BBC News Digest
Thursday, 5 February 2026
Starmer apologises to Epstein victims for believing Mandelson’s ‘lies’
The PM says the depth of the pair’s relationship was not known when he was appointed US ambassador.
Could this be the beginning of the end for Starmer?
Few Labour MPs are publicly calling for Sir Keir Starmer to go but this is very serious moment for the PM.
Trump backs Chagos handover deal, says No 10
It comes after the US president suggested last month he could withdraw his support for the deal.
Boy, 15, arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after teacher injured at school
Police were called to Milford Haven Comprehensive School in Pembrokeshire on Thursday afternoon.
Louvre Museum crown left crushed but ‘intact’ after raid
The Paris museum issues the first pictures of the crown since the theft, saying it was left “badly deformed”.
Wuthering Heights star Jacob Elordi ‘practised Northern accent in the bath’
The Australian actor is starring opposite Margot Robbie in new film, Wuthering Heights, set in Yorkshire.
Ruthless France thrash Ireland in Six Nations opener
Ruthless France inflict more pain on Ireland as the Six Nations holders open their title defence with a bonus-point victory at a buoyant Stade de France.
David Furnish and Sir Elton John ‘profoundly affected’ by Mail targeting, court told
The couple are among seven people suing the publisher of The Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday for breaches of privacy.
Man guilty of murdering girl, 9, playing in street
Lilia Valutyte was playing outside a shop in Boston, Lincolnshire, when she was stabbed to death.
Alton Towers to remove disability pass for people with ADHD and anxiety
Operator Merlin Entertainments said the pass was no longer working as intended because of increasing demand.
Molly-Mae Hague announces second pregnancy
“Soon to be four,” is the caption on a video showing off the TV star’s baby bump.
How penis injections became a Winter Olympic talking point
The World Anti-Doping Agency could investigate if evidence emerges that male ski jumpers are injecting their penises in a bid to improve sporting performance.
What was the vetting process for Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador?
The PM has accused Lord Mandelson of lying throughout the process – but what did it involve?
Chairman of major US law firm steps down after Epstein files release
Brad Karp’s company, Paul Weiss, previously said he did not participate in any misconduct.
Watch: ‘Re-traumatised daily’ – Epstein survivor says US shouldn’t move on from scandal
Ashley Rubright tells the BBC she feels vindicated to see accountability for UK associates of Jeffrey Epstein.
Naked images remained in Epstein files despite outcry
Four images seen by BBC Verify show partially clothed women with their faces and bodies unredacted.
What we know about the abduction of Savannah Guthrie’s mother
It’s been days since 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie disappeared in the middle of night from her home in Arizona.
The ‘heinous’ child killing that shook a town and the fight for justice
Prosecutors tell of their resolve to get justice for the family of murdered Lilia Valutyte.
Bank hints at rate cuts, but don’t expect Covid-era mortgage deals
The Bank of England may have suggested more rate cuts are on the way, but they are unlikely to go much lower.
‘I’m not against it’ – Fomer GB sprinter Prescod on taking drugs for Enhanced Games
Former Great Britain sprinter Reece Prescod gives the clearest indication yet that he will take performance-enhancing drugs as part of the controversial Enhanced Games.