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.