The UK economy grew only 0.1% in Q4 2025, with services stagnating and construction declining, despite a 0.3% rise in manufacturing. As 2026 unfolds, hopes rest on potential BoE rate cuts and trade deals to bolster growth amid political and economic uncertainties.

Prince Andrew's settlement in Virginia Giuffre's civil case reportedly involved £12 million in loans from the royal family, with no repayment yet made by Andrew. Allegations of potential confidentiality breaches and unresolved financial issues continue to challenge the monarchy's public image and legal standing.

Manchester gears up to host the BRITs 2026 at Co-op Live on February 28, marking its first time in the city, with Jack Whitehall as host. A month-long cultural program celebrates local talent, featuring art installations, musical events, and free Metrolink rides for attendees, all spotlighting Manchester's vibrant arts scene.

Kings Of Thrash will tour the UK and Ireland in August-September 2026, headlining several venues and festivals including Stone Dead Festival. Tickets go on sale February 13, 2026, via kingsofthrash.com.

Sir Chris Wormald resigns as UK's Cabinet Secretary amid Keir Starmer's reshuffle and vetting concerns, marking the third senior departure in a week. Dame Antonia Romeo may succeed him, though critics demand thorough vetting due to past controversies.

Nuveen is set to acquire Schroders for £9.9 billion, creating a global asset manager with £1.8 trillion under management while maintaining the Schroders brand. The merger highlights London's pivotal role in financial markets and follows UK Takeover Code regulations.

Princess Kate visited Castle Hill Academy, emphasizing the importance of kindness and emotional support during Children's Mental Health Week. She engaged in activities like crafting and discussed Place2Be's impact.

The UK has pledged an additional £500 million in air defence support for Ukraine, including 1,000 missiles to bolster its defenses against Russian threats. This announcement, ahead of a NATO meeting, underscores the UK's commitment to strengthening Ukraine's security infrastructure and expanding multinational defense collaborations.

Channel 4 unveils 'A Comedy Thing' on Spotify, targeting mobile and desktop users to broaden its digital comedy reach. The channel features popular comics and underscores a strategic collaboration with Spotify to leverage its vast audience and video capabilities.

A search effort is actively underway after a person fell overboard from the P&O ferry European Highlander in the Irish Sea. Rescue teams, including helicopters and lifeboats, are engaged, causing delays in ferry services between Stranraer and Larne.

Edinburgh entrepreneur John McClarey, founder of Business Fives, will pitch for investment on Dragons' Den to expand his charity-focused networking events. Airing on February 19, the episode showcases Business Fives' success in raising over £1 million for charity and features a star lineup including Peter Jones and guest Dragon Tinie Tempah.

A University of Nottingham simulation suggests that gradually increasing the legal tobacco purchase age from 2027 could significantly cut youth smoking rates in England by the 2040s. The study emphasizes the need for strong enforcement, equitable access to cessation services, and culturally sensitive communication to ensure health benefits are realized across all communities.

Tottenham's struggles to sign top-tier players due to financial constraints highlight the club's difficulty in competing at an elite level. As the North London Derby approaches, the club faces a leadership vacuum following Thomas Frank's dismissal, reflecting broader instability.

A Year 8 student from Collingwood College in Surrey has died after a medical emergency, prompting a coroner's investigation. Emergency services responded swiftly, but the student succumbed at Frimley Park Hospital.

Ofcom fined Kick Online Entertainment SA £800,000 for failing to implement effective age verification on its porn sites from July to December 2025. Additional penalties were imposed for inadequate responses to information requests, and other sites are under investigation for similar compliance failures.

Derren Brown returns to Channel 4 with 'Derren Brown: Incognito,' a six-part series exploring social psychology through reality TV. The show, produced by Vaudeville Productions, examines identity and prejudice through participant interaction and is touted by Channel 4 as a significant entertainment commission.

Lancashire County Council moves forward with the £13.2M Samlesbury Innovation Hub, appointing a design team to transition from concept to detailed design. The project aims to bolster local industries and create jobs, with construction starting post-2026 planning and procurement.

Norwich's Philippe Clement leads the contenders for January's Championship Manager of the Month after a strong performance, pulling his team out of relegation. The winner will be announced on February 13, with other notable nominees including Derby's John Eustace and Millwall's Caleb Taylor.

Swansea's National Institute for Sport and Health is set to transform the regional economy by creating over 1,000 jobs and contributing £150 million by 2033. As part of the Swansea Bay City Deal, the project aims to make Wales a global leader in sport and health research, with a focus on innovation and collaboration across public, private, and academic sectors.