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- ‘ diners dash after racking up £234 Valentine’s meal bill | News UK’
- Spain legalises status for 500,000 undocumented migrants, clarifies rights
- European Commission Delegates Commissioner Šuica to Peace Board, Faces Backlash
- EU member states extend carbon price spike regulation mechanism to 2030
- António José Seguro Elected President of Portugal After Historic Victory
- Wolves vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League latest score and confirmed lineups
- European Parliament drafts procedure to select host for European Customs Authority
- South Korea Urges Citizens to Cease Drone Flights Over North Korea | Latest News
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‘ diners dash after racking up £234 Valentine’s meal bill | News UK’
6:00 am
TL:DR – ‘ diners dash after racking up £234 Valentine’s meal bill | News UK’
- A group dined at Chadderton Bar and Grill, consuming £234 worth of food and drinks.
- They executed a smoking ruse to leave without paying.
- Restaurant owner Lokman Gurbuz expressed heartbreak, especially on Valentine’s Day.
- The incident was shared on Facebook to raise awareness among local businesses.
- The group later contacted the restaurant, claiming they would settle the bill but has yet to return.
‘Dine and dashers’ flee £234 bill after demolishing Valentine’s meal | News UK
This is the moment a group brazenly walk past a waiter after demolishing steaks and smashing expensive cocktails before fleeing when it came time to pay their bill.
The group fled Chadderton Bar and Grill after helping themselves to eight pornstar martinis, ice-creams and fillet steaks worth £234.
The group tried the classic ‘first person goes out for a cigarette routine’ and the others joined one by one, according to the owner.
Lokman Gurbuz, who runs the Greater Manchester restaurant, said he was left heartbroken on Valentine’s Day by their ploy.
Mr Gurbuz has begged them to return and pay what they owe in a public appeal on Facebook.
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He said: ‘They hadn’t booked and we were quite busy. It was two ladies and one gentleman and they wanted a table but had to wait.
The owner begged ‘If the individuals in this video see this post, we kindly request you to contact us and settle the outstanding bill.’
(Picture: Chadderton Bar and Grill)
‘After 15 minutes they got a table and ordered cocktails, double Malibus, food and dessert. Their friend also came to join them. One girl went out first for a smoke, then the others followed after about five minutes.’
In a public post on Facebook, along with CCTV of the group of four leaving, the venue wrote: ‘We are sharing this message to make other restaurant owners and businesses aware.
‘These customers visited our restaurant, enjoyed their meal, and unfortunately left without paying the bill. We have CCTV footage and the bill receipt as proof of the incident.
‘As a business, we normally respect customer privacy and never share CCTV footage publicly.
‘However, in this situation, we feel it is important to raise awareness and protect other local businesses from similar incidents.
‘If the individuals in this video see this post, we kindly request you to contact us and settle the outstanding bill. We also request fellow business owners to stay alert. Thank you for your support.’
After the appeal, UK News understands the group contacted the restaurant and told Mr Gurbuz they will come back in to settle the bill.
But the group are yet to appear.
Spain legalises status for 500,000 undocumented migrants, clarifies rights
4:00 am
TL;DR
• Spain’s government has announced plans to legalise around 500,000 undocumented migrants.
• The legalisation effort has led to a surge of misleading claims regarding the rights of these migrants.
• Claims about the rights granted to migrants have been described as dubious and misleading.
• Discussions surrounding this legalisation move are ongoing as of the current time.
Spain’s Legalisation of 500,000 Undocumented Migrants Sparks Controversy
Spain is moving to legalise approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants.
This action has generated numerous misleading claims regarding granted rights.
There is a focus on clarifying the specific rights these migrants will receive.
Spain’s initiative to legalise around 500,000 undocumented migrants has ignited a wave of debate. This move is designed to address the status of many individuals currently living in the shadows of society.
However, the proposal has led to various false narratives about the rights to be granted to these migrants. Stakeholders are keen to ensure that accurate information is disseminated to prevent confusion.
Misleading Claims About Migrant Rights in Spain
Dubious claims have emerged regarding the rights of migrants under the new legislation.
These claims have the potential to misinform the public and shape perceptions negatively.
The Spanish government aims to clarify rights to mitigate confusion.
Unverified assertions surrounding the rights of these migrants have proliferated, complicating public understanding. Experts caution that this misinformation could adversely impact the already sensitive discourse regarding immigration.
The government’s commitment to transparency is critical. They are working to address and counteract these claims proactively, asserting the importance of factual accuracy in public discussions.
Understanding Spain’s Approach to Undocumented Migration
Spain’s legalisation effort represents a significant approach to undocumented migration.
This approach has broader implications for immigration policy across Europe.
Future steps will focus on the framework of the legalisation process.
Spain’s decision is seen as a pivotal moment in migration policy, with potential effects rippling through Europe. It highlights the need for comprehensive policies to manage undocumented migrants effectively.
As the legalisation process progresses, the Spanish authorities are expected to detail more about the rights and integrations available to migrants. This clarity is essential for both public understanding and the migrants themselves.
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European Commission Delegates Commissioner Šuica to Peace Board, Faces Backlash
2:00 am
TL;DR
• The European Commission dispatched Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica to a Board of Peace gathering in Washington, sparking outrage among member states, led by France.
• EU ambassadors met on Wednesday to criticise Šuica’s unauthorised participation, claiming it undermines EU treaties on foreign policy.
• France argued during the meeting that Šuica’s attendance as a political representative holds significant weight, contrasting with a civil servant’s role.
• The Commission defended the trip as necessary engagement on Gaza’s recovery while emphasising it would not join the Board of Peace.
European Commission’s Dubravka Šuica Sparks Outrage Among EU Member States
Šuica’s participation in the Board of Peace has ignited significant criticism from several EU member states.
France leads the objections, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the initiative.
The backlash highlights divisions among EU member states regarding foreign policy.
The European Commission’s decision to send Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica to Washington for the first formal gathering of the Board of Peace has sparked outrage, particularly from France. Critics, including several diplomats, said that Šuica’s participation was not communicated to capitals beforehand and risks being seen as a collective endorsement of a contentious initiative.
During a meeting of EU ambassadors, it was reported that “member states were up in arms,” particularly as many believed that Šuica’s attendance breached EU treaties, which stipulate that foreign policy decisions require unanimous agreement among member states, as said by a diplomat.
France and Other Member States Criticise Šuica’s Attendance
France and other nations have raised strong objections regarding Šuica’s role.
Critics argue that Šuica’s presence carries political weight inappropriate for her role.
Germany and Sweden also voiced concerns over the legitimacy of the Board of Peace.
France set a critical tone during the discussion, asserting that Šuica’s attendance contradicted EU foreign policy principles. The concern was echoed by nations like Spain, Belgium, Ireland, and Portugal who also opposed her involvement, labelling it inappropriate for a political representative to attend. Diplomats expressed that a civil servant would have been a more suitable choice.
The gathered ambassadors pointed out that the EU itself is not a member of the Board of Peace, further raising doubts about Šuica’s trip. Critics voiced apprehension about the implications of her attendance and the perception it would create regarding EU involvement.
Future Discussions on Peace Process Expected in Brussels
The EU will continue discussions about the Board of Peace at next week’s foreign affairs ministers’ meeting.
Brussels seeks to maintain its influence amid concerns about the board’s legitimacy.
EU’s humanitarian aid efforts to Gaza are a priority in this ongoing dialogue.
The debate around Šuica’s attendance will continue as foreign affairs ministers are set to gather in Brussels next week. They will be joined by Nickolay Mladenov, appointed by Trump as High Representative for Gaza, to discuss the Board of Peace’s integration with Palestinian governance.
Brussels aims to remain engaged in the peace process while questioning the board’s “scope, governance and compatibility with the UN Charter”. With significant humanitarian aid contributions of €1.65 billion since the recent conflict began, the EU seeks to avoid being marginalised.
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EU member states extend carbon price spike regulation mechanism to 2030
11:00 pm
TL;DR
• EU member states will extend the carbon price regulation mechanism beyond 2030 to prevent excessive spikes when the new tax on cars, vans, and buildings takes effect in 2028.
• Slovakia and the Czech Republic have urged a delay of the new carbon tax until at least 2030, due to its social impact, as of 18 February 2026.
• Five EU countries, including Sweden and Denmark, oppose any amendments to the ETS2, arguing it undermines EU climate policy effectiveness.
• Wopke Hoekstra stated that new measures aim to strengthen the stability and affordability of ETS2, allowing up to 80 million allowances to be released to manage price spikes.
EU Member States Plan to Regulate Carbon Pricing Beyond 2030
The EU is set to extend its mechanism for regulating carbon price spikes past 2030.
Households and businesses will face higher bills once emissions trading takes effect.
Discussions are ongoing regarding potential delays to the implementation of the carbon tax.
EU member states will extend the bloc’s mechanism to regulate price spikes beyond 2030, aiming to manage the carbon price under the new tax system that will come into effect in 2028. This decision has emerged amidst rising concerns about the implications for households and businesses reliant on fossil fuels, which are expected to see increased costs.
Resistance to fully implementing the new version of the European Union’s emissions trading system (ETS2) is growing. Slovakia and the Czech Republic have called for delays, citing social impacts, while other countries, including Sweden and Denmark, oppose any postponements.
Maria Panayiotou Highlights the EU’s Commitment to Carbon Market Stability
Maria Panayiotou emphasised the EU’s dedication to a predictable carbon market.
The Council’s adjustments to the market stability reserve aim to manage carbon allowance supply effectively.
These changes will increase the ability to release allowances in response to price spikes.
The EU’s market stability reserve, intended to manage surplus allowances, is a crucial long-term tool for maintaining balance in the carbon market. Following amendments, it now allows for the release of additional allowances if prices rise sharply, enhancing resilience against potential shocks.
“The Council’s position… sends a clear signal that the EU is committed to a stable and predictable carbon market,” said Maria Panayiotou. The adjustments also foresee maintaining a buffer of 600 million allowances to help stabilise prices.
Wopke Hoekstra Discusses Future Steps for ETS2 Implementation
Wopke Hoekstra stated that new measures will promote stability within ETS2.
Current mechanisms allow for strategic releases of allowances to prevent excessive price spikes.
The final rules for ETS2 await approval from the European Parliament.
Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, indicated that new measures are designed to “set us on a more predictable path toward a low-carbon future”. The mechanisms have been refined to accommodate a potentially volatile market, and with up to 80 million allowances available, the system is geared to keep prices manageable.
The Council’s agreement is set to be scrutinised by lawmakers in the European Parliament, who must approve the final rules ahead of the scheduled ETS2 launch in 2028.
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António José Seguro Elected President of Portugal After Historic Victory
9:00 pm
TL;DR
• António José Seguro defeated André Ventura on 8 February 2026, securing two-thirds of the vote and halting the rise of the far right to the Presidency.
• Mariana Corrêa welcomed guests Carlos Coelho and André Franqueira Rodrigues to discuss European institutions after the election results.
• António Costa expressed appreciation for democracy following the election outcome, highlighting its impact on Portuguese society.
• The election results signal a potential shift in the political landscape and may renew momentum for social-democratic parties across Europe.
António José Seguro Wins Historic Presidential Election in Portugal
António José Seguro achieved a significant victory in the Portuguese presidential election on 8 February.
Seguro’s win is seen as a broad mobilisation against far-right populism in Portugal.
The election results bring real implications for Portugal’s political stability moving forward.
Ten days after the runoff, Portugal is assessing the implications of António José Seguro’s victory. On 8 February, he defeated André Ventura with around two-thirds of the vote, according to reports. This halted the rise of the far right to the presidency and secured one of the largest margins in Portugal’s democratic history.
The result reflected a broad mobilization—from the centre-left to sectors of the centre-right—aimed at preventing a populist breakthrough. For many voters, supporting Seguro was described as less an ideological endorsement and more a stand in defence of democratic norms amid growing polarisation.
Impact of Seguro’s Victory on Portugal’s Political Landscape
Seguro’s election signifies complex changes in the political landscape of Portugal.
The far right remains a potent force, despite its electoral defeat.
Seguro may play a moderating role, influencing government stability in a tripartite system.
While secure in his victory, the political landscape left behind is complex. Ventura’s strong support highlights persistent societal tensions, such as concerns over immigration and economic pressure. The far right was defeated, but according to sources, it continues to consolidate itself as a significant political force.
In this increasingly fragmented political environment, Seguro may have to take on a moderating role. This position could significantly influence government stability and the ability to broker agreements on critical issues like healthcare and labour reform.
European Reactions to Portugal’s Presidential Election Outcome
The election outcome was welcomed by several leaders at the European level.
Seguro’s victory could signal renewed momentum for the social-democratic camp across Europe.
Portugal’s political situation may influence its role in addressing broader European challenges.
The impact of Seguro’s election extends beyond Portugal. António Costa, President of the European Council, highlighted the “Portuguese people’s appreciation for democracy.” As socialist parties face challenges across Europe, this victory may represent renewed momentum for the social-democratic camp. But the specific context remains significant in assessing its broader implications.
Questions remain about what role Portugal will assume within a European framework shaped by multiple challenges, including increased defence spending demands. The event marks a key moment in a changing political landscape, not only for Portugal but potentially for the entire European continent.
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Wolves vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League latest score and confirmed lineups
7:00 pm
Wolves vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League latest score and confirmed lineups | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Arsenal faced Wolves at Molineux on 18 February 2026, seeking to secure a vital Premier League victory. The Gunners, managed by Mikel Arteta, held a four-point lead over Manchester City despite a recent 1-1 draw with Brentford. Wolves, under Rob Edwards, struggled with injuries and remained bottom of the table, nine points from safety.
Top-of-the-table Arsenal travel to rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers hoping to return to winning ways in the Premier League this evening. The Gunners hold a four-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City but were frustrated in a disappointing 1-1 draw away to Brentford last time out in the top flight.
Mikel Arteta’s men can take encouragement from a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Wigan in the FA Cup at the weekend and will be looking to carry that same form into tonight’s clash at Molineux. The leaders previously snatched a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture, thanks to a fortuitous Yerson Mosquera own goal.
Wolves facing relegation battle
Despite experiencing a slight lift under manager Rob Edwards since his November appointment, Wolves are in a precarious position, facing the threat of relegation to the Championship, with nine points separating them from their nearest rivals Burnley. They will be missing star forward Hee-Chan Hwang and central defender Toti Gomes due to muscle injuries.
Arsenal have dealt with several injury concerns leading up to the match, but Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori have both been cleared to play. However, captain Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz remain unavailable for the visitors.
Confirmed starting line-ups announced
Wolverhampton Wanderers have made four changes to their line-up following their win over Grimsby, with January signing Adam Armstrong starting up front. The confirmed Wolverhampton Wanderers XI includes Sa, Tchatchoua, Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejci, H. Bueno, Andre, A. Gomes, Mane, Bellegarde, and Armstrong.
Arsenal’s starting XI consists of Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Madueke, Martinelli, Saka, and Gyokeres. Both teams are set to kick off at 8pm GMT this evening.
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