“No one does it like Manchester”. That’s what we’re told minutes before the cameras start rolling inside Co-op Live – the home of The BRITs 2026.

For the first time in its history the most raucous music awards ceremony has decided to head up the M1 and make Manchester its new home – well for two years at least.

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Seconds later host Jack Whitehall has declared Manchester the ‘G-spot of the North’ and bestowed Noel Gallagher the title of ‘Manchester’s final boss’.

Yeah, we’re definitely in Manchester folks.

Don’t underestimate the power of a move up North to invigorate a ceremony of this pedigree because its Manchester makeover is looking rather good on it.

For tonight’s proceedings, it only felt right that Harry Styles kicked things off with Aperture. Because of the song’s title, meaning to embrace the uncertain and let the light in, it’s fitting that it’s the ceremony’s big opener as the dimmed lights slowly rise to create an illuminated stage where winners, and history makers, will be made over the next few hours.

Marking the first performance of the single, Harry is joined by a large cohort of dancers as they synchronise and essentially perform a rendition of Ring-a-Ring-a-Roses. It’s glorious and an energetic start to proceedings.

A quick reminder of our location for the night is dished up by Manchester’s Finest Bez and Shaun Ryder, who not only hand Wolf Alice the award for Best Group but keep host Jack Whitehall on his toes during a chat spanning everything from Aitch – not H – the rapper, bad role models and things we can’t repeat about Paddington Bear.

They’re also replacing Tess and Claudia on Strictly, apparently.

The Greater Manchester – and a bit of Warrington – contingent kept coming too as YouTuber and I’m a Celeb winner Angryginge took the stage with his best mate, darts master Luke Littler.

Wholesome right? Not quite, but pride in where you’re from comes out in the strangest of ways sometimes, hence his comment about “people realising London is a ****hole” (which was bleeped for those watching at home).

Away from awards, and just over a week after gracing the Co-op Live stage, RAYE was back to reclaim her flowers, having previously won a record six awards at the last ceremony. She delivered a jazz-ed up version of Where Is My Husband! Backed by her band, the medley with her latest single Nightingale Lane showed her voice is at its finest and has already claimed her stake at next year’s awards.

“My albums out next month,” the fiercely independent artist reminds fans.

The stars of K-Pop Demon Hunters brought a pre-recorded performance outside Co-op Live, surrounded by many of the young adoring fans who have made the Netflix film their latest obsession.

Meanwhile, Catalonian superstar Rosalia represented one of the big international performers on the 2026 show. Performing Berghain, the polyglot oozes elegance on the stage with what Jack Whitehall saying it was the ‘closest thing to opera on the ITV since the Go Compare adverts’.

Performing Berghain, from her latest magnum opus Lux, the performer showed off her esteemed classical training at the Catalonia College of Music. It’s was a stunning performance that is without fault. A mix of colosseum chic, mixed with street party and night club rave, she’s then joined by Bjork, appearing out of nowhere dressed as the Purple One from a Quality Street tub. Camp, beautiful, eloquent and sheer utter talent. A showstopper.

As we come back down to earth, Bobby Gillespie had the honour of awarding a special prize to one of our most famous exports – Noel Gallagher.

‘Manchester’s Final Boss’, as Jack Whitehall so aptly put it, stepped onto stage to accept Songwriter of the Year – a credit to his more than 30 years of songwriting. He’s was in a sentimental mood, too.

“Yes, Manchester, I’m going to start by saying I’ve got to thank my brother and Bonehead, and Guigsy, Tony McCarroll, Alan White, Gem, and Andy,” says Noel.

“They brought those songs to life, without them, I’d just be a singer-songwriter, and nobody gives a shit about singer-songwriters. More importantly, I’d like to thank you, the people who’ve kept those songs alive for the last 35 years.

“Without you, you’ve given us the most extraordinary life, and thank you very much for that. Have a great night. Up the f*****g Blues!” – which was bleeped again for ITV viewers.

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Wolf Alice rolled out a kitsch IKEA showroom for a rendition of The Sofa, while Olivia Dean brought a romanticised arena to their feet with a dazzling and majestical rendition of Man I Need. Not content with that, American artist Alex Warren performed massive hit Ordinary, featuring a cameo from the one and only James Blunt.

Mark Ronson’s medley of hits featured American rap legend Ghostface Killah emerging out of the back of a car, Dua Lipa appearing from above an oversized disco ball in a white fur coat and a poignant tribute to Amy Winehouse featuring some of the band members she performed with. A “fake” stage invasion during Sombr’s set and we were on the home stretch, arriving at one of the most poignant parts of the night.

There was also a poignant tribute from The Charlatans legend Tim Burgess to The Stone Roses guitarist Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, who died in November. He told the audience, “I know he was loved by so many of you here tonight and many more watching on TV. Mani was a kid from a few miles up the road. He changed music and inspired generations ahead of him. These songs he recorded will be his legacy, along with his unforgettable smile and uncontainable enthusiasm.

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“He was truly one of the phenomenal ones, and they are far and few between. So, I just want you to think about Mani for a moment,” he said as the crowd cheered.

“There will never be another f****** Ozzy Osbourne” shouted Sharon Osbourne at the top of her lungs to a room hanging on her every word. Following his passing last year, she and daughter Kelly accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on his behalf. A household name and a “proud brummie” it’s an emotional tribute to a man who had such a large impact on the music industry, his fans and his family.

A man of such influence deserves an all-star lineup and that’s exactly what he got as the show closed out in true BRITs style. The tribute performance, curated by Ozzy’s wife Sharon, featured a special arrangement of Black Sabbath’s 1991 song No More Tears, with Robbie Williams joined on stage by musicians who have previously played as part of Ozzy’s band, including keyboardist Adam Wakeman, Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, drummer Tommy Clufetos and guitarist Zakk Wylde. The crowd up on their feet, it couldn’t have been more fitting end for a historic night and Manchester’s epic BRITs debut.

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Ahead of the show, the red carpet set up for the event was simply extraordinary. A huge tent was set up on the main Co-op Live car park, with a massive security operation around the whole of Eastlands in place given the number of famous musicians and VIPs in attendance.

An area was sectioned off for the public who whooped and cheered with every star arrival at the arena, naturally the biggest cheers of all reserved for homecoming hero Harry Styles.

There were three long rows of red carpet with representatives from seemingly the entire nation’s media in attendance – showing the sheer scale of this event.

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The BRITs move to the north for the first time this year was warmly welcomed by stars who spoke to the MEN on the red carpet. Mark Ronson, who won an outstanding achievement award on the night, hailed the significance of Manchester music in his own life, and said that holding the BRITs in the city gave the event “a new energy”. He said “It feels fresh, and obviously this is a great arena.”

He added: “Winning this award in Manchester is particularly special to me because my very first gig was at the MEN Arena with Dizzee Rascal, so Manchester will always be a very special place to me.”

Meanwhile, Robbie Williams agreed, adding: “The north has been starving for something like this for so long.”

Already admired for its cobbled market square, stone cottages and surrounding Dales scenery, Grassington has found a new audience after doubling as the fictional town of Darrowby in Channel 5’s hit series All Creatures Great and Small.

Now, with filming underway for series seven and the show recently crowned Best Drama Series at the TV Choice Awards, the spotlight on this picturesque Dales town shows no sign of fading any time soon.

Long before television crews arrived, Grassington was regularly praised by visitors as “beautiful,” “full of character,” and “idyllic”.

Grassington (Image: ANDREW QUINN/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

Its historic square, lined with independent cafés, galleries and small shops, has always made it a natural stop for day-trippers exploring Wharfedale.

But since the 2020 reboot of All Creatures Great and Small, inspired by James Herriot’s beloved veterinary tales, the town has taken on a second identity.

Each series sees Grassington carefully transformed into 1930s and 40s Darrowby.

Modern signage disappears, shopfronts are redressed, and vintage props line the cobbled streets, transporting visitors back almost a century.

Producers chose Grassington for its authenticity.

The town’s stone-built architecture and preserved market square require little alteration to recreate the world of Herriot’s stories.

Fans wandering through the square will quickly spot familiar backdrops.

The Devonshire Arms is reimagined on screen as The Drovers Arms, where many of the drama’s key scenes unfold.

Just outside Grassington (Image: BRIAN GRAY/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

The Stripey Badger bookshop becomes Endelby’s Grocers, while a private residence in the town serves as Skeldale House, the surgery and home of James Herriot and his colleagues.

The Devonshire Arms previously described being approached by a location scout in summer 2019, initially unaware that the production would be a remake of All Creatures Great and Small.

“Little did we know that this would be the beginning of a huge adventure,” the pub said, recalling how the show became “the worst-kept secret in the Dales”.

They added that watching the transformation process, from dressed shopfronts to props such as the temporary portico and even period post boxes, has been “fascinating”.

The square has also hosted large-scale scenes, including the annual Darrowby Show, bringing much of the fictional community together on screen.

The series has become Channel 5’s most successful drama to date, reaching more than 14 million viewers across its first five series and remaining the channel’s top programme year after year.

It has also developed a strong international following, particularly in the United States, through PBS.

That popularity has translated into a surge of visitors to Grassington.

Filming for All Creatures Great and Small (Image: CHANNEL5)

Tourists often arrive clutching maps of filming locations, eager to stand outside the pub, the grocer’s shop and the vet’s surgery they recognise from television.

Local businesses have reported steady increases in trade, from overnight stays to café footfall, as the town cements its place on the tourist map.

While filming can bring temporary road closures and disruption, many residents have embraced Grassington’s starring role, expressing pride at seeing their home celebrated on screen.

The cast and crew recently thanked fans after the show was named Best Drama Series at the TV Choice Awards.

In a social media message marking the end of series six, which concluded with an emotional Christmas Eve episode set in 1945, the team said: “What an honour to be named Best Drama Series.

“Thank you to every single person who voted and supported Series 6. Your support truly means the world to us.”

With series seven now filming in the Yorkshire Dales and both series seven and eight confirmed, Grassington’s future as Darrowby appears secure.

Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor at Channel 5, described the programme as “a jewel in 5’s drama crown”, praising its warmth, humour and heart set against the beauty of Yorkshire.

Yet even without its television fame, Grassington offers plenty to draw visitors.

Beyond browsing the square’s independent shops and stopping in its traditional pubs, visitors can explore riverside walks along the River Wharfe, head onto Grassington Moor for panoramic views or plan their trip around one of the town’s well-known events, including its Christmas market and summer arts festivals.

As staycations continue to appeal to travellers seeking slower, more scenic breaks, Grassington stands out as both a quintessential Dales market town and a small-screen star.

Online betting platforms have provided a new means for people to become war profiteers, with millions of dollars reportedly spent on bets related to the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, according to a new Axios report.

Early on Saturday morning, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes on Iran. Since then, Iran has retaliated, launching its own drone strikes and missiles at U.S. allies in the region, with Trump saying the attack killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

As bombs fell and people died, gamblers around the world took advantage of the chaos to make a buck.

Kalshi, a prediction market, reportedly saw $36 million in bet volume related to whether or not there will be a regime change in Iran.

A similar online betting site, Polymarket, saw more than $31 million in trade volume relating to whether or not Khamenei would still be in power come March 31.

Other questions — drawing in millions of dollars in bets — asked whether or not a ceasefire will be announced or if the U.S. will carry out a full invasion of Iran.

It’s not the first time gamblers have made major money by betting on Trump’s military actions. When the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January, an individual with a relatively new account pumped $30,000 into a bet that Maduro would be ousted. Hours later, the Trump administration captured Maduro, earning the gambler more than $436,000.

That wager led to speculation that someone with insider knowledge used the market to enrich themselves. While betting using insider knowledge is prohibited on the platforms, enforcement of those rules is left up to the sites themselves, not regulators.

Now there are suspicions that other insiders used the Iran strikes to get rich. Six accounts on Polymarket reportedly won approximately $1.2 million by predicting the U.S. would launch a strike on Iran on February 28, according to CoinDesk.

Blockchain analyzer Bubblemaps noted that the bets were made just hours before the strike, and that the accounts had no activity before making the Iran strike bets.

The Independent has requested comment from Polymarket.

For those hoping to get some geopolitical bets in, there are plenty of questions still open on the market.

Kalshi has an entire Iran section, where bettors can wager on whether or not Tehran will close the Strait of Hormuz and who will become the next Supreme Leader. Currently, the leading response to that question is that the position will be abolished, suggesting a belief that there will be regime change.

Polymarket is still accepting bets on whether or not Khamenei will be leading Iran come March 31. Right now, 93 percent of bettors say no.

Real gamblers can bet on which country the U.S. attacks next. As of this report, more than $2 million has been bet on that question, and 93 percent of gamblers have picked Somalia as Trump’s next target.

The Oasis star was honoured with the Songwriter of the Year award at the Brit Awards in Manchester, but his acceptance speech was censored by ITV

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Noel Gallagher’s expletive-laden speech was bleeped out as he accepted the Songwriter of the Year award at the Brit Awards. The prestigious music event took place in Manchester for the first time ever.

The Oasis frontman – who reconciled with his brother Liam Gallagher last year for a series of performances following years of bitter disputes – faced criticism over receiving the honour, particularly as he hadn’t put out any fresh music in the previous 12 months.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola presented Noel with a tribute message, praising the rock legend. Taking to the stage, Noel initially expressed gratitude to his brother before acknowledging his fellow band members.

He concluded his remarks with a reference to his cherished Manchester City, exclaiming “up the f*****g blues”, alluding to the club’s traditional colours. His outburst was greeted with considerable jeering throughout the venue – presumably from rival Manchester United supporters.

Addressing the debate surrounding his victory despite releasing no new material during the period, Noel commented: “I haven’t written a song for two years. I’m not sure how I’ve got away with that one, but I’ll take it”, reports the Mirror.

“Well, I think the BRITs is all based on record sales, and I’m not sure there was another single songwriter that sold… I mean, we sold a million records last year. Didn’t even get off the couch and I’m not sure there’s a songwriter that can match that. But you know, if anybody’s got a problem with it, meet me there. We’ll have it out on the red carpet.

“If any of those wet wipes songwriting teams, all 11 of them, want to write a song between the lot of them, want to have it out on the red carpet, I’m there.”

Nevertheless, Noel did acknowledge he’d be creating fresh material. “I’m in the studio now, so I’d better do something out soon. If I am honest I think they just were desperate to get someone from Oasis up there cos it is in Manchester,” he stated.

When questioned at the time whether his brother Liam would attend the Brits alongside him, he responded: “We’re just organising tickets for the Carabao Cup final today, but no, I haven’t spoke to him about that, no.”

Liam has also stoked speculation about appearing with Noel at the ceremony. When a supporter posted regarding train times to Manchester, Liam quipped in a since-deleted comment: “I’m already there, drove up last night. Can’t wait to see some old faces.”

When one admirer asked “You winding us up now?” he subsequently dismissed the speculation and joked: “I am I’m not going to the awards I’m just in the area keeping an eye on things.”

Announcing Noel as Songwriter of the Year, Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, said: “For more than three decades, Noel has crafted songs that have become part of our collective story – bold, brilliant, and always recognisable.

“His songs have soundtracked memories for multiple generations and defined the spirit of British music globally. Honouring Noel as Songwriter of the Year celebrates a remarkable body of work and a creative force that continues to connect and inspire artists and fans worldwide.”

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Officers were called Haxby Road, close to York St John University Sports Fields, on Saturday (February 28) after “multiple” calls were made to North Yorkshire Police from businesses and members of the public, police said.

A force spokesperson added: “This was due to players and spectators visiting the University sports park.

“We’re asking all visitors to the sports facility to keep pavements, footpaths, and access routes clear at all times.

“Blocking the pavement – even for a short period – create hazards for pedestrians, wheelchair users, people with pushchairs, and those with visual impairments.”

Recommended reading:

Police said an officer helped ease traffic and had entered the sports fields, asking those with cars parked up to check they were not causing obstructions on the pavement.

Motorist have been warned not to obstruct the pavement outside the facility (Image: Google Maps)

In a statement, a force spokesperson said: “After a lengthy period of time, some of the vehicles still had not been moved.

“Obstructing the pavement can force people out into the road – putting them at risk.

“Your cooperation helps keep the area safe and accessible for everyone.”

It was Olivia Dean’s night at the 2026 Brit Awards, as she took home the two top prizes for Artist and Album of the Year at a ceremony marked by frequent bouts of censorship and awkward moments.

Dean, who won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist at the ceremony in January, has proved to be one of the UK’s biggest breakthroughs in years, winning over fans and critics with her soulful pop sound. She was one of a number of stars who attended the annual music awards show, which was held outside London for the first time in the award show’s history, instead taking place at the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester.

Accepting her award for Artist of the Year, Dean said: “I want to say thank you to my whole team, everybody down there, I love you, my band… it takes a lot of people to be a good artist, and it’s not lost on me that I’m very lucky to have good people around me. So thank you.”

The awards show was hosted once again by comedian Jack Whitehall, who kicked off proceedings with a sketch that showed him obsessively on the look-out for pop star Harry Styles, in hope that he would return with new music. Whitehall, 37, was seen out jogging and mistaking an older woman for the former One Direction star, visiting his waxwork at Madame Tussauds, and eventually hearing the news that Styles would be singing live at the ceremony.

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One of the anticipated moments of the evening was Styles’s performance, which opened the show with a live rendition of his No 1 single “Aperture”. Backed by a troupe of dancers, he leant into the track’s dance and electronic influences with a dizzying light display, receiving a standing ovation from the live audience. “Aperture” serves as the lead single from the 32-year-old’s fourth studio album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. It is scheduled for release next week on Friday 6 March, the same day Styles returns to the Co-Op Live for a headline show.

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Whitehall seemed intent on ruffling a few feathers by cracking jokes about the stars in attendance, referring to singer-songwriter Alex Warren as “Ed Sheeran if you ordered him on Temu” and producer Mark Ronson as “Nick Grimshaw if he learnt to use GarageBand”. He also took a swipe at the controversy at the previous week’s Baftas, in which Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson involuntarily shouted a racial slur while Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award.

However, it was Whitehall’s gags about Manchester, the ceremony’s host city, that drew particular ire from viewers at home, with some going so far to accuse him of classism. He made jokes about drug use in the city as well as making digs at people from Preston, Lancashire, while also mocking a man in the audience for his suit, which he suggested was not Prada but rather “100 per cent polyester”. He also suggested that Manchester’s idea of black tie was the brand Stone Island, known for its casualwear.

Fans watching from home were left confused by the frequent bouts of censoring, including for Whitehall’s joke about Peter Mandelson in the wake of his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. Geese frontman Cameron Winter was also censored as he shouted “Free Palestine” while collecting the New York rock band’s award for Best International Group.

A number of famous faces turned up to present awards, including Robbie Williams who was on hand to present the first award of the night, Song of the Year, which was voted for by the public – this went to Dean and Sam Fender for their collaboration, “Rein Me In”. Rock band Wolf Alice took Group of the Year, following the release of their 2025 album The Clearing, ahead of a live performance of single “The Sofa”. Jeff Goldblum presented the prize for Album of the Year, while Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie introduced Noel Gallagher as the recipient for Songwriter of the Year.

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Producer Mark Ronson, who was honoured with a gong for Producer of the Year, also delivered a special mashup of some of his biggest hits, from his debut single “Ooh Wee” with rapper Ghostface Killah to “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse, to his and Winehouse’s rendition of “Valerie” by The Zutons and “Uptown Funk”, his No 1 hit with Bruno Mars. For his track “Dance the Night Away” from the Barbie soundtrack, Dua Lipa descended from a giant mirror ball before switching to her song “Electricity”, overseen by Ronson’s “super-producer group” with Diplo, Silk City.

There were plenty of spectacular live performances, from Olivia Dean’s rendition of her hit single “Man I Need” to a dazzling, big band-backed medley from RAYE, who dominated the awards in 2024. Spanish artist Rosalía gave a jaw-dropping performance of her song “Berghain”, an operatic opus she sings in German while backed by a choir and orchestra. Bjork, who features on the track as a guest artist, also made a surprise appearance. Rosalía later gave a moving acceptance speech for the International Solo Artist award, in which she urged listeners to “accept otherness”, and to embrace other languages and cultures.

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Dean echoed this sentiment as she was announced as the winner of Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, telling the audience at the Co-Op Live arena: “Making this album has changed my life, I feel so proud to have made it, and to work with everybody that I did on it…

“Thank you so much for believing in me when I didn’t really believe in myself sometimes… this album is just about love and loving each other in a world that feels lovelessness right now, so I don’t know, thank you.”

Those watching described as an ‘awkward’ moment during the ceremony as it was broadcast live on ITV

Viewers watching the BRIT Awards 2026 unfold live from Manchester were left baffled by what they described as an ‘awkward’ moment during the ceremony as it was broadcast live on ITV.

Saturday night’s (February 28) awards bash saw the prestigious music event move north for the first time, with a multitude of stars descending on the city as Co-Op Live hosted the ceremony.

But for those not able to make it inside the arena, the ceremony, hosted by comedian, presenter and actor Jack Whitehall, was broadcast on ITV and ITVX.

Click here to prioritise Manchester news in Google from the MEN

Harry Styles opened the show with a performance of his latest single Aperture. The former One Direction star, who is known for his flamboyant style, removed the jacket of his Chanel suit for the performance, and took to the stage in his suit trousers and tie.

He was joined by a gospel choir for the performance, which opened with synchronised hand shaking and head movements and concluded in the same way.

The performance comes three years after his last performance on the Brits stage at the awards in 2023, which saw him take home four gongs following the release of his album Harry’s House.

Meanwhile, Olivia Dean later performed Man I Need against a pink backdrop in a black sparkling dress, and Raye sang her hit Where Is My Husband! Also, Rosalia brought out Icelandic pop star Bjork for her performance of Berghain, which also features Yves Tumor, who was played on the PA system.

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But the big moments of the night were also the awards themselves, with Olivia, Rosalia , Wolf Alice and Lola Young among the winners. However, some of those watching the ceremony unfold from home were confused when a number of awards were seen being given out in a compilation section.

It left many flocking to social media questioning whether the show was live, with it confirmed by insiders at the event that the awards were for Best R&B Act, Best Pop Act, Best Alternative/Rock Act, Best Hip-hop/Rap/Grime Act and the Critics Choice Award -were given out during the ad breaks.

@userdemisexual said: “This is so awkward? why wouldn’t you show this live? #Brits2026.” @Christi17553827 commented: “Thought the #Brits2026 was live?! When were these other awards given out?!”

@Bex0111 complained: “@BRITs whose idea was it to not show a chunk of awards live?! Given us a montage. We enjoy the nominations & guessing who would win. Do better please #Brits2026.” @acotswoldvoice added: “Why have they turned this into the BAFTAs where the minor awards are presented in the breaks #BRITs2026.”

Multiple people have been injured after an incident occurred at Dubai International Airport.

The Dubai media office confirmed an incident took place at the airport on Saturday (28 February) in which four people were hurt, as Iran continued to launch strikes on U.S. bases in the region.

“Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained,” the media office said on X.

A spokesman said: “Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities. Four staff sustained injuries and received prompt medical attention.

“Due to contingency plans already in place, most of the terminals were previously cleared of passengers. Further updates will be provided as they become available.”

It is not known if the incident is link to retaliatory Iranian strikes in the country.

Follow live updates here.

Thousands of Britons have been left stranded in the Middle East after global airlines grounded hundreds of flights due to US and Israeli strikes against Iran.

Iran and Iraq’s airspaces were closed due to the escalating military action, which has seen blasts reported in multiple countries across the region, and Dubai International Airport, the biggest global aviation hub, suspended all flights on Saturday.

On a typical day, around 250,000 passengers arrive and depart at Dubai. Qatar Airways has also suspended all flights to and from its base in Doha.

Explosions have been heard in Bahrain, the UAE, Jordan and Qatar after the Iranian regime warned it would retaliate to any strikes by the US and Israel – which were launched in the early hours of Saturday

Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu launched co-ordinated strikes across Iran in what they described as a “preventative attack”.

President Donald Trump confirmed a “major combat operation” in an eight-minute speech, stating Iran could never have a nuclear weapon and adding: “It’s been mass terror, and we’re not going to take it any longer.”.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United Nations chief condemned the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran and called for an immediate return to negotiations “to pull the region, and our world, back from the brink.”

Secretary-General António Guterres told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Saturday that everything must be done to prevent further escalation. “The alternative,” he warned, “is a potential wider conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability.”

Guterres said the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes violated international law, including the U.N. Charter. He also condemned Iran’s retaliatory attacks for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, insisted the U.S. military action was lawful.

“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he told the council. “That principle is not a matter of politics. It’s a matter of global security. And to that end, the United States is taking lawful actions.”

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon, speaking to reporters before the meeting, said it was “hypocrisy” to condemn the airstrikes. He said Iran is responsible for the actions of its proxies in the Middle East and for its nuclear and missile programs, and Israel and the U.S. acted “to prevent an irreversible and immediate threat.”

The attack on Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, The Associated Press has reported. The assassination of the second leader of the Islamic Republic, who had no designated successor, raised the prospects of a protracted conflict given Iranian threats of retaliation. President Donald Trump on social media called his passing “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

Russia’s ambassador condemned the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, while China’s ambassador was more measured in his criticism.

“We demand that the United States and Israel immediately cease their aggressive actions,” Russian U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said. “We insist on the immediate resumption of political and diplomatic settlement efforts … based on international law, mutual respect and a balance of interests.”

China’s U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong said China was very concerned by “the sudden escalation of regional tensions” and supported Russia’s call for a return to diplomatic negotiations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a letter to the secretary-general, accused the United States and Israel of “flagrantly” violating Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the U.N. Charter. He said Iran was exercising its right to self-defense under the charter in response.

He urged the council members “to take the necessary and immediate measures to halt this unlawful use of force and to ensure accountability.” And he called for an unequivocal condemnation of “this act of aggression … as it undoubtedly poses an unprecedented threat to regional as well as global peace and security.”

Five council members — Bahrain, which is the Arab representative on the council, France, Russia, China and Colombia — called for the emergency meeting.

In a joint statement, the leaders of Britain and France — both veto-wielding members of the council — along with Germany’s chancellor called for a resumption of U.S.-Iranian talks on Tehran’s nuclear program. The three countries, part of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, have led efforts to reach a negotiated solution. Trump pulled the U.S. out of the deal in 2018.

The three European leaders strongly condemned Iranian airstrikes in the region — not the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes — and urged Iran’s leaders to seek a negotiated solution, saying: “Ultimately, the Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.”

The Security Council meeting is taking place on the last day of the United Kingdom’s presidency and a day before the United States takes over the rotating presidency for the month of March.

___

Amiri reported from Atlanta.

UK flights to the Middle East have been cancelled – and airports in Dubai and Doha have grounded all services – after the US began attacking Iran.

Multiple cities in Iran were hit by missiles, while counter strikes targeted US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait – as well as sites in Israel.

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) warned Britons in those countries to “immediately shelter in place” and to avoid travel to Israel and Palestine.

Iran latest: US launches ‘major combat operations’

“Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities,” advised the FCDO.

It said it was “working around the clock” to support British nationals affected.

UK citizens are being urged to sign up to Register Your Presence and travel advice emails so the Foreign Office can send the latest information.

Thousands of Britons are potentially stuck due to the temporary closure of airspace and airports in countries such as the UAE and Qatar.

British Airways cancelled Saturday’s Dubai, Doha, Amman and Abu Dhabi services, as well as flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain up to 3 March.

A BA flight from London to Doha, Qatar‘s capital, was among dozens forced to turn around or divert mid-flight early on Saturday, according to flight tracking websites.

London Heathrow said “a small number of flights” had been cancelled or delayed.

Its departures board on Saturday afternoon showed cancellations including an Emirates flight to Dubai, a Qatar Airways flight to Doha, and an Etihad service to Abu Dhabi.

A Gatwick spokesperson said it was also “expecting disruption to our Qatar and Emirates flights”.

Manchester Airport departures showed a Saturday night Emirates flight to Dubai had been scrapped as it shared a post advising people to check with their airline.

Wizz Air also confirmed flights between London Luton to Tel Aviv were suspended in both directions until 7 March but that “operational decisions will continue to be reviewed”.

Virgin Atlantic said journeys from destinations including India and the Maldives could take longer as the routes were being altered for safety reasons.

Many other large airlines have also paused flights to the Middle East, as well as some routes flying over the region, including Delta, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific and Turkish Airlines.

India’s airlines are also suffering serious disruption.

Its aviation ministry said more than 400 flights by domestic carriers had been cancelled on Saturday and a similar number were expected on Sunday.

Dubai airports at standstill

The worst disruption is likely to be caused by the grounding of flights at Dubai’s main airport, the world’s busiest for international traffic.

People jetting out for a winter break – and the thousands who change aircraft there – are set to have their plans upended after the UAE closed its airspace.

All flights at Dubai’s International, Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum) and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International have been suspended.

At least 90,000 people transfer every day in Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi on just three airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways, according to analytics firm Cirium.

People in Dubai were earlier filmed running for shelter as air raid sirens sounded and witnesses told Reuters at least three big blasts were heard over the city.

A fire broke out near the entrance of the five-star Fairmont The Palm hotel after debris reportedly fell from an Iranian missile.

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Big blasts heard over Dubai as people run for cover
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A Dubai airports statement called the closures an “exceptional precautionary measure”, while Emirates said safety was its “highest priority” as it halted flights.

“You have crews, planes and passengers stranded all over the world. It’s a massive logistical nightmare,” a Gulf airline source told Reuters.

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Moment free-falling missile hits Doha

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Qatar’s international airport also suspended all services after the country’s airspace was locked down in case of more attacks from Iran.

People were earlier forced to run for cover as a missile – which was likely intercepted – tumbled out the sky and exploded in a residential area of Doha.

America’s largest regional air base, al Udeid, is near the city and Iran has deemed all US bases in the region as fair game.