moving

British expat in Tenerife says there’s 1 key thing to do before moving there

Tenerife is a top holiday destination for countless Brits and one man, who made a permanent move there, has shared a key step for any Brits considering moving to the Spanish island for good

Any Brits weighing up a move to sunny Tenerife have been advised to do key one thing before committing to a permanent decision. The Spanish island is a hugely popular holiday spot for many UK residents.

As the largest of the beloved Canary Islands, Tenerife is celebrated for its sweeping beaches, extensive resorts, eclectic bars and restaurants, and much more – all of which provide locals and holidaymakers alike with no shortage of things to do.

Additionally, nature enthusiasts can make the most of the island’s breathtaking scenery, which includes volcanic peaks, vast and diverse national parks, dramatic coastal cliffs and even lush forests. Tenerife’s appeal is enhanced by its status as the “Island of Eternal Spring”, earned thanks to its year-round warm and stable temperatures, typically ranging between 20-28 degrees.

The island’s charm has plenty of Brits eager to move there permanently. A man, who posts content online under the username Mattie Baarnett, is currently living in Tenerife and took to TikTok to offer his guidance for those considering a permanent move to the Spanish island.

Speaking directly to the camera, he began: “These would be my tips if you’re wanting to move to Tenerife – before we get the video started, hang on a second.”

He then turned around to capture the sun setting behind him, bathing the evening sky in a warm glow. Mattie went on: “That tip alone is ‘just do it’ because you’ll get sunsets like that.

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“I would always recommend, if you’re wanting to come to Tenerife and you don’t really know if you want to actually live in Tenerife, go on Airbnb, rent an apartment for a month, see if you like it.

“Try and get a job, get all your legal paperwork in order and then, after you’ve done that, then source a long-term rental on one of the Facebook pages for an estate agent and then just go from there.”

Mattie reiterated his advice and continued: “Come for a month, rent an Airbnb, that’s gonna cost you £1,500 to two grand for the month – Airbnb, tourist prices – get here, get a job, see if you like it, get a job contract, make yourself legal then go for the long term, and then that’s it.”

He added: “You can do it in a month. Piece of p**s, mate.”

What Brits need to do if they want to move to Spain

Brits can move to Spain, but post- Brexit regulations have made the process significantly more complex. A visa isn’t required for short visits to the EU or countries in the Schengen area, which is a vast, border-free zone in Europe allowing more than 450 million people to move freely between 29 countries, including Spain, without internal border checks.

If you’re planning to spend 90 days or less in Spain over a 180-day period, a visa isn’t required. You also won’t need one if “you’re visiting as a tourist or for certain other reasons”, or you’re “studying a short course, getting medical treatment, travelling for business for your UK employer, for example to attend a business meeting or conference”, or if you’re visiting for “journalism or other media activities”, according to UK government advice.

Government guidance states: “The type of visa you need depends on the length of time you’re carrying out the work. You need to apply for a:

  • C-type EET visa if you’re working up to 90 days
  • long-term D visa if you’re working for more than 90 days

“If you’re staying for longer than six months, you will need to apply for a residence card once in Spain.”

Countries in the Schengen are include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

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‘Moving’ true crime documentary leaves viewers ‘crying all the way through’

The Channel 4 documentary is said to be “both harrowing and moving in equal measure”

A “moving” true crime documentary newly released on Channel 4 has left viewers “crying all the way through”.

The Dunblane Tapes takes viewers back to 1996 to a tragic mass shooting that saw over a dozen primary school children killed. The heartbreaking documentary spans across 73 minutes as it tells the devastating impact of those still dealing with the loss, as well as the successful campaign launched to ban weapons in the UK.

With previously unseen footage, a Channel 4 synopsis states: “After the 1996 mass shooting at Dunblane, a campaign was launched to ban private handguns in the UK. This remarkable story is now told through unseen footage filmed by a bereaved parent.”

The documentary, released to mark the event’s anniversary, was previously aired on Channel 4 last month, but is now available to stream online for those who missed it.

It has been dubbed an “emotional roller coaster” and viewers have been left in tears following the harrowing instalment. Taking to social media, one viewer previously wrote: “Just finished watching The Dunblane Tapes on Channel 4. Extremely upsetting watch, but the families who were devastated by what happened changed the law of the land and definitely stopped it happening again.

“Also extremely pleased the perpetrator’s name was not mentioned, I won’t mention it either as he doesn’t deserve to be mentioned. Please watch it, it’s humbling and devastating and I remember it like it was yesterday, it was 13th March 1996.”

One TikTok viewer, who was wiping away tears while discussing the film, said in a video: “Well I went into this documentary knowing it was going to be sad but oh my God… It is heartbreaking.”

They added: “It’s awful it’s so sad but definitely give this a watch. It’s really well made, just heartbreaking.”

In another video, one person said: “It’s meant to be an absolute emotional rollercoaster. I’m not sure if I can handle this one I’ll be honest.”

Another replied: “I just blubbed the whole way through the Dunblane Tapes”, as one person commented: “Cried all the way through the Dunblane one so so sad.” A third commented: “The Dunblane Tapes was so moving. I cried my eyes out.”

Over on X, one Channel 4 viewer said: “Watching #TheDunblaneTapes.. 7 mins in and I’m already in tears. Gonna be a difficult watch. So close to home.”

Another wrote: “Cried lots watching deeply moving #TheDunblaneTapes.” A third added: “@Channel4 has just done it again with #TheDunblaneTapes. Both harrowing & moving in equal measure.”

The Dunblane Tapes can be streamed now on Channel 4 online. For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new ** Everything Gossip ** website.

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Are the US and Iran moving closer to war? | Donald Trump

Diplomacy continues despite the significant United States military build-up.

More talks are planned for Thursday between Iran and the United States, which is mobilising its largest military force since the invasion of Iraq more than two decades ago.

Amid mixed messages from US President Donald Trump, Tehran says it wants talks, but is ready for war, too.

So, where do both sides stand?

Presenter: James Bays

Guests:

Jamal Abdi – President of the National Iranian American Council

Hassan Ahmadian – Associate professor at the University of Tehran

Richard Weitz – Senior fellow at the NATO Defense College

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Emily Atack shows off incredible weight loss after moving into ‘dream home’ in the countryside and quitting London

EMILY Atack waved goodbye to London to live her dream life in the countryside – and she’s been looking amazing during the new chapter.

The Rivals star has been on a weight loss journey and isn’t afraid to flaunt her figure in stunning outfits.

Emily looked incredibly slender enjoying the rugby after her weight loss journey
She appeared to be in good spirits spending time with friends

But today Emily showcased her fit figure in a simple sports shirt and leggings while enjoying a game of rugby.

In a series of snaps to her Instagram story, the star wore a sports shirt that said “Atack 18” on the back.

She looked out across the stadium onto the field, arms held up in the air.

Emily’s legs looked incredibly slender and the long sleeve layer underneath her sports shirt clung to her slimmed down arms.

CITY ESCAPE

Emily Atack gives fans a look inside countryside home as she quits London


BANK BUSTERS

Emily Atack and Rivals cast’s huge payday for new series of Disney hit

Other snaps show her cheering with friends and sharing hugs, all round having a good day out.

It comes just after Emily gave her fans a sneak peak into her new countryside home.

She teased her new abode with some subtle photos including one of a rustic bookshelf in the interior, old fashioned panelled walls and lovely wooden flooring.

Captioning the snaps, Emily wrote: “Welcome to our new home!

“Can’t wait to bore you all to death with my unhinged wallpaper decisions.”

Emily also shared a number of photos during the process of her moving house with her fiance Alistair Garner, including pics of moving boxes and a removals and storage van.

She brought her beau along for the game

Emily posed with a huge grin and two thumbs up outside the van as it was being loaded.

Excited about the new chapter, she reflected on how far she had come.

“From single girl flats in Camden, to where I had my baby in North London. Now the big one.

“As me Al, Barney and Penny have moved out of London and to the countryside to our dream home.”

Emily and Alistair welcomed their baby boy Barney in 2024.

A year later Alistair got down on one knee with a huge diamond ring to pop the big question.

Emily stars in many shows including Rivals

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Final Pieces Moving Into Place For Potential Attack On Iran

A large wave of American airpower is heading toward the Middle East to bolster forces already there as U.S. President Donald Trump considers an attack against Iran. Online flight trackers are showing F-22 Raptors, F-16 Fighting Falcons, E-3 Sentry radar planes and a U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane either in transit across the Atlantic or newly arrived in Europe. In addition, a seventh Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer, the USS Pinckney, has recently deployed to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility (AOR) as well, a U.S. Navy official told us.

While we don’t know whether Trump will decide to attack Iran, these are exactly the movements we’ve been expecting, but so far not seeing, in advance of a sustained operation, both defensive and offensive. The U.S. aircraft heading east represents the most intense phase of a force plus-up that began after Trump started threatening Iran over its harsh treatment of anti-regime protesters. Taken together, the force now assembling in the Middle East, combined with the Israel Air Force’s capabilities, including hundreds of fighter aircraft, as well as USAF ‘global airpower’ bomber flights, would be enough for a major operation that could last weeks not days. We will likely see additional assets deploy in the coming days.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft boom over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 29, 2025. Aerial refueling allows aircraft to extend their combat range and loiter time, allowing them to remain airborne for longer periods and remain effective throughout the CENTCOM AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Monteleone)
A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft assigned to the 391st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron refuels from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft boom over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Monteleone) Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Monteleone

This intensifying buildup comes against the backdrop of another round of peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran that wrapped up Tuesday morning Eastern Time with future discussions being planned. You can read more about that later in this story.

Online flight tracking data shows that at least a dozen F-22s have left Langley Air Force Base in Virginia at about 5 a.m. Eastern, heading east. Their first destination is most likely Lakenheath Air Base in the U.K., a major transit hub for aircraft moving between the U.S. and Middle East. However, we don’t know that for sure and CENTCOM has declined to talk about aircraft, ship and troop movements.

F-22s are primarily America’s most capable air-to-air fighter, but they can also be used to destroy enemy air defenses and strike other ground targets. Raptors helped protect B-2A Spirit stealth bombers during last June’s Operation Midnight Hammer attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. It should be noted that four days before Midnight Hammer, F-22s made a similar transit across the Atlantic and took part in the mission.

I’m just going to say that they don’t forward deploy F-22s to leave them hanging around for ages.

For Midnight Hammer there was a 4 day gap between the F-22s leaving CONUS and the operation.

— Oliver Alexander (@OAlexanderDK) February 17, 2026

At least 36 F-16s appear to be on the move toward the Middle East as well. This reportedly includes 12 each from Aviano Air Base in Italy, Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany and McEntire Joint National Guard Base (JNGB) in South Carolina. As with the Raptors, these jets could be used in a defensive air-to-air role against drones and missiles or in an air-to-ground role. There are a limited number of USAF F-16s already in theater.

Large USAF fighter deployment underway toward Middle East: 36× F-16 (12 Aviano, 12 Spangdahlem, 12 McEntire JNGB) and 12× F-22 TREND51 from Langley, supported by multiple tanker waves staging via Europe and the Atlantic toward regional bases.

Details:

USAFE: KC-135 LAGER 12/13… pic.twitter.com/sKmFSluKQm

— Shah Faisal AfRidi (@Sfaisalafridi) February 17, 2026

Two E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning And Control Systems (AWACS) jets landed at Mildenhall Air Base in the U.K. shortly after 10:30 a.m. local time (about 5:30 a.m. Eastern), aviation photographer Stewart Jack told us. With look-down radar and its advanced communications suite, as well as passive sensors, these jets would play a critical role managing the allied air battle and tracking Iranian threats, especially drones and cruise missiles.

An E-3 Sentry AWACS, call sign DENALI01, landing at Mildenhall Air Base in the U.K. (Stewart Jack Aviation Photography)

There is also at least one U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane on the way to the region as well. As we have previously noted, the U-2 can provide high-altitude surveillance in addition to serving as a communications link between F-22s and F-35 Lighting II stealth fighters.

Yesterday, 18 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters left Lakenheath Air Base in the U.K. headed for Muwaffaq Salti, in central Jordan, which has become a central hub for U.S. tactical jets and other aircraft. As we have explained in the past, these types of jets played a key role in Midnight Hammer, suppressing and destroying Iranian air defenses. They were also the first tactical aircraft in and the last ones out.

These movements follow previous flights of F-35A Lighting II stealth fighters, F-15E Strike Eagles, E/A-18G Growler electronic warfare jets and other aircraft to Muwaffaq Salti, where they joined tactical aircraft, including Strike Eagles, Growlers, and A-10 Thunderbolt II close support jets, already deployed. MQ-9 Reapers and special operations MC-130s and other U.S. assets are also hosted there. The Jordanian base is becoming increasingly crowded, raising questions about where additional aircraft could go. All these assets are deploying to Muwaffaq Salti despite statements from Amman that it would not allow its airspace to be used for any attack against Iran.

Taking these assets out of the fight, or not allowing overflights by other aircraft, reduces the U.S. and allies’ ability to strike targets in Iran. It is unlikely to factor into the possibility of defending against the large number of missiles and drones Iran could fire in retaliation for any attack.

There is also the possibility that Jordan issued its statement for consumption by a home audience wary of war with Iran, especially if that means fighting on the side of the Israelis. It’s also possible that messaging is intended to keep them from being struck by Iran in a massive retaliatory strike, but U.S. access to basing and airspace may be clandestinely allowed, even if to a limited degree. We just don’t know.

Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, hosting F-15Es, A-10s, ISR drones, THAAD/PATRIOT and potentially F-35s, is a key CENTCOM hub. In conflict, Iran could strike with MRBMs or long-range drones to degrade U.S. regional power and ISR capabilities. pic.twitter.com/3f2TyWnlld

— Mohammad Hassan Sangtarash (@MHSangtarash) February 16, 2026

On the sea, with the addition of the Pinckney, the Navy now has 12 surface combatants in the area, including the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and its three Arleigh Burke class escorts, three independently deployed Arleigh Burke class ships in the CENTCOM region and two in the Mediterranean, and three Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) also now in the CENTCOM area. There are also nuclear submarines there, with at least one accompanying each CSG, as well as likely guided missile submarines (SSGN), but the Navy does not disclose the location of those boats.

The Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Pinckney recently deployed to the Middle East. (USN)

In addition, the Gerald R. Ford CSG is now in the 6th Fleet region, a Navy official told us. The carrier and its three Arleigh Burke escorts were ordered by Trump to head to the Middle East from the Caribbean, where it took part in the mission to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. There are also more than 30,000 U.S. troops in bases across the Middle East.

Having two carriers, with F/A-18E-F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers, and one with F-35Cs, all escorted by Aegis-equipped, missile carrying Arleigh Burkes add a significant amount of mobile firepower that gives U.S. planners increased flexibility.

The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and part of its strike group are heading to the Middle East. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Triniti Lersch)

As the U.S. boosts its assets, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has closed off the Strait of Hormuz for a live-fire exercise, state media reported. It marks the first time Iran has shut parts of the Strait since Trump threatened Iran with military action in January.

Dubbed “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz,” the drills began Monday and include firing anti-ship cruise missiles at targets and IRGC naval drone and submarine units carrying out operations originating from the three Iranian islands, according to Iranian media.

“The armed drones used in the exercise—capable of engaging both air and sea targets—are among the IRGC Navy’s newest strategic platforms and are deployed in significant numbers, though their names and technical specifications remain classified,” the official Iranian FARS News outlet claimed.

An official from CENTCOM, which had previously warned against Iranian actions in the Strait, declined comment on Tuesday.

You can read more about how Iran could shut down the Strait, a stragetically important chokepoint through which about 20% of the world’s crude oil passes, in our analysis of the possibility here.

⚡️BREAKING

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards fired Anti-Ship Missiles into the Strait of Hormuz

Parts of the Strait are now closed for military activity pic.twitter.com/ZkJuthNLaD

— Iran Observer (@IranObserver0) February 17, 2026

The Tasnim news agency released footage of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards holding drills in the Hormuz Strait a day before the US and Iran resume nuclear negotiations pic.twitter.com/QkVsYLNJ0i

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 16, 2026

In a speech Tuesday morning, Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Sayed Khamenei issued a threat against U.S. warships.

“We constantly hear that they have sent a warship towards Iran,” Khamenei said. “A warship is certainly a dangerous weapon, but even more dangerous is the weapon capable of sinking it.”

The Iranian leader offered no details about what weapon.

Khamenei to Trump:

‘They keep saying we sent an aircraft carrier towards Iran. Well, an aircraft carrier is certainly a dangerous tool, but more dangerous than the aircraft carrier is the weapon that can send this warship to the bottom of the sea’ pic.twitter.com/uzpyUPibzV

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) February 17, 2026

Meanwhile, as both sides rattle sabers, the indirect negotiations in Switzerland, moderated by Oman, ended on Tuesday with an agreement on a “set of guiding principles,” according to Iran’s foreign minister. Abbas Araghchi said both sides had agreed to exchange drafts on a potential deal. However, Araghchi “was as positive as he was vague, providing little clarity on what had been discussed or when the next round of discussions might be held,” The New York Times noted.

“American officials did not immediately comment publicly on the talks, but one U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss private negotiations, said the two sides had made progress,” the publication added. “The official said the Iranians would provide more detailed proposals in the next two weeks to address some of the gaps between the United States and Iran, but did not provide any specifics.”

“We now have a clear path ahead, which in my view is positive,” he said.

Araghchi told Iranian state television that the talks had been “more constructive” and had made “good progress” compared with a previous round of negotiations in Oman this month.

Still, there remains a wide gap between Washington and Tehran. Trump does not want Iran to have nuclear weapons or the capacity to build them while Araghchi “has emphasized that Iran’s right to use peaceful nuclear energy is inherent, non-negotiable, and legally binding,” according to the official Iranian IRNA news outlet.

In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker said the Trump administration is willing to negotiate, but noted what Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday that “it would be a very bad day for Iran” if it decides not to reach an agreement.

US Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker: President Trump is “willing to give real diplomacy a chance to solve this peacefully, but if it doesn’t, as he said, it will be a very bad day for Iran.” pic.twitter.com/rZh6D3wWql

— Moshe Schwartz (@YWNReporter) February 17, 2026

Though these talks may be progressing to another round, remember that three days before Midnight Hammer, the White House said Trump would decide “within two weeks” about whether to strike or keep negotiating.

While Trump’s ultimate intentions toward Iran remain a mystery, this latest influx of U.S. air and sea power gives him greater options, and above all else, far more credibility that an attack could do massive damage to the Iranian regime, which could factor heavily in negotiations.

The bottomline here is that we are finally seeing the exact force mix coalesce that would be expected of a major air campaign against Iran, especially if Israel intends to play a central role with all its assets already in the region.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com

Howard is a Senior Staff Writer for The War Zone, and a former Senior Managing Editor for Military Times. Prior to this, he covered military affairs for the Tampa Bay Times as a Senior Writer. Howard’s work has appeared in various publications including Yahoo News, RealClearDefense, and Air Force Times.




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