Sir Keir Starmer faces a Labour revolt led by Angela Rayner over his handling of the Peter Mandelson controversy, including the proposed appointment of the peer as US ambassador. Under pressure, he agreed to release documents, prompting questions over his leadership.
Scotland Yard has opened a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson over emails suggesting that, while a Cabinet minister, he tipped Jeffrey Epstein about market‑sensitive government plans. The Government and Gordon Brown referred the allegations to the Met, increasing pressure on the PM.
Police are assessing claims Peter Mandelson leaked market‑sensitive information while in government. Files indicate he emailed disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2009 about advice to the PM during the financial crisis. Scotland Yard is reviewing whether to open a criminal investigation.
A senior royal faces a fresh legal threat after a second woman alleged exploitation linked to Jeffrey Epstein, saying she was flown to Britain and later taken to the Palace. Her US lawyer has issued an ultimatum demanding talks to address the claim.
Newly released files say Andrew invited Jeffrey Epstein to dine at Buckingham Palace weeks after his house arrest ended, offering privacy. The disclosures reignite scrutiny of Andrew’s judgement and past links, prompting renewed calls for accountability.
The PM’s visit to Beijing delivered limited gains: a halving of tariffs on whisky and visa‑free short visits for tourists and business travellers. But there was no movement on freeing British campaigner Jimmy Lai or on lifting sanctions imposed on UK parliamentarians.
Washington warned Tehran to accept a nuclear deal or face overwhelming action, as a naval group took position. Tehran vowed a severe response and said any action would cross a red line. The standoff deepened amid regional tensions and domestic pressure.
Pressure on the PM is mounting after 50 Labour MPs signed a letter protesting his move to block Manchester mayor Andy Burnham. They want an emergency party meeting to reverse it, warning it could trigger a leadership challenge before May’s local elections.
The PM is warned he could face a leadership challenge after personally moving to block Andy Burnham’s bid to enter Parliament via a by-election. The decision has intensified Labour infighting, with Burnham criticising the party’s process and senior figures voicing dismay.
Downing Street has paused plans to transfer control of the Chagos Islands, pulling a Lords debate after concerns from Washington. Officials call it a delay, but critics say the proposal could be shelved without US backing, citing the archipelago’s strategic importance.