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.