfast protests has not been established. Robinson defended Russia and denied advocating violence, while Elon Musk publicly supported Robinson and the far-right Restore Britain party. Other Western right-wing figures, including Andrew and Tristan Tate, Candace Owens and Alex Jones, also appeared in Russia, suggesting a broader convergence of anti-liberal influencers.

A Sudanese national, Hadi Alodid, was charged with attempted murder after a knife attack in north Belfast left a man in his forties seriously injured. Police said there was no immediate indication that the assault was terrorism-related and confirmed that Alodid had been granted limited leave to remain in the UK. Members of the public, including Maitiu Mág Tighearnán, intervened before police arrived. The attack prompted anti-immigration protests and violent disorder, including arson attacks on homes of foreign nationals that left 27 people homeless. Police and political leaders called for calm, while critics accused far-right activists and social-media figures including Tommy Robinson and Elon Musk of helping spread protest plans and inflammatory messages.

Former members say Raise the Colours has shifted from raising St George’s Cross flags as a purported patriotic activity to anti-migrant activism, harassment and violence. The group’s escalation included members travelling to France to slash migrant boats, leading to bans for ten people, while co-founder Ryan Bridge faces arrests over alleged harassment and wounding incidents. Several defectors have criticized Bridge’s leadership and the group’s focus on provocative social-media content. Raise the Colours was also involved in protests surrounding Henry Nowak’s death, where violence injured police officers. The group appears financially strained and increasingly isolated, with former frontman Daniel Thomas leaving and pursuing separate anti-migrant activities. New associates linked to neo-Nazi imagery have further widened the gap between the group’s current activities and its original claims of inclusive patriotism.

Nigel Farage has defended describing the murder of 18-year-old Henry Nowak as deserving “pure, cold rage,” warning that social division will worsen unless policing culture changes. Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the remarks, while Nowak’s father urged politicians and activists not to use the killing to create hatred or racial tension. Nowak was stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, who falsely claimed the victim had racially abused him before being convicted of murder and sentenced to life. The case has fueled claims of two-tier policing after officers handcuffed Nowak while treating Digwa as a victim, although Hampshire’s chief constable rejected that characterization. Far-right figures including Tommy Robinson and Daniel Thomas organized a Southampton protest that escalated into clashes with police, prompting analysts to warn that the case is being weaponized to target non-white communities.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s trade-envoy duties cost taxpayers at least £2.17 million during his final four years, with the true figure likely higher because smaller travel expenses were excluded from royal accounts. His most expensive journeys included trips to Central Asia, China, Italy and Egypt, and 19 of 36 trips cost more than £50,000. The investigation found that travel expenses significantly exceeded separately reported UK Trade & Investment costs, while campaigners condemned the spending and called for full disclosure and an inquiry. The findings come amid police scrutiny of alleged misconduct involving confidential documents shared with Jeffrey Epstein; Mountbatten-Windsor denies wrongdoing.

Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon is facing scrutiny over past social media posts in which he described abortion as the killing of a baby, accused women of using abortion as a form of contraception, and suggested many abortions were undertaken for “vanity purposes.” The comments emerged as Kenyon challenges Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election. The report also notes Kenyon’s Facebook connection to former BNP organiser Gary Raikes and other controversial online activity. Reform defended Kenyon, saying the remarks predated his entry into politics and that abortion is a matter of individual conscience, while Labour argued that his views make him unfit to represent the constituency and could threaten women’s right to choose.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor commissioned a 2008 PwC review of his unpaid role as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment. The review called him a highly valuable asset, after which the government increased funding for his travel, accommodation and staff despite years of criticism over expensive trips and private aviation. His international travel costs later fell following scrutiny from the National Audit Office, but the wider operation expanded. Documents found in the Epstein files also reveal the perks and conduct expectations attached to staff roles in his office. Andrew is now under police investigation over alleged misuse of confidential information and possible sexual misconduct, allegations he and Buckingham Palace were invited to address.

UK police are examining Epstein’s emails, photographs, flight records and financial documents for evidence connecting him to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and alleged sexual misconduct. The investigation includes a woman’s claim that Epstein brought her to the UK in 2010 to have sex with Andrew at Royal Lodge, an allegation Andrew denies. Authorities are also investigating roughly 90 Epstein-linked private flights to UK airports, his London properties and claims that women were trafficked and abused there. The article details Epstein’s access to royal residences and connections to Andrew, while noting Epstein’s 2019 death and Virginia Giuffre’s prior civil case against Andrew, which was settled without an admission of liability.

Released government documents show that Queen Elizabeth II strongly supported Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then Prince Andrew, succeeding the Duke of Kent as the UK’s trade envoy. The files reveal instructions that official trips should not include golfing functions, indicate his preference for ballet and claimed strengths in technology and youth projects, and show that Tony Blair’s government conducted no formal vetting before the appointment. They also address disputed demands for office expenses and raise unanswered questions about whether he met Jeffrey Epstein during a trade-related visit to New York. Mountbatten-Windsor denies wrongdoing, while commentators argue that the appointment would not have been made with the benefit of hindsight.

Surrey Police has opened a new investigation after two alleged victims came forward with claims of child sexual abuse linked to Jeffrey Epstein at locations in Surrey and Berkshire during the 1980s and 1990s. The development means three UK police forces are examining alleged offences connected to Epstein: Surrey Police, Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police. Thames Valley Police is investigating allegations involving Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, while the Metropolitan Police arrested former ambassador Peter Mandelson on suspicion of misconduct in public office; both men deny wrongdoing. No arrests have been made in the new Surrey investigation, which is seeking evidence and corroboration from relevant agencies, including information contained in redacted FBI files.

Elon Musk appears to have reduced his public engagement with Tommy Robinson after previously amplifying the far-right activist, supporting his release from prison and appearing in promotional material for Robinson's rallies. Researchers say the silence is notable, while suggesting Musk's attention has shifted toward Rupert Lowe and the Restore Britain Party. The change may also reflect concerns about being associated with protest violence, illegal activity and reputational damage to X. Robinson's planned London anti-migration rally is expected to require extensive policing, while Musk's recent disputes with Nigel Farage and focus on X, Starlink and business interests further suggest a shift in priorities. Whether the cooling is permanent remains unclear.

An archival 1999 Hello! interview shows Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then Duke of York, warning that child abuse often happens “behind closed doors” and saying children should not bear responsibility for protecting themselves. The interview coincided with his role in the NSPCC’s Full Stop campaign and the period when he is thought to have met Jeffrey Epstein, possibly through Ghislaine Maxwell or at a Martha’s Vineyard gathering. The article contrasts Andrew’s public statements with his later friendship with Epstein, the resulting scrutiny, his 2019 Newsnight interview and withdrawal from public life, Virginia Giuffre’s allegations and 2022 settlement, and his more recent arrest over alleged information-sharing with Epstein, which he denies.

Daniel Thomas, a former associate of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, is attempting to organize British vigilantes to intercept migrant boats in the English Channel after being banned from France for filming himself damaging migrant vessels. His proposed “Operation Overlord” involves using a boat to intimidate or deter crossings, although there is no indication that he or his supporters have entered the Channel. Thomas failed to buy the vessel Cheeky Girl and appears to have obtained a smaller boat renamed The Patriot. The Home Office, RNLI and Maritime and Coastguard Agency warn that the plan is extremely dangerous for untrained civilians and migrants and could result in criminal liability. The government says enhanced UK-France enforcement, intelligence operations and surveillance have already prevented more than 42,000 crossing attempts since the election.

Essa Suleiman, a 45-year-old Somali-born British national, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder over the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green and a further attempted murder charge linked to an alleged attack on a friend in Southwark. The victims, aged 34 and 76, were attacked near a synagogue and bus stop; one has been discharged from hospital and the other remains in stable condition. Suleiman was arrested after police Tasered him, with members of the public helping officers restrain him. Counter Terrorism Policing is investigating the attacks, while the Metropolitan Police confirmed that a Prevent referral involving Suleiman was closed in 2020. An Iran-linked group, HAYI, has claimed responsibility, though officials say it is too early to establish any connection between the suspect and Iran. The Government has announced £25 million in additional security funding for Jewish communities.

An investigation found apparent sham-marriage advertisements across eight public Facebook groups, including posts seeking UK citizens to help migrants obtain or extend visas. Meta removed the flagged content. Experts said such arrangements remain rare but are easier to organise and expose through social media, while immigration practitioners warned they harm genuine couples. Suspected couples face intrusive investigations, and those involved can be refused entry, deported or prosecuted under related immigration laws. The Home Office said referrals and investigations help prevent fraudulent grants of leave and disrupt organised networks.

More than 50,000 US personnel are stationed in the Middle East as Washington increases military activity amid pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Flight data and satellite imagery suggest preparations for a possible operation against Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil-export hub, although troop numbers alone do not prove that a ground invasion is planned. Experts warn that even a limited seizure would be difficult to sustain because Iranian missiles, drones and fast-attack vessels could quickly expose US forces. Iran has already demonstrated the ability to inflict serious losses, including the destruction of an E-3 Sentry, while tanker traffic through the strait remains sharply reduced.

More than 2,000 Ukrainian children taken to Russia and Russian-occupied Crimea since 2022 were reportedly transported to camps linked to Gazprom and Rosneft, where some received military training and were subjected to pro-Russian indoctrination. Yale researchers linked the companies and their subsidiaries or trade unions to at least six camps and described them as willing accomplices in Russia’s broader deportation and Russification campaign. Russia denies wrongdoing, Rosneft calls the findings fabricated, and Gazprom did not respond. The evidence is being shared with law-enforcement and Ukrainian authorities, while international efforts continue to identify, rehabilitate and return the children; more than 2,000 have reportedly been repatriated.

US troop deployments, naval movements and a surge in military airlift flights suggest Washington is preparing flexible options for limited operations against Iran, potentially including a raid or seizure of Kharg Island. The forces identified—Marines, 82nd Airborne paratroopers and strategic airlift aircraft—are suited to rapid or short-duration missions rather than a sustained invasion, which would require far larger armored and logistical formations. The US says no decision has been made to deploy ground troops, while Donald Trump continues to keep that option open. The UK is also working with France and other partners on a possible coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiyya (HAYI), an online group supporting Iran, has claimed responsibility for setting fire to four ambulances operated by a Jewish volunteer emergency service in Golders Green and for other attacks across Europe. UK agencies are investigating possible Iranian involvement but have not established whether HAYI carried out the London attack or is claiming incidents for publicity. Analysts describe HAYI as a loosely connected online front rather than a formal organization, using Telegram and edited attack videos to promote antisemitic and anti-Western messaging. Its claimed attacks include incidents in Belgium, Greece, the Netherlands and London, while a further threat was made against a Bank of America building in Paris. The activity has heightened concern over Iran’s use of paid or ideologically motivated recruits and sleeper cells for deniable operations in Europe.

Polling for the National Trust indicates that most voters believe the UK Government cares less about restoring nature than they do, with particularly strong concern among Labour supporters. The National Trust warns that planning reforms and rhetoric portraying wildlife protections as obstacles to development could damage the Government’s environmental credibility. It is urging ministers to manage 30 per cent of land for nature by 2030, strengthen wildlife protections, expand access to green spaces and pass stronger water reforms. The Government says it is reversing environmental decline through measures including pesticide restrictions, tree planting, nature-friendly farming and tougher powers against pollution.