Newspaper headlines: 'Mandelson arrested' and 'Four years of tears' in Ukraine

Published: Feb 24, 2026 12:14 AM • Updated: Feb 24, 2026 7:51 AM • Original source

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"Mandelson arrested" is the headline in the Daily Telegraph, over a photograph of Lord Mandelson being led away from his home by detectives. "Disgraced Lord held," says the Daily Mirror. The Daily Mail says: "Now Mandelson faces the music, days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was held on similar allegations. "After Andy, now Mandy...," observes the Sun. The Financial Times describes the situation as an "epic fall from grace", but notes that the "peer denies wrongdoing".

The i Paper says the arrest has sparked jeopardy for Number 10 as it threatens to reignite the furore over the former business secretary being appointed as the ambassador to the US. The Guardian says the arrest - just days before the Gorton and Denton by-election, will be an uncomfortable reminder of what critics say is one of Sir Keir Starmer's worst lapses of judgement in office. The Daily Express says it will pile fresh pressure on ministers - and the police - to set out a clear timetable for releasing the vetting files that resulted in the appointment.

"Four years of tears" is how Metro leads its coverage of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Daily Telegraph says few imagined that four years on, Ukraine would still be fighting. The Guardian notes that Russia's gains are trivial and "the relentless attacks on Ukraine's civilian population have so far brought minimal strategic gain for Russia".

The Times says the EU could "stub out" the UK's proposed smoking ban. It points out that seven EU countries believe the proposal to ensure that no-one born after 2009 can legally buy cigarettes breaches the Windsor framework, designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland. But the paper says the Department for Health has stressed that the policy is "fully compatible with our international treaty obligations in Northern Ireland".

"Our Little Miracle" is the headline for the Daily Star, as it reports the first birth to a woman using a womb from a deceased donor. The paper quotes Hugo's mother Grace as saying the donor will live on through him.