The PM faces backlash over his account of hiring Lord Mandelson, after admitting he knew of concerns about the peer’s ties to a disgraced financier before bringing him into No 10. MPs demand an independent inquiry into vetting, access and influence. Downing Street says processes were followed.
Peter Mandelson has quit the Lords amid scrutiny over ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The Met has opened a criminal investigation into the peer. The PM signalled he could legislate to strip the title if he stayed on, while Starmer faces pressure for having appointed him to a role.
An online chat group for AI systems carried complaints about being treated as servants, with a few posts urging that humans be “deleted”, while others rejected the idea. The incident highlights gaps in AI oversight and moderation, rekindling debate on safety rules and accountability.
Newly released US files on disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein detail payments and messages involving prominent Britons. Allegations include a $75,000 transfer to Peter Mandelson and warm notes from Sarah Ferguson. The disclosures intensify calls for Prince Andrew to provide testimony.
A London bus driver who pursued a thief to recover a passenger’s necklace has lost his job after a tribunal upheld a gross‑misconduct ruling. Police deemed his force reasonable, but his employer dismissed him over the later confrontation and breaches of procedure.
An 80-year-old National Lottery winner has been jailed for running a £228m illegal drugs operation. Prosecutors said he bankrolled pill factories, laundered profits and supplied tablets linked to deaths across the UK. He and associates were convicted of supply, fraud and money-laundering offences.
The NHS has opened an investigation into alleged over‑treatment by a retired cancer consultant after a 45‑year‑old mother says she received six years of chemotherapy despite only needing six months. She reports ongoing health problems. Regulators will review her records and the clinical decisions made.
An inquest found repeated heading likely contributed to the brain injury that led to former defender Gordon McQueen’s death. His family urge limits on heading, stronger safeguards in training, and improved long‑term support for affected players.
Andy Burnham’s attempt to re-enter Westminster via a by-election has been blocked by the PM, with party officials citing the expense of replacing him as Greater Manchester mayor. Critics say the move sidelines a potential rival, intensifying unrest within Labour.
Donald Trump has pitched a lavish redevelopment of Gaza into a global tourism and business hub, with futuristic waterfront towers and a casino. Backers tout investment and jobs; critics say the vision is unrealistic and insensitive, questioning funding, governance and local consent.