Labour rebels force Starmer into humiliating climbdown on Mandelson files

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"Keir Starmer's leadership has been plunged into turmoil after furious Labour MPs forced him into a humiliating climbdown over the release of full vetting documents relating to Peter Mandelson's appointment as the UK's ambassador in the US. The prime minister's dramatic U-turn followed intense pressure, led by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, just hours after he admitted that he knew about Lord Mandelson's continued friendship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein but appointed him as US ambassador anyway."

"Despite the revelation, which led many to question Sir Keir's integrity and judgment, he insisted he was repeatedly lied to by the disgraced peer, who he accused of betraying his country over the leak of sensitive government documents to the disgraced financier. The prime minister had attempted to restrict the publication of the vetting documents, arguing that some details would need to be redacted on national security grounds. That prompted accusations from Labour MPs that he was engaging in a cover-up."

Journalists are covering major issues including reproductive rights, climate change and Big Tech while producing documentaries and investigative work. Newsrooms rely on donations to fund reporters and avoid paywalls to keep reporting accessible to all, with quality journalism paid for by those who can afford it. Keir Starmer has faced a political crisis after Labour MPs forced him into a climbdown over releasing full vetting documents for Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US. Starmer admitted knowing of Mandelson's friendship with Jeffrey Epstein yet appointed him, saying he had been lied to; MPs accused him of attempting a cover-up by limiting publication on national security grounds.

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