National security adviser Jonathan Powell said Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment was “weirdly rushed”.
After Mandelson’s sacking as US ambassador during a conversation with the general counsel to the Prime Minister on September 12, Mr Powell said he “found the appointment process unusual of Lord Mandelson (LM) weirdly rushed,” according to a call record.
Philip Barton, the then-Foreign Office permanent under-secretary, “also had reservations around the appointment”, the call record said.
It comes after files revealed Sir Keir Starmer was warned there was a “general reputational risk” over Mandelson’s relationship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein before giving him the Washington role.
A “due diligence document” drawn up in December 2024 before Lord Mandelson’s appointment to the role noted a series of reports detailing his links with the convicted criminal.
The files also reveal that Lord Mandelson had asked for more than a £500k payoff, and received £75,000 instead.
Cabinet minister Darren Jones told the House of Commons: “Peter Mandelson should never have been afforded the privilege of representing this country, and I reiterate for the House that the Prime Minister deeply regrets taking him at his word, it was a mistake to do so.”
Damaging disclosures from the so-called ‘Epstein files’ led MPs to order the government to release documents relating to his appointment and what was known about his friendship with the disgraced financier.
Key Points
- First set of Lord Mandelson files released
- Mandelson tried to get £500k payout after being sacked as ambassador
- What are the key takeaways from the Mandelson files?
- Analysis: It is now clear that Keir Starmer was warned about the dangers of appointing Mandelson
- Starmer accuses Badenoch of 'mother of all U-turns' on Iran
- Mandelson’s appointment was 'weirdly rushed', says national security adviser
Tories call for Lord Mandelson to return his severance pay
17:41 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Tories have called on the Government to demand Lord Mandelson return his severance pay and "release the files in full" following the publication of the first tranche.
Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart MP said: "The lapse in the Prime Minister's judgment knows no bounds. Allowing a scandal-ridden former Minister access to highly sensitive information before proper clearance is completely careless.
“Even more troubling is that this happened while the Government was aware of Mandelson's long-standing, close connections to Epstein.
"Labour must come clean about what ministers knew, when they knew it, and why national security safeguards appear to have been treated so casually.
"The Government must now release the files in full and demand Mandelson return his severance to the public purse."
From Labour ‘Prince’ to Epstein shame: How Lord Mandelson fell from grace
17:40 , Rebecca Whittaker
From Labour ‘Prince’ to Epstein shame: How Lord Mandelson fell from grace
Mandelson was offered 'higher tier' briefings from the Foreign Office
17:20 , Rebecca WhittakerLord Peter Mandelson was offered “higher tier” briefings from the Foreign Office before he had finished the formal vetting process to become British ambassador to Washington, Government documents reveal.
An email to Lord Mandelson from the Foreign Office on December 23 2024 – three days after his appointment – stated: “On practicalities the most important first steps will be: (1) completing medical clearance; (2) completing Dip Passport forms; and (3) going through the vetting process. These will be most important in unlocking progress within the system.”
It added: “We’ll brief you further in person from 6 January onwards, including at higher tiers.”
However, Lord Mandelson did not have his developed vetting (DV) clearance confirmed until he received a subsequent email from a Foreign Office official on January 30 2025, shortly before his four-year fixed-term appointment to Washington began.
Comment: Are the Mandelson Files being redacted to spare Starmer’s Trump blushes?
17:10 , Rebecca Whittaker
Are the Mandelson Files being redacted to spare Starmer’s Trump blushes?
UK’s National Security Advisor was 'particularly cautious about the appointment' of Mandelson
16:53 , Rebecca WhittakerJonathan Powell, the UK’s National Security Advisor, “was particularly cautious about the appointment” of Lord Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to Washington, documents released by the Government have revealed.
Included within the cache of documents on Wednesday is a summary of a “fact-finding call” between Mike Ostheimer, general counsel for the prime minister, and Lord Matthew Doyle.
Lord Doyle was Number 10’s director of communications at the time of the call with Mr Ostheimer on September 12 2025 – the day after Lord Mandelson was sacked as British ambassador to Washington because of his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
The summary stated: “Lord Mandelson (LM) is a personal friend of MD [Matthew Doyle], while he doesn’t recall specific instances he certainly would have seen him at social events around December 2024.”
Lord Mandelson was appointed as ambassador to Washington on December 20, 2024.
The summary added: “MD [Matthew Doyle] recalls there were interactions with Ailsa Terry [a senior Downing Street official] and Jonathan Powell (JP) on the matter, though not details. MD believes JP was particularly cautious about the appointment.”
The summary also detailed that there was some “back and forth” between Lord Doyle and Morgan McSweeney, who was the Prime Minister’s chief of staff at the time.
It said those exchanges raised “three specific questions for LM [Lord Mandelson] to answer in respect of Jeffrey Epstein”.
The details published on Wednesday did not disclose what those questions were.
Watch: Labour backbencher cannot understand ‘why we paid a penny’ to Mandelson
16:50 , Rebecca WhittakerStarmer was warned there was a 'general reputational risk' in appointing Lord Mandelson
16:40 , Rebecca WhittakerPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was warned in a due diligence report that there was a “general reputational risk” in appointing Lord Mandelson because of his relationship with Epstein.
In a section entitled Relationship With Jeffrey Epstein, the December 2024 report said: “After Epstein was first convicted of procuring an underage girl in 2008, their relationship continued across 2009-2011, beginning when Lord Mandelson was business minister and continuing after the end of the Labour government.
“Mandelson reportedly stayed in Epstein’s house while he was in jail in June 2009.”
Sir Keir was also advised that choosing a political appointment, as Lord Mandelson was, rather than a career diplomat meant that “if anything goes wrong, you could be more exposed as the individual is more connected to you personally”.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones told MPs on Wednesday that the due diligence report on Lord Mandelson “did not expose the depth and extent” of his relationship with Epstein.
Mandelson’s appointment was 'weirdly rushed', says national security adviser
16:34 , Rebecca WhittakerNational security adviser Jonathan Powell said after Lord Peter Mandelson’s sacking that his appointment was “weirdly rushed”, according to a call record.
The note said that in a conversation with the general counsel to the Prime Minister on September 12, Mr Powell “found the appointment process unusual of Lord Mandelson (LM) weirdly rushed”.
Mr Powell also “raised concerns about the individual and reputation” to Sir Keir Starmer’s then-chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, the memo said.
“MM responded that the issues had been addressed.”
Philip Barton, the then-Foreign Office permanent under-secretary, “also had reservations around the appointment”, the call record said.
Mandelson files: All the key takeaways from bombshell documents
16:30 , Rebecca WhittakerThe government has released the first batch of documents relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador, months after the disgraced politician was forced to step down from the role when the full extent of his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein were revealed.
Read more here by Political Correspondent Millie Cooke:
All the key takeaways from first release of the Mandelson files
Green Party leader says Starmer 'has to go' due to Mandelson appointment
16:28 , Rebecca WhittakerZack Polanski has called for Keir Starmer to resign following the release of the first tranche of files relating to Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.
The Green Party leader wrote on X that “he has to go”.
He said: “These files confirm that Mandelson's malign influence runs through this Labour government. Starmer knew exactly the choice he was making when he appointed him.”
These files confirm that Mandelson's malign influence runs through this Labour government.
— Zack Polanski (@ZackPolanski) March 11, 2026
Starmer knew exactly the choice he was making when he appointed him. He has to go.
MP has shared evidence that David Lammy agreed with the appointment of Madelson
16:18 , Rebecca WhittakerAn MP has shared evidence that David Lammy agreed with the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as the US ambassador.
In a letter from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office it states: “I have discussed this with the Foreign Secretary, who agrees with the recommendation.”
It added: “May I request that you seek The King’s approval for Lord Peter Mandelson as HM Ambassador to Washington?”
In a post on X Conservative MP for West Suffolk, Nick Timothy shared an image of a letter from December 2024 suggesting Mandleson would be fitting for the role.
He said: “David Lammy told the press he opposed Mandelson’s appointment when he was made ambassador.
“The official record says otherwise.”
David Lammy told the press he opposed Mandelson’s appointment when he was made ambassador.
— Nick Timothy MP (@NJ_Timothy) March 11, 2026
The official record says otherwise. pic.twitter.com/NgkAGIUHYR
Lord Mandelson handed £75,000 payout after contract as US ambassador terminated
16:05 , Rebecca WhittakerLord Peter Mandelson was handed a £75,000 taxpayer-funded payout to terminate his contract as the UK’s ambassador to the US, newly released documents show.
Emails contained within an initial batch of papers relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment showed he first requested his contract was paid out in full, totalling more than £500,000.
Read more here:
Lord Mandelson handed £75,000 payout after contract as US ambassador terminated
Due diligence process 'fell short of what is required', minister says
15:56 , Holly EvansSpeaking in the Commons on Wednesday, cabinet minister Darren Jones said the documents related to Lord Mandelson’s appointment “reveal that the due-diligence process fell short of what is required”.
“We have already taken steps to address weaknesses in the system and to ensure that when standards of behaviour fall short of the high standards expected, that there will be more serious consequences,” he said.
“The Prime Minister has asked the Ethics and Integrity Commission to conduct a review of the current arrangements relating to financial disclosures for ministers and senior officials, transparency around lobbying, and the business appointment rules.
“And we are conducting a review of the national security vetting system to ensure we learn the lessons from the policy and process weaknesses related to Peter Mandelson’s case.”
Cabinet Office minister Baroness Anderson of Stoke on Trent had been appointed “to support this work on standards and constitutional reform”, he said.
Kemi Badenoch says Starmer's judgement is 'shocking'
15:47 , Holly EvansKemi Badenoch has said that Sir Keir Starmer had shown “shocking” judgement in appointing Lord Peter Mandelson to the post of US ambassador.
Mandelson reportedly leaked sensitive government documents. Starmer knew Mandelson had stayed close friends with Epstein after the conviction for child prostitution, but made him Ambassador anyway.
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) March 11, 2026
Now we see he paid Mandelson almost £80k of our money. His judgment is shocking. https://t.co/CpMzxLC8S0
Mandelson suggested he could take government to tribunal
15:41 , Athena StavrouPeter Mandelson suggested he could take the government to an employment tribunal as he negotiated a payout for being sacked as US ambassador, documents have revealed.
In the first tranche of documents released about Mandelson’s appointment and dismissal, the Foreign Office’s chief people officer wrote to colleagues: “He has sought advice, during the conversation he intimated this had been from Senior Counsel (a KC) specialising in employment law.
“His argument heavily focuses on the reasonableness of the PM’s decision.
“There is some carefully placed language around the public implications of not reaching a settlement, and the nature of an employment tribunal case. I have discussed this with the PUS.
“There is a potential, that absent a positive indication, Peter goes public on some of his claims so there is some urgency.”
Addressing criticism of the government for giving Mandelson a £75,000 payout, chief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones told MPs it was agreed to avoid high costs of an employment tribunal.
“Despite the fact that he was withdrawn from Washington because he had lost the confidence of the prime minister, the government obviously found that to be inappropriate and unacceptable,” Mr Jones said.
“The settlement that was agreed was to avoid even higher further costs involving a drawn-out legal claim at the employment tribunal.”
Watch: Jeremy Corbyn 'astonished' by 'faux outrage' over Mandelson in Labour party
15:32 , Holly EvansGovernment pledge to review vetting system after Mandelson failures
15:27 , Holly EvansThe government has pledged to review its vetting system after it failed to stop Peter Mandelson from being appointed as US ambassador.
Sir Keir Starmer was warned about Mandelson’s “particularly close relationship” with Jeffrey Epstein before giving him the role in Washington, the first tranche of files about his appointment revealed.
The prime minister has previously said Mandelson went on to lie when asked about his continued relationship with Epstein.
The Cabinet Office has said it will review its vetting system to include "lessons learned from Peter Mandelson's developed vetting", and appointed Baroness Anderson to work on government standards policy.
The Foreign Office is also “supporting the strengthening” of the due diligence and security vetting processes for politically appointed Heads of Mission, including introducing individual due diligence-specific interviews with proposed candidates.
'No one will be able to trust Starmer's judgement again', shadow minister says
15:21 , Holly EvansShadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart said: “These documents just confirm what we already knew. Keir Starmer was plainly aware of the relationship between Mandelson and the world’s most notorious paedophile when he appointed him as US ambassador.
“What’s worse, the Government gave him a payoff of £75,000 despite his resignation in disgrace. No one will be able to trust the Prime Minister’s judgment again.
“The Labour Government need to come clean on what documents have been hidden from view and whether WhatsApps or private emails have been deleted or hidden.
“The Government must release the files in full and make Mandelson repay the money.”
Matthew Doyle told investigators that Mandelson was a personal friend
15:15 , Holly EvansOne of the key figures in ensuring Peter Mandelson was made the ambassador to the US was the then director of communications Matthew Doyle.
After Mandelson was sacked in September last year an investigation into the appointment by Mike Ostheimer, the general counsel to the PM, noted that in a telephone interview with Doyle the former director of comms described the disgraced Labour grandee as “a personal friend”.
The admission ties in with Morgan McSweeney, the former chief of staff who pushed the appointment, whose mentor was Mandelson.
It appears that key parts of the vetting involved taking the opinion of Mandelson’s friends in Downing Street rather than the warnings of impartial civil servants.
No 10 called for daily welfare checks on Mandelson last month
15:04 , Athena StavrouNo 10 called for daily welfare checks on Peter Mandelson last month after further details of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein came to light.
Discussing details about Mandelson’s £75,000 payout upon being sacked as US ambassador, a No 10 official asked a foreign office official if there had been a welfare check on the former Labour peer.
They asked “to do one each day if that’s OK for a while”.
Tony Blair reissues a statement emphasising his limited contact with Epstein
15:02 , Holly EvansThe papers once again highlight how Peter Mandelson and Bill Clinton persuaded Sir Tony Blair when he was PM to meet Jeffrey Epstein on 14 May 2002.
The former prime minister has as a result reissued a statement making clear that was his one and only time contact with the convicted paedophile long before his crimes were known.
A spokesperson said: “As far as he can remember, Mr Blair met with him for less than 30 minutes in Downing Street in May 2002, and discussed US and UK politics. He never met or engaged with him subsequently. This was, of course, long before his crimes were known of and his subsequent conviction.”
What are the key takeaways from the Mandelson files?
15:01 , Holly EvansThe first set of files relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s ambassador to the US have been released by the government.
The key revelations include:
- Sir Keir Starmer was warned of a “reputational risk” over Mandelson’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, which had continued after his conviction in 2008.
- Mandelson asked for over £500k payoff but received £75k.
- Sir Keir’s national security adviser found Mandelson’s appointment “weirdly rushed”.
- Mandelson had orchestrated a 2002 meeting with then-prime minister Tony Blair
- The ex-US ambassador had suggested using Nigel Farage to improve UK relations with Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Lord Mandelson said he felt 'utterly awful' about Epstein friendship in 2025 letter
14:55 , Holly EvansLord Peter Mandelson told Foreign Office colleagues in his farewell email on September 11, 2025, that he continued to “feel utterly awful about my association with Epstein twenty years ago”, despite the fact he was later proven to have been in touch with paedophile financier as recently as 2016.
In the email to Foreign Office staff, Lord Mandelson told colleagues as he quit his job as British ambassador to Washington: “The circumstances surrounding the announcement today are ones which I deeply regret.
“I continue to feel utterly awful about my association with Epstein twenty years ago and the plight of his victims. I have no alternative to accepting the Prime Minister’s decision and will leave a position in which I have been so incredibly honoured to serve.
“I wish to thank you for all of your efforts in serving me as your Ambassador. In a short time we have achieved so much. We leave the relationship with the US in a really good condition, with a magnificent State Visit and the new US-UK Technology Partnership – my personal pride and joy that will help write the next chapter of the special relationship – set for next week.
“Thank you from me, Reinaldo and Jock. I will treasure the experience and memory of having worked with you all.”
Labour backbencher cannot understand ‘why we paid a penny’ to Mandelson
14:51 , Holly EvansA Labour backbencher has criticised the government for paying Peter Mandelson £75,000 after he was sacked from his role as the UK’s ambassador to the US.
Former minister Justin Madders said the risk of an employment tribunal would have been “miniscule” as he called for the government to pressure Mandelson to donate the payout to victims of abuse.“
If one of my constituents came to see me and told me they had lost their job or been sacked because they had lied during the application process and wanted compensation I would tell them that they had absolutely no chance of doing that,” he said in the Commons.
“So I really struggle to understand why we paid a penny”.
Watch: Mandelson 'should have never represented UK' says minister
14:48 , Holly EvansAnalysis: Two of the PM’s closest allies are in the firing line
14:47 , Holly EvansOur political editor David Maddox writes...
The questions of Sir Keir Starmer’s judgement go well beyond his appointment of Peter Mandelson as the ambassador to the US.
At the heart of this appointment were two other men that Sir Keir put his absolute trust in.His now former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney is detailed in the documents for talking through and explaining Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
This apparently, on page 8, was reinforced by the then director of communications Matthew Doyle.
After quitting his director of comms job Doyle was later made a peer by Sir Keir only for him to be suspended from Labour over his relationship with a paedophile.
The idea now that Doyle was central to justifying Sir Keir in appointing Mandelson only makes a very bad look even worse.
It is clear that allies of the PM will now hope that the blame can be pinning on McSweeney and Doyle.
However, the buck stops with the prime minister and he cannot escape the fact that the appointment of all three and reliance on their advice was his own choice.
Starmer's national security adviser said Mandelson appointment was 'weirdly rushed'
14:44 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer’s national security adviser raised concerns over the the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador, saying the process was “weirdly rushed” and “unusual”, the files released on Wednesday show.
Jonathan Powell - who also previously served as Tony Blair's chief of staff - raised the concerns with Sir Keir's then chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.
Notes taken from a call between Mr Powell and the prime minister’s general counsel in September 2025 said the national security adviser “found the appointment process unusual of Lord Mandelson (LM) weirdly rushed”.
But Mr McSweeney "responded that the issues had been addressed", the notes read.
Lord Mandelson suggested using Farage as 'bridgehead' to Trump and Elon Musk
14:42 , Holly EvansLord Peter Mandelson suggested using Nigel Farage to better the UK’s connections with the Trump administration, newly released documents reveal.
The due diligence report that went to the Prime Minister ahead of Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador in Washington quoted the peer as saying of Mr Farage: “You can’t ignore him, he’s an elected member of parliament. He’s a public figure. He’s a bridgehead, both to President Trump and to Elon Musk and others . . . National interest is served in all sorts of weird and wonderful ways.”
Mandelson’s request for £500k ‘inappropriate and unacceptable'
14:36 , Holly EvansPeter Mandelson’s request for a payout of over £500,000 was “inappropriate and unacceptable”, a minister has told MPs.
The documents released on Wednesday confirmed the former Labour peer secured a £75,000 payout when he was sacked from his job as US ambassador, but officials revealed in emails he had begun negotiations at a far higher figure.
Speaking to MPs upon the release of the files, chief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones said Mandelson had asked for “nearly six times the final amount, despite the fact he was "withdrawn from Washington after losing the confidence of the prime minister".
He called this “inappropriate and unacceptable”.
Analysis: It is now clear that Keir Starmer was warned about the dangers of appointing Mandelson
14:35 , Holly EvansOur political editor David Maddox writes...
This is a very difficult day for Keir Starmer because even a cursory look at the documents published today reveal that he had plenty of warnings and red flags about appointing Peter Mandelson to such a sensitive diplomatic role.
The documents go into detail about Mandelson’s relationship with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein including staying at his flat after he was in prison for his crimes.
They also go into the problems of Mandelson’s history in having to resign from previous government jobs over his personal behaviour.
The problems of his business relationships are highlighted and his closeness to China.There is little room for the prime minister to really claim that he did not know enough not to go ahead with the appointment.
But the line that political appointments are worse than professional diplomats in cases such as these underlines the difficulty for Sir Keir.
The advice noted: “If anything goes wrong you could be more exposed as the individual is connected to you personally.”
Clinton and Mandelson set up a meeting between Blair and Epstein
14:30 , Millie CookeBill Clinton and Peter Mandelson set up a meeting between Tony Blair and Jeffrey Epstein, the first tranche of Mandelson files have revealed.
In an email to national security adviser Jonathan Powell in 2002, Mr Mandelson said: "Do you remember when Clinton saw TB he said he wanted to introduce his travelling friend, Jeffrey Epstein, to TB?".
The email continues: "I think TB would be interested in meeting Jeffrey, who is also a friend of mine, because Jeffrey is an scientific catalyst/entrepreneur as well as someone who has his finger on the pulse of many worldwide markets and currencies. He is young and vibrant. He is safe (whatever that means) and Clinton is now doing a lot of travelling with him."
The files then show a note to to Mr Blair, which told the then PM he was meeting with Epstein at 5pm on May 14 2002.
Minister addressing MPs on Mandelson files release
14:29 , Holly EvansDarren Jones is addressing the Commons upon the release of the first tranche of files relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.
The chief secretary to the prime minister said there are further tranches to come and told MPs: “It is important to recognise the strength of feeling on all sides of the house, my own included, at the disgust and horror at the nature and extent of the relationship that Peter Mandelson maintained with Jeffrey Epstein despite his criminal conviction for abusing a vulnerable young girl.
“Including encouraging Jeffrey Epstein to then fight that conviction.”
Mandelson tried to get £500k payout after being sacked as ambassador
14:23 , Athena StavrouThe first tranche of the Peter Mandelson files have revealed the disgraced former US ambassador originally asked for a payout of over £500,000 after being sacked from his role.
Emails in the documents confirmed the former Labour peer secured a £75,000 payout when further information about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein came to light.
In an email to officials at the Foreign Office, a Treasury official said the government had done “[very] well to get this settlement down this low with minimal fuss.”
The email reads: “If there’s any pushback, it might be worth mentioning that he opened negotiations asking us to pay out his contract (over £500k).”
Starmer warned over ‘reputation risk’ from Mandelson appointment
14:22 , Holly EvansThe checklist vetting document noted how Mandelson had been forced to resign from government jobs on two previous occasions and warned Sir Keir about “reputational risk”.
It stated: “There is a general reputational risk around previous departures from the New Labour Government, both relating to financial matters, including high-profile donors to government.”
One of the examples quoted was his resignation as trade and industry secretary in 1998 “due to not declaring a £373,000 loan from Geoffrey Robinson, a cabinet colleague, which was used to fund a property purchase.”
Starmer was warned about Mandelson’s business interests
14:20 , David MaddoxA checklist on the due diligence inquiries into Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US underlines that there were concerns about his business interests which were flagged with the prime minister.
Regarding Mandelson’s Global Counsel lobbying firm, the document states: “Reputational risks could occur relating to any of these clients' dealings with the UK or USA government. Global Counsel did not declare any lobbying clients under the last quarter of the Sunak Administration, media reporting is noting the group's expansion since the election.”
It lists clients as including TikTok, Shell, Accenture, the Premier League, JP Morgan, Santander, BP, Sizewell C, and Shein.
Sir Keir Starmer is already facing questions over an off the books meeting he had with Mandelson when he was ambassador in Washington with another of his clients Palantir.
Papers go into detail on how PM was briefed ahead of the appointment on Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein
14:10 , David MaddoxA briefing note to the prime minister from the civil servants looking into the suitability of Peter Mandelson to the role reveals that they had arranged to brief Sir Keir Starmer personally about Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein.
They note: “We have sought a due diligence…and your chief of staff (Morgan McSweeney) has discussed Peter’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein which we will go through with you, but your director of communications (Matthew Doyle) is satisfied with his responses to questions about contact.”
Doyle was made a peer after resigning as director of comms and has recently been suspended from the Labour Party over separate questions about his own propriety.
Starmer was advised about Mandelson's 'particularly close relationship' with Epstein before he appointed him
14:06 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer was advised about Lord Peter Mandelson's "particularly close relationship" with Jeffrey Epstein when he appointed him, including reports of the peer having stayed in the paedophile's flat while he was in prison.
The first tranche of files relating to the appointment of Mandelson, published on Wednesday, reveal advice given to the prime minister ahead of his appointment.
That advice - put together in December 2024 - highlighted a 2019 report commissioned by JPMorgan, which found that Epstein appeared to “maintain a particularly close relationship with Prince Andrew the Duke of York and Lord Peter Mandelson, a senior member of the British government”.
The note also highlighted that this relationship continued after Epstein was first convicted of procuring an underage girl in 2008, as well as pointing out that "Mandelson reportedly stayed in Epstein's House while he was in jail in June 2009".
Starmer was warned about dangers of a political appointment for ambassador to the US
14:03 , Holly EvansOur political editor David Maddox says:
In a document weighing up the pros and cons of a political appointment for ambassador to the US as opposed to a seasoned diplomat, Sir Keir Starmer was clearly warned that a political appointment was more dangerous for him personally.
The document noted on a political appointment: “If anything goes wrong you could be more exposed as the individual is connected to you personally.”
Meanwhile, with a diplomatic appointment they highlighted how when things went wrong with Lord Kim Darroch during Theresa May’s premiership she was able to distance herself.
Despite the warning Sir Keir went ahead with the political appointment of Peter Mandelson.
First set of Lord Mandelson files released
13:55 , Holly EvansThe Government has published the first set of documents relating to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the United States.
Ban on Al Quds Day marches in place until 11 April
13:50 , Dan HaygarthA ban on processions related to Al Quds Day will be in place until 11 April, home secretary Shabana Mahmood has told MPs.
The home secretary had approved a request from the Metropolitan Police to ban a march planned for Sunday “to prevent serious public disorder” – the first time a protest march has been banned since 2012.
The annual Al Quds Day march in London has always been seen as pro-Iranian, drawing criticism after its organisers expressed support for the country’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Organisers say it is more of a pro-Palestine event.
Several counter-protests had also been planned for the day.
In a statement to the House of Commons, the home secretary said: “My first duty is to keep the public safe, having carefully and thoroughly considered the risk … assessment presented to me by the Metropolitan Police, I am satisfied that an order under section 13 is necessary.
“For one month there will therefore be a prohibition on processions in London related to Al Quds Day by protesters and counter-protesters, which will come into effect today and will end on the 11th of April.
“Should the commissioner consider a further extension is required, he will be able to make a further submission at that time.”
Starmer took UK into the war 'when he allowed the Americans to use UK bases', says Flynn
13:45 , Dan Haygarth
The SNP’s Westminster leader claimed Sir Keir Starmer took the UK into the war in Iran “when he allowed the Americans to use UK bases”.
Stephen Flynn said at Prime Minister’s Questions: “Donald Trump’s war in Iran is illegal and the situation that has unfolded since is verging on insane.
“Oil is falling from the sky, sewers are exploding, the IRGC is indiscriminately attacking civilians across the region, cargo ships, and potentially even mining the Strait of Hormuz.
“The economic consequences of which will be stark for the global economy, but for every single person living on these isles too, and whether the Prime Minister accepts it or not he did indeed take us into that war when he allowed the Americans to use UK bases just last week.
“But I have a specific question. He’ll have seen the same footage I have of an American Tomahawk missile landing on a primary school killing 110 children. Does he believe that to be a war crime?”
The prime minister replied: “We’re all concerned by that footage. But let me be absolutely clear with him, we have 300,000 UK nationals, including Scottish citizens, in the region – strikes, missiles and drones are being fired into the region, putting them at great danger.
“We are taking action to protect them. I’m astonished that the SNP says ‘don’t take action to support Scottish citizens in the region’. It’s outrageous.”
Reeves: ‘Valid’ to say national insurance hike should not have happened
13:40 , Dan Haygarth
Rachel Reeves has said there was a “valid argument” that she should not have hiked employers’ national insurance contributions after the number of jobless young people approaches one million.
But the chancellor insisted the move announced in 2024 was needed to put money into public services.
Ms Reeves told parliament’s Treasury Committee: “We did make the decision to increase national insurance in my first budget and that’s because we needed to properly fund public services, including the National Health Service, which got a £29 billion-a-year uplift.
“So, I do recognise, and it’s a valid argument to say that that should not have happened. But if that didn’t happen, we wouldn’t have been able to put the money into the NHS and reduce waiting lists.
“And reducing waiting lists in the NHS is also good for business, because it means that more people are available for work, and the workforce is is healthier.
“But I do recognise there are particular issues around youth unemployment.
“A lot of that, with respect, we inherited with a big increase in the young people not in education, employment or training, but we are facing into that with actions coming on stream from next month.”
Keir Starmer opens door to scrapping fuel duty hike
13:35 , Dan HaygarthSir Keir Starmer has hinted at a move to cancel a fuel duty hike amid concerns over the impact that the Middle East crisis will have on the UK economy, report David Maddox and Millie Cooke,
The prime minister told MPs that the planned 5p increase would be “kept under review” before it is due to come into force in September.
Fuel duty is currently frozen to help drivers with the cost of living, but that is due to end in the autumn. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has so far resisted calls to cancel the planned hike in response to the oil price spike caused by Donald Trump’s war on Iran.
But his comments, which came during a tetchy exchange at Prime Minister’s Questions, pave the way for another possible U-turn.
Read the full article below:
Nick Clegg hits out at ‘deeply unfair’ university tuition fees system
13:06 , Dan HaygarthSir Nick Clegg has said the university tuition system is “deeply unfair” for students and suggested there could be a future institution which oversees the terms of student loans.
The former leader of the Liberal Democrats and deputy prime minister admitted some responsibility for costly tuition fees, which were increased during his time in government.
Sir Nick told the BBC he would take any criticism of the role “on the chin”, saying he was not responsible for later changes, including the repeated freezing of the graduate repayment threshold.
“I think graduates quite rightly feel very sore, because they're sort of running to stand still,” Sir Nick said.
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Nick Clegg hits out at ‘deeply unfair’ university tuition fees system
Mortgage rates soar above 5% as market hit by most turbulent days since Truss mini-Budget
12:53 , Holly EvansNearly 500 mortgage deals for homeowners have been pulled from the market over the Middle East conflict – the fastest disappearing act since the aftermath of the 2022 mini-budget.
Average mortgage rates have also soared past the five per cent mark as lenders scramble to hike their rates for both two- and five-year fixes.
The war on Iran and ensuing turbulence across the region have had a wide-ranging impact on the global economy, with the price of oil shooting past $100 (£74) at one stage before dropping back to $90 (£66).
Read the full article here:
Mortgage rates soar above 5% as market hit by most turbulent days since mini-Budget
Mandelson given £70k severance payout, files will reportedly show
12:45 , Millie CookeThe first tranche of Mandelson files, which will be published today, are expected to show that Peter Mandelson was given a severance payout of £70,000, the Financial Times reported.
But sources told the newspaper he had asked for a much bigger payout, a request that was reportedly rejected.
Badenoch says HMS Dragon would have left a week ago under her leadership
12:41 , Holly EvansConservative leader Kemi Badenoch claimed that HMS Dragon would have left a week ago if she was prime minister while Sir Keir Starmer called for her to apologise for comments about the British armed forces.
Speaking at PMQs, Sir Keir said: “In this job, you don’t get a second shot at making the right call on taking your country to war.
“If she (Mrs Badenoch) were prime minister, we would be in the war, and she would be coming back to Parliament a week later to say, ‘Oh, sorry, I got that one wrong’.”
Mrs Badenoch replied: “If I were prime minister, HMS Dragon would have left a week ago. The only time he’s taken decisive action was stopping Andy Burnham from standing in the by-election.”
Watch: Starmer quizzed if Iran school bombing is a war crime
12:37 , Holly EvansStarmer says government will do 'everything we can' to keep energy bills down
12:34 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer says he will do “everything we can” to keep energy bills down, and took aim at Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage over their stance towards the Iran conflict.
Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, asked if he could guarantee that costs to British households would not rise by hundreds of pounds in July.
In response, Sir Keir said: “People will be really worried about the impact on them, and just to reassure households that the cap is in place until the end of June, until July, and therefore that deals with the situation for households.
“We are working with the sector and with others and with allies to do everything we can to make sure those energy bills don’t rise.”
He also called on efforts to “de-escalate” the situation in the Middle East. Taking aim at the Tory and Reform leaders, Sir Keir said: “If they had been leading the country, we’d be in a war.”
Analysis: Starmer paves the way to cancel fuel duty rise
12:25 , Holly EvansOur political editor David Maddox writes...
After days of the chancellor Rachel Reeves sticking by her plans to increase fuel duty by 5p in the autumn, the prime minister appears to have U-turned on the plan.
Answering questions from Kemi Badenoch in PMQs on the plans for the fuel duty hike, Sir Keir said that he would keep the tax frozen until September and then it “will be reviewed” before another rise.
It is clear he has seen the political danger and is paving the way to cancel the rise if the war is still raging in Iran and pushing the price of oil and gas up.
This is a distinct shift in tone from the chancellor’s support for the measure in her statement on Monday and then in Treasury questions this week.
Ms Reeves used the generic line that “taxes are always kept under review” while Sir Keir has committed to reviewing this planned increase before bringing the rise.
While Sir Keir is not cancelling the plan from the despatch box today he is making it clear that there is now a strong chance it will not happen.
For a man who has become well known for his U-turns in office this looks like another one in the making.
Watch: Keir Starmer berates Kemi Badenoch for U-turn on Iran war
12:17 , Holly EvansKemi Badenoch slammed for “screeching U-turn” on Iran
12:16 , Millie CookeSir Keir Starmer has once again criticised Kemi Badenoch for her changing position on the war in Iran, accusing her of a "screeching U-turn".
It comes after the Tory leader initially signalled her support for the UK joining Israeli and US strikes on Iran, but on Tuesday appeared to row back from her position.
Taking aim at Mrs Badenoch, Sir Keir told the Commons: “If she were prime minister… we would be in the war, and she would be coming back to Parliament a week later to say, oh, sorry, I got that one wrong.”
Starmer says fuel duty remains under review
12:14 , Holly EvansKemi Badenoch asks how an increase in fuel duty is going to help with the cost of living.
She asked the prime minister: “The Prime Minister told us at the start of the year that the cost of living was his number one priority. So can he explain how a rise in fuel duty helps with the cost of living?”
Sir Keir Starmer responds: "Fuel duty is frozen. It's going to remain frozen until September, and we will keep the situation under review in light of what's happening in Iran."
Starmer accuses Badenoch of 'mother of all U-turns' on Iran
12:10 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer has accused Kemi Badenoch of performing the “mother of all u-turns” on her position on the UK’s involvement in the war in the Middle East.
He said Ms Badenoch “relentlessly” attacked him for refusing to join initial US-Israel strikes, before changing her position.
“Yesterday, in the wake of the economic consequences the leader of the opposition totally abandoned her position,” he said.
“She told the BBC I never said we should join.”
He added: “That is the mother of all u-turns on the single most important decision a prime minister ever has to take - whether to commit the United Kingdom to war or not.”
He said she and Nigel Farage had been “spooked” and were now “furiously trying to backpedal” on their stance.
Badenoch seizes upon calls to scrap planned 5p increase in fuel duty
12:07 , Millie CookeKemi Badenoch has seized upon calls to scrap the planned 5p increase in fuel duty this autumn, asking: "Why does the prime minister think now is the right time to increase the cost of petrol?"
Responding, Sir Keir Starmer said: "Mr Speaker, we are not increasing the cost of petrol. We are absolutely clear in taking the measures that are necessary to deal with the impact of the conflict in Iran.
"We're dealing with that with other allies, we’re taking the necessary action. But the best thing that we can do is to work with others to de-escalate the situation."
He added: "Fuel duty is frozen. It is going to remain frozen until September. And we will keep the situation under review in light of what is happening in Iran."
Starmer facing PMQs
12:03 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer has stood up to face this week’s PMQs ahead of the release of the Peter Mandelson files.
The prime minister began with updating the Commons on the UK’s response to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
He said the RAF have flown over 200 hours of defensive operations, and thanked armed forces for their efforts.
He will now face questions from the leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch ahead of the release of the first tranche of files.
PMQs to begin shortly
12:00 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer is due to arrive shortly at Prime Minister’s Questions, where he is due to face Kemi Badenoch ahead of the release of the Mandelson files.
Board of Deputies of British Jews welcome Al Quds day march ban
11:43 , Holly EvansThe Board of Deputies of British Jews has welcomed the decision to ban the Al Quds Day march planned for Sunday.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved the Metropolitan Police’s request on Tuesday evening.
The board said in a statement: “The right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression are fundamental in a democratic society, and restrictions should not be imposed lightly.
“However, in this case, we welcome the Home Secretary and the Metropolitan Police’s decision to ban the Iranian regime-backed Al Quds Day marches – something we have long called for.
“While a one-month ban is an important step, they should be made permanent.
“Britain’s streets should not be used as a platform for antisemitism, extremism or support for terrorism.
“We continue to also press for the full proscription of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, whose ideology and influence underpin Al Quds Day.”
Chancellor says it is 'too early' to change any taxes for Middle East crisis
11:36 , Holly EvansThe Government is working with the Competition and Markets Authority on “any price gouging” in heating oil as households have seen prices doubled, the Chancellor said, adding that she would meet the competition watchdog and petrol retailers on Thursday.
Amid calls for her to scrap the planned 5p increase in fuel duty this autumn, Rachel Reeves reiterated that Treasury policies are always “under review”.
She said: “We always keep all taxes under review, but it is much too early – when those changes are not due to come into effect until September – to guess where petrol prices will be then.
“But I’m very loath to spend Government money on something that the market should be doing, and that’s why greater competition and greater transparency about pricing is so important.
“I would rather we have a properly functioning market where customers have decent information about prices at different petrol forecourts, rather than subsidising the money, which often actually just goes to the retailer.”
Reeves: The quicker we can de-escalate in Iran, the better it will be for the economy
11:16 , Millie CookeThe quicker we can de-escalate in Iran, the better it will be for the British economy, the chancellor has said.
Addressing the Treasury Committee, Rachel Reeves said: “It’s certainly not good for the British economy to have trade disrupted, and especially when so much oil and gas comes from that part of the world.
“But the best thing that we can do as a government is to seek to de-escalate this conflict.”
She added that “the quicker we can de-escalate, the better it will be for all of those different economic variables”.
Analysis: Release of Mandelson papers unlikely to draw a line under Starmer’s troubles
11:12 , Holly EvansOur political editor David Maddox says:
The imminent release of the papers relating to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the ambassador to the US despite knowledge of his relationship with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein is set to be a difficult moment for Keir Starmer’s government.
The prime minister essentially had to have his hand forced by a Labour rebellion involving former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner to agree to the Tory humble address motion on the controversial appointment which could still yet break his government.
It is important to note though that today is only the first tranche of these papers and there is more to come.
Supporters of the PM hope that the embarrassment will largely focus on the now departed chief of staff Morgan McSweeney who pushed through the appointment of his mentor.
But much attention will be on how absent Sir Keir was from these decisions and whether he allowed others to get on with things he should have had a grip on. Some will also be hoping it reveals the extent of Mandelson’s involvement in the government including organising the reshuffle.
As journalists and MPs trawl through the papers today it is going to be a perilous moment for Sir Keir at a time when his future as PM seems far from certain.
Mandelson seen outside London home ahead of files release
11:11 , Holly EvansPeter Mandelson has been pictured leaving his home in north London this morning, as the government prepares to publish the first tranche of files related to his appointment as US ambassador.
The former Labour peer was seen getting into his car on Wednesday morning, weeks after he was arrested by police on suspicsion of misconducy in public office.
Cabinet minister Darren Jones will confirm the release of the first set of documents after PMQs today. It is thought to include hundreds of documents about how the peer was vetted before he was handed the job in Washington.
As Peter Mandelson’s biographer, I know how his mind works – and why Epstein was his weakness
10:56 , Holly EvansThe Epstein files reveal not just a catastrophic breach of trust, but the final act in a long political psychodrama.
Donald Macintyre reveals how a man so adept at managing risk came to take one that could destroy a government – not to mention his own career – and says the answers lie deep in a life shaped by a fatal attraction to wealth and influence.
Read the full analysis here:
The Mandelson I know – and the real reason why Epstein was his weakness
Jess Phillips reveals she is victim of courts backlog with restraining order case delayed until 2028
10:46 , Holly EvansJess Phillips has revealed she is a victim of the soaring crown courts backlog with a man accused of breaching a restraining order not due to face trial until 2028.
The safeguarding minister said she will have to wait years to have her day in court as MPs voted in favour of sweeping reforms to tackle the crisis, including controversial plans to curb jury trials.
Speaking before a moving debate in the House of Commons, the Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley said the bill had her full support after her experience showed the courts system is “broken”.
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Jess Phillips reveals she is victim of courts backlog with case delayed until 2028
Government could intervene to help with energy costs if Middle East crisis deepens, Reeves indicates
10:29 , Millie CookeThe government could intervene to help with energy costs if the crisis in the Middle East deepens, Rachel Reeves has indicated.
Asked if the government has the ability to intervene as it had in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the chancellor told MPs: “We will always make sure that we do everything we can to protect consumers, but also to ensure our national security as an economy.
“We are in a stronger position than when I became Chancellor to respond to shocks like these and we are in a stronger position in many ways than when Russia illegally invaded Ukraine.”
Inflation is lower than at the time of the Ukraine invasion, she said, and was forecast to go down. The UK is less reliant on gas than it had been at the time of the 2022 Russian invasion, which led to a spike in prices and a multibillion state intervention to subsidise bills.
Timeline of Peter Mandelson’s controversial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
10:26 , Holly EvansThe government is set to publish the first set of documents relating to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the United States on Wednesday, less than two months after emails between the statesman and Jeffrey Epstein were brought to light.
In February, MPs ordered the government to release tens of thousands of documents relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment in 2024 after questions over how the peer was vetted and what was known about his links to the disgraced financier.
The prime minister has insisted Lord Mandelson “lied repeatedly” to No 10 about his relationship with Epstein, before and during his tenure as ambassador.
Read the full timeline here:
Timeline of Lord Mandelson’s controversial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
Treasury is 'looking at a number of scenarios' as Middle East conflict continues
10:13 , Holly EvansAppearing before Parliament’s Treasury Committee on Wednesday, the Chancellor said it would be “unwise to speculate” about the impact of the Iran conflict on inflation, growth or interest rates, but added that the Treasury is “looking at a number of scenarios”.
The war has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – a vital route for oil and gas supplies.
Ms Reeves told MPs: “It’s certainly not good for the British economy to have trade disrupted, and especially when so much oil and gas comes from that part of the world.
“But the best thing that we can do as a Government is to seek to de-escalate this conflict.”
She said “the quicker we can de-escalate, the better it will be for all of those different economic variables”.
G7 countries, whose finance and energy ministers have met in recent days, are mulling the release of strategic oil reserves.
“I’ve been very clear that the UK is willing to play its part in using those reserves to put downward pressure on oil prices and ensure that supply remains strong,” Ms Reeves said.
“We’re working closely with both our allies in the Gulf and in the G7 and also with the insurance industry to ensure that as quickly as possible we can get those movements going again.”
UK decided not to engage in offensive action in Iran partly because of economic impacts, Reeves suggests
10:03 , Millie CookeChancellor Rachel Reeves said the UK's decision not to engage in offensive action against Iran came partly as a result of the impacts such a move would have on the economy.
She told the Treasury Committee: "Both the Conservatives and Reform, when the conflict began just under two weeks ago, were suggesting that the UK should be engaged in offensive action against Iran the Middle East, and we made the decision that would be the wrong choice... And one of the reasons why is because of the impact here in the UK.
"It was not in our national interest to be involved in in that conflict, and that's why we made the decision that we did.
"But of course, the Treasury is always planning for different eventualities, and we saw the impact of higher oil and gas prices just a few years ago after Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine."
Rachel Reeves says Middle East crisis 'certainly not good' for the economy
09:58 , Holly EvansChancellor Rachel Reeves told the Treasury Committee that it is “certainly not good for the British economy to have trade disrupted” as a result of the Middle East crisis.
Will interest rates rise after surge in oil prices over Iran-US war?
09:46 , Holly EvansThe conflict in the Middle East has continued into a second week and there are already major fears about the impact that soaring energy prices could have on people in the UK.
In particular, rising prices and energy bills could fuel higher inflation and see the Bank of England eventually raise interest rates.
Rising rates have knock-on effects elsewhere, including on people’s mortgages and savings.
Here, The Independent looks at how the war in the Middle East could impact rates – and your finances.
Read the full analysis from our business correspondent Karl Matchett here:
Will interest rates rise after surge in oil prices over Iran-US war?
When was Lord Mandelson arrested?
09:22 , Holly EvansLord Peter Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on February 23 after police received a tip-off from Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle that he was a flight risk.
He was taken into custody and interviewed, before being released under bail conditions.
It was confirmed on 6 March that his bail conditions had been lifted.
Lord Mandelson’s lawyers at Mishcon de Reya said on Friday: “In light of speculation following his arrest last week, we wish to clarify that the Metropolitan Police have removed all of Peter Mandelson’s bail conditions and returned his passport.
“Our client did not and does not pose a flight risk and will continue to cooperate with the police investigation. He will not be making any further comment at this stage.”
One document held back due to Met Police investigation, minister says
09:07 , Holly EvansThe prime minister’s secretary Darren Jones told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “On the specific issue of Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the United States, the Prime Minister has apologised for his appointment and said that it was a mistake.
“The documents that will be published today later to Parliament will provide full transparency about the appointments process, bar one document that has been held back by the Metropolitan Police because of an ongoing criminal investigation.
“The Prime Minister said that we only really knew of the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein once documents had been published by first Bloomberg and then the United States Department of Justice.
“As soon as those documents became available, and it became obvious that Peter Mandelson had lied to the Prime Minister about the depth and extent of his relationship, he was sacked as ambassador the United States very promptly.”
Hereditary peers set to be removed from House of Lords
09:02 , Holly EvansHereditary peers are set to lose their automatic right to sit and vote in the House of Lords, a significant reform expected to take effect before the next King's Speech.
The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill has now completed its passage through Parliament, receiving final approval on Tuesday.
This legislative change will effectively abolish the quota that has allowed 92 hereditary peers to occupy the red benches and participate in votes since 1999.
Read the full article here:
1.7m UK homes facing soaring bills as heating oil costs doubled in a week amid Iran conflict
08:46 , Holly EvansAlmost 2 million homes and businesses across the UK which still use heating oil are already facing a major cost increase as a result of the Middle East crisis.
Since the outbreak of the conflict, there has been a continued focus on Brent crude oil’s price marching higher as supply lines are hampered by Iran effectively prohibiting tankers from moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar’s liquified natural gas (LNG) plant shutting down after being struck means the cost of gas has shot up, too.
But heating oil stands apart as another key energy source for millions across Britain – with prices having more than doubled in only a week.
Read the full article here:
1.7m UK homes facing soaring bills as heating oil costs doubled in a week
Minister says government takes 'responsibility to be transparent seriously'
08:28 , Holly EvansThe government has ‘agreed a framework with the Metropolitan Police on which documents can be released without prejudicing the ongoing police investigation into Lord Mandelson.
On Sky News, Mr Jones said: “It’s a big number of documents. Government takes its responsibility to be transparent to Parliament really seriously.
“And of course, on this issue of Peter Mandelson and his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, we all have a shared interest in bringing some accountability and transparency to these these issues.
“So the first tranche will be published this afternoon. A second tranche, they will come later, because there’s been further work that we’ve had to do across Government in response to the humble address, which is not quite ready.
“And we have two other processes that take a bit of time, given the live criminal investigation with the Metropolitan Police and the role of the Intelligence and Security Committee in Parliament has some oversight of it.”
Home secretary to ban Al Quds Day march in London over fears of ‘serious public disorder’
08:20 , Holly EvansThe home secretary has approved a request from the Metropolitan Police to ban a march planned for Sunday “to prevent serious public disorder” - the first time a protest march has been banned since 2012.
The annual Al Quds Day march in London has always been seen as pro-Iranian, drawing criticism after its organisers expressed support for the country’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Organisers say it is more of a pro-Palestine event.
Several counter-protests had also been planned for the day.
Read the full article here:
Home secretary to ban pro-Iran march over fears of ‘serious disorder’
Minister accepts that decision to ban Al Quds Day march will face freedom of speech criticism
08:13 , Millie CookeA government minister has accepted that the decision to ban the upcoming Al Quds Day march will face criticism over fears for freedom of speech.
Mr Jones was about the decision to ban the march, and whether he accepts that some people will say the right to freedom of speech is the right to say things that are deemed offensive.
Responding, he told Sky News: "Yes. You can't do anything illegal, you can't incite hatred or violence or cause physical damage and those types of things, but you do have the right in our country to express your views democratically and peacefully, and that's why these powers are not used very often.
Mr Jones added that the Met Police requested the ban after "having looked at the operational detail of it."
And asked whether the government is looking at proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, he said: "Yeah. I mean, look, there's been a long running debate on this, and it's something the government keeps under review..
."There's a very legal and technical process that you can't really comment on about very much in the media. It has to come to Parliament deciding to do that."
No war bounce for Starmer with Labour still in fourth place in poll
08:02 , Holly EvansOur political editor David Maddox writes:
Sir Keir Starmer may have hoped that his principled stance of keeping the UK out of the war on Iran may have helped Labour’s struggles in the polls.
But the latest YouGov poll for Sky News has given the embattled prime minister more bad news with Labour still in fourth place on 17 per cent up just one point from last week.
Top is Reform unchanged on 23 per cent but still a long way off the 30 per cent some other polls have Nigel Farage’s party at.
The Tories, who have taken a more belligerent attitude to the war, are up three to 19 per cent in joint second place with the Greens who have dropped two points.
Ed Davey’s Lib Dems meanwhile languish in fifth place on 14 per cent.
Government accused of dodging questions on Mandelson
07:56 , Holly EvansThe timing of the release has led to accusations from the Conservatives that the Prime Minister is attempting to “dodge questions” about Lord Mandelson’s vetting by publishing the documents after PMQs.
Shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart said: “His fingers are all over this.
“He’s already admitted that he knew about Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with Epstein when he appointed him.
“Time and again his judgment has been found wanting.”
From Labour ‘Prince’ to Epstein shame: How Lord Mandelson fell from grace
07:50 , Holly EvansLord Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation by Metropolitan Police after allegations he passed on market-sensitive information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as business secretary.
It is the latest development in the growing crisis engulfing the former US ambassador, who has resigned from the Labour Party and has left the House of Lords after further details of his friendship with the convicted felon emerged in the so-called Epstein files.
Sir Keir Starmer is under growing pressure after he admitted that he knew about Lord Mandelson’s ongoing friendship with the convicted sex offender when he appointed him, but said that the peer “lied repeatedly” about the extent of the relationship.
Read the full article here:
From Labour ‘Prince’ to Epstein shame: How Lord Mandelson fell from grace
Cabinet minister defends way Mandelson documents will be released
07:40 , Holly EvansChief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones has defended the way documents related to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington will be released.
The documents will not be released until after PMQs, meaning MPs will not be able to directly press Sir Keir Starmer on the contents of the papers.
Mr Jones, who will make a Commons statement to set out the release of the documents after Prime Minister’s Questions, said: “We were always teed up to report in early March with the first tranche of documents, which is what we’re doing this afternoon.
“Because I run the Cabinet Office, at the centre of government, it was always my responsibility to give those updates to the House of Commons and statements always come after Prime Minister’s Questions.”
He told Times Radio: “There will be a second tranche of documents that will come at a later stage.”
Messages between ministers could prove embarrassing for Labour government
07:36 , Holly EvansA Commons motion called for the release of a huge range of material, including messages between Lord Mandelson and ministers and senior officials that could prove embarrassing for the Government.
Following the vote, Sir Keir Starmer said he wanted to ensure “urgency and transparency” and apologised for believing the peer’s “lies” about the extent of his relationship with Epstein.
Some files are expected to be withheld for national security or foreign relations reasons, but the final say over which documents are redacted rests with Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee.
Ministers had initially proposed giving the cabinet secretary control over which papers should be withheld, but backed down in the face of opposition from Labour backbenchers.
Downing Street expected to release first Lord Mandelson files
07:31 , Holly EvansDowning Street could begin releasing documents related to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington on Wednesday, reports have suggested.
Parliamentary sources said Cabinet minister Darren Jones is expected to address MPs after prime minister’s questions, following media reports No 10 was preparing to release the first round of Lord Mandelson papers.
Last month, MPs ordered the government to release thousands of documents relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment in 2024 after questions over how the peer was vetted and what was known about his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The timing of the expected release has led to accusations from the Conservatives that the prime minister is attempting to “dodge questions” about Lord Mandelson’s vetting by publishing the documents after PMQs.
