AnewZ Morning Brief - 10 February, 2026

AnewZ Morning Brief - 10 February, 2026
Anewz

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 10th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Epstein files spark police review of former Prince Andrew’s conduct

In the UK, Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are assessing fresh allegations that the Duke of York may have shared confidential government documents with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein whilst serving as the UK’s trade envoy. Buckingham Palace has expressed "profound concern" regarding the developments but stated the Royal Household stands ready to cooperate with authorities, noting that responsibility for addressing the specific claims rests with Prince Andrew, who continues to deny any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, the release of new files has also prompted the Kremlin to dismiss claims of intelligence links between Epstein and President Vladimir Putin. 

UK's PM Starmer refuses to resign amid calls to quit

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed he is "not prepared to walk away" from his mandate, rejecting calls for his resignation from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar amid a growing scandal over the appointment of Lord Mandelson as Ambassador to the U.S. The controversy, fuelled by renewed scrutiny of Mandelson’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein, has already precipitated the resignations of the Prime Minister's chief of staff and communications director. Downing Street maintains that Sir Keir intends to deliver on his five-year election mandate.

U.S. Vice President cements strategic pivot in historic Armenia visit

During the first visit by a sitting U.S. Vice President to Armenia, JD Vance has announced an expansion of bilateral ties, including a civil nuclear cooperation agreement and the sale of defence technology to Yerevan. The move signals a major shift in the South Caucasus as Washington seeks to reduce the region's energy dependence on Russia and Iran, whilst promoting the Trump-backed TRIPP corridor to foster economic connectivity and cement the fragile peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Arab states condemn Israel’s expansion of West Bank authority

Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE have led regional condemnation of the Israeli government’s decision to ease settlement expansion and extend administrative powers in the occupied West Bank, describing the move as a violation of international law. The measures, championed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as a means to dismantle the prospect of Palestinian statehood, involve repealing pre-1967 property laws to facilitate land purchases by settlers. The decision has drawn warnings from the United Nations regarding regional stability and a firm statement from U.S. President Donald Trump opposing any steps toward formal annexation.

Clashes in Sydney mark Israeli President’s state visit

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appealed for calm after violent skirmishes erupted between police and demonstrators in Sydney during the state visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday. Police arrested 27 people and deployed pepper spray to disperse crowds, utilising special powers enacted following the recent Bondi Beach attack last December. While protest organisers accused officers of heavy-handed tactics, state officials defended the police response as necessary to maintain order in a volatile atmosphere.

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