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- EU member states debate diplomatic re-engagement with Russia amid Ukraine war
- Woman discovers untouched 1969 Jensen FF in her father’s barn after 30 years
- Hairy fan responds to claims he’s made millions from Manchester United’s struggles
- EU Leaders to Discuss ‘European Preference’ Proposal on 25 February
- British Man Found Dead in Vietnam Hotel Room: Unnatural Causes Investigated
- ‘Vengeful’ woman who shared explicit images of father’s mistress sent back to prison
- EU officials express concerns over Spain’s undocumented migrant regularisation on Monday
- ‘Joyful’ dad identified as second victim in Lancashire moorland plane crash
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EU member states debate diplomatic re-engagement with Russia amid Ukraine war
3:00 pm
TL:DR – EU member states debate diplomatic re-engagement with Russia amid Ukraine war
• French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly endorsed EU re-engagement with Russia to influence negotiations on Ukraine’s future security.
• Austria, the Czech Republic, and Luxembourg support appointing a special envoy to unify Europe’s approach in discussions with Russia.
• Germany, Estonia, Lithuania, and Cyprus oppose re-engagement, citing Russia’s ongoing aggression towards Ukraine as evidence of its unwillingness to negotiate.
• The next formal EU summit to discuss these issues is scheduled for 19 March.
Should the EU speak directly with Putin? Leaders agree to disagree – for now
On Friday, European Union member states debated the prospect of re-engaging diplomatically with the Kremlin to address the ongoing war in Ukraine. This discussion gained momentum following endorsements from French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who asserted that the EU must secure a permanent negotiating role in shaping Europe’s future security architecture.
The implications of this debate are significant, as Europe’s position as Ukraine’s largest donor places it in a critical role for post-war security guarantees. Member states are now weighing the potential benefits of appointing a special envoy to represent the EU in dialogues with Russia to prevent fragmented approaches.
France and Italy Advocate for Diplomatic Engagement
In public statements, both Macron and Meloni argued that Europe must engage directly with Russia. “If Europe decides to take part in this phase of negotiations by talking only to one of the two sides, I fear that in the end the positive contribution it can make will be limited,” Meloni said. Support from countries including Austria, the Czech Republic, and Luxembourg has emerged for this position, with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger expressing that “Europe is strongest when it speaks with one voice.”
However, not all member states share this perspective. Germany, Estonia, Lithuania, and Cyprus have voiced strong opposition, citing ongoing Russian aggression and a lack of willingness for concessions. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated, “We currently see no need to open additional channels of communication,” emphasising that Moscow must show a commitment to peace.
Different Visions for EU Engagement
As discussions unfold, the EU institutions are closely monitoring the contrasting viewpoints among member states. France’s approach appears focused on direct high-level talks, while other leaders advocate for a special envoy to engage collaboratively within a broader framework. Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa suggested that any envoy participate in trilateral talks with the US, keeping economic sanctions in place.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas called for a clear understanding of the objectives behind any communication with Russia. “The point right now is not the person who does it, but more like how and what we want to get out of this,” she stated, underscoring the importance of establishing a unified EU strategy.
Future Considerations and Potential Envoys
The debate surrounding re-engagement remains ongoing, with informal discussions about candidates for a special envoy position already taking place. Names being considered include Alexander Stubb, the president of Finland, and Margrethe Vestager, the former European Commissioner for competition policy. Additionally, Sauli Niinistö, the former president of Finland, has been mentioned due to his experience and language proficiency.
As tensions persist, EU officials note the urgency of these discussions, particularly in light of the recent trilateral talks involving the US, Ukraine, and Russia that excluded Europe. The EU’s €90 billion loan agreement to support Kyiv further underlines the necessity for a coherent diplomatic strategy. Despite the push for engagement, a cautious approach remains paramount to maintain a unified European front.
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Woman discovers untouched 1969 Jensen FF in her father’s barn after 30 years
1:02 pm
TL:DR – Woman discovers untouched 1969 Jensen FF in her father’s barn after 30 years
- A rare 1969 Jensen FF, one of fewer than 200 built, was discovered after over 30 years in storage.
- It has not been driven since the early 1990s and remains untouched and original.
- The car is heading to auction, with a family connection maintained throughout its history.
- Retaining original keys and documentation, the Jensen FF showcases advanced 1960s automotive technology, including four-wheel drive and anti-lock brakes.
- Auction details will be available from 20 February at Stoneleigh Park, leading to the sale on 21 February.
Woman finds rare 1969 Jensen FF left untouched in her dad’s barn for 30 years | News UK
The 1969 Jensen FF is one of just 200 ever built (Picture: Cover Images)
A rare British car that sat untouched in a barn for over 30 years has come out of hiding with its original paperwork still intact.
The 1969 Jensen FF – one of fewer than 200 ever built – has not been driven since the early 1990s after being quietly locked away in a dry garage following the death of its original owner, Mr ST Pickard.
For more than three decades, it has remained exactly as it was left, never restored, repainted or modified, making it an exceptionally rare survivor.
Now the remarkable garage find is heading to auction, with Iconic Auctioneers preparing to offer it for sale later this month.
Its owner was said to have driven it on Friday afternoons to inspect the Staffordshire quarry sites that he owned and managed, racking up around 60,000 miles.
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In 1973, it was registered in the Isle of Man, where Mr Pickard later lived with his family, but following his death in the mid-1990s, the car was brought back to the mainland and driven straight into storage, where it has remained ever since.
It is now owned by Mr Pickard’s daughter, who inherited the car after her father’s death.
The car went untouched in a barn for decades (Picture: Cover Images)
The owner kept every receipt for the vehicle (Picture: Cover Images)
By the time it passed into her ownership, the car had already been laid up and has never been driven again.
Despite years of dust, the interior remains intact and original, the engine bay is complete and still displays matching numbers, and the car retains its original keys, handbooks and documentation.
Among the paperwork is the original sales invoice, green logbook and a file of Jensen service records, offering a rare and detailed insight into careful long-term ownership before the car disappeared from the road.
The Jensen FF was one of the most technically ambitious cars of its era. It was the world’s first production performance car to feature four-wheel drive and anti-lock brakes.
Today, the model is regarded as one of the most significant British GT cars of the 1960s.
The family used the car to drive around Staffordshire (Picture: Cover Images)
Joe Watts, Car Specialist at Iconic Auctioneers, said: ‘This Jensen FF is one of those cars that reminds us why garage finds still matter. To see such an important model survive untouched for so long, with this level of provenance, is incredibly rare.
‘It perfectly reflects what we strive to offer at Iconic Auctioneers, outstanding cars at every level of the market, each with a story worth telling.’
The Jensen is being sold alongside another long-kept vehicle from the same family collection – a 1943 Ford GPW Willys Jeep believed to have served with the Royal Navy.
Bought as surplus in the late 1950s, it spent around 70 years in daily use on a country estate and remains largely untouched, retaining its original chassis and believed-original engine and bodywork.
Hairy fan responds to claims he’s made millions from Manchester United’s struggles
11:38 am
Hairy fan responds to claims he’s made millions from Manchester United’s struggles | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Manchester United’s interim manager, Michael Carrick, guided the team to a remarkable four consecutive wins from January 17 to February 7, significantly improving their performance. This resurgence revitalised fan Frank Ilett, who awaited a much-needed haircut, coinciding with United’s triumphs, which included victories over Manchester City and Arsenal.
Frank Ilett, a Manchester United superfan, is on the cusp of getting his much-anticipated haircut after a remarkable 16 months. The turnaround in United’s fortunes, guided by interim manager Michael Carrick, has bolstered Ilett’s hopes as the team aims for a fifth consecutive victory this evening.
After struggling under previous management, Manchester United has shown significant improvement, making them favourites to win again. Ilett’s viral stunt, sparked by the club’s woes, has attracted both attention and criticism, complicating his experience as a fan.
Ilett Discusses Commercial Challenges
Despite the viral success, Ilett clarified that he has not profited as much as some assume. “I’m definitely not the millionaire that some people think I am,” he told The Sun. He indicated that commercial benefits have not made it the lucrative venture many expect.
He further noted that his unkempt hair has caused practical issues, stating, “The real pain has been not being able to see properly.” Ilett is eager for the hair to be cut as Manchester United continues its winning streak.
Increased Pressure on Manager Michael Carrick
Following four consecutive victories against notable teams, another win tonight could heighten calls for Carrick to remain in charge beyond the season. Ilett acknowledged, “If he continues with the results that we’re getting… of course he should be in that conversation.”
Carrick, while aware of Ilett’s viral haircut situation through his children, joked that it would not feature in his team talk. He expressed a light-hearted awareness of the ongoing stunt but emphasised that it would not impact the team’s performance.
As Manchester United prepares for its match this evening, the anticipation builds for both the game and Ilett’s anticipated haircut.
EU Leaders to Discuss ‘European Preference’ Proposal on 25 February
11:00 am
TL:DR – EU Leaders to Discuss ‘European Preference’ Proposal on 25 February
• On 9 February, Ursula von der Leyen stated that a European preference is essential for creating domestic value in industry.
• The European Commission plans to unveil the Industrial Accelerator Act on 25 February to prioritise EU-made products.
• Analysts warn that “Made in Europe” rules may increase costs for industries like construction and automotive.
• Automotive industry representatives express concern that protectionist measures could disrupt international supply chains.
• Eurofer advocates for broader “Made in Europe” criteria, ensuring steel is sourced and produced within the EU.
‘European preference is a risk to healthy supply chains,’ EU industries tell Euronews
Increasing pressure on manufacturers to move production to Europe is set to disrupt existing supply routes and prompt companies to establish new ones, according to various industry representatives speaking to Euronews. This comes ahead of upcoming talks among EU leaders regarding the “European preference”, a proposal aimed at revitalising the bloc’s industry, introduced by French Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné.
The “European preference” initiative seeks to prioritise EU-made products and services in public procurement and establish criteria favouring domestic production within EU supply chains. This strategy is part of the broader Industrial Accelerator Act, scheduled for presentation on 25 February, and aims to enhance EU competitiveness and curtail dependence on foreign imports, particularly from the United States and China.
EU Commission President Highlights Necessity of European Preference
In a letter to EU leaders dated 9 February, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asserted that the European preference is a “necessary instrument” for creating domestic value. “It can help create lead markets in strategic sectors and support the scaling-up of European production capabilities,” she wrote. However, von der Leyen cautioned that any such preference “must be underpinned by robust economic analysis and aligned with our industrial priorities, while engaging constructively with trusted partners”.
Industry representatives have expressed concerns regarding potential impacts on existing supply chains. The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) emphasised that protectionism could harm the export-oriented automotive sector, which relies on open markets.
Concerns from Various Industries Over New Regulations
ASD Europe, representing the aeronautics sector, echoed these concerns, stating that many industries are still uncertain about the implications of the “Made in Europe” criteria. Secretary General Camille Grand stressed the need for specifics and noted that the global nature of supply chains poses unique challenges.
Meanwhile, the clean technology sector has welcomed the Commission’s plan but warned against isolating the EU from critical economic partners. Victor van Hoorn from Cleantech for Europe emphasised the importance of ensuring that EU-made products can compete effectively while also building resilience in key supply chains.
Support for Increased Domestic Production in Steel and Chemicals
The European steel industry, represented by Eurofer, expressed support for increased domestic production but called for regulations addressing the entire value chain. Eurofer’s spokesperson highlighted that steel used in components should also be processed within the EU.
The European Chemical Industry Council pointed out that “Made in Europe” criteria must incentivise production throughout value chains. They suggested potential flexibility for certain production steps outside the EU and indicated that including external partners could enhance procurement attractiveness.
Laurent Donceel from Hydrogen Europe welcomed the Commission’s plans to strengthen domestic production for hydrogen technologies, calling it a “meaningful step forward” toward solidifying industrial value chains in Europe. Donceel urged for political support to ensure all hydrogen products are considered in future laws to effectively utilise public procurement in building clean hydrogen demand.
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British Man Found Dead in Vietnam Hotel Room: Unnatural Causes Investigated
10:22 am
TL:DR – British Man Found Dead in Vietnam Hotel Room: Unnatural Causes Investigated
- British property expert Harleigh Jones, 25, was found dead in a Ho Chi Minh City hotel room on June 12, 2025.
- An inquest revealed a cocktail of prescription drugs, including gabapentin, pregabalin, and benzodiazepines, contributed to his ‘unnatural death’.
- Coroner Graeme Hughes stated drugs significantly impacted the cause of death, leading to the adjournment of the inquest.
- Harleigh was an International Property Specialist, assisting expats in investing in foreign properties.
British man dies ‘unnatural death’ in Vietnam hotel room | News World
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A British property expert found in his Vietnam hotel room suffered an ‘unnatural death’, an inquest has heard.
Sales specialist Harleigh Jones, 25, was based in Ho Chi Minh City, where he helped international buyers.
He died in a hotel room on June 12, 2025, and a cocktail of prescription medication was found in his system.
An inquest, held in Harleigh’s hometown of Pontypridd, was told he was repatriated to South Wales, where a post-mortem examination was carried out.
Pathologist Dr. Jason Shannon gave his provisional cause of death as the combined effects of gabapentin, pregabalin, olanzapine, and benzodiazepines.
‘I have sufficient reason to suspect that his death is unnatural,’ Coroner Graeme Hughes said.
‘Following the post-mortem and toxicology reports, it appears that drugs were involved in the cause of his death.’
The inquest was adjourned for a date to be fixed.
Football fan Harleigh described himself online as an ‘International Property Specialist’ and a ‘Brand and Communications Manager’.
He worked across South Asia as well as in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, helping expats to invest in foreign properties.
After his death, his mother wrote on social media: ‘Heartbroken. My forever young, beautiful, blue-eyed boy.
‘Words could never describe the pain I feel right now that I will never hold you in my arms again.
‘That cheeky smile. That infectious laugh that we will all remember you for. You will always be Mammy’s boy. Love you forever and ever, my handsome baby Harlz.’
In early 2025, a British woman and her South African fiancé died as a result of methanol poisoning in a hotel they had run for 10 months together.
Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Els Quinton, 36, bought a bottle of homemade limoncello on Christmas Eve from a local restaurant.
Social media manager Greta was found on her bed, while barista and streamer Arno’s body was discovered in a room where he kept his musical instruments.
Complaining to her parents over WhatsApp the day after drinking, Otteson described it as ‘the worst hangover ever’ and said she was seeing ‘black spots’. She wanted to ‘sleep it off’.
‘Vengeful’ woman who shared explicit images of father’s mistress sent back to prison
10:00 am
TL:DR – ‘Vengeful’ woman who shared explicit images of father’s mistress sent back to prison
- Eleanor Brown, 26, was jailed for two years in 2024 for posting nude photos of her father’s mistress online as revenge.
- Described as “vindictive” by a judge, she expressed no remorse upon release, stating, “I’m not sorry and never will be.”
- Recently recalled to prison, she claimed restrictions on contacting her mother, prompting a public appeal.
- The Ministry of Justice confirmed her recall, following her act of revenge discovered when she was 14.
‘Vengeful’ woman who posted naked images of dad’s mistress is recalled to prison | News UK
Eleanor Brown posted the images as an act of revenge for the affair, and was jailed for two years in 2024
A ‘vindictive, selfish and vengeful’ 26-year-old woman who posted pictures of her dad’s naked mistress on to an escort website has been recalled to prison.
Eleanor Brown posted the images as an act of revenge for the affair, and was jailed for two years in 2024.
She was described as ‘vindictive, selfish and vengeful’ by a judge, and since her release last month she said: ‘I’m not sorry and never will be sorry.’
Now Brown, from Morley, West Yorkshire, posted on her Instagram feed claiming she has been recalled to prison – despite phones being strictly forbidden.
She said: ‘Eleanor update!!!! I need you to tell my mum an officer has told me the prison will not let me speak to my mum, all excuses I have been told are excuses.
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Sisters Eleanor and Sophie Brown, pictured here with their mother Sarah
Brown insists she does not regret anything after posting naked pictures of the woman out of revenge
‘They will not facilitate contact with my mum because of what I have been recalled for, she needs to tell a solicitor.
‘They won’t authorise her pin, they won’t let me have any contact with her. I have been told this, I also cannot get a legal call until tomorrow…please tell her asap.
‘She needs to go to press with this. They won’t let me have contact with outside world!!!! What the f***.’
The Ministry of Justice confirmed she was recalled to prison last month.
Brown discovered her dad’s affair when she was just 14-years-old, with her mum Sarah still resenting the other woman.
Sarah sent the nude images of the mistress to her daughter, who then used the photos to create a profile on a sex-for-sale website.
Brown set the prices as minimum £5 for some sexual acts, and overnight stays for £10.
Dad Geoff Brown had an affair while married to Eleanor Brown’s mum
The mistress’s phone began blowing up after her contact details were put on the site.
Brown has maintained she does not regret her act, describing her jail sentence as a ‘joke’.
She told the Daily Mail: ‘If I could turn the clocks back the only thing I’d do differently is put my phone in the bin. I would just bin the phone, that phone has got me in so much trouble.
‘But I am not remorseful. I do not hold any remorse in my body. I wouldn’t do it again – your nudes are all safe – but I am definitely not remorseful.’
A week after Brown’s online escapade, the police arrested her at her home.
Officers did find she was encouraged to upload the images by her sister who was a serving police officer at the time – but she was not charged.
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