Lord Peter Mandelson has been released on bail after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the Metropolitan Police has said.
The former Labour minister has been accused of passing sensitive information onto paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary. Allegations over his ties with the disgraced billionaire emerged following the publication of the latest batch of so-called Epstein files.
The family of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre have reacted to Lord Mandelson’s arrest.
In a statement, Ms Giuffre’s brother and sister-in-law, Sky and Amanda Roberts, said they “commend” the British authorities for taking “meaningful action and treating the Epstein files with the “urgency they demand”.
Lord Mandelson, who was sacked as US ambassador in September 2025, was arrested after search warrants were carried out at two properties in Wiltshire and Camden, police said. He has previously denied any wrongdoing.
Sir Keir Starmer is due to chair Cabinet on Tuesday as he faces growing questions over his decision to appoint the peer as US ambassador, including from his own back benches.
Key Points
- Lord Peter Mandelson released on bail pending further investigation
- Virginia Giuffre's family say peer's arrest treats Epstein files with 'urgency they demand'
- Ministers still plan to release documents relating to Mandelson's appointment in March
- Starmer to chair Cabinet today amid backlash over decision to appoint Mandelson as US ambassador
Ministers will keep the student loan crisis 'under review', says education secretary
09:00 , Tara CobhamPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Bridget Phillipson has promised to continue to look at student loans amid criticisms over the amount of interest graduates on plan 2 loans are playing, but she refused to commit to changing the measure of interest.
Asked what the government was planning to do to fix the problem facing graduates, the education secretary said: "We are going to continue to look at this. I do recognise what James has set out.
"I would just add, in addition to what he'd said, that at the end of 30 years that will be written off in full"
Asked if she can promise to switch the measure of inflation to CPI from RPI, she told LBC: "No I can't. As it well, I will answer as you say we didn't bring this system in. We didn't bring this system in, it operated from 2012 to 2023... the challenge with reforming the student finance system is that whilst it can often seem superficially attractive to do things like changing the interest rate, it doesn't always have the desired effect in terms of making the system fairer, particularly for less well off students.".
She added: "It's a really complex system. It's evolved over time. It's not a system that I would have put in place, but we are where we are. We are going to look at if there's anything that we can do on this of course, we keep it open and under review."
Watch: Mandelson arrives home after being released on bail
08:45 , Tara CobhamMinister refuses to say whether government will support Lib Dem humble address
08:30 , Tara CobhamPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
A Cabinet minister has refused to say whether the government will support a forthcoming Lib Dem attempt in Parliament to compel ministers to disclose information about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s role as a trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.
“We’ll review what they are asking for and will set our approach later on in Parliament,” Bridget Phillipson told Sky News.
Asked whether the government would support removing Andrew from the royal line of succession, the education secretary said: “We’re ruling nothing out and that is definitely an option that we would want to keep under consideration.”
Ministers still plan to release documents relating to Mandelson's appointment in March
08:10 , Tara CobhamPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
The government still plans to release documents relating to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador in early March, a Cabinet minister said in the wake of the peer’s arrest on Monday.
Asked whether the government still planned to go ahead with the publication, which was announced in the Commons on Monday just ahead of Lord Mandelson’s arrest, Bridget Phillipson told Sky News: “My understanding is yes, but we do just need to be mindful of any documents we publish given the nature of the ongoing police investigation.
“So, we want to be transparent, we do want to push ahead with publishing documents, but we just need to make sure that nothing that’s published could compromise or call into question an ongoing police investigation.”
What can we expect in UK politics today?
08:00 , Tara CobhamPolitical correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has a busy day ahead of him on the second day back after recess. The PM will be hosting Cabinet - the first Cabinet since appointing his controversial choice of Cabinet secretary, Antonia Romeo - before then leading a virtual Coalition of the Willing call to discuss support for Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion. All the while, Sir Keir will be attempting to fend off renewed criticism for his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite knowing about his links with Epstein following the Labour politician's arrest on Monday evening.
Making things even trickier for the PM, Reform UK's Richard Tice, the Conservatives' Kemi Badenoch and the Green Party's Zack Polanski all have speeches or public appearances tabled for today - during which we're likely to see them raise questions over the PM's authority and his decision to back the disgraced Lord Mandelson.
On the sidelines, David Lammy will be presenting his plan to reform the justice system - something which has faced intense scrutiny amid fears it could strip back the right to a jury trial. The justice secretary will be up at midday to defend his proposals.
Everything we know as Lord Mandelson released on bail
07:50 , Tara Cobham- Lord Peter Mandelson has been released on bail after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement issued just after 2am on Tuesday. The former Labour minister has been accused of passing sensitive information onto paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary. The force said the 72-year-old was taken to a London police station for interview.
- Two of his properties were previously searched by police in connection with the allegations, which surfaced following the US Department of Justice’s document dump related to Epstein last month.
- The Cabinet Office previously referred material to police in connection with the probe into Lord Mandelson after an initial review of the Epstein files suggested “safeguards were compromised”.
- The arrest came shortly after MPs were told the first tranche of documents related to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador is expected to be released in early March.
- Sir Keir Starmer is due to chair Cabinet on Tuesday after his former US ambassador’s arrest.
- Lord Mandelson’s arrest comes days after Andrew was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The former prince was released under investigation.
- The Liberal Democrats will seek to force the public release of files relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a trade envoy, as the former prince also faces accusations of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while in the role. The party will table a humble address in the Commons calling for the release of papers relating to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment to the post, including any vetting and any correspondence from Lord Mandelson.
Journalists gather outside Mandelson's home as passersby heckle
07:40 , Tara CobhamJournalists gathered outside Lord Mandelson’s north London home early on Tuesday following his release on bail pending further investigation.
The lights were out inside Mandelson’s multi-million pound home in Camden after he arrived back soon after 2am.
Some cyclists and runners heckled the 72-year-old’s property as they went past.
Pictured: Lord Mandelson arrives at home after being released on bail
07:18 , Tara Cobham
What is Misconduct in Public Office? Peter Mandelson’s arrest explained
07:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice have confirmed this afternoon that former US ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson has been arrested at his Camden home.
The ex-Labour peer is being questioned on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, the police statement said.
But what does this offence mean? The Independent takes a look below:
What is Misconduct in Public Office? Peter Mandelson’s arrest explained
Lord Mandelson released on bail pending further investigation
06:57 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarLord Peter Mandelson has been released on bail after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the Metropolitan Police said.
The former Labour minister has been accused of passing sensitive information onto paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary.
In a statement issued just after 2am on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released on bail pending further investigation.
More here.
Lord Mandelson released on bail pending further investigation
Starmer to chair Cabinet today
06:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarSir Keir Starmer is due to chair Cabinet on Tuesday after Lord Mandelson's arrest.
Lord Mandelson was arrested on Monday afternoon on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. It followed the launch of an investigation by the Met Police into the ex-Labour peer who was alleged to have passed on market-sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary.
The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, will seek to force the public release of files relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment as a trade envoy, as the former prince also faces accusations of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while in the role.
Footage showed Lord Mandelson being led out of his house by a plain clothes police officer on Monday and the Metropolitan Police later said the 72-year-old was taken to a London police station for interview.
Two of his properties were previously searched by police in connection with the allegations, which surfaced following the US Department of Justice's document dump related to Epstein last month.
As part of the so-called Epstein files, emails from 2009 appear to show Lord Mandelson pass on an assessment by Gordon Brown's adviser of potential policy measures including an "asset sales plan".
He also appeared to discuss a tax on bankers' bonuses and confirm an imminent bailout package for the euro the day before it was announced in 2010.
Watch: Badenoch accuses MPs of using probes into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to distract from Mandelson
06:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneWho is Peter Mandelson and what do we know about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein?
05:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePeter Mandelson has been arrested after allegations he leaked Downing Street emails to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epsteinwhile he was serving in Gordon Brown’s cabinet as business secretary.
The Labour peer, who was sacked as British ambassador to the US and stepped down from the House of Lords, was arrested on Monday afternoon on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to the Metropolitan Police.
It comes after, earlier in February, Lord Mandelson announced he was resigning from his membership of the Labour Party, stating that he does not want to cause "further embarrassment", after latest revelations about his ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein surfaced.
Who is the ex-Labour peer and what do we know about his relationship with Epstein?
Who is Peter Mandelson and what do we know about his relationship with Epstein?
Recap: Mandelson’s lobbying firm collapses into administration after Epstein scandal
04:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneJust days before Lord Peter Mandelson’s arrest, the advisory firm he co-founded collapsed into administration amid the fallout from the scandal surrounding his ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Global Counsel said on Friday that it had stopped trading and that UK staff were being made redundant.
It follows reports that the company had suffered a wave of client departures after further links between Lord Mandelson and the disgraced financier came to light.
This left directors with no choice but to bring in administrators, who have now been appointed for the London-based lobbying business, the company said.
The Independent’s political reporter Athena Stavrou has more below:
Mandelson’s lobbying firm collapses into administration after Epstein scandal
Lord Mandelson: Labour grandee brought down by ties to Epstein
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLord Peter Mandelson’s long and varied political career has hit a new low as the former Labour minister was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
He is accused of passing on information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein when he was business secretary.
It is the latest development in a spectacular fall from grace that has seen him resign his Labour membership and stand down from the House of Lords.
You can read the full report below:
Lord Mandelson: Labour grandee brought down by ties to Epstein
In pictures: Lord Mandelson in the Epstein files
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLord Peter Mandelson appears in several photos released by the US Department of Justice as part of the Epstein files.
In the undated images, he can be seen with Epstein on a yacht, in his underwear speaking to a woman, and on a boat.
Being mentioned or pictured in the Epstein files is not a suggestion of wrongdoing.
The probe into Lord Mandelson comes after emails between the pair allegedly showed the ex-Labour peer leaking sensitive government information to the paedophile financier.
Recap: Met Police statement in full as Lord Mandelson arrested
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, 23 February and has been taken to a London police station for interview.
“This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.”
Comment: Lord Mandelson’s staggering fall still has the power to shock
00:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Lord Mandelson’s staggering fall still has the power to shock
Timeline of Lord Mandelson’s controversial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
Monday 23 February 2026 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLord Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The Metropolitan Police said the 72-year-old was taken to a London police station for interview on Monday.
The former Labour minister has been accused of passing sensitive information onto paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary.
Here is what we know about the pair’s relationship.
Timeline of Lord Mandelson’s controversial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
Mandelson's appointment showed 'lack of judgement' from Starmer, Stride says
Monday 23 February 2026 22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer showed a "lack of judgement" in appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, a senior Conservative has said.
Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride said there is a “lot we need to know” about how the appointment was made during an interview on Sky News.
"I think it... speaks to a lack of judgement on the part of the prime minister,” he said.
"Part of the process now, of getting to the bottom of exactly what happened will also be: what happened around his appointment, what information was known at what time and by whom, and were the right decisions justifiable decisions taken in that context?
"So there's a lot that we need to know about.”
Virginia Giuffre's family say Mandelson arrest treats Epstein files with 'urgency they demand'
Monday 23 February 2026 21:53 , Nicole Wootton-CaneVirginia Giuffre's family have reacted to Lord Peter Mandelson’s arrest this evening in a statement, saying it is “meaningful action”.
"We commend the British authorities for taking meaningful action and treating the Epstein files with the urgency they demand," her brother and sister-in-law Sky and Amanda Roberts said.
The pair also addressed what they called "the continued inaction in the United States”, saying it is “undeniable”.
"Survivors deserve transparency, swift investigation, and real justice, no matter who is implicated," they added.
Mandelson arrest 'defining moment' for Starmer, Badenoch says
Monday 23 February 2026 21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneKemi Badenoch has said the arrest of Lord Peter Mandelson is a “defining moment” for the prime minister.
It's a matter of when [Starmer] goes, not if he goes".
"I asked him if he had full confidence in Peter Mandelson, just a few months ago, and he said yes, despite all of these allegations being known, only to see the man arrested shows that the prime minister has terrible judgement,” the Conservative leader told Sky News.
"He's weak. He has not released the information around the [Mandelson] files, though he sacks the person who is supposed to be overseeing the release.
"I think that shows what kind of person the prime minister is.”
Watch: Gordon Brown backs Keir Starmer over Mandelson scandal
Monday 23 February 2026 20:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFrom Labour ‘Prince’ to Epstein shame: How Lord Mandelson fell from grace
Monday 23 February 2026 20:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLord Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office as part of an investigation by Metropolitan Police into allegations he passed on market-sensitive information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as business secretary.
It is the latest development in the growing crisis engulfing the former US ambassador, who has resigned from the Labour Party and has left the House of Lords after further details of his friendship with the convicted felon emerged in the so-called Epstein files.
You can read more about the ex-Labour peer’s fall from grace below:
From Labour ‘Prince’ to Epstein shame: How Lord Mandelson fell from grace
PM wants 'full transparency' over Mandelson appointment process, minister insists
Monday 23 February 2026 19:45 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBaroness Jacqui Smith, minister for women and equalities, insisted that the prime minister took “swift action” to sack Lord Peter Mandelson when evidence of his continued relationship with Jeffrey Epstein came out.
She refused to comment on the ongoing investigation, telling Sky News: “I was the home secretary so I think I know better than to comment on what is clearly an ongoing police investigation. The police will do what they need to do in relation to this arrest and this investigation.
“I suppose it just behoves us once again to remember first of all that anyone who knows anything about Jeffrey Epstein should of course be providing that information. And once again we need to keep at the heart of our thoughts the victims of his activity, and that’s what I’ll be doing this evening.”
When put to her that the arrest reflects directly onto Sir Keir Starmer, Baroness Smith said: “Well of course, as soon as Keir Starmer understood what the reality of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was he sacked him, in the middle of the night actually. So I think that’s an important area of judgement.”
She added documents relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment are being published because the prime minister is “absolutely clear” that he wants “full transparency” about the process of his appointment.
“The prime minister took swift action against Peter Mandelson when the extent of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein became clear, and he’s now making sure that the information and the messages around that are being released as effectively as possible while of course not prejudicing any investigations that are underway at the moment.”
In pictures: Lord Mandelson led out of house during arrest
Monday 23 February 2026 19:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
What did Sir Keir Starmer say about Lord Mandelson allegations?
Monday 23 February 2026 19:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSir Keir Starmer has yet to publicly comment on Lord Peter Mandelson’s arrest this evening.
However, the prime minister previously told MPs the disgraced peer had “betrayed our country” as he insisted he had been lied to over Lord Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Sir Keir said: “Mandelson betrayed our country, our Parliament and my party.
“He lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein before and during his tenure as ambassador, I regret appointing him.
“If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near government.”
The prime minister faces growing questions over his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador.
Who is Lord Peter Mandelson?
Monday 23 February 2026 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLord Peter Mandelson is a former Labour peer and cabinet minister who has been widely regarded as a key architect of New Labour.
He previously served as MP for Hartlepool from 1992 to 2004, where he was appointed business secretary and Northern Ireland secretary, but resigned twice over separate controversies.
Lord Mandelson was briefly US ambassador until he was sacked by Sir Keir Starmer in September 2025 following scrutiny over his ties to Epstein. Lord Mandelson has since resigned from Labour Party and House of Lords.
Lord Mandelson denies recalling the alleged payments and has apologised to Epstein's victims, stating he was wrong to maintain an association with the financier after his conviction.
Documents on Peter Mandelson appointment to be released early March
Monday 23 February 2026 18:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe first tranche of documents related to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador is expected to be released “very shortly in early March”, MPs have been told.
However, the publication of some correspondence between Downing Street and the peer will be delayed “because of the Metropolitan Police interest”, chief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones said.
Mr Jones’ statement came minutes before the Metropolitan Police announced that Lord Mandelson had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Watch: Peter Mandelson arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office
Monday 23 February 2026 18:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneExclusive: Badenoch accuses MPs of trying to use parliamentary probes into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to distract from Mandelson scandal
Monday 23 February 2026 18:15 , Nicole Wootton-CaneBy Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
The Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused MPs of trying to use parliamentary investigations into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to distract from former Labour peer Peter Mandelson.
Both men have now been arrested in the wake of the release of the Epstein files.
MPs on the Business and Trade Committee will meet on Tuesday to consider a probe into Mountbatten-Windsor’s time as a trade envoy.
Asked in an interview with the Independent if MPs should investigate, Ms Badenoch said that it was "right that everything is looked at" but added "I think the police are the right people to carry out that investigation".
She added: “A lot of MPs are jumping on this because it distracts from the Peter Mandelson story, which is far more significant from a parliamentary perspective.
“I think that what the King said has been right. The law must run its course.
"And if you can compare the King's behavior, with something affecting his family, his own brother, complete transparency. On the government side, it's been hiding papers (and) saying what a great guy Peter Madelson was, as the prime minister did six months ago when I first confronted him with these allegations.”
Shadow minister accuses govt of 'acting with the urgency of a tired sloth' over Mandelson documents
Monday 23 February 2026 17:55 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe government is acting “with the urgency of a tired sloth on a bank holiday Monday” in releasing documents related to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as the US ambassador, a shadow cabinet office minister has said.
The comments came just minutes before Lord Mandelson’s arrest.
Addressing the Commons on Monday, Mike Wood said: “The police cannot dictate to this House, yet the government remains coy about the legal basis for withholding documents.
“We need an unequivocal commitment today, once the police are finished, every withheld page must be published, no excuses, no redactions by stealth.”
He added: “Careful work must not become a euphemism for managed delay.
“It is time the government stopped treating parliament like an inconvenient interruption to their schedule, stopped giving every impression that they have priorities working out who’s back to cover, and started providing some actual answers so that we can start to get to the bottom of this murky matter.”
Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, said the government was trying to manage a criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police, and “I’m sure the House would not want us to inadvertently interfere with that process”.
Recap: Why did police search Lord Mandelson's houses?
Monday 23 February 2026 17:55 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice searched two homes linked to Lord Peter Mandelson on 5 February following allegations he leaked sensitive government documents to Jeffrey Epstein.
At the time, the Metropolitan Police said officers from its central specialist crime team carried out two warrants in Camden, north London, and Wiltshire in connection with an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office offences.
The force said the alleged offences involved a 72-year-old man and confirmed that he had not been arrested.
Mandelson arrest comes as Starmer travels to by-election battleground
Monday 23 February 2026 17:50 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLord Peter Mandelson’s arrest comes as the prime minister visits Gorton and Denton ahead of a key by-election later this week.
Sir Keir Starmer was in the constituency, which voted Labour in 2024, to campaign as his party battles to keep the seat.
Sir Keir warned would-be Green supporters they could split the anti-Reform vote and allow the party’s candidate, GB News presenter Matt Goodwin, to enter parliament.
The prime minister said: “In this by-election a vote for the Green Party is, in effect, a vote for Reform.
“And we saw in the by-election in Runcorn last year, where Labour lost by just a handful of votes, we got a Reform member of parliament. We mustn’t let that happen again.”
Sir Keir warned would-be Green supporters they could split the anti-Reform vote and allow the party’s candidate, GB News presenter Matt Goodwin, to enter Parliament.
The Prime Minister said: “In this by-election a vote for the Green Party is, in effect, a vote for Reform.
“And we saw in the by-election in Runcorn last year, where Labour lost by just a handful of votes, we got a Reform member of parliament. We mustn’t let that happen again.”
What is Misconduct in Public Office? Peter Mandelson’s arrest explained
Monday 23 February 2026 17:45 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice have confirmed this afternoon that former US ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson has been arrested at his Camden home.
The ex-Labour peer is being questioned on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, the police statement said.
But what does this offence mean? The Independent takes a look below:
What is Misconduct in Public Office? Peter Mandelson’s arrest explained
Police statement in full as Lord Peter Mandelson arrested
Monday 23 February 2026 17:35 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLord Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
“He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, February 23 and has been taken to a London police station for interview.
“This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.”
Lord Mandelson arrested at Camden home
Monday 23 February 2026 17:27 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFootage shown by broadcasters shows a plain clothed police officer leading Lord Mandelson out of a house.
Lord Mandelson then gets into the left rear seat of a waiting unmarked Ford Focus police car.
The male police officer then gets into the right rear passenger seat.
A female police officer gets into the front seat of the car before it is driven away.
BREAKING: Lord Peter Mandelson arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office
Monday 23 February 2026 17:16 , Nicole Wootton-CaneLord Peter Mandelson has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the Metropolitan Police said.
Starmer confirms government are considering succession of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Monday 23 February 2026 16:45 , Dan Haygarth'A grotesque display'
Monday 23 February 2026 16:30 , Dan HaygarthNatasha Tsangarides, associate director of advocacy at charity Freedom from Torture, has accused Zia Yusuf of "a grotesque display of ethno-nationalist, authoritarian cruelty" following his speech on Reform's immigration policies.
She added: "His divisive and dangerous proposals threaten to divide families and wreak terror and chaos in our communities.
“Under a Reform government, the survivors that we support every day would face the very real risk of deportation and return to persecution.
“Threats to leave the European Convention on Human Rights are a direct attack on the rights that protect all of us, including the absolute ban on torture."
She warned: "This kind of political theatre brings only hate and division; it’s a further advance of the populist playbook that demonises migrants to grab power and erode legal safeguards."
Starmer orders ethics chief to investigate Labour minister over targeting of reporters
Monday 23 February 2026 16:15 , Dan HaygarthSir Keir Starmer has ordered his ethics watchdog to investigate a cabinet office minister, following claims a Labour think tank paid for an investigation into journalists.
Joshn Simons has faced calls to resign from his ministerial post after reports Labour Together, which he ran before entering government, paid a PR firm to look into the personal background of a journalist in 2023.
‘I’ve been in Britain for my whole adult life. I don’t know what I would do under Reform’s immigration plans’
Monday 23 February 2026 16:02 , Dan HaygarthKaelynn Narita, an American research manager has built a life in London, but her future could be thrown into jeopardy by Reform’s plans to scrap indefinite leave to remain. Read more:
‘I’ve been in the UK for my adult life but I fear for my future under Reform’s plans’
