Ministers and MPs urged a parliamentary standards probe into the PM amid claims he misled the Commons about Lord Mandelson’s role and contacts. Supporters say procedures were followed, but critics want the Speaker to refer the case for investigation.
Labour has agreed a new three‑year deal with France, adding £660m to efforts to curb Channel crossings, taking UK funding above £1.3bn. The package supports patrols, surveillance and joint operations targeting criminal networks. Ministers say it will deter departures; critics question results and value.
Amanda Knox says she has written to Lucy Letby as part of research for a new podcast, sending a letter and a copy of her book after a London screening of her documentary. Knox, cleared of Meredith Kercher’s 2007 killing, also noted ongoing calls for an inquiry.
A 56-year-old woman, in good health and of sound mind, has chosen an assisted death at a Swiss clinic, saying overwhelming grief makes life untenable. Her family has been informed. The decision is expected to reignite debate about personal autonomy and the UK’s laws on assisted dying.
Messages indicate AG Lord Hermer, then a barrister, pursued Iraq abuse claims against British troops despite warnings they were likely unfounded, and discussed publicity with claimant lawyers. The disclosures have triggered calls to scrutinise his judgement and any conflict of interest.
Cabinet tensions are rising over the PM’s handling of the Peter Mandelson scandal, with ministers warning against alienating the civil service after the dismissal of a senior official. Allies urge discipline, while others demand a rethink, leaving the PM increasingly isolated.
FIFA will deploy an upgraded VAR using full-body scans to create 3D player models, sharpening offside decisions at the World Cup. Referees will compare incidents with digital “clones”, which could even register hair or kit beyond the last defender. England’s squad will be scanned.
Cabinet figures are losing confidence in the PM after a security row linked to Mandelson, with one minister saying patience has run out. Allies of Wes Streeting are open to a pact with Angela Rayner to unite centre and left and avert a leadership fight, though policy gaps and an HMRC inquiry pose hurdles.
Iran seized two commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz as attempts to revive talks falter. The US extended a limited truce while sustaining maritime pressure, driving oil above $100. Shipping bodies warn of risks to crews, and insurers and traders begin to re-route traffic.
Allies of Sir Olly Robbins say the PM sacked him without letting him explain his handling of Lord Mandelson’s failed security clearance for the Washington ambassador post. The PM says he asked for, then rejected, an explanation; Robbins’s supporters deny he was asked.
An 80-year-old great‑gran continues full‑time nursing, while a single father cycles 60 miles a day to earn a living. Their commitment challenges claims of idleness, showing how many persist with demanding work to support families and cope with rising costs.
Labour MPs condemn No 10’s culture after a senior civil servant said he was pressured to approve Peter Mandelson’s US role. The row has triggered cabinet anger, calls for transparency in appointments, and questions over the PM’s judgement and No 10’s working practices.
Sir Olly Robbins says No10, via the PM’s ex‑chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, pressured the Foreign Office to approve Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite concerns. The proposed appointment drew backlash, with Donald Trump calling it a bad pick.
Ministers are distancing themselves from the PM after claims he pressured officials to secure Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington. No 10 denies misconduct, but scrutiny of the vetting process is intensifying, raising questions over propriety and authority.
Calls grow for Morrisons to reinstate store manager Sean Egan, dismissed after confronting an alleged repeat shoplifter. Ex-staff praise his record, while senior politicians argue retailers should back employees protecting customers and goods. The company is under pressure to review the decision.
Pressure grows on the PM over the Mandelson vetting row after a dismissed civil servant told MPs No 10 fostered a pressurised atmosphere and was dismissive of warnings. Senior Labour figures, including Ed Miliband and Yvette Cooper, signalled dissent and urged Cabinet action.
A sacked vetting chief told MPs he faced “constant pressure” to clear Lord Mandelson for a proposed US ambassador role, saying there was a push to approve it before a presidential inauguration. The claim intensifies scrutiny of the PM’s handling of the process.
Sir Olly Robbins says No 10 pressured him to clear a role for Peter Mandelson, which he approved “under duress”. The claim intensifies scrutiny of Starmer and raises questions about the propriety and independence of the government appointments vetting process.
At an MPs hearing, ex-Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins said No 10 pressed officials to push through vetting and an ambassador role for a politically connected figure, contradicting the PM. Senior ministers voiced concern, while No 10 said the proper process was followed.
Former FO chief Sir Olly Robbins told MPs No 10 pressed officials to secure an ambassadorship for Matthew Doyle and to fast-track Peter Mandelson’s posting to Washington, while asking him not to brief David Lammy. Doyle later lost the Labour whip over links to an individual convicted of abuse.
No.10 is under scrutiny for reportedly exploring an ambassador‑style role for a peer previously removed over links to an individual convicted of abuse. The row intensifies questions about appointments and vetting, piling pressure on the PM and prompting calls for full transparency.
