Files indicate the PM proceeded with appointing Lord Mandelson despite warnings from a senior aide and an outgoing ambassador about reputational risk, citing the peer’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein. A memo said Starmer’s personal links to Mandelson left him “more exposed.”

US aircraft left a UK base to carry out operations against Iran after the PM authorised allied use of the site, calling the action defensive. US officials signalled the most intense day of operations so far. Britain backs its ally while saying UK forces are not directly involved.

Donald Trump said the campaign against Iran is close to ending, claiming its capabilities are largely depleted and ruling out talks. The stance coincides with warnings that UK households may face higher costs, with petrol potentially reaching £2 a litre.

Clerics have chosen Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader after his father’s death, signalling a harder line. The move challenges Trump and could stiffen positions on sanctions, nuclear talks and regional policy.