Before a crucial Commons vote on the Mandelson row, the PM urged MPs to back him, calling the allegations a political stunt. Allies warn defeat could imperil his leadership, while opponents seek greater disclosure and an inquiry into how the issue has been handled.

Newly disclosed letters show the Attorney General, Lord Hermer, sharply criticised British troops over historic Iraq allegations and praised lawyers later discredited for false claims. The revelations spark anger from veterans as MPs prepare to vote on changes to the Troubles legacy law.

The Falkland Islands government condemned a leaked US proposal that would undermine Britain’s position on the territory to penalise London for not backing Washington on Iran. Leaders urged respect for self-determination and warned against using the islands as leverage in foreign policy disputes.

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.