Review of UK and world papers and coverage of UK and global journalism stories and Journalism History for Friday 13th February 2026.
Journalism is the first draft of history and these daily reports seek to provide an online briefing of the history of journalism for each day featured.
The Chartered Institute of Journalists remembers all the professional journalists and media workers murdered and killed while doing their work this year in all parts of the world and remember the immense sacrifice of those who gave their lives to the profession in the past. We send our condolences to their families, friends and professional colleagues.
The Chartered Institute of Journalists wishes to make it absolutely clear that all our reporting of stories about journalism and media saying ‘reports’ ‘writes for’ ‘briefing’ or attribution followed by colon, does not imply or mean our agreement or endorsing with the quoted headline or linked story. Our policy is impartiality & apolitical.
X posts:-
BBC News Papers’ Review analysing front pages UK national newspapers for Friday 13th February 2026: “‘Cull at No 10’ and ‘Ban United.'” See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2022191898635747481
To:
Sky News ‘The Wrap’ discussing Friday’s newspaper front pages 13th February 2026 with Rod Liddle, presenter, Times Radio, and Christina Patterson, journalist and author. Times: ‘Pupils able to change their gender at school.’ See: https://x.com/CIoJournalist/status/2022191478962106458
CIoJ LinkedIn news edited by Liz Justice:
A trial date has been set between the BBC and Donald Trump in a $10billion lawsuit for next February. See: https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activity…
To:
Following an investigation, Ofcom has fined Kick Online Entertainment SA £800,000 for failing to comply with age check requirements.’ See: https://www.linkedin.com/…/urn:li:activity…
Latest CIoJ LinkedIn news feed stories edited by Liz Justice at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/63500/
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Chatered Institute of Journalists Young Journalist of the Year Awards 2026
Business and Financial Journalist of the year category sponsored by Cavendish
‘We’re delighted that Cavendish Tech and Innovation is sponsoring the Business/Financial Journalist of the Year category at The Chartered Institute of Journalists (CIoJ) Young Journalist of the Year Awards 2026. This comes as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the media industry and championing new journalistic talent.
These awards celebrate the very best young journalists across the UK, recognising outstanding achievements by those aged 30 and under. Specifically, the Business/Financial Journalist of the Year award highlights impactful stories that cover the business/financial aspects of a particular company, sector, or issue – from funding and corporate governance to financial outcomes and strategic insight.
Would you like to sponsor other categories for CIoJ Young Journalist Awards for 2026. ‘Host a category and add your brand to the 2026 Young Journalist Awards.’ See: https://www.cioj.org/young-journalists-awards-2026/
The Winners of the 2026 Young Journalist of the Year Awards will be announced in March 2026.
Many congratulations to winners, specially commended and finalists in inaugural 2025 CIoJ Young Journalist of the Year Awards, on 25th March 2025. See: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/live-group_youngjournalistawards-journalismmatters-cioj-activity-7310632030642339840-68d4?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAeLiVwB8a2_okGmo5JT2aJ02kIVH-ra9No
Gerald Bowey is the present President of the Chartered Institute of Journalists and Caroline Roddis, the Vice-President. Their roles were confirmed in a handover event at the Reform Club in Central London on Tuesday 20th February 2024.
Bowey emphasised the guidance, support, and encouragement that had been at the heart of the Institute for 140 years and announced the launch of a new Young Journalist of the Year awards scheme that would encourage journalists under 30 years of age to enter a range of categories.
Commenting Bowey said: “the Institute is focused on supporting working journalists, both in-house and freelance, in the workplace, as a trade union, and in sustaining journalists in difficult circumstances as a charitable trust.
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Two Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Journalists at the heart of British Journalism History
T.P.O’Connor founder of London campaigning evening newspaper The Star in 1888 and Arthur Burrows the first journalist and news presenter at the B.B.C. 1922.
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CIoJ member Clare Hollingworth OBE (1911-2017) – The first war correspondent to report the outbreak of World War II, described as “the scoop of the century”
Listen to Imperial War Museum archive interview with Clare recorded in 2001
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CIoJ X news feed at: https://x.com/CIoJournalist
CIoJ LinkedIn news feed edited by Liz Justice at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/63500/
CIoJ Facebook news feed at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077475452242
Official CIoJ LinkedIn site for Institute news and projects at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-chartered-institute-of-journalists/posts/?feedView=all
Chartered Institute of Journalists website at: https://www.cioj.org/
Review of UK national newspapers for Friday 13th February 2026
We begin with developments in Downing Street.
Several papers lead on turmoil at the top of government.
The Guardian reports: “PM ousts top civil servant in shake-up of No 10 team,” describing the departure of the cabinet secretary amid wider restructuring.
The Independent similarly says: “Now Starmer loses his cabinet secretary – as top civil servant confirms he’s leaving No 10.”
The Times focuses on the financial implications, reporting: “PM agreed to £260k payout for sacked civil servant.”
And The i Paper frames it as political damage control with: “Cull at No 10 as Starmer tries to relaunch his leadership.”
Taken together, the papers suggest a government attempting to steady itself after a turbulent week, with questions over leadership, accountability and cost.
On schools and gender guidance, there is significant front-page coverage across the titles.
The Times leads prominently with: “Pupils able to change their gender at school – Pronoun guidance for children as young as four.”
The Daily Telegraph carries: “Children will be allowed to change gender at school.”
The issue is also reflected in more campaigning language from The Daily Mail, which declares: “LABOUR OPENS DOOR TO TRANS CHILDREN IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.”
The coverage highlights how the updated guidance is becoming a major political dividing line, with debate over parental rights, safeguarding and inclusion.
On migration and culture wars, football and politics intersect.
The Times reports: “Football chiefs step in after Ratcliffe kicks off over migration.”
The Independent calls it: “Ratcliffe’s own goal over ‘apology’ for UK migrants slur.”
The Star‘s headline is: ‘Ban United- Ratcliffe’s “Sorry” but FA could bar him from ground. ‘
And the Daily Express runs with: “United chief is sorry but wants ‘open debate’ on migrants.”
Across the titles, the focus is on remarks by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the reaction from football authorities and politicians.
Turning to crime and public safety.
The Daily Mirror leads with: “UNMASKED – Judge rules teenage thug who murdered Leo, 12, in unprovoked attack must be named.”
The Sun goes in a different direction with a royal-focused splash: “ANOTHER ROYAL BOMBSHELL – Andy girl flown to UK on Epstein’s ‘Lolita Express’,” alongside calls for further investigation.
The Daily Express headline reads: “UK STREETS ARE ‘AWASH’ WITH ILLEGAL DRUGS,” framing concerns over border control and organised crime.
International and economic stories also feature prominently.
The Financial Times leads on a major City deal: “City champion Schroders agrees to £9.9bn takeover by US rival Nuveen.”
It also carries analysis of geopolitical strategy under the headline: “Northern chill – China aims for Arctic routes.”
Meanwhile, The Guardian highlights climate policy in the United States with: “‘Gift to polluters’ as US revokes climate ruling.”
So, a morning dominated by upheaval in Downing Street, sharp debate over gender guidance in schools, controversy around migration comments in football, and a mixture of crime, royal, and global economic stories rounding out the front pages.
That’s the state of the papers this Friday morning.
Review of front pages of UK’s regional England, and nation Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland newspapers
A number of regional newspapers lead on controversy surrounding Manchester United’s co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Metro headlines: “Big Jim’s own goal”, under the strapline “UTD OWNER’S IMMIGRANTS JIBE”, reporting criticism after remarks about immigration and the UK population.
The Manchester Evening News also leads with the story, quoting Ratcliffe’s apology beneath the headline: “I’M SORRY – United co-owner apologises for saying UK has been ‘colonised by immigrants’.” The paper says the comments prompted backlash from fans and politicians.
In Scotland, energy policy dominates several front pages.
The Scotsman leads with: “Reverse ban on new oil and gas, says Blair’s think tank”, reporting on a call from the Tony Blair Institute to rethink restrictions on North Sea drilling.
Meanwhile The Herald focuses on Brexit-related funding, with: “Scotland ‘cut out of £15bn EU funding for energy’”, warning of the potential economic impact.
Crime is the central theme for the Daily Record, which splashes: “1000s OF CRIMINALS ON THE RUN FROM POLICE”, alongside the claim: “MURDERERS AND RAPISTS AT LARGE.” The paper reports that more than 7,000 suspects are currently unaccounted for.
In Wales, the death of a young soldier is the leading story.
The South Wales Echo declares: “ARMY: ‘WE FAILED TEENAGE TROOPER JACK’”, reporting on an apology following the death of an 18-year-old guardsman.
The Western Mail carries a similar tribute under the headline: “‘The light inside him dimmed and his cheeky smile faded’”, describing the Army’s admission of failings.
In Northern Ireland, economic pressures and trade feature prominently.
The Belfast Telegraph reports: “More than 500 pubs have shut in last three decades”, highlighting challenges facing the hospitality sector.
The Irish News leads on transatlantic trade tensions with: “Exports to US slump as Trump’s tariffs bite”, saying more than a third has been wiped off in a year.
And in Yorkshire, renewable energy and local infrastructure are the focus.
The Yorkshire Post leads with: “Minister defends solar farm increase”, reporting claims that renewable projects in the region “will cut energy bills.”
Across the regions this morning, the front pages reflect a mix of political controversy, economic concern, crime, and tributes — with local perspectives shaping the national debate.
CIoJ LinkedIn news stories, Hold The Front Page news stories, Guardian media news stories, Press Gazette news stories, Arab News media stories and other stories from miscellaneous sources
The Institute calls on Belarus to release the journalists and media workers it has detained. Belarus is currently ranked 167th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index. See: https://rsf.org/en/country/belarus RSF states: ‘To silence independent journalists, the authorities have resorted to state-sponsored terrorism, including censorship, violence, mass arrests, and coordinated raids on homes and media offices, as well as disbanding the Association of Belarusian Journalists (BAJ).’
The CIoJ calls on all governments and states unjustly detaining journalists for doing their professional work to respect freedom of expression, the right to liberty and free them immediately. See: https://rsf.org/en/new-record-number-journalists-jailed-worldwide
North American Newspapers for Friday 13th February 2026
French Newspapers for Friday 13th February 2026
Montage of world newspapers Friday 13th February 2026
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This posting has been produced with the assistance of AI editorial and production services from ChatGPT Plus and Gemini.
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