Sir Olly Robbins says No 10 pressured him to clear a role for Peter Mandelson, which he approved “under duress”. The claim intensifies scrutiny of Starmer and raises questions about the propriety and independence of the government appointments vetting process.

Starmer says officials deliberately withheld information about Mandelson’s vetting before his proposed posting to Washington. He faced a tough Commons session, ordered an inquiry, and the sacked FCDO chief will testify, amid unease on Labour’s benches.

Economists warn tensions centred on Iran will push up energy and shipping costs, keeping US inflation high even after conditions ease. Dearer petrol and insurance on key sea lanes could slow growth, strain household budgets and complicate the Fed’s stance into election season.

Starmer stands firm amid a vetting row, blaming the Foreign Office for mishandled checks linked to a proposed role for Lord Mandelson. He will address MPs, aims to tighten procedures and resists calls to reverse course as unease rises within Labour.