BBC News Digest
Saturday, 31 January 2026
Second Epstein victim claims she was sent to UK for sex with Andrew, lawyer says
The woman, then in her 20s, says the alleged encounter happened at Royal Lodge in 2010.
Andrew should testify to US Congress, Starmer suggests after new photos
Sir Keir Starmer suggests Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should testify over his dealings with the convicted sex offender.
Israeli air strikes kill at least 32 Palestinians in Gaza, rescue officials say
Israel’s military confirmed the strikes, which come during a ceasefire that Israel and Hamas accuse each other of breaking.
Zack Polanski is having fun. But can the Green leader become a serious player?
The Greens’ new leader has generated a lot of excitement. Can he translate the buzz into electoral success?
Pedro Pascal and Meryl Streep lead tributes to Catherine O’Hara
The Canadian comedic actress died in Los Angeles on Friday at the age of 71 following a brief illness.
Ukrainians brace for -20C despite energy truce: ‘It will be a catastrophe’
Already facing electricity cuts, civilians are struggling to keep warm in their own homes as temperatures are set to plummet.
What we learned – and didn’t – from the Melania documentary
Melania, directed by Brett Ratner, provides a fleeting glimpse into the life of the enigmatic first lady.
Takeaways from the millions of newly released documents
Three million new documents include hundreds of mentions of Trump and emails between Epstein and a person called “The Duke”.
Latest Epstein revelations dig even deeper hole for Andrew
More unedifying pictures and words mean it doesn’t get any better for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Emails show US Commerce Secretary Lutnick planned island visit
The emails show Lutnick and his family planned a visit to Little Saint James, a private island Epstein purchased in 1998.
Israel eyes regime change in Iran – and is counting on Trump to make it happen
Analysts believe PM Netanyahu is urging the US towards maximalist strikes.
An ingredient for this curry is missing – and in eight minutes it’s at the door
India’s quick-commerce boom means groceries in minutes – but it can be dangerous for riders.
Parents want to ban smartphones in schools, but there’s one reason they’re worried
The House of Lords is soon due to debate whether to introduce a legal ban on smartphones in schools.
Has Harry Styles killed the world tour?
Artists including Ariana Grande are opting for longer residencies in key cities rather than touring more locations.
One wrong move and it could all go wrong – the men clearing deadly undersea Russian mines
A team of divers are tasked with de-mining parts of the Black Sea still under Ukraine’s control.
King surprises Parkrun joggers for second year in a row
This is the second time the monarch has surprised joggers at a Parkrun on the royal estate.
Labour peer and former FA chairman Lord Triesman dies aged 82
He joined Tony Blair’s government in 2004, holding prominent roles in politics until his death.
Musk’s SpaceX applies to launch 1m satellites into orbit
The firm wants to create a network of “orbital data centres” to power artificial intelligence.
Labour pick Angeliki Stogia for Gorton by-election
The councillor was chosen after Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham was blocked from standing.
Starmer invites Japan PM to UK after Tokyo talks
Sir Keir and Sanae Takaichi discussed ways to strengthen ties between their two nations during the meeting, at the end of the UK prime minister’s trip to East Asia.