On 26 February, the UK’s first deep geothermal power plant began generating electricity in Cornwall after nearly twenty years of development. The United Downs project, led by Geothermal Engineering Ltd, drilled three miles into granite rock to access water heated to almost 200°C. The super-heated water will drive turbines, producing constant renewable electricity for up to 10,000 homes. Unlike wind or solar, geothermal provides continuous ‘always-on’ power. The site will also extract lithium from underground fluids, creating the UK’s first domestic commercial supply of this critical mineral used in electric vehicle batteries. While hailed as a major step for energy innovation, experts note that high upfront drilling costs may limit rapid expansion without sustained investment and supportive policy. Three more such projects are planned, reflecting growing interest in harnessing subterranean heat. Other countries are already doing this more widely; the Netherlands plan to have a quarter of their homes heated by geothermal by 2050.

Robert Aramayo, a relative newcomer, was a surprise winner at the Bafta awards, ahead of several better-known stars. Born in Hull, he won two awards (Best Actor and Rising Star) for his portrayal of John Davidson in I Swear. The film tells the story of Davidson’s experience growing up with Tourette’s syndrome in 1980s Scotland. Aramayo, who trained at Wyke College and developed his craft at Hull Truck Theatre, became emotional while accepting the awards, later saying the achievement ‘blows my mind’. Local educators and theatre leaders described his success as inspirational for young people across the city. Hull Truck’s artistic director praised both his talent and integrity, noting the vital role regional theatres play in nurturing performers. Aramayo has previously spoken of his pride in Hull and gratitude for early mentors who supported his journey from local stages to international recognition.

Tensions flared in Brussels as Hungary vetoed both an emergency EU loan for Ukraine and a new sanctions package against Russia. Foreign minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of disrupting oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline for political reasons and alleged misleading statements. Ukraine maintains the pipeline was damaged by a Russian drone strike and says repairs are complicated by ongoing attacks. The dispute left financial aid and punitive measures in limbo, frustrating member states supportive of Kyiv. Slovakia aligned with Hungary, intensifying divisions. Critics, who argue that repeated vetoes risk paralysing EU decision-making, have revived debate over reforming unanimity rules. With Hungary facing a heated domestic election campaign, some diplomats believe the standoff is as much political as technical. Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen insists that support for Ukraine will continue despite internal discord.

Four Russian soldiers have described severe brutality within their own ranks during the war in Ukraine, including alleged executions of troops who refused orders. In a BBC documentary, two men said they witnessed commanders shoot soldiers at close range for declining to join assaults described as near-suicidal. One claimed he saw about 20 bodies of comrades executed by fellow troops, a practice reportedly referred to in slang as being ‘zeroed’. Another said he was tortured, electrocuted and humiliated after refusing deployment, and that others were forced into repeated, deadly attacks. The men, now in hiding, spoke from an undisclosed location. Moscow has not released official casualty figures (other sources estimate more than a million) and says allegations of misconduct are investigated, insisting its forces act ‘with utmost restraint’. The accounts could not be independently verified, but they add to growing claims about harsh discipline and heavy losses within Russian units.