Sir Olly Robbins, recently dismissed as Foreign Office chief, will challenge the PM’s account of a security vetting row linked to Peter Mandelson. He plans to give evidence to MPs and rejects blame. An ally says No 10 panicked. Starmer denies misleading the Commons and faces questions on Monday.

Downing Street says Foreign Office officials overruled security advice to appoint Lord Mandelson as ambassador to Washington despite a failed vetting. The PM is accused of misleading Parliament after saying due process was followed, with calls to resign; No 10 says he only learnt this week.

Beijing expands its presence in the Gulf as Washington seeks a deal with Tehran. Xi issues his sharpest warning over a US blockade, while the Pentagon increases deployments to apply pressure. The standoff risks derailing a planned summit and disrupting vital oil trade.

Britain faces slower growth, weaker hiring and higher living costs as global tensions drive up petrol, energy and mortgage bills. Strained public finances delay defence investment, require £3.5bn in savings and threaten Labour’s 1.5m homes pledge, though a rebound is expected in 2027.