Government files show Lord Hermer KC billed £450 an hour for Iraq‑era cases involving allegations against British troops, a rate the MoD contested as excessive. The peer, expected to become AG in a Labour government, worked on litigation that drove lengthy investigations criticised for cost and scale.

Messages indicate AG Lord Hermer, then a barrister, pursued Iraq abuse claims against British troops despite warnings they were likely unfounded, and discussed publicity with claimant lawyers. The disclosures have triggered calls to scrutinise his judgement and any conflict of interest.

Labour MPs condemn No 10’s culture after a senior civil servant said he was pressured to approve Peter Mandelson’s US role. The row has triggered cabinet anger, calls for transparency in appointments, and questions over the PM’s judgement and No 10’s working practices.

Facing jeers in the Commons, the PM said the Mandelson affair “beggars belief”, accusing the Foreign Office of a cover‑up. He insisted No10 was not told that a former US ambassador failed security vetting for a senior post, and pledged full disclosure and investigations.