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NEWS STORY : Andrew Gorrell Found Guilty of Murder

A 54-year-old man has been found guilty of murder following a horrific and random arson attack that claimed the life of an 82-year-old pensioner in Wednesbury. Andrew Gorrell, of Moss Grove, Saltney, was convicted at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday afternoon after jurors took less than four hours to reach their unanimous verdict. The court heard how Gorrell travelled from North Wales to the West Midlands in May last year before embarking on a series of deliberate acts that resulted in the death of John Edwards and left several family members with life-altering injuries.

The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of 11 May 2023 at the Edwards’ family home on Holyhead Road. CCTV evidence presented during the trial showed Gorrell loitering in the area and appearing near the property shortly before the blaze began. Prosecutors detailed how Gorrell intentionally moved a wheelie bin and positioned it directly against the front door of the terraced house before setting its contents alight. This strategic placement not only ensured the fire would spread rapidly into the structure but also effectively blocked the primary escape route for the occupants sleeping inside.

John Edwards suffered catastrophic burns in the fire and passed away in hospital on 25 May 2023. His wife, Doreen, and their two adult sons, Carl and Mark, were also present during the attack. Mark Edwards sustained severe burns to his face, hands, and eyes while attempting to alert his parents and brother, while Carl was forced to escape through a rear window. Investigators from the West Midlands Police homicide team noted that Gorrell had no prior connection to the Edwards family or the Wednesbury area, describing the targeting of their home as utterly random.

A particularly chilling detail noted by the prosecution was Gorrell’s attire at the time of the offence. He was captured on CCTV wearing a Chicago Bulls jacket and a T-shirt promoting the horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street, which depicts a character who was burned alive. Following the fatal blaze, Gorrell continued through the streets of Wednesbury and admitted to setting three additional fires in various commercial and council waste bins that same morning.

While the defence argued that Gorrell’s actions were the result of chaotic behaviour while heavily intoxicated, the prosecution successfully maintained that he was capable of thinking through the consequences of his actions. In addition to the murder conviction, Gorrell was found guilty of two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, and arson with intent to endanger life

February 19, 2026
NEWS STORY : Lobbying Giant Global Counsel to Enter Administration

STORY

London-based advisory firm Global Counsel has announced its intention to collapse into administration, bringing a sudden end to one of the most influential political consultancies in Westminster. The firm, which was co-founded by the former Labour minister Peter Mandelson, confirmed today that it could no longer withstand the commercial fallout from a mounting scandal involving Mandelson’s past ties to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement released to staff and clients, the firm described the current situation as a maelstrom that has made continued operations untenable.

The collapse follows a week of rapid disintegration for the consultancy. Major corporate clients, including the investment giant KKR and Barclays, had already moved to sever ties with the firm after new details emerged from a tranche of unsealed emails. These documents reportedly suggested that Epstein had been involved in the very early stages of the firm’s founding in 2010. While Global Counsel had recently attempted to distance itself from the controversy by facilitating the sale of Mandelson’s remaining 21% stake to the new chief executive Rebecca Park, the move was ultimately unable to stem the loss of institutional trust.

The crisis deepened further when Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, a co-founder and former director of strategic communications for Tony Blair, resigned as chief executive earlier this month. His departure was triggered by revelations that he and Mandelson had met with Epstein on multiple occasions during the firm’s infancy. The company will continue to operate only in a limited capacity during administration, with around 100 jobs feared to have been lost.

February 19, 2026
Yvette Cooper – 2026 Statement on El Fasher

The statement made by Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, on 19 February 2026.

The findings of this UN report are truly horrific – atrocities including systematic starvation, torture, killings, rape and deliberate ethnic targeting used on the most horrendous scale during the Rapid Support Forces siege of El Fasher.

The UK called for this report to be commissioned by the UN in November to hold perpetrators of these vile atrocities to account, and today I will take its conclusions to the chamber of the Security Council and ensure that the voices of women of Sudan who have endured so much are heard by the world.

Today’s report describes the most unimaginable and chilling horrors – including people forced to choose between starvation or eating animal feed, children subjected to mass rape, civilians ambushed and slaughtered as they fled the sieged city, patients and staff killed in their hospital, perpetrators boasting of mass crimes on social media, and calling for “extermination”.

We need urgent action from across the international community including urgent international criminal investigations into the mounting evidence of atrocities in El Fasher to ensure accountability for vile perpetrators, justice for victims and to break the cycle of bloodshed.

We urgently need an end to arms flows. Reports into breaches of the arms embargo which we agree should be extended and enforced, must be investigated. The obstructions to the Fact Finding Mission from both warring parties are shameful and unacceptable – the UN needs unimpeded access to bring atrocities and breaches to account.

Most important of all we need global action and pressure in pursuit of a ceasefire, and essential humanitarian access with support for survivors.

Our response must be emphatic: the UK has sanctioned four senior RSF commanders accused of committing heinous atrocities in El Fasher. And this week we joined the US and France in proposing they will be designated in the UN too – these crimes must not go unanswered.

The world is still failing the people of Sudan. When the stories started to emerge about the horrors of El Fasher it should have been a turning point, but the violence is continuing. Today, in the Security Council, the UK as President will make sure the world does not look away. It is time to listen to the women of Sudan not the military men who have been prosecuting this war. We need action for justice, accountability and peace.

February 19, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : Tech firms will have to take down abusive images within 48 hours under new law to protect women and girls [February 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 19 February 2026.

New law requires tech platforms to take down non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours or face fines.
- Government orders tech platforms to detect and remove intimate images shared without consent
- Firms put on notice that any non-consensual intimate image that is flagged to them must be taken down in under 48 hours
- Government clear that tackling intimate image abuse should be treated with the same severity the same as child sexual abuse material and terrorist content
Tech companies will be ordered to take down intimate images shared without a victim’s consent within 48 hours, under new laws to protect women and girls from this distressing abuse.

Through an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill, companies will be legally required to remove this content no more than 48 hours after it is flagged to them, and platforms that fail to act could face fines of up to 10% of their qualifying worldwide revenue or having their services blocked in the UK.

The government is determined to make sure that victims will only need to report an image once. This would mean where an image is reported, they are removed across multiple platforms in one go, and from then on, they are automatically deleted at every new upload.

As part of that work, plans are currently being considered by Ofcom for these kinds of images to be treated with the same severity as child sexual abuse and terrorism content, digitally marking them so that any time someone tries to repost them, they will be automatically taken down.

In a further step to protect victims, we will publish guidance for internet providers setting out how they should block access to sites hosting this content, targeting rogue websites that may fall outside the reach of the Online Safety Act.

In recent years, there has been a worrying trend of intimate images being used to threaten, intimidate and distress, and the Prime Minister is determined to hand back control to victims and end their fear that even when an image is taken down, it will only be put up somewhere else.

Prime Minister Keir Stamer said:

As Director of Public Prosecutions, I saw firsthand the unimaginable, often lifelong pain and trauma violence against women and girls causes. As Prime Minister, I will leave no stone unturned in the fight to protect women from violence and abuse.

The online world is the frontline of the 21st century battle against violence against women and girls. That’s why my government is taking urgent action: against chatbots and ‘nudification’ tools.

Today we are going further, putting companies on notice so that any non-consensual image is taken down in under 48 hours.

Violence against women and girls has no place in our society, and I will not rest until it is rooted out.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:

The days of tech firms having a free pass are over. Because of the action we are taking platforms must now find and remove intimate images shared without consent within a maximum of 48 hours.

No woman should have to chase platform after platform, waiting days for an image to come down. Under this government, you report once and you’re protected everywhere.

The internet must be a space where women and girls feel safe, respected, and able to thrive.

Minister for Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones said:

Intimate image abuse devastates lives. These new measures send a clear message: tech platforms can no longer drag their feet. When harmful content is flagged, it must come down, and fast.

By requiring companies to remove non‑consensual intimate images within 48 hours, we are finally putting the onus where it belongs – on the tech firms with the power and resources to act.

It’s a vital step towards making the online world safer, fairer, and more respectful for women and girls.

The government was elected on a pledge to recognise violence against women and girls (VAWG) as a national emergency, and halve this crime in the next decade. Central to this pledge is keeping women and girls safe online.

Just weeks ago, the government called out abhorrent non-consensual intimate images being shared on Grok, which led to the function being removed. Ministers are also legislating to make ‘nudification’ tools illegal and bringing chatbots – like Grok – within scope of the Online Safety Act.

Creating or sharing non-consensual intimate images will also become a ‘priority offence’ under the Online Safety Act, meaning this crime is treated with the same seriousness as child abuse or terrorism.

This builds on the government’s VAWG strategy, the first step in the government’s plan to transform how society response to these awful crimes, this included more than 200 pledges spanning prevention, supporting victims and pursuing offenders, and this laid out a whole of government, and a whole of society approach.

The Prime Minister has been clear this is the first step in the mission to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade, and his government is now focused on delivery.
February 19, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : British research expertise to deliver faster cancer diagnosis and cleaner energy [February 2026]
The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 19 February 2026.

Major new backing for medical imaging centres across the UK including tidal energy testing expansion in Orkney and cutting-edge materials.
- Major new research programmes backed by the government and delivered through UKRI will drive innovation in healthcare, cleaner energy and advanced manufacturing.
- Pioneering medical imaging centres across the UK will help doctors detect diseases earlier and speed up treatment for patients.
- Tidal energy testing expanded in Orkney – cementing Scotland’s place as a clean energy superpower and unlocking greener power for communities.
- £80 million pumped into efforts to produce cutting-edge materials, supporting everything from lighter and more efficient aircraft parts to long-lasting medical implants.
Patients will see faster cancer diagnoses and doctors will gain new insights into how diseases develop and resist treatments, as part of 3 new research programmes which harness cutting-edge tech to deliver benefits for hardworking people across the country.

Unveiled by Science Minister Lord Vallance today (Thursday 19 February), a combined pot of £150 million will support 3 key projects spanning healthcare, clean energy, and the development of state-of-the-art materials. This will help deliver on the government’s plans for national renewal, by growing the economy, improving lives, and helping turn the brightest UK research ideas into new businesses.

The investment is part of UKRI’s record £38 billion funding settlement, which will specifically target curiosity-driven research, R&D addressing government priorities, and support for innovative companies to start, scale and stay in the UK.

The UK’s research community has already been backed by a record £86 billion in R&D investment over the coming years, with today’s announcements highlighting how that support is helping researchers go further and faster to deliver positive change and tangible impact for the British public.

One key area is in the treatment and diagnoses of cancer – a disease which will touch all of us over the course of our lifetimes. The earlier a disease is caught, the better a patient’s chances, while the ability for researchers to understand why a treatment works for one person but not others holds the potential to transform care for millions.

Backed by £55 million, a new medical imaging programme will create ‘Centres of Imaging Excellence’ in England, Scotland and Wales. These hubs for cutting-edge med tech will bring together the latest scanning technology with clinical expertise to unlock new insights into how diseases develop and why some infections resist drugs. For patients, this means faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatments tailored to them. For the NHS, it means staying at the forefront of medical science while easing pressure on services.

A project backed by £15 million meanwhile will tap into Britain’s coastline – one of our greatest natural assets – to help generate reliable, clean power. Blue Horizon will expand the European Marine Energy Centre’s world-leading tidal test facilities in Orkney, meaning more companies can trial their turbines in real world conditions, accelerating the journey from prototype to power grid. The investment brings tidal energy closer to becoming a mainstream part of Britain’s energy mix, creating skilled jobs in coastal communities and supporting the government’s mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower.

Scotland’s natural strengths as a renewable energy powerhouse have already seen the country taking on an increasingly pivotal role to deliver growth and opportunity. Lanarkshire’s new AI Growth Zone announced just weeks ago will not only create 3,400 high-value local jobs but will also be powered by on-site renewables. This pioneering approach highlights the potential of renewable energy to power the UK’s science, innovation, and technology ambitions for generations to come.

Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

Britain has world-class researchers and a proud history of turning insight and ideas into innovation. Our job is to make sure those ideas don’t just stay in the lab, but become the treatments, technologies and products that improve lives in hospitals, homes and communities across the country.

Government investment in projects like these – from helping to spot diseases earlier and developing new cancer therapies to taking advantage of our coastline to power the nation – will make a real difference to people and spark the economic growth hardworking communities deserve.

This represents British research at its best – bringing together ideas, expertise, and technical know-how and turning it into impact.

Dr Zubir Ahmed, Health Innovation Minister, said:

After 20 years of frontline NHS experience, I know how vital it is that cancer is caught early to give patients a fighting chance.

Cutting edge research like this could save lives by giving patients faster diagnoses and individually-tailored treatments.

This is another step on our journey to shift our NHS from analogue to digital, as part of our 10 Year Health Plan.

As part of today’s announcements, the government is also rolling out an £80 million National Materials Innovation Programme (NMIP) – helping deliver on the ambition of its Modern Industrial Strategy. Advanced materials are already part of daily life – they stop our phone screens from shattering when they’re dropped and help electric car batteries charge faster and last longer. They’re also behind critical innovations in healthcare, defence and clean energy.

Britain has world-leading researchers developing these materials, but promising discoveries too often end up manufactured abroad. The programme unveiled today will bridge that gap, helping UK innovations reach market faster and keeping production in Britain. This sort of innovation is already delivering positive change for the public. Only 3% of UK adults with glioblastoma – the most aggressive brain cancer – currently survive for 5 years, with Cheshire-based QV Bioelectronics now using advanced materials to develop a world-first implant device which delivers targeted therapy directly to the brain. The company has secured £4.5 million, including Innovate UK funding, to now begin first-in-human trials.

The money announced today will help bring together industry, academia, and government to streamline access to funding, and support targeted pilots which could lead to the eventual development of everything from lighter, more efficient aircraft parts through to long-life medical implants.

Mike Biddle, Executive Director Net Zero at Innovate UK, said:

Working alongside Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) will help establish a coordinated approach for the UK advanced materials sector and accelerate the pull through of impactful innovations into industry, boosting productivity, resilience and growth nationwide.

The programmes announced today highlight how curiosity-driven research and a focus on national priorities and support for companies to scale up and grow will deliver sustainable, positive change for British people. This agile, focused, and impactful approach won’t just put British expertise at the heart of innovations and breakthroughs delivering for people here at home, but which are transforming lives for the better all over the world.

Notes to editors

The National Materials Innovation Programme will fund 5 areas of activity:
- connecting researchers with businesses – new networks bringing together universities, companies and government
- backing high-potential projects – targeted support for the most promising innovations
- protecting strategic supplies – ensuring the UK can produce materials critical to national security,
- improving testing and data – developing better ways to measure and verify how new materials perform
- building international partnerships – working with global partners to attract investment, share expertise and strengthen the UK’s reputation as a world leader in materials science
The Blue Horizon project is delivered by the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney, with funding from UKRI’s Infrastructure Fund.
February 19, 2026
Yvette Cooper – 2026 Statement on the Situation in the Middle East

The speech made by Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, at the United Nations in New York on 18 February 2026.

Colleagues, let me begin by welcoming my fellow Ministers joining today’s session and also by thanking Under-Secretary-General Di Carlo for her briefing, as well as Hiba Qasas and Nadav Tamir for their powerful remarks which remind us of the opportunity that lies before us, an opportunity to end the cycle of violence and suffering, and to build a better future, free from terror, free from occupation, and to bring lasting peace and security to the region, and to come together in the very spirit of this United Nations.

For more than two years, the human cost has been unimaginable. Families shattered. Communities destroyed or displaced.

Trauma that will reverberate for generations.

The pain of the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7th, the suffering of the hostages, and the devastation of the war that followed in Gaza, with over 70,000 Palestinians killed. That is ever-present.

With thanks to the leadership of the United States, Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye – alongside a wider intense intense diplomatic drive from many of the nations represented here today – a ceasefire was secured and endorsed by this Council, in Resolution 2803.

The hostages are home, and the families of those deceased can finally lay their loved ones to rest.

And we have an international determination to deliver Phase 2 of the Peace Plan.

But the ceasefire itself remains fragile.

And the progress we all seek is at risk.

We have seen ceasefire violations on both sides.

Hamas has continued to attack Israeli forces.

And over 600 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began.

And this is deeply disturbing and undermines Phase 1 of President Trump’s peace plan.

Gaza must not get stuck in a no-man’s land between peace and war.

So to deliver Phase 2, we see four priorities for urgent action.

Firstly, we must begin the serious process of decommissioning Hamas’s weapons.

In line with the 20 Point Plan, Hamas must destroy its terrorist infrastructure and weapons production sites as a first step towards full demilitarisation. And we stand ready to play our part.

Hamas must have no future role in running of Gaza.

Because that is crucial for the security of Israelis and Palestinians alike. Alongside this we need to see the Palestinian police strengthened, the International Stabilisation Force deployment, and IDF withdrawal from the Strip.

Second, we need to build stable Palestinian governance.

The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza must be supported to succeed.

This crucial body which was included alongside the Board of Peace in Resolution 2803 now needs to be supported to deliver for the Palestinian people, leading day-to-day service, delivery and recovery efforts, establishing its legitimacy and credibility.

That is the best way to weaken Hamas and render them irrelevant.

And there must be a clear plan for the links and transition from the Committee to a reformed Palestinian Authority.

Because Palestine must be run by Palestinians.

Third, we must prevent the destabilisation of the West Bank and preserve the viability of a Palestinian state.

We have seen the Palestinian economy face strangulation, including the Israeli government withholding some of the Palestinian authority’s own tax revenues.

We are witnessing an all-time high of Israeli settlement expansion and settler violence, in flagrant breach of international law.

With Palestinian families and communities driven from their homes, beaten while farming in their own land.

Attacks that sow terror among civilians.

This is deeply deeply wrong, and a clear contravention of the resolutions of this Council, and counter-productive. It only makes the Israeli and Palestinian people less secure.
Fourth and most important of all, most immediately, we must address Gaza’s catastrophic humanitarian situation.

Families, repeatedly displaced, are spending this winter desperately seeking shelter amidst the rubble.

Without electricity. Without water supplies or healthcare.

Children have frozen to death, and died while awaiting medical evacuations.

This is unconscionable and, crucially, it is preventable.

To address these dire needs the United Kingdom has contributed over $100m for humanitarian support in Gaza this year.

Since the ceasefire, aid flows have increased, more crossings are partially reopened, but the level of need cannot be met unless more restrictions are lifted covering essential medical equipment, components for field hospitals, basic shelter items.

Because delays and restrictions cost lives. And we also risk now going dangerously backwards.

The Israeli government policy of deregistering and shutting down the operations of international NGOs in Gaza – including British organisations like Save the Children – risk choking off essential access to people in desperate need and closing fragile health facilities, so we need an urgent change in course.

So I urge the authorities to urgently ensure that experienced and long-standing organisations can continue to operate, and the UN and its partners must remain at the heart of the response throughout the whole of Gaza, including the proper protection of all UNRWA and UN staff, premises, and operations.

Colleagues,

Last September, I came to the UN and – and alongside allies – affirmed the UK’s recognition of the State of Palestine.

This historic step, 75 years after Britain’s recognition of the State of Israel, reflected our commitment to a two-state solution, to the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and the security of Israel.

And I spoke then about the profound peril facing the two-state solution and the need for the world to come together and take action for peace.

That remains true today.

So Britain remains steadfast in our support for the security of Israel and its people.

Because a two-state solution can be the gateway to transform the region: with normalisation, regional integration and peaceful coexistence.

But security cannot be achieved by an indefinite or humiliating occupation that denies security and sovereignty to the Palestinian people.

So despite the trauma; despite the suffering of recent years, there remains the hope for a better future.

As we have heard from the powerful testimonies of our civil society briefers today.

In March this year the UK will hold a Peacebuilding Conference to bring together Israel and Palestinian civil society leaders to build trust and challenge divisions, because peace is built not just by governments, but by whole societies.

The UK has its own experience of peacebuilding in Northern Ireland, which was a conflict that many said could never be resolved and communities that many said could never co-exist.

There are other members of this Council who have equivalent or deeper insights. And we know that we cannot undo the trauma of the past. But we can chart a different course for generations to come.

To help realise Palestinian self-determination.

To help provide Israel with long-term security.

And to secure the two-state solution as the only path to lasting peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

February 19, 2026
King Charles III – 2026 Statement on the Arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

The statement made by King Charles III on 19 February 2026.

“I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.

In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.

As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter.

Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.

Charles R.”

February 19, 2026
NEWS STORY : Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office

STORY

The BBC has reported that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police cars were reported to be at Sandringham in Norfolk this morning, following an investigation by Thames Valley Police of allegations of sensitive information being shared. King Charles III is yet to comment on the news.

February 19, 2026
NEWS STORY : Renewed Scrutiny for Cabinet Secretary Frontrunner Dame Antonia Romeo

STORY

The prospective appointment of Dame Antonia Romeo as the United Kingdom’s first female Cabinet Secretary has reignited a debate over past allegations of professional misconduct. As Prime Minister Keir Starmer moves to overhaul his senior team following the sudden departure of Sir Chris Wormald, Romeo has emerged as the clear frontrunner to lead the Civil Service. However, the move has drawn sharp warnings from former colleagues and senior officials who argue that further “due diligence” is required before she takes the most powerful administrative seat in Whitehall.

The issue resurfaced this week when Sir Simon McDonald, the former Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Office and Romeo’s superior during her New York posting, issued a highly unusual public warning. Speaking to Channel 4 News, McDonald suggested that the previous vetting process had been insufficient and urged Number 10 to “start from scratch” with their due diligence processed.

February 17, 2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK hands over modernised rehabilitation wards to Ukraine Armed Forces [February 2026]

The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 16 February 2026.

UK hands over final modernised medical rehabilitation wards to Ukraine’s Armed Forces under Project Renovator, following two-year Defence collaboration.

The UK has handed over the last of five modernised medical rehabilitation wards to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as part of Project Renovator. Defence Equipment and Support and the Defence Medical Services have been working together for two years on this project, and representatives were on site to sign the formal handover documents.

Renovator is a NATO funded project to expand Ukraine’s military medical rehabilitation services and help troops who suffered life-changing injuries to return to the frontline and help them readjust to civilian life. The UK was the first nation to join the project, responsible for refurbishing, equipping and providing training to one site, and providing urgent support to the other sites as they awaited NATO partners. Norway, Sweden, Lithuania and Latvia have now joined the project and the UK is working alongside them to deliver a fully integrated rehabilitation capability for Ukraine.

Nearly all core work for the project has now been delivered, including; two heating and hot water systems to enhance resilience at two sites; five modernised wards with accommodation, treatment spaces and staff facilities; a range of physical training kit, clinical equipment and diagnostics capabilities to support rehabilitation and training; and four deployed training teams providing specialist clinical shoulder-to-shoulder mentoring and training. The project has increased bed capacity by 250, and delivered over 21,000 items of equipment. The final element before achievement of Full Operating Capability will be the installation of a modern CT scanner to enhance diagnostics for complex trauma injuries.

Colonel Simon Doyle, the Renovator Project Director said:

This has been an enormous team effort from our Ukrainian hosts and colleagues, industry, and the UK. Standing here now it is difficult to believe that the full scale invasion had put this facility totally out of action, and now it is helping return Defenders to the fight with the brand-new high-quality facilities they deserve. We look forward to helping you on the next stage of developing this amazing facility.

Colonel Victor Korchenok, the Site Deputy Commander said:

It is a great honour to mark the handover of the last ward. The UK was the first nation to support Renovator, providing infrastructure development, modern rehabilitation, surgical and diagnostic equipment, and training for our professionals. Each component has greatly enhanced our rehabilitation capabilities and improved the quality of care for our defenders who protect our sovereignty.

Rickie Nixon, the Defence Equipment and Support Operations Team Leader said:

We started this project two years ago, and have come a long way. Our small team has achieved so much here on the Renovator sites, and we are hugely grateful for the opportunity to support our friends in Ukraine on such an important project.

Andriy Dyshuk, director of Ukrainian construction company Fragola Government Services, said:

This project demonstrates how proper cooperation between two countries, even in the most difficult conditions, can deliver massive results. It is not just words but the physical outcome that matters. This success was only possible through stakeholder collaboration, and I thank Prevail and the United Kingdom for their efforts.

February 17, 2026