BBC News Digest
Sunday, 8 February 2026
PM’s chief aide McSweeney quits over Mandelson row
The adviser says he takes “full responsibility” for advising Sir Keir Starmer to make the peer US ambassador.
Why McSweeney’s departure could prove perilous for the PM
Starmer’s chief of staff departs at a time the PM is isolated and in potential peril.
Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein as trade envoy, files suggest
Under official guidance, trade envoys have a duty of confidentiality over sensitive, commercial, or political information.
Vonn has surgery on leg fracture after crash
American skier Lindsey Vonn has surgery on a left-leg fracture after suffering heartbreak in what could be her final Olympic event as she crashes in the women’s downhill competition in Cortina.
My car was stolen. Here are six important things I learned
Keyless thefts are on the rise and car crime is increasingly organised and high-tech.
Dozens of flood warnings in England after days of non-stop rain
Rain has fallen in south-west England and south Wales every day of 2026 so far, the Met Office said.
Japan’s PM Takaichi on course to win snap election by landslide
Her ruling coalition is set to clinch a decisive win, taking two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives.
‘Killjoy’ – did VAR get late drama in Liverpool v Man City right?
Manchester City’s win at Liverpool ended in complete chaos – but did the referee and the VAR get Dominik Szoboszlai’s red card right?
France murder trial complicated by twin brothers with same DNA
Police have recovered DNA from a weapon but cannot determine which of the brothers used it.
Iranian Nobel laureate handed further prison sentence, lawyer says
Narges Mohammadi was arrested in December for making “provocative remarks” at a memorial, where she was also reportedly beaten.
Man arrested for murder after student’s death
The body of 19-year-old Carla Georgescu was found in student accommodation on Thursday, police say.
‘Cold’ coach back at Olympics after Valieva scandal
When figure skating coach Eteri Tutberidze’s behaviour towards her pupils was branded “chilling to see” at the last Winter Olympics, it was hard to see her returning – but she is back for Milan-Cortina 2026.
GB snowboard star Brookes into big air final
Snowboarding sensation Mia Brookes – one of GB’s most exciting medal prospects at the Winter Olympics – shrugs off an early hiccup to reach the big air final.
GB’s Brookes & Muir target medals, plus curling semi-final – Monday’s guide
What’s happening and who to look out for at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
The political strategist who became Starmer’s right-hand man
McSweeney, long considered instrumental to the rise of the PM, derived his power and influence from his track record as a political strategist.
I’m obsessed with bar livestreams. All the drama of a night out – from my sofa
There’s been a surge in people watching such streams on TikTok, but bars say they face sanctions.
Fried chicken is booming in Britain – and fish and chips is losing out
Crunch by crunch, US-style fried chicken shops are on the rise on British High Streets, fuelled by an internet craze.
Pakistan’s famous kite festival cautiously returns after 19-year ban
The event, which dates back centuries, was banned after injuries and fatalities caused by sharp strings and celebratory gunfire.
It was a small budget series made in a month. But its fans helped it become a huge hit
The made-on-a-shoe-string, Canadian-produced series is taking the world by storm.
Apprenticeship clearing system to be introduced
The prime minister said “outdated assumptions about how to make it into a successful career” have held young people back.