The Independent
Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Starmer's U-turn and Duvall's Legacy: The Independent, Tuesday 17 February 2026
The Independent's front page on Tuesday 17 February 2026 prominently features "Another Starmer U-turn as local poll delays abandoned." This details Labour's retreat on plans to postpone council elections across 30 councils this May, affecting 4.5 million voters. Inside the paper, this is described as an "embarrassing U-turn" for the government, following legal advice and a challenge from Reform UK. National reports confirm the significant challenge now facing councils to organize these polls. A striking image of actor Robert Duvall, shirtless and in a military hat from "Apocalypse Now," accompanies the news of his death at 95. The headline pays tribute to the "Godfather" star, quoting his iconic line, "I love the smell of napalm in the morning." Also featured is Gisele Pelicot's memoir going public with the title, 'I didn't want to be alone,' related to her brave decision to waive anonymity in a French mass rape case. Inside the paper, there is also a review of 'Wuthering Heights,' highlighting director Emerald Fennell.
*This summary has been AI generated for your convenience and may require fact-checking.
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