Badenoch more popular than Farage for first time in a year, poll shows
Kemi Badenoch’s approval rating has surpassed Nigel Farage for the first time in over a year after she dramatically sacked Robert Jenrick for planning to defect to Reform UK, according to a new poll.
The Conservative leader kicked her former shadow justice secretary out of her party as she accused him of plotting to leave “in a way designed to be as damaging as possible” to the Tories.
Hours later, he joined Reform, taking a swipe at his former party as he was unveiled by Mr Farage as the latest Tory defector.
But a new More In Common poll, carried out from the day after Mr Jenrick was sacked until Monday, shows half of Britons support Ms Badenoch’s decisive action – with even 45 per cent of Reform voters saying she handled the defection well.
The survey found her net approval rating has risen to -11, the highest since December 2024, just a month after she first became leader.
It has also overtaken Mr Farage, who is on -13, for the first time since the same month.
The public is also three times more likely to say that Mr Jenrick’s sacking reflected well on Ms Badenoch than badly (34 to 11 per cent).
By contrast, just 14 per cent of those questioned say the row reflected well on Mr Jenrick, while 37 per cent say it reflects poorly on him.
Pollsters also identified what they described as the potential ‘cost of defections’. More than half (56 per cent) said Tory politicians were defecting out of self-interest rather than principle, while a staggering seven in ten Conservative voters said they would not vote for their MP if they switched to Reform.
Earlier this month, polling guru Sir John Curtice wrote for the Independent about Ms Badenoch’s improving popularity following her well-regarded party conference speech and her response in the Budget.
“This is a key reason why the average level of support for Reform itself has slipped below the 30 per cent mark, for the first time since the party’s success in gaining control of 20 county councils last May,” he wrote.
However, despite the good news for Ms Badenoch, there was bad news for her party, with Reform UK winning the battle to be seen to represent the ‘Right’ of British politics, on 35 per cent ahead of the Tories on 29 per cent.
Lucy Letby will not face further criminal charges, CPS says
Serial child killer Lucy Letby will face no further criminal charges over baby deaths and collapses at two hospitals where she worked.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had reviewed evidence following a 2025 investigation into allegations of murder and attempted murder against nine children, but concluded that “the evidential test was not met in any of those cases”.
In a statement, Cheshire Constabulary said this was “not the outcome we had anticipated” and added that it was “confident” that it held enough evidence to secure charges.
The force said: “We believed the evidence submitted met the CPS charging standard. The CPS did not agree, and despite our representations, we must respect the decision that has been made.
“There will be some who will feel that this is news worth celebrating. We do not share this view and would ask that people respect the privacy and feelings of the families involved.”
The police force said it had passed the additional evidence to prosecutors last year for consideration, linked to eight potential offences of attempted murder and one offence of murder at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Another two allegations of attempted murder and murder were linked to one child at Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
The former nurse, 35, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted across two trials at Manchester Crown Court of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016.
Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS’s Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “We received a file of evidence from Cheshire Constabulary in July 2025 asking us to consider further allegations against Lucy Letby, 36, relating to deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women’s Hospital.
“Following a thorough review of that evidence, we have decided that no criminal charges should be brought in respect of those further allegations.
“The Crown Prosecution Service considered offences of murder and attempted murder in respect of two infants who died and attempted murder in respect of seven infants who survived.
“We concluded that the evidential test was not met in any of those cases. As always, this decision was made independently, based on the evidence and in line with our legal test.
“The CPS has written to the families involved and will offer meetings to explain our decision-making in further detail. Our thoughts remain with them.”
A group of campaigners is backing Letby and has submitted reports to the legal review body, the Criminal Cases Review Commission, to try to get her convictions overturned.
Letby’s barrister, Mark McDonald, said: “Lucy Letby has always maintained her innocence – she has never hurt a child and never would. It is vital that the case is now referred back to the Court of Appeal as a matter of urgency.
“Thirty-one reports have been submitted to the CCRC [Criminal Cases Review Commission] compiled by 26 internationally renowned experts, which provide overwhelming evidence that no babies were murdered.
“The reality is that a young innocent woman is in prison for crimes she has not committed.”
This is a breaking story, more to follow…
Russell Brand in court to face two fresh charges including rape
Russell Brand has appeared in court charged with two further sexual offences, including rape.
The comedian, 50, has already denied two counts of rape, one count of indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault in relation to alleged offences between 1999 and 2005, involving four women.
He was further charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault in relation to two more women in December last year.
Appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday afternoon over the fresh charges, the former Big Brother’s Big Mouth presenter spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
The star attended via video link from Florida, in the US, where he now lives, wearing a blue denim shirt unbuttoned to his lower chest.
Addressing Mr Brand at the end of the six-minute hearing, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring KC said: “Mr Brand, one of the charges you face is what we call indictable only, which means it can only be tried in the crown court.”
He was bailed to appear at Southwark Crown Court for a plea hearing on 17 February, with the condition that he must notify the police of any change of address.
The two alleged offences took place in London in 2009, according to court documents.
A trial is scheduled to begin at Southwark Crown Court later this year in relation to the five original charges.
Mr Brand, who also has an address in Oxfordshire, is accused of raping a woman in a hotel room while she attended a Labour Party conference in Bournemouth, and grabbing a TV worker’s breasts and orally raping her after dragging her into a male toilet, the court heard in May.
He is also alleged to have grabbed a radio station worker’s face, pushing her against a wall and kissing her before groping her breasts and buttocks.
The actor is also accused of indecently assaulting another woman after grabbing her forearm and attempting to drag her into a male toilet.
He was charged following an investigation by Channel 4 and The Sunday Times in which several women made allegations against him.
He was married to US pop singer Katy Perry from 2010 to 2012, but is now married to Laura Gallacher, the sister of presenter Kirsty, and the pair have two children.
David Beckham says ‘let children make mistakes’ after Brooklyn’s bombshell statement
Brooklyn Beckham has launched an astonishing attack on his “controlling” parents claiming they have been trying to ruin his relationship.
The 26-year-old eldest son of David and Victoria addressed their long-standing feud in a six page statement posted to Instagram on Monday night.
Brooklyn announced he has no wish to reconcile with his family and is “standing up” for himself “for the first time” in his life. While David and Victoria are yet to address the statement, the former said that “children make mistakes” in a conversation about the misuse of social media the following morning at World Economic Forum in Davos.
The former photographer wrote: “For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family. The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into.”
Brooklyn, who married model and heiress Nicola Peltz, 31, in April 2022, claimed that: “My parents have been trying endlessly to ruin my relationship since before my wedding, and it hasn’t stopped.”
He said his mother Victoria had “cancelled making Nicola’s dress” and “hijacked” the first dance at the wedding.
“She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everybody. I’ve never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life,” he said.
Brooklyn says his parents are trying to ruin his relationship
Brooklyn claimed David and Victoria Beckham have been trying to ruin his relationship with his wife, heiress Nicola Peltz.
The couple married in April 2022, but Brooklyn claimed his mother Victoria “cancelled making Nicola’s dress” and “hijacked” the first dance at the wedding.
He also said his family tried to tell him that his wife was not his family.
‘I do not want to reconcile with my family’
Brooklyn Beckham wrote in his statement Monday: “I have been silent for years and made every effort to keep these matters private.
“Unfortunately my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed.
“I do not want to reconcile with my family. I’m not being controlled, I’m standing up for myself for the first time in my life.
“For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family.
“The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into.
“Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that they’ll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their own facade. But I believe the truth always come out.”
Victoria ‘hijacked’ son’s wedding
In a bombshell statement Monday, Brooklyn Beckham confirmed previous reports that his mother “hijacked” the first dance at the wedding.
“In front of our 500 wedding guests, Marc Anthony called me to the stage where in the schedule was planned to be my romantic dance with my wife but instead my mum was waiting to dance with me,” Brooklyn wrote.
“She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everybody. I’ve never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life.”
What to know about Victoria and David Beckham’s children
At 26, Brooklyn Beckham is the eldest of David and Victoria Beckham’s four children. The model and cooking influencer married actor Nicola Peltz in 2022.
Romeo Beckham, 24, began modelling at a young age and briefly played soccer and tennis throughout his youth before returning to fashion.
After Romeo, Cruz Beckham was born February 20, 2005. He currently sings in his band The Breakers, which will soon embark on tour.
The Beckhams’ first daughter and final child, 14-year-old Harper is still in school in Los Angeles.
Brooklyn Beckham said his parents’ love is conditional
Brooklyn Beckham claimed in his statement that the Beckham family “values public promotion and endorsements above all else.”
He said his parents measure love by “how quickly you drop everything to show up and pose for a family photo opp, even if it’s at the expense of our professional obligations.”
Brooklyn Beckham’s previous response to ‘nepo baby’ title
Years before his six-page statement addressing the Beckhams’ family feud, Brooklyn Beckham spoke candidly about being seen as a nepo baby.
“I mean, I can’t help how I was born,” Beckham told InStyle in June 2024.
“I couldn’t ask for better parents and I’m just trying to work my ass off and trying to make a name for myself. That’s all I can say, really.”
He continued, “I think what I wanted for so long — especially the last few years — is I really wanted to make a name for myself. I’m always going to have haters and that’s fine, and it’s probably going to get worse.”
Brooklyn Beckham’s hot sauce brand is named after his dad
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham has ventured into the culinary world with an online series Cookin’ With Brooklyn, cooking videos on TikTok and the launch of his hot sauce brand in 2024.
However, as Beckham insists that he has no interest in reconciling with his famous parents amid their fight, his hot sauce company Cloud23 bears a glaring reference to his dad, Sir David Beckham.
Cloud23 is an homage to the famous soccer player, who wore jersey number 23 when he played for Real Madrid and the Los Angeles Galaxy, according to Rolling Stone.
David Beckham avoids questions about Brooklyn’s statement
In his first public appearance since Brooklyn Beckham shared a bombshell statement about their family rift, Sir David Beckham dodged questions from reporters about the conflict.
Am I the only one feeling sorry for Brooklyn Beckham?
The eldest Beckham son was born into one of the world’s wealthiest families, but The Independent’s Olivia Petter says the 26-year-old’s privilege doesn’t mean he has had an easy life.
Read more here:
Am I the only one feeling sorry for Brooklyn Beckham?
Do you get déjà vu?
Brooklyn Beckham’s feud with his family is reminiscent of another British rift: Prince Harry accusing his family of mistreating his wife, Meghan Markle.
In his tell-all book “Spare,” Harry said that the royal family showed “cruelty” to Markle that ultimately led their family to abandon their titles and to relocate to the U.S.
Prince Harry also accused his family of controlling the media and trying to break up his relationship, claims that parallel Beckham’s bombshell statement Monday.
Musk asks if he should buy Ryanair after demanding CEO is fired
Elon Musk has suggested he could buy budget airline Ryanair after demanding CEO Michael O’Leary be fired in his latest online war of words.
The world’s richest man claimed the Ryanair boss “needs to be fired” in a series of posts on X replying to an official airline post.
Musk asked the airline, “How much would it cost to buy you?” as he relayed his fantasy about putting someone called Ryan in charge of Ryanair.
“It is your destiny”, he insisted in a post on Monday.
The Tesla boss later drew up a poll where he asked his 232.5 million followers whether he should “Buy Ryan Air and restore Ryan as their rightful ruler”. So far the poll has received almost 800,00 responses, 76.8 per cent responding that he should.
Fellow tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, best known for co-founding Reddit and marrying tennis champion Serena Williams, chimed in on the battle of the CEOs to admit “this timeline does get really entertaining at times”.
The spat between Musk and O’Leary escalated on Friday when the latter said in an interview that he would pay no attention to what the Tesla CEO had to say about installing WiFi into the planes of his budget airline.
“I would pay no attention whatsoever to Elon Musk,” he said on Newstalk, an Irish radio station. “He’s an idiot. Very wealthy, but he’s still an idiot.”
Questions were raised about the possibility of installing SpaceX’s Starlink internet across the budget airline’s fleet, which O’Leary quickly rejected.
“What Elon Musk knows about flights and drag would be zero,” he said. “We have to put an aerial antenna on top of the aircraft. It would cost us about $200-250 million dollars a year, in other words an extra dollar for every passenger we fly.
“And the reality for us is we can’t afford those costs, passengers won’t pay for internet usage. If it’s free, they’ll use it, but they won’t pay €1 each to use the internet. So we’re not putting it on board.”
He then called X a “cesspit”.
Musk responded to the video clip to say: “Ryanair CEO is an utter idiot. Fire him.”
The budget airline, known for its tongue-in-cheek social media presence, has shared a number of posts on X appearing to goad Musk over the WiFi issue.
The official account replied to one post, asking “what is a propaganda you’re not falling for?” with “Wi-Fi on planes” which led Musk to call O’Leary a “r*****ed t**t who needs to be fired”.
Ryanair Holdings PLC is currently worth $35.07 billion on NASDAQ.
The Independent has contacted both X and Ryanair for comment.
Pick your paradise: uncover nature, wellness and luxury in the idyllic Maldives
When it comes to bucket-list destinations, look no further than the Maldives for a truly unforgettable trip. It’s an extraordinary place, scattered across hundreds of coral islands in the Indian Ocean, and feels almost unreal when you first arrive. Life moves more slowly here, shaped by the sea, with days spent swimming, snorkelling and taking in the idyllic views. It’s also home to some of the world’s most polished island resorts, making it easy to slink into the laid-back rhythm of island life.
Travelbag takes the hassle out of planning a Maldives holiday, with a carefully chosen mix of resorts to suit different types of trips. Whether you’re looking for something romantic, low-key, or family-friendly, their Travel Specialists can help shape the details. There’s also a ‘Sale On, Switch Off’ offer running from now to the end of February, with up to 50 per cent off selected hotel stays and added discounts across selected resorts and added extras, for a luxury stay that works for your budget.
Here are six incredible resorts to inspire you to finally book that dream trip to the Maldives…
Niva Kurumba Maldives
Only a 10-minute speedboat ride from Malé, on the first private island resort in the North Malé Atoll, Niva Kurumba Maldives is one of the easiest resorts to get to, but still serves that dreamy castaway feeling. As the country’s first private island resort, it leans into its history, offering thoughtfully curated excursions such as snorkelling trips, a dolphin-exploration cruise, and guided visits to Malé.
There’s plenty to fill your days on the island, from snorkelling around the house reef to watersports and relaxing classes like yoga or cocktail making. You’ll also be spoiled for cutting edge cuisine here, with several restaurants to choose from, including Hamakaze, an overwater teppanyaki spot for sushi and sashimi, and Athiri, a barefoot beach bar that’s ideal for long evenings.
Niva Velassaru Maldives
If true escape is the goal, Niva Velassaru Maldives offers a refined island retreat designed for effortless relaxation. From the moment guests arrive, a sense of calm sets in, with the resort’s spa thoughtfully positioned at the heart of the island, nestled beneath swaying palms and featuring overwater treatment rooms, couples’ pavilions, steam rooms, and shaded daybeds for moments of rest between treatments.
The surrounding lagoon invites discovery, with guided snorkeling along the house reef, daily dive excursions led by a PADI-certified team, and the presence of an on-site marine biologist. Additional experiences include dolphin cruises and glass-bottom boat tours, offering a closer look at the island’s marine life.
Accommodation ranges from villas set amidst lush greenery to elegant overwater retreats, each offering privacy, comfort, and uninterrupted views – ideal for complete relaxation. For guests seeking more active pursuits, the resort provides access to water sports equipment, a fully equipped gym, a tennis court, a Pilates studio and an infinity pool overlooking the beach. Wellness and movement are seamlessly woven into the guest experience, with complimentary morning cruises and sunset yoga sessions available for those wishing to begin or end the day with intention.
Niva Dhigali Maldives
Set in the western Raa Atoll, Niva Dhigali Maldives sits among greenery and white sand, with the landscape itself very much part of the experience. Villas are spread across the island and out over the water, offering gorgeous garden or sea views. The overwater villas are the most open, with wide views of the Indian Ocean and direct access to the water.
Days tend to unfold slowly here, with snorkelling and diving on nearby reefs, dolphin cruises, time on the beach and spa sessions beneath the palms all shaping the pace of your stay. You’re spoilt for choice in terms of dining, with several restaurants and bars across the island, including Haali Bar at the quieter west end, which is a favourite for cocktails as the sun drops into the ocean.
Huvafen Fushi Maldives
Huvafen Fushi is a small island resort in the North Malé Atoll, around 30 minutes from Malé by speedboat, and it’s ideal for couples seeking utter serenity. With just 46 beach and overwater bungalows and pavilions, this is the perfect setting for a complete escape. The main talking point is the underwater spa, where treatments take place eight metres below the surface, with coral reef views, alongside a handful of overwater treatment rooms and saltwater flotation pools.
Wine is a serious focus too, and oenophiles will be in their element at Vinum, the first underground wine cellar in the Maldives, which hosts tastings and intimate gourmet dinners beneath the island. It’s a place made for honeymoons, special occasions and switching off completely.
Milaidhoo Maldives
Milaidhoo Maldives sits in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, an area known for some of the country’s most diverse marine life. The nearby reefs are colourful and teeming with life, and during the right season, trips to Hanifaru Bay give guests the chance to swim with manta rays and whale sharks. Villas are spacious and built around outdoor living, with plenty of natural light, a private pool and a sundeck with lagoon or sea views – perfect for laidback days enjoying the wonderful peacefulness of this idyllic island.
Dining is a major draw, particularly at Ba’theli, the world’s only Maldivian fine-dining restaurant set on a traditional boat, where local dishes are inspired by the ancient Spice Route.
Baros Maldives
Baros has been welcoming guests for over five decades, and is a true local icon, offering guests the feel of authentic Maldives. It sits in the North Malé Atoll and is best known for its house reef, which you can snorkel straight from the shore. There are also resident marine biologists on site, working on conservation projects and running trips out to nearby dive sites, of which there are more than 40 in the area.
Villas are either tucked into the leafy surroundings or set out over the lagoon, each boasting its own private sun deck and a host available when needed. Sustainability runs through everything they do, including reef-protection work and all the biodegradable products used across the island.
To plan your own Maldives escape, explore exclusive offers and speak to a Travel Specialist, head to travelbag.co.uk
How Spurs’ dismantling of Dortmund provides boost for Thomas Frank
A win so convincing and uplifting that it’s hard to say where it came from. Maybe this is Thomas Frank showing some defiance, and what is possible when you finally have Dominic Solanke back scoring. Maybe this is what happens when you actually try to play on the front foot. Maybe a nadir had actually been reached against West Ham United, and this is the resolute response.
Maybe this just says something about how bad Borussia Dortmund were in a 2-0 that could have been 5-0, because they were pitiful – and that was even before Daniel Svensson’s unfortunate red card.
That still seems a touch uncharitable, since Spurs were clearly ready for something. The team actually played with life. The stadium finally enjoyed an occasion.
The board, meanwhile, can relax for the first time in weeks. This buys them space and time – and maybe yet, somehow, a direct place in the Champions League qualifiers.
They probably shouldn’t be too persuaded by one single win over a desperately disappointing Dortmund, but Frank has a right to smile.
The toxicity never came, except maybe in the apparent contagion of bad defending in the Dortmund defence.
Frank needed this, though. Solanke needed his goal, if for very different reasons given his long-term injury. All of that might point to a night where things start to come together, except that is immediately undermined by the reality that an away game to 19th-place Burnley on Saturday poses a much more significant and serious threat.
That’s for the rest of the week. For now, finally, Frank gets to smile about a performance. You could see it immediately after the game.
You could sense it from the off.
Dortmund just couldn’t cope with Spurs’ press. It was like so many recent Tottenham games, except with the team in white finally doing to another team what everyone has been doing to them.
Wilson Odebert was especially enjoying himself, and tearing at Dortmund in the way many love from such a winger. Niko Kovac’s side couldn’t stop him. It was his quick play – and thinking – that set Spurs on their way, an angled ball back in allowing Cristiano Romero to turn the ball in from close range.
The lead was no more than Spurs deserved.
Dortmund were so rattled that they were making the most basic errors, in defence, and in attack. Waldemer Anton was losing the ball at the edge of his own box, Karim Adiyimi was struggling to control it at the edge of Spurs’. And that was on one of the few moments when they actually got forward.
Spurs could really have been out of sight by the time of Daniel Svensson’s 24th-minute red card, even if Dortmund can reasonably say that stopped them having much chance of a comeback at a mere 1-0, and that it was highly debatable.
The challenge was one of those that looked a lot worse on the belated VAR replay, rather than in real-time.
Either way, the red card just fortified the pattern of the game: Spurs looking so much better.
Within 12 minutes, Solanke had got that goal, and made the game safe.
The temptation after games like this is to wonder how Dortmund would get on in the Premier League, and just how much extreme financial disparity is distorting European football.
Germany’s second biggest club, who currently lie second in the Bundesliga, looked far less physically robust than Bournemouth or Leeds United.
Spurs, meanwhile, are notionally one of the best sides in Europe’s premier ranking but also one of the most sorry and downbeat in England.
Except, the very recent history of the Champions League – not least Bodo Glimt’s win over Manchester City just an hour before – cautions against such debate, especially amid this phoney war stage.
Sure, automatic qualification places may have to be confirmed, but that will never have the same intensity as actual knock-out. There can be a passive feel to so many of these games, as if teams are just sort of lulled into the low-stakes mood.
The other side of that is, well, the business side of the competition. Dortmund have actually been in a Champions League final more recently than any English club, who have only claimed two trophies out of six.
There is an argument that the Premier League’s very wealth works against it for that point of the competition, as it fosters an exhausting competitive intensity not seen in other leagues.
Or, Dortmund might just have had a bad night, as Spurs finally had a good one.
Tottenham’s issues have not gone away. This quietened the toxic dissent of the last week, drowned out by the badly-needed sound of celebration, but there was still fan dissent over their senior concessions policy.
They still have to actually beat Burnley. Frank, at least, can finally point to the example of an encouraging performance.
Zelensky says US can do more to stop Putin as he cancels Davos meetings
Volodymyr Zelensky will reportedly not go to Davos following a large-scale strike on Kyiv, as he insists the US can do more to stop Vladimir Putin.
The Ukrainian president has prioritised staying in the capital over the World Economic Forum, saying that he will now only go to Davos if a bilateral meeting with US president Donald Trump is scheduled, according to Axios.
Zelensky told reporters “everything can change at any moment” as the priority remains “to end this war”.
He said Ukraine and the US were “almost finished” preparations for prosperity package but there was room for Trump to do more in making Putin stop the war. He added that Ukraine, as well as Russia, had been invited to join Trump’s “board of peace”, but felt it was hard to imagine how Kyiv and Moscow could be on the same board.
It comes as more than 335,000 residents in Kyiv were left without electricity after Russian airstrikes overnight. Ukraine’s air force reported that Moscow launched 339 drones and 33 missiles, targeting the capital.
Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha called the “Putin’s barbaric strike” a “wake up call to world leaders gathering in Davos.”
Ukraine says Russia using nuclear risk as a tool of coercion
Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy system threaten nuclear safety and show Moscow is using the risk of nuclear disaster as a tool of coercion, Kyiv’s foreign minister said on Tuesday after the UN’s atomic watchdog said substations vital for nuclear safety were affected by strikes.
“While Russian officials speak about the ‘importance’ of power lines, their forces deliberately strike substations, directly endangering nuclear safety and defying repeated IAEA warnings,” Andrii Sybiha wrote on X.
What’s different about Davos this year?
The geopolitical context has become incredibly complex this year: Trump’s pronouncements and policies on subjects as diverse as Venezuela, Greenland and Iran — not to mention his aggressive tariff policies — have upended the world order and raised questions about America’s role in the world.
The advent of AI — its promise and perils — has also become a hot topic. Business executives will examine how to apply it to boost efficiency and profits; labor leaders and advocacy groups will warn of its threat to jobs and livelihoods, and policymakers will look to navigate the best way forward between regulation and right to innovate.
Davos conference organisers always trot out buzzwords for the meeting, and this year’s is “A Spirit of Dialogue” — around five themes of cooperation, growth, investment in people, innovation and building prosperity.
Critics say Davos is too much talk and not enough action to rectify gaping inequality in the world and address troubles like climate change.
Additional reporting by AP.
Watch: Trump says Putin invited to ‘Board of Peace’, threatens 200% tariffs on French wine over Macron stance
Who is going to Davos?
Organisers say a record of nearly 400 top political leaders, including more than 60 heads of state and government, and nearly 850 chairs and chief executives of many of the world’s leading companies.
Headlining the lineup is US president Donald Trump, who’s set to deliver a speech on Wednesday, and several Cabinet ministers and top advisers including secretary of state Marco Rubio, treasury secretary Scott Bessent and special envoy Steve Witkoff.
President Emmanuel Macron of France, European commission president Ursula von der Leyen, president Ahmad al-Sharaa of Syria, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney, president Felix Tshisekedi of Congo, and vice premier He Lifeng of China are among the who’s-who of top attendees.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine will not be attending.
Additional reporting by AP.
Ukrainian negotiators met security officials from France, Germany and UK in Davos, Kyiv says
Ukrainian peace negotiators met on Tuesday with national security advisers from France, Germany and Britain in Davos, Rustem Umerov, the secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, said.
“Further meetings with partners on security guarantees, economic development, and Ukraine’s recovery are ahead,” Umerov said on the Telegram app.
Will Zelensky go to Davos?
It looks more and more unlikely that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will make an appearance at Davos as he’s said any journey to Switzerland is conditional on a bilateral meeting with Donald Trump.
Zelensky has prioritised staying in Kyiv, which was targeted by a major Russian bombardment overnight.
“Certainly, I chose Ukraine in this case, not the economic forum, but everything can change at any moment. Because it is very important for Ukrainians to end this war,” Zelensky told reporters answering questions in a WhatsApp media chat.
Putin envoy Dmitriev begins meetings in Davos, RIA reports
Russian president Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev began a series of planned business meetings in Davos on Tuesday, Russian state-run RIA news agency reported.
Dmitriev is a key figure in talks on ending the Ukraine war and exploring future commercial opportunities between Russia and the United States.
Here’s what we know about him:
The blacklisted Kremlin official behind Trump’s ‘pro-Russia’ peace plan for Ukraine
Zelensky pays tribute to defenders of Donetsk Airport
Zelensky has issued a tribute to the defenders of Donetsk Airport.
He said: “Every year on this day, January 20, we remember the defenders of Donetsk Airport. People who held their position for 242 days, never surrendered, and endured encirclement and constant attacks.
“They were called Cyborgs, yet they were simply showing the very best of the Ukrainian character, the Ukrainian heart, and the Ukrainian spirit – not to give up, to fight the occupier, and to astonish the world with what Ukraine is capable of.
“These are exactly the people we must support. We are grateful to everyone standing with Ukraine. We thank everyone who is helping us.”
Pictured: Putin attends a meeting with the Head of the Republic of Adygea, Murat Kumpilov, at the Kremlin
Chernobyl connected to country’s power grid after Russia’s latest strike
Ukraine’s Chernobyl nuclear power plant has been connected to the country’s power grid following an overnight Russian air attack on Ukrainian energy facilities, and radiation levels are normal, Kyiv’s energy ministry said on Monday.
The International Atomic Energy Agency had earlier said the facility, the site of the world’s worst civil nuclear catastrophe, lost all off-site power after the attack.