A summary of today's developments
Keir Starmer saw off an opposition bid to refer him to a standards committee over Peter Mandelson’s appointment. The government won the vote by 335 votes to 223, a majority of 112.
Peers have ended their stand-off with MPs over plans to curb social media for under-16s after the government agreed to introduce “age or functionality restrictions”.
After the Guardian’s story that the Treasury is considering imposing a one-year rent freeze on private sector homes to deal with the impact of the Iran war on household budgets, the PM’s spokesperson said: “We have no plans to implement this. Our focus remains on cutting bills and backing renters alongside lower energy prices.”
But, during Treasury questions in the Commons, Rachel Reeves did not rule out the idea. Asked if she would consider the case for a fixed-term rent freeze, Reeves said: “This government have already taken action to reduce the cost of living and to bear down on inflation with the changes around energy prices, around fuel duty, prescription charges and rail fares.
“And I will do everything in my power and use every lever we have to bear down on the cost of living, including for people in the private rented sector.”
Sir Christian Turner, who replaced Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, privately told students in February that the Epstein scandal could bring down Keir Starmer. Turner’s comments have been reported by the Financial Times, which also says the diplomat told the students that the only country with which the US really has a special relationship is Israel.
Giving evidence to MPs, Morgan McSweeney, former Downing Street Chief of Staff, said learning the full extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein in September 2025 was like “having a knife through my soul”. McSweeney also accepted he was at fault in recommending Mandelson.
Updated
Ed Davey accused the PM of cowardice after he ordered Labour MPs to vote against referring him to the Privileges Committee.
The Liberal Democrat leader said: “Starmer has ducked the scrutiny he should have faced by forcing Labour MPs to defend him. What a cowardly way to govern.
“If he truly felt his conduct over the Mandelson scandal was up to scratch he should have undergone investigation by the Privileges Committee.
“The Liberal Democrats will always stand up for decency and honesty in politics – unlike this Prime Minister.”
