Keir Starmer apologised for appointing Peter Mandelson ambassador to the US, saying he was misled over Mandelson’s contact with Jeffrey Epstein. He vowed to release documents to support this as Labour MPs consider a challenge over his judgement.
John Virgo, the snooker great and TV favourite, has died aged 79. His widow Rosie paid tribute, calling him the love of her life. Known for commentary and Big Break, he had recently been touring with Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis, who led tributes.
Police have opened a criminal probe into allegations Lord Mandelson leaked market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. He has quit the Lords. The PM has passed a dossier to officers, and Gordon Brown has criticised him as unpatriotic.
Police are probing claims that a peer and former cabinet minister leaked sensitive government information to a disgraced financier. The PM backs legal changes to allow the peer’s removal from the Lords and to restrict use of the title while the investigation proceeds.
A second woman alleges Epstein flew her to meet Andrew at Royal Lodge and she was subjected to misconduct. She says power and access enabled the contact, and a lawsuit may follow. Andrew denies wrongdoing, while emails cited by a commentator reportedly contradict his account.
David Beckham has agreed a reported £300m fragrance partnership, expanding his licensing portfolio. The long-term deal is expected to deliver new scents and global campaigns, strengthening the Beckhams’ commercial footprint in fashion and lifestyle.
Anthony Joshua paid tribute to two close friends who died in a car crash near Lagos, a month after he survived the incident. The boxer said he is struggling to process the loss and described them as brothers. He thanked supporters and promised to honour their memory.
Donald Trump warned the US could launch military action in the Gulf if Tehran refuses to rejoin talks on its nuclear programme, saying time is running out. He is weighing tougher sanctions on officials while keeping forces on standby to pressure a return to diplomacy.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a pub support package: a 15% cut to business rates from April and relaxed hours for the World Cup opening. Trade groups welcomed relief but warned it falls short of addressing rising costs and ongoing closures in the sector.
Suella Braverman has left the Conservatives to join Reform UK. Nigel Farage welcomed the switch, which could bolster his party’s profile and increase pressure on the Tories. Labour figures criticised the move, saying Reform is drawing disaffected Conservatives before a possible election.