UK officials say a hostile state orchestrated an Iranian drone swarm incident at a base in Iraq housing British troops. The PM is briefed as Britain and allies weigh steps to deter further incidents, strengthen defences and seek accountability, reaffirming support for personnel on the ground.
British forces in Iraq were targeted by Iranian drones, triggering heightened security and coordination with allies. Ministers condemned the incident and pledged stronger protection for personnel and shipping, warning regional tensions could intensify.
Kemi Badenoch alleges the PM misled MPs over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador, claiming documents were withheld from recent files. She demands a sleaze inquiry and urges him to quit. The PM has apologised again.
Britain says Iranian drones used in an incident at a base in Erbil were guided by an external power. No UK casualties were reported. The government vows firm backing for allies and deterrence, as Iran’s new Ayatollah warns up to 15 neighbouring countries.
Jack Osbourne and his wife Aree have welcomed a daughter, naming her Ozzy in tribute to her late grandad, the rock icon. The choice serves as a personal homage to family legacy.
Kemi Badenoch alleges gaps in files on Lord Mandelson’s proposed role and urges the PM to publish all notes and correspondence, saying the omissions suggest a cover‑up. She calls for transparency before any appointment proceeds.
Britain is preparing naval protection for commercial tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, working with allies amid threats to block key shipping lanes. Royal Marines could deploy at short notice from the Bahrain base. Officials warn disruption could hit global oil supply and markets.
The defence secretary says a foreign state is covertly guiding Iran’s tactics, with drone crews applying techniques refined elsewhere. He urges tougher sanctions, stronger air defences and tighter UK‑allied coordination to deter further threats.
Crude above $100 and disruptions near Hormuz are handing about $150m a day in extra revenue to a sanctioned petrostate via surging sales to India and China. The windfall tightens its grip on energy markets and challenges UK and allied policy, spurring calls for tougher enforcement and coordination.
UK troops in Iraq were targeted, prompting the defence secretary to consider deploying warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz and protect oil shipping. Tehran says it will maintain a blockade, squeezing supply and pushing energy costs higher in Britain.
After a fall caused by a substandard ladder bought online, a tradesman who had to quit work is leading a drive to stop dangerous fakes. He urges tighter import checks, action on bogus safety marks and stronger duties on marketplaces to remove risky goods and protect workers.
Files indicate the PM proceeded with appointing Lord Mandelson despite warnings from a senior aide and an outgoing ambassador about reputational risk, citing the peer’s past association with Jeffrey Epstein. A memo said Starmer’s personal links to Mandelson left him “more exposed.”
The PM faces scrutiny for authorising a £75k severance for Peter Mandelson after his dismissal over ties to a disgraced financier. Newly released papers warn of reputational risk. Opponents say the decision shows poor judgement, urging Labour MPs to act.
An aide warned the PM that appointing Peter Mandelson to a Washington post posed reputational risk, after a short vetting file flagged past links to Jeffrey Epstein. The process was seen as rushed. Supporters cite his experience; critics question transparency and due diligence.
Newly released documents say the PM was warned that appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador posed a reputational risk because of his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Officials cited concerns over continuing contact after Epstein’s conviction and payment terms. The appointment went ahead.
Documents reportedly show Peter Mandelson sought over £500k in compensation from public funds after being removed from a role due to links with a financier later convicted of abuse; he ultimately received about £75k.
Files indicate the PM was warned of a reputational risk before appointing Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, citing his links to Jeffrey Epstein, yet the process was rushed. After dismissal, he received £75,000 severance; MPs now urge repayment, noting he had sought £500,000.
Government files say Peter Mandelson sought a £547,000 payout after being removed from a diplomatic post. Papers also show officials had warned he posed a reputational risk to the PM. The claim has revived debate over severance expectations for political appointees.
Files show Peter Mandelson accessed classified material before full clearance. The national security adviser called his appointment ‘weirdly rushed’. After dismissal he sought £550k but accepted £75k. The documents appear to contradict earlier No10 denials and raise questions over vetting.
Documents reveal Lord Mandelson sought over £500k to leave after revelations about links to a disgraced financier. Officials negotiated the sum down to £75k, emails show, with ministers endorsing the compromise.
Newly released papers say the PM was warned of reputational risk before appointing Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, citing his links to a disgraced financier already convicted of offences. They add he sought a £500,000 payout after dismissal and was paid £75,000.
