The PM will explain the Peter Mandelson security vetting fiasco and why he dismissed the head of the Foreign Office. Ministers say he was kept in the dark and did not mislead MPs. He faces Commons questions, with Sir Olly Robbins due to appear tomorrow.

Sir Olly Robbins, recently dismissed as Foreign Office chief, will challenge the PM’s account of a security vetting row linked to Peter Mandelson. He plans to give evidence to MPs and rejects blame. An ally says No 10 panicked. Starmer denies misleading the Commons and faces questions on Monday.

Downing Street says Foreign Office officials overruled security advice to appoint Lord Mandelson as ambassador to Washington despite a failed vetting. The PM is accused of misleading Parliament after saying due process was followed, with calls to resign; No 10 says he only learnt this week.

Beijing expands its presence in the Gulf as Washington seeks a deal with Tehran. Xi issues his sharpest warning over a US blockade, while the Pentagon increases deployments to apply pressure. The standoff risks derailing a planned summit and disrupting vital oil trade.