
Daily Telegraph Front Page 18th of April 2026
The PM accuses officials of misleading him over Lord Mandelson’s vetting and signals a push to rein in Whitehall. He promises reforms to curb an obstructive culture and hold mandarins accountable.

The PM accuses officials of misleading him over Lord Mandelson’s vetting and signals a push to rein in Whitehall. He promises reforms to curb an obstructive culture and hold mandarins accountable.

Keir Starmer faces a crunch week as MPs examine the handling of Peter Mandelson’s failed vetting. Ex-official Sir Olly Robbins is due to give evidence on Tuesday. Reports indicate two senior civil servants did not brief the PM, putting Cabinet Office transparency and accountability under scrutiny.

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.

The US and Iran said the Strait of Hormuz has reopened to oil shipments after a regional truce and Israel agreeing to pause military action against an armed group in Lebanon. The step boosts prospects for a broader accord, softens oil prices and steadies markets as shipping resumes.

Two senior aides knew for weeks about concerns over Peter Mandelson’s vetting for a proposed US ambassadorship, despite security advice, reports say. Critics urge the PM to take responsibility amid claims of poor oversight; he insists he learned only this week.

Starmer stands firm amid a vetting row, blaming the Foreign Office for mishandled checks linked to a proposed role for Lord Mandelson. He will address MPs, aims to tighten procedures and resists calls to reverse course as unease rises within Labour.

Gemma Monk’s wedding was disrupted when her sister‑in‑law, Antonia Eastwood, threw black paint over her. Eastwood admitted criminal damage at Maidstone Crown Court, Kent. Monk’s brother Ashley Eastwood says there is more to the family dispute.

The PM faces a deepening crisis over the Mandelson vetting row, having dismissed a third official as scrutiny intensifies. Critics question his honesty and competence; allies urge focus on fixing the process. Pressure grows for accountability and clarity over his position.

Labour MPs urge the PM to accept responsibility for errors surrounding Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington, after reports he was approved despite failing security vetting. With local elections looming, pressure mounts and some call for his resignation.

An outlet says it warned No 10 seven months ago that Peter Mandelson had failed security checks, contradicting the PM’s claim he learned only this week. A prior report said MI6 had not cleared him, intensifying the vetting row and pressure on Downing Street.
Leaked files say Lord Mandelson failed security vetting before being named UK ambassador to Washington. The PM is accused of misleading MPs about his clearance, with Tories demanding his resignation and a full inquiry into who bypassed the process.
Sir Keir faces calls to resign after No.10 confirmed Peter Mandelson failed security vetting before being named US ambassador. Opposition leaders say he misled MPs. Starmer says officials handled checks and denies intent. No.10 has launched an investigation into how the appointment was approved.
Peter Mandelson failed security vetting for the US ambassador post, but the Foreign Office overturned the decision so he could take up the role. The disclosure has sparked calls for an inquiry and opposition demands for the PM to resign if he misled parliament over the appointment.
Former Arsenal and Austria goalkeeper Alex Manninger, 48, has died after his car was hit by a train near Salzburg. Tributes from across football praised his professionalism and character. Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
Sir Keir Starmer faces claims he misled Parliament about appointing Lord Mandelson as US ambassador despite failed vetting. No 10 says the PM was unaware of concerns, but critics demand his resignation and a full inquiry into who approved the posting and what advice was ignored.
Intelligence indicates a hostile state has drawn up a list of four UK sites for potential sabotage linked to Britain’s support for a European ally. Officials condemn the threat, are strengthening protections around critical infrastructure, and insist the UK will stand firm with partners.
Calls for Keir Starmer to quit after claims he misled MPs about Peter Mandelson’s security clearance ahead of his appointment as US ambassador. Critics say checks were failed; the PM maintains due process was followed. Pressure for clarification in Parliament is mounting.
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.
Keir Starmer faces claims he misled MPs after it emerged Lord Mandelson was blocked by security vetting for a planned US role. No 10 says ministers were unaware. Opponents demand the release of vetting advice and warn that, if the PM knew and denied it, he should resign.
PM accused of misleading MPs after Lord Mandelson allegedly failed security vetting before being named US ambassador, amid claims the Foreign Office overruled advice. Mandelson was later sacked over links to a disgraced financier and now faces a police inquiry, triggering calls for the PM to quit.
Victoria Beckham addressed speculation over her relationship with son Brooklyn, saying she and David have always sought to protect their children. She stressed the family is united, called for an end to gossip, and said their priority remains their children’s wellbeing.