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- European Parliament Advocates for EU Military Mobility Improvements This Week
- Complete February 2026 Shop Closures List: Including Poundland and GAME | News UK
- Trump Endorses Orbán Ahead of Hungary’s Election on April 12
- Man imprisoned for sexually assaulting woman aboard EasyJet flight | UK News
- Israel Reopens Rafah Crossing in Southern Gaza Strip on 2 February
- Olympic organisers confirm 2026 Games to prioritise green initiatives
- New £60m Liverpool signing Jeremy Jacquet suffers ‘serious’ injury
- Protesters Clash with Police Over Milan Winter Olympics | Latest News UK
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European Parliament Advocates for EU Military Mobility Improvements This Week
10:00 am
TL:DR – European Parliament Advocates for EU Military Mobility Improvements This Week
• François Kalfon, shadow rapporteur for military mobility at the European Parliament, emphasises the need for a European preference in military infrastructure to prevent vulnerabilities from foreign technology on 3 October 2023.
• The EU aims to cut military border crossing times from 45 days to three days in peacetime and six hours during crises under the European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System (EMERS).
• Kalfon proposes a strategic reserve for European military transportation assets to prepare for potential high-intensity warfare in Europe.
• A report on military mobility is expected to be presented to the Committee on Transport and Tourism in early April 2024.
EU Parliament pushes for European preference in military mobility plan
The European Parliament is advocating for improvements to military mobility within the European Union to include a European preference, as highlighted by François Kalfon, the shadow rapporteur on military mobility, this week. This initiative aims to mitigate the risk of foreign entities deploying “kill switches” to impede the movement of troops and military equipment across the bloc.
Kalfon’s remarks come as the European Commission unveiled a package in November aimed at harmonising military mobility rules across the 27 member states. Currently, some countries can take up to 45 days to respond to requests for military cross-border movements, with a goal to reduce this to three days in peacetime and a maximum of six hours during crises under the European Military Mobility Enhanced Response System (EMERS).
European Preference for Military Equipment
Kalfon emphasised the need for an explicit European preference, stating, “It is prudent that our investments in infrastructure and rolling stock give preference to Europe.” He raised concerns over vulnerabilities introduced by foreign investments, particularly from China, which may allow for remote shutdowns of critical infrastructure.
In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and ongoing geopolitical tensions, the EU has begun tightening regulations around foreign direct investments in crucial sectors. Kalfon noted, “there is nothing today that obliges any transport operator to use European equipment,” citing risks akin to reliance on foreign technology in military scenarios.
Proposed Strategic Reserves of Equipment
The European Parliament has previously included a “Made in Europe” preference in various defence initiatives. Kalfon is pushing for amendments to the military mobility package, specifically for the establishment of a “strategic reserve of European rolling stock” which would enhance readiness in case of high-intensity conflicts.
He elaborated on this concept by stating, “What is a strategic reserve? It means that if a high-intensity war breaks out in Europe… all your wagons and locomotives are mobilised to take equipment to the front.” Kalfon advocates for the joint procurement of versatile equipment, such as dual-use locomotives, which could operate on both fuel and electricity, ensuring resilience in crisis situations.
The rapporteurs’ report on military mobility is expected to be presented to the Committee on Transport and Tourism in early April, with discussions involving the Council and the Commission planned for July.
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Complete February 2026 Shop Closures List: Including Poundland and GAME | News UK
9:00 am
TL:DR – Complete February 2026 Shop Closures List: Including Poundland and GAME | News UK
- Popular UK chains face closures in February 2026 due to financial struggles.
- Poundland will shut 30 stores as part of a restructure by new owners.
- River Island is closing more shops, including additional branches following a restructuring plan.
- GAME is closing its last standalone stores after entering administration.
- Claire’s Accessories and The Original Factory Shop have also gone into administration, risking thousands of jobs.
Full list of February 2026 shop closures including Poundland and GAME | News UK
Caption: News Weekend Redirect – February 2026 store closures [News>UK] [Sun, 7am]
Shops on the British high street are once more at risk in February 2026, with some popular chains closing a number of branches.
Poundland is one of several struggling chains as its new owners are carrying out a major restructure, which includes shutting down 30 of the discount retailer’s stores.
Another high street chain whose restructuring plan will cause store closures this month is River Island.
GAME has also recently shocked shoppers with the news that it would be closing its last remaining branches after being thrown into administration.
UK News has compiled the closures set for February 2026 for you to check if your local shop is affected.
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Which Poundland shops will be closing in February 2026?
Poundland is set to close 12 branches this month after many others shut their doors for good last year (Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Poundland was sold by its former parent company Pepco Group to Gordon Brothers last year in order to save it from administration, but this has led to a restructure involving the closures of many of its stores across the UK.
Dozens of stores have already closed in the last few months, but Poundland has confirmed that more are shutting in February.
The full list of Poundland stores set to close this month are:
Chichester
Feltham
Crayford
Nottingham (Chilwell)
Urmston
Many of the brand’s stores have already shut their doors, with the following shops having closed over the last few months:
Twickenham
Westhoughton
Market Harborough
Lowestoft
Colne
Rochdale
Leicester
Tenby
Blackpool (Cherry Tree Retail Park)
Deal
Thurrock
Walsall
Hailsham
Perry Barr
Matlock
Carlisle
Burnley
Witham
Sidcup
Dalston
Beeston
Launceston
Melton Mowbray
Droitwich
Hempstead Valley
Lancaster, Lancashire
Northampton Sixfields, Northamptonshire
Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset
Hammersmith, Greater London
Prestatyn, Denbighshire
Faversham, Kent
Liverpool, Merseyside
Yeovil, Somerset
Nottingham Eastpoint, Nottinghamshire
Lymington, Hampshire
Christchurch (47 High Street), Dorset
Dorchester
Bristol Avon Meads, Bristol
Winton, Dorset
Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland
Christchurch (Meteor Retail Park), Dorset
Arnold, Nottinghamshire
Plymstock
Worthing, West Sussex
Droitwich, Worcestershire
Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Oldham, Greater Manchester
Weston Favell, Northamptonshire
Portishead, Somerset
Grantham, Lincolnshire
Portadown, County Armagh, Northern Ireland
Farnham, Surrey
Bearwood Smethwick
Brighton, East Sussex
Hempstead Valley, Kent
Bexhill, East Sussex
Gosport
Ponders End, Greater London
Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland
Mitcham, Greater London
Cameron Toll, Edinburgh, Scotland
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River Island closures continue
Low footfall has been blamed for River Island’s financial woes (Picture: EPA)
River Island has been caught up in Britain’s high street trouble and its restructuring plan is moving towards online shopping rather than in-person retail branches.
It was previously announced that 33 stores would be closing permanently by the end of January 2026, but more have reportedly shut shop in February, including the Rugby, Warwickshire shop.
On the plan, River Island’s CEO Ben Lewis said: ‘We have a clear transformation strategy to ensure the long-term viability of the business, and this decision gives us a strong platform to deliver this.’
He added: ‘Recent improvements in our fashion offer and shopping experience are starting to show results, and the restructuring plan will enable us to align our store estate to our customers’ needs.
‘We are grateful to our suppliers, landlords and other stakeholders for their constructive engagement and shared confidence in River Island’s future.’
The stores that have so far closed are:
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Bangor Bloomfield, Northern Ireland
Barnstaple, Devon
Beckton, Greater London
Brighton, East Sussex
Burton-Upon-Trent, Derbyshire
Whitefriars, Canterbury
Cumbernauld, Scotland
Didcot, Oxfordshire
Edinburgh Princes Street, Scotland
Falkirk, Scotland
Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Great Yarmouth
Grimsby, Lincolnshire
Hanley, Staffordshire
Hartlepool, County Durham
Hereford, Herefordshire
Kilmarnock, Scotland
Kirkcaldy, Scotland
Leeds Birstall Park, West Yorkshire
Lisburn, Northern Ireland
Northwich, Cheshire
Norwich, Norfolk
Oxford, Oxfordshire
Perth, Scotland
Poole, Dorset
Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Rugby, Warwickshire
Leicester Road, Rugby
St Helens, Merseyside
Stockton-on-Tees
Surrey Quays, Greater London
Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire
Taunton, Somerset
Workington, Cumbria
Wrexham, Wales
GAME closes its standalone stores in the UK
Earlier this week, video game retailer GAME announced that it had entered administration and would be closing its remaining standalone stores.
GAME’s presence on the high street has gradually eroded over the past decade, to the point where shops are now a rare sight and instead concessions within JD Sports.
Last week, the company filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, marking the second time GAME has fallen into administration since 2012.
Frasers Group, the owner of GAME, decided to close the chain’s last three remaining standalone stores, which are thought to be:
Which shops have entered into administration?
Claire’s Accessories and The Original Factory Shop
Claire’s Accessories has been put into administration, as well as The Original Factory Shop (Picture: Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)
Claire’s Accessories and The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) were put into administration in January 2026 when Modella Capital said that attempts made to rescue the brands failed.
This means 1,355 employees in the UK and Ireland at 154 Claire’s shops will be put at risk.
Meanwhile, 1,180 staff across TOFS’ 137 stores have also been put at risk.
Quiz Clothing enters administration for third time
In another hit to the high street, fashion retailer Quiz Clothing announced this week that it too had entered administration, for the third time in six years.
According to reports, the company, which was founded back in 1993, had been struggling and suffered from lower-than-expected sales over the Christmas holidays.
The company operates 40 stores and seven concessions in the UK, and while these stores will remain open and hold clearance sales, it’s thought that around 109 members of staff are at risk of losing their jobs.
Quiz Clothing’s online website has shut down.
Other 2026 closures
Santander announces 44 bank branch closures
At the end of last month, Santander announced that it will be closing 44 bank branches in 2026, as customers choose digital services rather than physical banks to manage their money.
As we outlined, a number of bank branches will be closed in April and May 2026, as well as by the end of January next year. None have been confirmed to shut this month.
Trump Endorses Orbán Ahead of Hungary’s Election on April 12
7:00 am
TL:DR – Trump Endorses Orbán Ahead of Hungary’s Election on April 12
• On 6 February 2026, US President Donald Trump endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Truth Social.
• Orbán has been in office since 2010 but faces serious opposition from Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party in upcoming elections.
• Polls from 21 Research Center indicate Tisza leads with 35% of the vote, while Orbán’s coalition has 28%.
• The Hungarian election is scheduled for 12 April 2026.
• Trump expressed his support for Orbán’s hardline stance on illegal migration.
Donald Trump endorses Hungary’s Viktor Orbán ahead of key elections
US President Donald Trump endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in a post on Truth Social on Thursday, 6 February 2026, as the Hungarian leader faces a critical election on 12 April 2026. This endorsement is significant as Orbán’s grip on power may be challenged by Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party, which is currently leading in opinion polls.
Trump stated, “I proudly supported Viktor in the 2022 elections, and it is an honour to do so again,” referring to Orbán as a true friend and praising his stance on illegal migration. This endorsement reflects Trump’s ongoing support for right-wing conservative leaders globally, having previously backed Japan’s Sanae Takaichi and Argentina’s Javier Milei, both of whom won their elections.
Orbán, in January, indicated that he was considering inviting Trump to Hungary ahead of the elections. He also mentioned plans for a potential Budapest summit involving the US, Russia, and Ukraine, expressing, “There is also a definite agreement that I made with the American president and the Russian president, which says that if there is progress and there is a peace summit, it will be in Budapest.” According to the 21 Research Center, the Tisza Party currently leads with 35% of the vote compared to the governing Fidesz-KDNP coalition at 28%.
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Man imprisoned for sexually assaulting woman aboard EasyJet flight | UK News
6:00 am
TL:DR – Man imprisoned for sexually assaulting woman aboard EasyJet flight | UK News
- Nicola Cristiano, 45, sentenced to six years for attempted rape on EasyJet flight from Naples to Edinburgh.
- He changed seats to sit next to the victim, seizing her hand and attempting to force her to touch him.
- Incident reported to cabin crew; police arrested Cristiano upon landing.
- Judge highlighted lasting impact on the victim, who no longer feels safe flying alone.
- Cristiano to be deported to Italy after serving his sentence, subject to long-term monitoring.
Man jailed for sexually assaulting woman on EasyJet flight | News UK
The attempted rape left the woman unable to travel alone anymore (Picture: Shutterstock / Wirestock Creators)
An EasyJet passenger who tried to force a woman touch his exposed on a flight to the UK has been jailed for six years.
Nicola Cristiano, aged 45, committed the offence on a late-night flight from Naples to Edinburgh on May 13, 2025, after deliberately changing seats so he could sit beside the woman.
The Italian man repeatedly seized the victim’s hand and neck, attempting to make her touch his exposed groin. Subsequent tests revealed his semen on her cheek and lips.
Cristiano, a dad-of-two who was travelling to Edinburgh for work, also tried to kiss the woman and touch her body.
After he moved away to a different section of the aircraft, the woman reported the incident to the cabin crew.
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Police arrested Cristiano when the plane arrived at Edinburgh Airport.
He was convicted of attempted rape following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh last month.
Passing sentence at the same court on Friday, Judge Alison Stirling referenced a victim impact statement and addressed Cristiano directly, saying: ‘The complainer says the assault has left a lasting effect on her sense of safety and control.
‘She doesn’t feel comfortable flying and travelling alone any more.
‘She had planned another holiday this year but she doesn’t want to go on it any more.’
The judge continued: ‘The fact that it happened in a public setting surrounded by other people, even though she felt completely alone at the time, has been especially damaging for her.
‘She thinks this will always have a lasting effect on her.’
Judge Stirling also noted that a criminal justice social work report showed Cristiano had refused to accept the jury’s guilty verdict.
She added: ‘Custody is the only appropriate sentence with regard to the serious nature of the offending.
‘The reasons for the sentence include punishment, expressing society’s concerns about and disapproval of your offending, protection of the public, and rehabilitation in custody.’
The court was told that Cristiano will be deported to Italy after serving his prison term and will remain subject to notification requirements for an ‘indefinite period of time’.
He displayed no visible reaction as the sentence was imposed.
Earlier, defence solicitor Jim Stephenson told the court that his client acknowledged the complainer ‘did say “no” on a number of occasions, and (that) he did take her hand and place it on his penis’.
He added: ‘However Mr Cristiano still maintains his innocence in relation to the most serious parts of the charge.’
Following the conviction last month, Detective Chief Inspector Steph Garnett of Police Scotland’s public protection unit said: ‘Cristiano will now face the consequences of his despicable actions and I hope this brings comfort to his victim.
‘He deliberately approached a woman travelling alone on a flight and sexually assaulted her.’
Israel Reopens Rafah Crossing in Southern Gaza Strip on 2 February
4:00 am
TL:DR – Israel Reopens Rafah Crossing in Southern Gaza Strip on 2 February
• On Monday, 2 February, Israel reopened the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza, as part of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
• The reopening was delayed until the return of the last Israeli hostage, which occurred last week.
• The EU redeployed its civilian Border Mission (EUBAM) to monitor the Rafah crossing, indicating its ongoing presence in the Middle East.
• Hamas’s disarmament remains uncertain, with Israel maintaining that it is a prerequisite for peace.
Podcast: Israel reopens the Rafah crossing: What does this mean for Gaza?
On Monday, 2 February, Israel reopened the Rafah crossing in the southern Gaza Strip at the border with Egypt, marking a significant step forward in the US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The crossing had been scheduled to reopen earlier during the first phase of the ceasefire initiated in October 2025, but Israel delayed this until the return of the last Israeli hostage, which occurred last week.
This development is vital as it may improve humanitarian access for Palestinians in Gaza and signals a thaw in relations following intense conflict.
EU Responds to Rafah Crossing Reopening
Martin Konečný, director of the European Middle East Project, described the reopening as “a small positive step forward.” However, he cautioned that the number of people allowed to pass through the crossing remains limited and warned that Palestinians in Gaza continue to face danger due to recent Israeli actions. The European Union (EU) responded by redeploying the EU civilian Border Mission (EUBAM) to the Rafah crossing, providing a neutral third-party presence to facilitate coordination among involved actors.
Stefan Grobe, Euronews’ political correspondent, noted that EUBAM serves as an important signal of the EU’s presence in the Middle East but stressed that “the future of Gaza will not be decided in Brussels or any of the European capitals,” reflecting the existing diplomatic divisions within the EU.
Concerns About Long-term Peace Initiatives
Questions arise concerning the effectiveness of the Board of Peace proposed by former US President Donald Trump to foster peace in the region. Lisa Musiol, head of EU affairs at the International Crisis Group, remarked that while a United Nations resolution endorsed the establishment of the Board, it does not adequately address Gaza and appears to be an alternative to UN efforts.
Currently, only Bulgaria and Hungary have joined the Board of Peace; Ursula Von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, indicated she received an invitation, with Grobe suggesting that this was a “polite way of saying it [the Board of Peace] is a joke.”
Ongoing Tensions with Hamas
Outstanding questions remain regarding whether Hamas will disarm or relinquish control of the Gaza Strip, as this remains a key issue for Israel. Hamas, defined as an armed Palestinian group and political movement, initiated an attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities and the capture of 251 hostages. This prompted a substantial Israeli military offensive in Gaza, leading to tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties.
The first phase of the ceasefire deal facilitated the release of the remaining 20 Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, as brokered by US President Donald Trump in October 2025.
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Olympic organisers confirm 2026 Games to prioritise green initiatives
11:00 pm
TL:DR – Olympic organisers confirm 2026 Games to prioritise green initiatives
• Jakub Janas and Alessio Dell’Anna report that early data indicates Americans account for over a third of foreign spending during the upcoming Olympics, published on 6 February 2026.
• Australians reportedly average €2,600 per booking, while the Dutch spend over €1,300.
• Organisers claim these Olympics will be “green,” despite previous environmental failures, such as Sochi 2014.
• A recent survey shows the majority of residents expect a “positive regional impact” and improved infrastructure.
• Russia remains banned from the event due to its invasion of Ukraine.
Watch the video: Who might have already won at Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics 2026?
Early data indicates that Americans account for over a third of foreign spending on the upcoming Winter Olympics, which are set to take place in February 2026. Reported by Euronews, this marks a significant trend as spending from abroad continues to grow, with Australians averaging €2,600 per booking and the Dutch spending over €1,300. The high costs appear to be discouraging some Italians from attending, as many are opting to stay home due to the pricey tickets.
The 2026 Winter Olympics are noted for being the most dispersed in history, covering an expansive 22,000 square kilometres. Spectators wishing to catch skiing events after figure skating should prepare for lengthy travel, as a five-hour drive may be necessary. Organisers have pledged that these Games will be environmentally friendly, although previous Olympic promises, such as those made for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games, were marred by issues like illegal waste disposal and corruption, resulting in a staggering price tag of €46.6 billion.
Surveys indicate that local residents are optimistic about the event’s potential benefits, with a majority anticipating a “positive regional impact” and lasting enhancements to infrastructure and transport. If their predictions hold true, the enduring legacy of the Olympics may be a well-connected region, rather than just the sporting events themselves. The event will take place without the participation of Russia, which has been banned due to its invasion of Ukraine.
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