Badenoch suggests it isn’t ‘tenable’ for Mandelson to stay in postBadenoch says Starmer didn’t reply. Meaning he in all probability did know in regards to the relationship. He says the Each day Telegraph reviews at this time that Mandelson did a enterprise cope with Epstein after Epstein had been convicted of kid intercourse offences. How can or not it’s “tenable” for Mandelson stay in submit?Starmer repeats his assertion about having confidence in Mandelson.UPDATE: Badenoch stated:
I requested the prime minister if he knew, the truth that he didn’t reply signifies that he in all probability did know.
I wasn’t asking a query about course of. I used to be asking a query about his judgment.
The Each day Telegraph reviews at this time, that whereas Lord Mandelson was enterprise secretary, he brokered a cope with Jeffrey Epstein, whereas he was enterprise secretary. And that this occurred after Epstein had been convicted of kid intercourse offences.
Given this new data, does the prime minister actually suppose it’s tenable for our ambassador to stay in submit?
And Starmer replied:
The connection between the US and the UK is one in every of our foremost relationships, and I’ve confidence within the ambassador within the position that he’s doing.
ShareUpdated at 08.33 EDTKey eventsShow key occasions onlyPlease activate JavaScript to make use of this featureEarly night abstract
Kemi Badenoch has renewed her name for Peter Mandelson to be sacked within the mild of the brand new revelations revealed by the Solar about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. (See 5.48pm.) In an interview with the PM programme, Harry Cole, the Solar journalist who broke the story, stated that, whereas the revelations had been extremely embarrassing, it will be awkward for Keir Starmer to do away with Mandelson due to his Epstein hyperlinks when Donald Trump additionally was a detailed pal of Epstein’s.
Alison McGovern, the housing, communities and native authorities minister, has introduced that she is withdrawing from Labour’s deputy management contest. (See 4.58pm.) She is now backing Bridget Phillipson, the schooling secretary, who’s the favorite and who is predicted to have the 80 MP nominations have to be assured a slot on the poll when the most recent nominations replace comes out later this night. Of the 4 others nonetheless within the contest, it’s thought that at the least three of them – Emily Thornberry, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Paula Barker – will fail to get the 80 nominations they want. Lucy Powell is believed to have the perfect probability of reaching that threshold.
For a full record of all of the tales lined on the weblog at this time, do scroll via the record of key occasion headlines close to the highest of the weblog.Kemi Badenoch at PMQs at this time. {Photograph}: Home of Commons/PAShareUpdated at 13.06 EDTBadenoch says Mandelson ‘must be fired now’ following new Epstein revelations in SunKemi Badenoch has renewed her name for Peter Mandelson to be sacked within the mild of the brand new revelations revealed by the Solar about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. (See 5.19am.) In a submit on social media she stated:
These are sickening revelations.
Mandelson’s place is untenable. Why did Starmer defend him at this time? How was ‘full due course of adopted’?
This a weak Prime Minister, main a Authorities mired in scandal. The general public deserves higher.
Peter Mandelson must be fired now.
ShareJohn Swinney says, after 50-minute assembly with Trump in White Home, he thinks Scotch whisky may get zero-tariff dealLibby BrooksLibby Brooks is the Guardian’s Scotland correspondent.John Swinney had informed the media that he believes a zero-tariff deal for Scotch whisky is now a chance following his talks with Donald Trump on the White Home.Swinney informed a press convention at Bute Home, Edinburgh, that whisky “wasn’t being given sufficient precedence” by the UK authorities – the business says present 10% tarrifs price it £4m every week – and that when Trump visited Scotland in July, whisky was “not on his radar”.It was his personal efforts throughout that go to and his resolution to journey to the States earlier with week to talk to the US business representatives – with a gathering with Trump solely a chance at that time – which have introduced him to some extent the place he now “hopes there’s the possibility of a greater deal for Scotch whisky”, although emphasising that it’s for UK authorities negotiators to safe that deal.Whereas Swinney wouldn’t be drawn on whether or not he thought the UK authorities had failed the Scotch whisky business, he was eager to underline his personal heat welcome on the White Home – his scheduled 30-minute assembly over-ran by an extra 20 minutes.Swinney additionally emphasised he didn’t go to “with a sob story, I used to be going there providing a deal”, saying the pair had “a really critical and really substantial” dialog.His plan is to take each whisky and bourbon “out of the equation”, shifting them to a zero-tariff class – this was an financial alternative for the US, he defined, as a result of the extra whisky is produced in Scotland, the extra bourbon barrels – required for maturation – will likely be purchased from the US.“The strategy I’m suggesting has a profit for the US and for Scotland,” he stated.What occurs subsequent is dependent upon the UK negotiations, which will likely be concluding forward of Trump’s state go to to the UK subsequent week, he added, however he was assured that UK negotiators “are very a lot conscious of the probabilities which were raised by the intervention I’ve made”.John Swinney talking at his press convention at this time. {Photograph}: Jeff J Mitchell/PAShareUpdated at 12.40 EDTThe Occasions has additionally received a brand new Peter Mandelson revelation. In his story Chris Smyth says officers “blocked the discharge of a secret memo by which Lord Mandelson urged Sir Tony Blair to satisfy Jeffrey Epstein whereas he was prime minister”. Smyth says the notice was despatched in 2002 and, in regular circumstances, would have been made public 20 years later by the Nationwide Archives, like different authorities papers.Smith says:
Paperwork had been as a consequence of be made public as a part of a typical Nationwide Archives launch however this was blocked, The Occasions understands. It’s thought that officers concluded the doc may embarrass Britain and hurt relations with the US at a time when Mandelson is in search of to construct relations with President Trump.
ShareMandelson beneath contemporary strain as Solar publishes new messages he despatched backing Epstein as he confronted intercourse chargesPeter Mandelson’s probabilities of staying on as ambassador to Washington are wanting shakier this night following the publication of a narrative by the Solar with new particulars of his closeness to the billionaire paedophile intercourse trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.In an interview with the Solar’s Harry Cole final evening, Mandelson stated he anticipated additional “very embarrassing” correspondence to be made public exposing how shut he was to Epstein. (See 9.56am.)The Solar has now revealed a brand new story by Cole that comprises a number of the materials he was in all probability alluding to. Cole says:
Peter Mandelson coached “finest pal” Jeffrey Epstein via his “years of torture” over teen intercourse allegations, leaked emails counsel.
Whereas the predator was going through prices in June 2008 over soliciting a minor, Lord Mandelson wrote: “Your mates stick with you and love you.”
Shortly earlier than Epstein was sentenced to 18 months in jail after a plea cope with Florida prosecutors, Lord Mandelson added: “Battle for early launch.”
Cole says a sequence of leaked messages from Mandelson to Epstein are circulating in Washington.In a single, Mandelson wrote to Epstein:
I feel the world of you and I really feel hopeless and livid about what has occurred.
I can nonetheless barely perceive it. It simply couldn’t occur in Britain. It’s important to be extremely resilient, struggle for early launch and be philosophical about it as a lot as you’ll be able to …
All the pieces could be changed into a possibility and that you’ll come via it and be stronger for it.
Cole says, when requested in regards to the messages, Mandelson didn’t dispute their veracity, however as a substitute repeated the apologies given earlier. (See 9.56am.)ShareUpdated at 12.27 EDTAlison McGovern withdraws from Labour’s deputy management contest, saying she is now backing Bridget PhillipsonAlison McGovern, the housing, communities and native authorities minister, has introduced that she is withdrawing from Labour’s deputy management contest.She says she will likely be backing Bridget Phillipson for the job.She has posted this on social media.Assertion on deputy management {Photograph}: Alison McGovernBy withdrawing, McGovern allows MPs who’ve nominated her to appoint another person. Final evening she solely had two nominations, however it’s potential that another MPs might have nominated her at this time. The most recent updates will likely be revealed right here at round 7pm.ShareStarmer meets Israeli president Isaac Herzog at No 10Isaac Herzog, the Israeli president, has arrived at No 10 for talks. He didn’t reply to questions from reporters as he met Keir Starmer on the doorstep.Keir Starmer greeting Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog. {Photograph}: James Manning/PAShareHealey asks army to have a look at the way it can bolster Nato’s air defences over Poland after incursion by Russian dronesJohn Healey, the defence secretary, has requested the army with taking a look at how the UK can assist bolster Nato’s air defences over Poland, after Russia despatched drones into Polish territory that had been shot down.Talking at his press convention this afternoon with officers and counterparts from Poland, Italy, France and Germany (who, with the UK, comprise the E5), he stated:
Following our discussions at this time, I’ve requested our UK armed forces to have a look at choices to bolster Nato’s air defence over Poland.
Till July, six RAF Storm jets had been working from Poland as a part of Nato’s air policing mission – a process shared between the members of the alliance, Healey stated. He went on:
We now have 300 UK personnel in Poland in the meanwhile, reinforcing Nato’s deterrence in addition to the Polish deterrence and defence as properly.
And we are going to do what we are able to as a part of Nato, as a part of a collective response that Poland has requested for from us, its Nato allies.
RAF jets weren’t concerned in destroying the Russian drones in a single day, Downing Avenue confirmed.John Healey receiving the guard of honour forward of a gathering of E5 defence ministers at this time. {Photograph}: Stefan Rousseau/PAShareRMT chief urges Sadiq Khan to convene summit to resolve London Tube strikeThe chief of placing Tube staff has referred to as for a summit to attempt to resolve a dispute over pay and dealing hours, PA Media reviews. PA says:
Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) are taking industrial motion this week which has crippled London Underground providers, inflicting journey chaos within the capital.
RMT normal secretary Eddie Dempsey referred to as on the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, to attend a summit with the union in a bid to discover a decision.
Talking on the TUC Congress in Brighton, Dempsey informed delegates: “I’ve received a message for the mayor. As an alternative of happening social media, as a substitute of the previous drained cliches, telling trades unionists to get around the desk, you’re the mayor of London, you’re the chair of Transport for London. Cease happening social media, invite us to the assembly, let’s have a dialogue, as a result of I wish to know what’s going on in London.”
Dempsey warned of extra strike motion if there was no decision to the dispute, including: “We take no pleasure in inflicting disruption however we make no apology for combating for our members. So if the mayor has any sense, he’ll attain out to us.”
The union has rejected a 3.4% pay supply and is campaigning for a lower of their members’ 35-hour week, which London Underground says is unaffordable.
ShareIsraeli president Isaac Herzog defends assault on Hamas in Qatar forward of assembly with StarmerPatrick WintourPatrick Wintour is the Guardian’s diplomatic editor.The International Workplace was compelled to disclaim the UK was rolling out the crimson carpet for Isaac Herzog, the Israeli president, on his go to to London as Herzog contradicted Keir Starmer by saying Tuesday’s assaults on the Hamas management in Qatar had been a part of a drive for peace.Starmer had stated the assaults set again the reason for peace, however Herzog insisted the intention had been to take out these within the Hamas management most constantly against a ceasefire.Regardless of the federal government insisting Herzog was within the UK solely on a non-public go to, he’s having conferences not simply with Starmer however with the overseas secretary, Yvette Cooper, in addition to delivering an handle to the thinktank Chatham Home.The International Workplace defended the ministerial conferences saying the intention was to impress on Herzog the necessity to enhance assist, but in addition to do extra to permit the evacuation to Britain from Gaza of injured kids and fully-funded scholarship college students.Protesters demanded Herzog’s arrest as a struggle prison as they demonstrated exterior Downing Avenue and Herzog’s resort.Confronted by allegations of violating the sovereignty of Qatar and undermining efforts to safe a ceasefire, Herzog hit again in a briefing to reporters saying that the strike on senior Hamas figures in Doha on Tuesday was designed to convey the struggle to an finish. Herzog recognized Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya because the chief barrier to peace. Reporters had been informed:
We focused those that refused to simply accept the deal – primarily Khalil al-Hayya, who was the pinnacle of Hamas. He saved on being the objector. He refused adamantly to get to a deal. He saved on saying ‘no’, or ‘sure, however’ – and the ‘however’ was inconceivable to beat.
His situations may by no means be met. He was one of many instigators and perpetrators of October 7, and I assume the Individuals can affirm it.
Herzog’s declare that it’s Hamas’ foreign-based management, reasonably than militants in Gaza, holding again a peace deal will not be a universally shared evaluation.British ministers stated they had been backing an emergency session of the UN safety council at this time the place Israel will likely be challenged to show how the assault on Doha met the 2 authorized exams to justify such assaults – self-defence and imminence of an assault. A name between the overseas ministers from France, Germany and the UK can be anticipated.At PMQs Starmer defended the encounter with Herzog telling MPs:
I will likely be clear that restrictions on assist have to be lifted. The offensive in Gaza should cease and settlement constructing should stop. However nonetheless tough the UK won’t stroll away from a diplomatic resolution. We’ll negotiate and we are going to pressure each sinew, as a result of that’s the solely approach to get the hostages out, to get assist in and to cease the killing.
ShareCulture secretary Lisa Nandy accuses GB Information of presenting ‘political polemic’ as newsMichael SavageMichael Savage is the Guardian’s media editor.Lisa Nandy has accused GB Information of presenting “political polemic” as information by permitting politicians like Nigel Farage to entrance its exhibits, as she warned a “polarised and fragmented” information media was threatening democracy.The tradition secretary stated ministers “intend to behave” over what she described as a blurring of reports and political assault. It comes with media regulator Ofcom already trying to tighten the foundations round politicians presenting present affairs programmes.Talking to the Commons tradition committee, Nandy stated that whereas there had been latest criticisms of the BBC, there have been “totally different requirements being noticed elsewhere”. She stated considerations had been raised together with her over Farage’s GB Information outings.She went on:
To take a really clear instance, and one thing that this authorities and I really feel very strongly about, there’s a actual significance for the general public after they take a look at the information to have the ability to perceive whether or not what they’re seeing is political polemic or information. For the time being, that scenario is at present fully unsatisfactory.
I’ve had specific considerations raised with me by parliamentarians in regards to the look of Nigel Farage presenting information programmes on GB Information. I feel that could be a honest criticism from members of parliament of all political events, as a result of the general public have a proper to know if what they’re seeing is information and is neutral, or will not be.
She stated it was fuelling the breakdown in belief in information usually, with the consumption of reports now “polarised and fragmented”.She stated it had grow to be “a really harmful place for a rustic to be in, and it’s one thing that we intend to robustly defend”.Lisa Nandy leaving cupboard yesterday. {Photograph}: Victoria Jones/ShutterstockShareTUC unanimously backs name for presidency to repeal ban on Palestine ActionHaroon SiddiqueHaroon Siddique is the Guardian’s authorized affairs correspondent.The Trades Union Congress (TUC) annual Congress has unanimously handed a movement calling on the federal government to repeal the ban on Palestine Motion.The movement calls on the UK authorities to “repeal the authoritarian proscription of Palestine Motion beneath counter-terrorism legal guidelines”. The ban, the primary of a direct motion protest group, got here into power on 5 July, putting Palestine Motion alongside organisations like Islamic State and Nationwide Motion.The federal government’s resolution has been criticised as draconian by UN specialists, Amnesty Worldwide, Liberty and tons of of attorneys, together with a former director of public prosecutions.Talking within the debate on the congress in Brighton, Martin Cavanagh, the president of PCS union, which represents tons of of hundreds of civil servants, stated:
The UK authorities’s proscription of Palestine Motion beneath the Terrorism Act 2000 isn’t just a authorized manoeuvre comrades, it’s a political assault with implications for our rights, our members and our democracy.
We consider this proscription represents a major abuse of counter-terrorist powers and a direct assault on our proper to protest towards the genocidal Israeli regime. Let’s be clear: protest will not be and might by no means be classed as terrorism. Solidarity will not be against the law, and silence within the face of injustice will not be an choice.
The movement, proposed by the Nationwide Training Union (NEU), additionally referred to as on the UK authorities to take significant motion to safe a right away ceasefire, instantly recognise the state of Palestine and finish arms commerce with Israel in addition to all commerce which assists violations of worldwide regulation.A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries, which has been organising protests at which tons of of individuals have been arrested for declaring assist for Palestine Motion, stated:
The federal government ought to hearken to commerce unions and 5.5 million staff they signify, in addition to the numerous vicars, protests, struggle veterans, retired docs, nurses and academics and Holocaust survivors and their descendants being rounded up by police. That is Labour’s ballot tax second. A regulation this unjust and going through such widespread public opposition can’t maintain and can inevitably need to be lifted.
ShareJohn Healey, the defence secretary, has stated Nato allies will “stand agency” towards Russian aggression.Talking after a gathering with counterparts from Poland, Italy, France and Germany (who, with the UK, comprise the E5), he stated:
Collectively, we the E5 completely condemn these assaults.
Russia’s actions are reckless, they’re harmful, they’re unprecedented.
We see what Putin is doing. But once more he’s testing us. But once more we are going to stand agency.
John Healey (third left), Italy’s defence minister Guido Crosetto (second proper), Poland’s director of worldwide safety coverage Marcin Kazmierski, (proper), Germany’s state secretary on the federal ministry of defence Jens Ploetner (second left), and Alice Rufo, director normal for worldwide relations and technique of the French ministry for the armed forces (left) at their press convention. {Photograph}: Kin Cheung/APShareMPs condemn Israeli assault on Hamas in Qatar, and Starmer’s resolution to satisfy Herzog in No 10Kiran StaceyKiran Stacey is the Guardian’s coverage editor.MPs from all sides condemned the Israeli assault on Hamas in Qatar throughout an pressing query within the Commons, with a number of criticising the prime minister for urgent forward together with his plans to satisfy Isaac Herzog, the Israeli president.Abtisam Mohamed, the Labour backbencher, requested:
Why are we assembly Israel’s President Herzog at this time when his personal phrases, and people of Prime Minister Netanyahu present an entire disregard for worldwide humanitarian regulation?”
Kim Johnson, one other Labour MP, referred to feedback by Herzog in October 2023, when the Israeli president claimed “the whole [Palestinian] nation on the market” was answerable for the 7 October assaults.
How does the minister justify the genocidal feedback of President Herzog?
These people have to be held accountable. This isn’t diplomacy, it’s shameful complicity … At the moment’s assembly with Herzog ought to by no means have taken place.
Even MPs loyal to Starmer urged the prime minister to make use of his assembly with Herzog to sentence the Israeli authorities and its motion in Qatar.Emily Thornberry, the chair of the overseas affairs choose committee, who can be operating for the deputy management of the Labour occasion, stated:
There’s an emboldened far-right Israeli govt who consider they will do no matter they like and there gained’t be any penalties … In what manner will the prime minister be capable of convey such a message to President Herzog this afternoon?”
Liz Saville Roberts, the Plaid Cymru chief at Westminster, stated:
At the moment of all days, after an unlawful assault on peace brokers Qatar, it’s surprising to see the UK put out the crimson carpet for President Herzog, who dehumanised Palestinian struggling and incited violence towards civilians.
Hamish Falconer, the Center East minister, defended the go to, saying Starmer would use it to speak about sensible considerations resembling evacuating civilians from Gaza and getting assist into the area.
President Herzog is the pinnacle of state. He isn’t a practical a part of the federal government, he is a vital conduit to boost these considerations.
The overseas secretary sought this morning amongst different issues to make sure larger assist from the Israeli authorities with the intention to get kids with accidents, with the intention to get college students out. These are tough, sensible issues on which we’re targeted.
ShareUpdated at 09.33 EDTTories declare Starmer has ‘put occasion above nationwide safety’ by preserving Mandelson in postA Conservative occasion spokesperson issued this assertion after PMQs.
Keir Starmer was in full disarray at PMQs.
There are clearly questions he refuses to reply, as a result of it seems he knew that Peter Mandelson had an intimate relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and nonetheless selected to nominate him to one in every of our nation’s most necessary diplomatic and financial roles.
The prime minister has put his occasion, and his pal Mandelson above our nationwide safety. Solely full transparency will now suffice. Starmer should instantly publish all paperwork associated to Lord Mandelson’s appointment.
The declare that having Mandelson stay as ambassador to the US may compromise nationwide safety echoes what Ed Davey steered at PMQs when he requested if the White Home had additional “compromising materials” on Mandelson that might, Davey implied, by utilized by Donald Trump as leverage. (See 12.23pm.)Kemi Badenoch presses Starmer on Peter Mandelson’s suitability as US ambassador – videoShareUpdated at 10.55 EDTJohn Healey, the defence secretary, is holding a press convention after a gathering together with his counterparts from France, Germany, Italy and Poland. There’s a reside feed right here.UK defence minister holds information convention – watch liveShareUpdated at 09.05 EDT
