Welcome to your official rundown of headlines on a selection of Newspapers' Front Pages for Wednesday 04 February 2026.
Browse through #IBPapers on 𝕏, and #IBPapers on BlueSky, to keep up with the latest from Informing Britain Papers on Social Media.
This is a selection of newspaper publications from United Kingdom, and around the world.
All papers are from within United Kingdom, unless otherwise stated.
If the leading story is available, links will be provided.
This page will be updated as the headlines come in.
Browse through #IBPapers on 𝕏, and #IBPapers on BlueSky, to keep up with the latest from Informing Britain Papers on Social Media.
This is a selection of newspaper publications from United Kingdom, and around the world.
All papers are from within United Kingdom, unless otherwise stated.
If the leading story is available, links will be provided.
This page will be updated as the headlines come in.
Daily Express: "EDWARD'S CALL 'TO REMEMBER VICTIMS OF EVIL EPSTEIN'"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Rebecca Russell / Emily Ferguson
Prince Edward has urged people to "remember the victims" of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, becoming the first member of The Royal Family to respond to the latest release of files.
FULL REPORT: EXPRESS.CO.UK/news/royal/2166142
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Rebecca Russell / Emily Ferguson
Prince Edward has urged people to "remember the victims" of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, becoming the first member of The Royal Family to respond to the latest release of files.
FULL REPORT: EXPRESS.CO.UK/news/royal/2166142
Glasgow Times: "'WE FOUGHT COUNCIL AND WON'"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Morgan Carmichael
Kyron Keogh and Grant Mitchell, co-proprietors of Glasgow's A-listed Argyll Arcade, have won an appeal against Glasgow City Council's rejection of plans to replace worn stone paving at the Buchanan Street and Argyle Street entrances with high-quality porphyry.
FULL REPORT: GlasgowTimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/25820775.area-argyll-arcade-glasgow-refurbished
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Morgan Carmichael
Kyron Keogh and Grant Mitchell, co-proprietors of Glasgow's A-listed Argyll Arcade, have won an appeal against Glasgow City Council's rejection of plans to replace worn stone paving at the Buchanan Street and Argyle Street entrances with high-quality porphyry.
FULL REPORT: GlasgowTimes.co.uk/news/scottish-news/25820775.area-argyll-arcade-glasgow-refurbished
Daily Star: "YOU'VE LET YOUR PANTS DOWN... YOU'VE LET YOUR COUNTRY DOWN"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: by Nadeem Badshah
Police are probing Peter Mandelson – hours after he quit House Of Lords.
The Prime Minister had said he'd change the law to boot him out.
The Labour Party have braced themselves for more revelations about Jeffrey Epstein.
FULL REPORT: DailyStar.co.uk/news/latest-news/cops-looking-into-claims-second-36665981
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: by Nadeem Badshah
Police are probing Peter Mandelson – hours after he quit House Of Lords.
The Prime Minister had said he'd change the law to boot him out.
The Labour Party have braced themselves for more revelations about Jeffrey Epstein.
FULL REPORT: DailyStar.co.uk/news/latest-news/cops-looking-into-claims-second-36665981
Gorey Guardian (Ireland): "COUPLE TO RETIRE AMID CLAIMS ECCE FUNDING IS TOTALLY INADEQUATE"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Alan White
Noel Chambers and Erika Chambers, a couple from Wexford who run a well-known Childcare Service in Gorey, have put rumours that the facility would be closing to bed.
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Alan White
Noel Chambers and Erika Chambers, a couple from Wexford who run a well-known Childcare Service in Gorey, have put rumours that the facility would be closing to bed.
The Independent: "PM: HE LET HIS COUNTRY DOWN"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Millie Cooke / Tara Cobham / Bryony Gooch / Kate Devlin / Jane Dalton
A criminal investigation has been launched into allegations that Lord Peter Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein.
Metropolitan Police said the ex-Labour Party minister would be investigated.
FULL REPORT: INDEPENDENT.CO.UK/news/uk/politics/epstein-files-peter-mandelson-prince-andrew-sarah-ferguson-latest-news-b2912959.html
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Millie Cooke / Tara Cobham / Bryony Gooch / Kate Devlin / Jane Dalton
A criminal investigation has been launched into allegations that Lord Peter Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein.
Metropolitan Police said the ex-Labour Party minister would be investigated.
FULL REPORT: INDEPENDENT.CO.UK/news/uk/politics/epstein-files-peter-mandelson-prince-andrew-sarah-ferguson-latest-news-b2912959.html
The Guardian: "MET INVESTIGATION INTO MANDELSON OVER ALLEGED EPSTEIN EMAIL LEAKS"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Jessica Elgot / Pippa Crerar
Metropolitan Police have formally launched a criminal investigation into allegations that Peter Mandelson leaked Downing Street emails and market sensitive information to the child Sex Offender Jeffrey Epstein.
FULL REPORT: TheGuardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/03/met-police-to-launch-investigation-into-alleged-mandelson-epstein-email-leaks
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Jessica Elgot / Pippa Crerar
Metropolitan Police have formally launched a criminal investigation into allegations that Peter Mandelson leaked Downing Street emails and market sensitive information to the child Sex Offender Jeffrey Epstein.
FULL REPORT: TheGuardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/03/met-police-to-launch-investigation-into-alleged-mandelson-epstein-email-leaks
Morning Star: "'FRANKLY SHAMEFUL'"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Ceren Sagir
Politicians in Britain have written to the Trade Secretary over serious concerns about a reported move towards "unblocking" arms licences to Israel.
FULL REPORT: MorningStarOnline.co.uk/article/frankly-shameful
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Ceren Sagir
Politicians in Britain have written to the Trade Secretary over serious concerns about a reported move towards "unblocking" arms licences to Israel.
FULL REPORT: MorningStarOnline.co.uk/article/frankly-shameful
Lancashire Telegraph: "COUNCIL LEADER HIS OUT AT LABOUR IN ROW"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Bill Jacobs
The leader of Burnley Council has criticised his opposition counterpart after he revealed the councillor who breached members' financial interests rules was one of the leader's closest allies.
FULL REPORT: LancashireTelegraph.co.uk/news/25819880.burnley-council-boss-criticises-labour-leader-naming
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Bill Jacobs
The leader of Burnley Council has criticised his opposition counterpart after he revealed the councillor who breached members' financial interests rules was one of the leader's closest allies.
FULL REPORT: LancashireTelegraph.co.uk/news/25819880.burnley-council-boss-criticises-labour-leader-naming
The Times: "MANDELSON FACING FULL CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Steven Swinford / Oliver Wright
Lord Peter Mandelson is to be the subject of a criminal investigation into allegations that he leaked market-sensitive information from Downing Street to the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
FULL REPORT: TheTimes.com/uk/politics/article/peter-mandelson-quit-lords-epstein-files-tddzx6q83
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Steven Swinford / Oliver Wright
Lord Peter Mandelson is to be the subject of a criminal investigation into allegations that he leaked market-sensitive information from Downing Street to the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
FULL REPORT: TheTimes.com/uk/politics/article/peter-mandelson-quit-lords-epstein-files-tddzx6q83
Scottish Daily Mail: "EVIDENCE THAT DAMNS LABOUR'S DARK LORD"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Sam Merriman / Jason Groves
Scotland Yard have began a full criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson.
The move followed more damning revelations about the former grandee from The Labour Party's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
FULL REPORT: DailyMail.co.uk/news/article-15521667
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Sam Merriman / Jason Groves
Scotland Yard have began a full criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson.
The move followed more damning revelations about the former grandee from The Labour Party's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
FULL REPORT: DailyMail.co.uk/news/article-15521667
The West Australian (Australia): "THE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES OF AUSTIN APPELBEE"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Brooke Rolfe
Thirteen-year-old Austin Appelbee swam 4 kilometres (2.5 milies) in rough waters to get help for his mother Joanne Appelbee and his siblings who were stranded at sea off the coast of Australia.
FULL REPORT: TheWest.com.au/news/wa/austin-applebee-year-9-students-heroic-4km-swim-to-save-mum-brother-and-sister-after-being-swept-out-to-sea-c-21505033
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Brooke Rolfe
Thirteen-year-old Austin Appelbee swam 4 kilometres (2.5 milies) in rough waters to get help for his mother Joanne Appelbee and his siblings who were stranded at sea off the coast of Australia.
FULL REPORT: TheWest.com.au/news/wa/austin-applebee-year-9-students-heroic-4km-swim-to-save-mum-brother-and-sister-after-being-swept-out-to-sea-c-21505033
The Times Scotland: "MANDELSON FACING FULL CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Steven Swinford / Oliver Wright
Lord Peter Mandelson is to be the subject of a criminal investigation into allegations that he leaked market-sensitive information from Downing Street to the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
FULL REPORT: TheTimes.com/uk/politics/article/peter-mandelson-quit-lords-epstein-files-tddzx6q83
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Steven Swinford / Oliver Wright
Lord Peter Mandelson is to be the subject of a criminal investigation into allegations that he leaked market-sensitive information from Downing Street to the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
FULL REPORT: TheTimes.com/uk/politics/article/peter-mandelson-quit-lords-epstein-files-tddzx6q83
Daily Mirror: "INEXCUSABLE"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Ashley Cowburn
Lord Peter Mandelson faced a criminal probe into allegations arising from The Jeffrey Epstein files.
Lord Peter Mandelson is being investigated over claims he passed market-sensitive information to the billionaire paedophile.
FULL REPORT: MIRROR.CO.UK/news/politics/breaking-police-launch-criminal-investigation-36664988
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Ashley Cowburn
Lord Peter Mandelson faced a criminal probe into allegations arising from The Jeffrey Epstein files.
Lord Peter Mandelson is being investigated over claims he passed market-sensitive information to the billionaire paedophile.
FULL REPORT: MIRROR.CO.UK/news/politics/breaking-police-launch-criminal-investigation-36664988
State Times (India): "INDIA-US TRADE DEAL 'BIG DECISION': MODI"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: State Times Editorial
Narendra Modi (Prime Minister Of India) said the India-US trade deal is a "big decision" that will benefit everyone in the country, and asserted that his government always works in favour of the nation.
FULL REPORT: StateTimes.IN/india-us-trade-deal-big-decision-modi
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: State Times Editorial
Narendra Modi (Prime Minister Of India) said the India-US trade deal is a "big decision" that will benefit everyone in the country, and asserted that his government always works in favour of the nation.
FULL REPORT: StateTimes.IN/india-us-trade-deal-big-decision-modi
Edinburgh Evening News: "'UNPREPARED AND UNDEREQUIPPED'"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Alastair Dalton
Shelley Martin, the widow of firefighter Barry Martin (who died tackling a blaze at Jenners in Edinburgh) claims that her husband was sent into the building "unprepared and underequipped by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service".
FULL REPORT: EdinburghNews.Scotsman.com/news/newly-qualified-firefighter-who-died-in-jenners-blaze-sent-in-unprepared-and-underequipped-5500734
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Alastair Dalton
Shelley Martin, the widow of firefighter Barry Martin (who died tackling a blaze at Jenners in Edinburgh) claims that her husband was sent into the building "unprepared and underequipped by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service".
FULL REPORT: EdinburghNews.Scotsman.com/news/newly-qualified-firefighter-who-died-in-jenners-blaze-sent-in-unprepared-and-underequipped-5500734
Financial Times: "MET LAUNCHES CRIMINAL INQUIRY INTO MANDELSON'S DEALINGS WITH EPSTEIN"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Jim Pickard / Robert Wright / Lucy Fisher
Metropolitan Police has launched a full criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson over allegations of misconduct in Public Office.
FULL REPORT: FT.COM/content/d6438f3b-e37f-442e-bb3d-03c5272aa616
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Jim Pickard / Robert Wright / Lucy Fisher
Metropolitan Police has launched a full criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson over allegations of misconduct in Public Office.
FULL REPORT: FT.COM/content/d6438f3b-e37f-442e-bb3d-03c5272aa616
Wexford People (Ireland): "CONTROVERSIAL BOLLARDS TO BE REMOVED IN MARCH"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Simon Bourke
The bollards which were installed as part of the works to turn John Street in Wexford town into a one-way system are to be removed by the end of March.
FULL REPORT: INDEPENDENT.IE/regionals/wexford/wexford-district/bollards-installed-as-part-of-one-way-system-in-wexford-town-to-be-removed-by-the-end-of-march/a105708743.html
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Simon Bourke
The bollards which were installed as part of the works to turn John Street in Wexford town into a one-way system are to be removed by the end of March.
FULL REPORT: INDEPENDENT.IE/regionals/wexford/wexford-district/bollards-installed-as-part-of-one-way-system-in-wexford-town-to-be-removed-by-the-end-of-march/a105708743.html
The National: "'CHARLES MUST NOW FACE QUESTIONS'"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: James Walker
King Charles has been urged to cooperate with police, including answering questions and publishing royal records of Jeffrey Epstein visits, following new allegations involving Andrew that have emerged from the most recently released Jeffrey Epstein Files.
FULL REPORT: TheNational.SCOT/news/25822031.king-charles-must-questioned-police-amid-andrew-epstein-claims
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: James Walker
King Charles has been urged to cooperate with police, including answering questions and publishing royal records of Jeffrey Epstein visits, following new allegations involving Andrew that have emerged from the most recently released Jeffrey Epstein Files.
FULL REPORT: TheNational.SCOT/news/25822031.king-charles-must-questioned-police-amid-andrew-epstein-claims
Daily Mail: "EVIDENCE THAT DAMNS LABOUR'S DARK LORD"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Sam Merriman / Jason Groves
Scotland Yard have began a full criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson.
The move followed more damning revelations about the former grandee from The Labour Party's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
FULL REPORT: DailyMail.co.uk/news/article-15521667
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Sam Merriman / Jason Groves
Scotland Yard have began a full criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson.
The move followed more damning revelations about the former grandee from The Labour Party's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
FULL REPORT: DailyMail.co.uk/news/article-15521667
The Guardian (Australia Edition): "RBA INTEREST RATES DECISION: RESERVE BANK INCREASES CASH RATE TO 3.85% IN BLOW TO MORTGAGE HOLDERS"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Jonathan Barrett / Patrick Commins
Reserve Bank has hiked rates for the first time in more than two years, and signalled there could be more to come, with mortgage holders to bear the brunt of dealing with a sharp and unexpected jump in inflation.
FULL REPORT: TheGuardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/03/rba-interest-rate-decision-reserve-bank-australia-inflation
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Jonathan Barrett / Patrick Commins
Reserve Bank has hiked rates for the first time in more than two years, and signalled there could be more to come, with mortgage holders to bear the brunt of dealing with a sharp and unexpected jump in inflation.
FULL REPORT: TheGuardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/03/rba-interest-rate-decision-reserve-bank-australia-inflation
The Scotsman: "FURY AT 'RECKLESS' EARLY RELEASE OF HUNDREDS MORE PRISONERS"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Rachel Amery
Justice Secretary Angela Constance has laid out plans to release around 440 prisoners who are serving sentences of under four years and whose release date is within 180 days.
The release plans will not apply to those serving sentences for Sexual Offences or Domestic Abuse.
FULL REPORT: SCOTSMAN.COM/news/politics/snp-to-release-more-prisoners-early-as-inmate-population-reaches-critical-level-5343640
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Rachel Amery
Justice Secretary Angela Constance has laid out plans to release around 440 prisoners who are serving sentences of under four years and whose release date is within 180 days.
The release plans will not apply to those serving sentences for Sexual Offences or Domestic Abuse.
FULL REPORT: SCOTSMAN.COM/news/politics/snp-to-release-more-prisoners-early-as-inmate-population-reaches-critical-level-5343640
Arab News (Saudi Arabia): "SYRIAN ARMY MOVES INTO KURD 'CAPITAL' OF QAMISHLI"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Agence France Presse (AFP)
Kurdish forces imposed a curfew in the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli, North/East Syria, ahead of Syrian Government troops' deployment.
This follows Government forces entering Hasakah and Kobani, as part of an agreement to integrate Kurdish military and civilian institutions into the state.
FULL REPORT: ArabNews.PK/node/2631585
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Agence France Presse (AFP)
Kurdish forces imposed a curfew in the Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli, North/East Syria, ahead of Syrian Government troops' deployment.
This follows Government forces entering Hasakah and Kobani, as part of an agreement to integrate Kurdish military and civilian institutions into the state.
FULL REPORT: ArabNews.PK/node/2631585
The Bolton News: "INVESTIGATION INTO FINANCIAL ABUSE"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Joe Harrigan
A probe into suspected financial abuse of vulnerable women at supported living accommodation has been reopened after an investigation by The Bolton News.
FULL REPORT: TheBoltonNews.co.uk/news/25812148.bolton-suspected-financial-abuse-investigation-reopened
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Joe Harrigan
A probe into suspected financial abuse of vulnerable women at supported living accommodation has been reopened after an investigation by The Bolton News.
FULL REPORT: TheBoltonNews.co.uk/news/25812148.bolton-suspected-financial-abuse-investigation-reopened
Daily Record: "NATIONAL DISGRACE"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Paul Hutcheon
The number of homeless children in Britain has hit an all-time high.
SNP ministers were slammed over the 10,480 children in temporary accommodation.
FULL REPORT: DailyRecord.co.uk/news/politics/scots-children-paying-price-snp-36661195
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Paul Hutcheon
The number of homeless children in Britain has hit an all-time high.
SNP ministers were slammed over the 10,480 children in temporary accommodation.
FULL REPORT: DailyRecord.co.uk/news/politics/scots-children-paying-price-snp-36661195
Metro (South Edition): "OH, LORD!"
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Craig Munro
Disgraced Lord Peter Mandelson is stepping down from House Of Lords before Labour Party Government brings in a new legislation to strip him of his title anyway.
FULL REPORT: METRO.CO.UK/2026/02/03/peter-mandelson-step-house-lords-epstein-controversy-26689400
LEAD STORY CORRESPONDENT: Craig Munro
Disgraced Lord Peter Mandelson is stepping down from House Of Lords before Labour Party Government brings in a new legislation to strip him of his title anyway.
FULL REPORT: METRO.CO.UK/2026/02/03/peter-mandelson-step-house-lords-epstein-controversy-26689400
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