The Tories have called on the Government to demand Lord Peter Mandelson return his severance pay and "release the files in full".
Files revealed Lord Mandelson had asked for more than a £500k payoff, and received £75,000 instead.
Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart MP said: “The lapse in the Prime Minister's judgment knows no bounds.”
“The Government must now release the files in full and demand Mandelson return his severance to the public purse,” he added.
It comes after files revealed Sir Keir Starmer was warned there was a “general reputational risk” over Mandelson’s relationship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein before giving him the Washington role.
A “due diligence document” drawn up in December 2024 before Lord Mandelson’s appointment to the role noted a series of reports detailing his links with the convicted criminal.
Cabinet minister Darren Jones told the House of Commons: “Peter Mandelson should never have been afforded the privilege of representing this country, and I reiterate for the House that the Prime Minister deeply regrets taking him at his word, it was a mistake to do so.”
Damaging disclosures from the so-called ‘Epstein files’ led MPs to order the government to release documents relating to his appointment and what was known about his friendship with the disgraced financier.
Key Points
- First set of Lord Mandelson files released
- Mandelson tried to get £500k payout after being sacked as ambassador
- What are the key takeaways from the Mandelson files?
- Analysis: It is now clear that Keir Starmer was warned about the dangers of appointing Mandelson
- Starmer accuses Badenoch of 'mother of all U-turns' on Iran
- Mandelson’s appointment was 'weirdly rushed', says national security adviser
Recap: Mandelson’s appointment was 'weirdly rushed', says national security adviser
19:20 , Rebecca WhittakerNational security adviser Jonathan Powell said after Lord Peter Mandelson’s sacking that his appointment was “weirdly rushed”, according to a call record.
The note said that in a conversation with the general counsel to the Prime Minister on September 12, Mr Powell “found the appointment process unusual of Lord Mandelson (LM) weirdly rushed”.
Mr Powell also “raised concerns about the individual and reputation” to Sir Keir Starmer’s then-chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, the memo said.
“MM responded that the issues had been addressed.”
Philip Barton, the then-Foreign Office permanent under-secretary, “also had reservations around the appointment”, the call record said.
Watch: Mandelson’s request for £500k payout ‘inappropriate and unacceptable' says Minister
19:00 , Rebecca WhittakerTimeline of Peter Mandelson’s controversial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
18:40 , Rebecca WhittakerLord Mandelson was arrested on 23 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, having been accused of passing sensitive information on to Epstein during his time as business secretary. He was released pending investigation.
Here is what we know about the pair’s relationship.
Timeline of Lord Mandelson’s controversial relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
Kemi Badenoch hits out at Starmer 'being dishonest' about Mandelson
18:31 , Rebecca WhittakerKemi Badenoch has said that the Peter Mandelson scandal is really about Sir Keir Starmer “being dishonest”.
In an interview posted on X she said: “As much as the prime minister wanted to make this about Peter Mandelson, this is really about Keir Starmer being dishonest with them, with the country, with parliament about what he knew.”
This Mandelson scandal is all about Keir Starmer being dishonest.
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) March 11, 2026
He lied about what he knew. pic.twitter.com/TTnkapVfFR
Comment: ‘Weirdly rushed’ is a verdict that will haunt Keir Starmer – a PM now in big trouble
18:20 , Rebecca Whittaker-9_71241-copy.jpeg?trim=0,0,0,0&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
‘Weirdly rushed’ is a verdict that will haunt Keir Starmer – a PM now in big trouble
No 10 questions to Mandelson on ties to Epstein not included in released files
18:11 , Rebecca WhittakerThe files released by the Government relating to the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to the US represent only a fraction of the papers demanded by Parliament.
One exchange the Prime Minister sees as key in proving that he was lied to about the extent of the peer’s ties to Epstein was not included.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones told MPs on Wednesday: “After the Prime Minister reviewed the Cabinet Office due diligence that noted public reporting on Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, questions were put to Peter Mandelson by advisers in No 10 … and Peter Mandelson responded.
“These are matters that are currently the subject of an ongoing police investigation and we will publish this document when the investigation allows.
“When we do, the House will be able to see Peter Mandelson’s answers for themselves, which the Prime Minister regrets believing.”
There has been speculation that the publication of that correspondence could be delayed until the police investigation and any potential criminal trial has concluded.
Mr Jones also said: “There are further tranches of documents to come, as officials work through the humble address’s full scope…
“The Government recognises the urgency with which this work must be completed and the Government will of course keep members updated as that work progresses.”
Watch: Jeremy Corbyn 'astonished' by 'faux outrage' over Mandelson in Labour party
18:00 , Rebecca WhittakerTories call for Lord Mandelson to return his severance pay
17:41 , Rebecca WhittakerThe Tories have called on the Government to demand Lord Mandelson return his severance pay and "release the files in full" following the publication of the first tranche.
Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart MP said: "The lapse in the Prime Minister's judgment knows no bounds. Allowing a scandal-ridden former Minister access to highly sensitive information before proper clearance is completely careless.
“Even more troubling is that this happened while the Government was aware of Mandelson's long-standing, close connections to Epstein.
"Labour must come clean about what ministers knew, when they knew it, and why national security safeguards appear to have been treated so casually.
"The Government must now release the files in full and demand Mandelson return his severance to the public purse."
From Labour ‘Prince’ to Epstein shame: How Lord Mandelson fell from grace
17:40 , Rebecca Whittaker
From Labour ‘Prince’ to Epstein shame: How Lord Mandelson fell from grace
Mandelson was offered 'higher tier' briefings from the Foreign Office
17:20 , Rebecca WhittakerLord Peter Mandelson was offered “higher tier” briefings from the Foreign Office before he had finished the formal vetting process to become British ambassador to Washington, Government documents reveal.
An email to Lord Mandelson from the Foreign Office on December 23 2024 – three days after his appointment – stated: “On practicalities the most important first steps will be: (1) completing medical clearance; (2) completing Dip Passport forms; and (3) going through the vetting process. These will be most important in unlocking progress within the system.”
It added: “We’ll brief you further in person from 6 January onwards, including at higher tiers.”
However, Lord Mandelson did not have his developed vetting (DV) clearance confirmed until he received a subsequent email from a Foreign Office official on January 30 2025, shortly before his four-year fixed-term appointment to Washington began.
Comment: Are the Mandelson Files being redacted to spare Starmer’s Trump blushes?
17:10 , Rebecca Whittaker
Are the Mandelson Files being redacted to spare Starmer’s Trump blushes?
UK’s National Security Advisor was 'particularly cautious about the appointment' of Mandelson
16:53 , Rebecca WhittakerJonathan Powell, the UK’s National Security Advisor, “was particularly cautious about the appointment” of Lord Peter Mandelson as British ambassador to Washington, documents released by the Government have revealed.
Included within the cache of documents on Wednesday is a summary of a “fact-finding call” between Mike Ostheimer, general counsel for the prime minister, and Lord Matthew Doyle.
Lord Doyle was Number 10’s director of communications at the time of the call with Mr Ostheimer on September 12 2025 – the day after Lord Mandelson was sacked as British ambassador to Washington because of his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
The summary stated: “Lord Mandelson (LM) is a personal friend of MD [Matthew Doyle], while he doesn’t recall specific instances he certainly would have seen him at social events around December 2024.”
Lord Mandelson was appointed as ambassador to Washington on December 20, 2024.
The summary added: “MD [Matthew Doyle] recalls there were interactions with Ailsa Terry [a senior Downing Street official] and Jonathan Powell (JP) on the matter, though not details. MD believes JP was particularly cautious about the appointment.”
The summary also detailed that there was some “back and forth” between Lord Doyle and Morgan McSweeney, who was the Prime Minister’s chief of staff at the time.
It said those exchanges raised “three specific questions for LM [Lord Mandelson] to answer in respect of Jeffrey Epstein”.
The details published on Wednesday did not disclose what those questions were.
Watch: Labour backbencher cannot understand ‘why we paid a penny’ to Mandelson
16:50 , Rebecca WhittakerStarmer was warned there was a 'general reputational risk' in appointing Lord Mandelson
16:40 , Rebecca WhittakerPrime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was warned in a due diligence report that there was a “general reputational risk” in appointing Lord Mandelson because of his relationship with Epstein.
In a section entitled Relationship With Jeffrey Epstein, the December 2024 report said: “After Epstein was first convicted of procuring an underage girl in 2008, their relationship continued across 2009-2011, beginning when Lord Mandelson was business minister and continuing after the end of the Labour government.
“Mandelson reportedly stayed in Epstein’s house while he was in jail in June 2009.”
Sir Keir was also advised that choosing a political appointment, as Lord Mandelson was, rather than a career diplomat meant that “if anything goes wrong, you could be more exposed as the individual is more connected to you personally”.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones told MPs on Wednesday that the due diligence report on Lord Mandelson “did not expose the depth and extent” of his relationship with Epstein.
Mandelson’s appointment was 'weirdly rushed', says national security adviser
16:34 , Rebecca WhittakerNational security adviser Jonathan Powell said after Lord Peter Mandelson’s sacking that his appointment was “weirdly rushed”, according to a call record.
The note said that in a conversation with the general counsel to the Prime Minister on September 12, Mr Powell “found the appointment process unusual of Lord Mandelson (LM) weirdly rushed”.
Mr Powell also “raised concerns about the individual and reputation” to Sir Keir Starmer’s then-chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, the memo said.
“MM responded that the issues had been addressed.”
Philip Barton, the then-Foreign Office permanent under-secretary, “also had reservations around the appointment”, the call record said.
Mandelson files: All the key takeaways from bombshell documents
16:30 , Rebecca WhittakerThe government has released the first batch of documents relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador, months after the disgraced politician was forced to step down from the role when the full extent of his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein were revealed.
Read more here by Political Correspondent Millie Cooke:
All the key takeaways from first release of the Mandelson files
Green Party leader says Starmer 'has to go' due to Mandelson appointment
16:28 , Rebecca WhittakerZack Polanski has called for Keir Starmer to resign following the release of the first tranche of files relating to Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.
The Green Party leader wrote on X that “he has to go”.
He said: “These files confirm that Mandelson's malign influence runs through this Labour government. Starmer knew exactly the choice he was making when he appointed him.”
These files confirm that Mandelson's malign influence runs through this Labour government.
— Zack Polanski (@ZackPolanski) March 11, 2026
Starmer knew exactly the choice he was making when he appointed him. He has to go.
MP has shared evidence that David Lammy agreed with the appointment of Madelson
16:18 , Rebecca WhittakerAn MP has shared evidence that David Lammy agreed with the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as the US ambassador.
In a letter from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office it states: “I have discussed this with the Foreign Secretary, who agrees with the recommendation.”
It added: “May I request that you seek The King’s approval for Lord Peter Mandelson as HM Ambassador to Washington?”
In a post on X Conservative MP for West Suffolk, Nick Timothy shared an image of a letter from December 2024 suggesting Mandleson would be fitting for the role.
He said: “David Lammy told the press he opposed Mandelson’s appointment when he was made ambassador.
“The official record says otherwise.”
David Lammy told the press he opposed Mandelson’s appointment when he was made ambassador.
— Nick Timothy MP (@NJ_Timothy) March 11, 2026
The official record says otherwise. pic.twitter.com/NgkAGIUHYR
Lord Mandelson handed £75,000 payout after contract as US ambassador terminated
16:05 , Rebecca WhittakerLord Peter Mandelson was handed a £75,000 taxpayer-funded payout to terminate his contract as the UK’s ambassador to the US, newly released documents show.
Emails contained within an initial batch of papers relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment showed he first requested his contract was paid out in full, totalling more than £500,000.
Read more here:
Lord Mandelson handed £75,000 payout after contract as US ambassador terminated
Due diligence process 'fell short of what is required', minister says
15:56 , Holly EvansSpeaking in the Commons on Wednesday, cabinet minister Darren Jones said the documents related to Lord Mandelson’s appointment “reveal that the due-diligence process fell short of what is required”.
“We have already taken steps to address weaknesses in the system and to ensure that when standards of behaviour fall short of the high standards expected, that there will be more serious consequences,” he said.
“The Prime Minister has asked the Ethics and Integrity Commission to conduct a review of the current arrangements relating to financial disclosures for ministers and senior officials, transparency around lobbying, and the business appointment rules.
“And we are conducting a review of the national security vetting system to ensure we learn the lessons from the policy and process weaknesses related to Peter Mandelson’s case.”
Cabinet Office minister Baroness Anderson of Stoke on Trent had been appointed “to support this work on standards and constitutional reform”, he said.
Kemi Badenoch says Starmer's judgement is 'shocking'
15:47 , Holly EvansKemi Badenoch has said that Sir Keir Starmer had shown “shocking” judgement in appointing Lord Peter Mandelson to the post of US ambassador.
Mandelson reportedly leaked sensitive government documents. Starmer knew Mandelson had stayed close friends with Epstein after the conviction for child prostitution, but made him Ambassador anyway.
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) March 11, 2026
Now we see he paid Mandelson almost £80k of our money. His judgment is shocking. https://t.co/CpMzxLC8S0
Mandelson suggested he could take government to tribunal
15:41 , Athena StavrouPeter Mandelson suggested he could take the government to an employment tribunal as he negotiated a payout for being sacked as US ambassador, documents have revealed.
In the first tranche of documents released about Mandelson’s appointment and dismissal, the Foreign Office’s chief people officer wrote to colleagues: “He has sought advice, during the conversation he intimated this had been from Senior Counsel (a KC) specialising in employment law.
“His argument heavily focuses on the reasonableness of the PM’s decision.
“There is some carefully placed language around the public implications of not reaching a settlement, and the nature of an employment tribunal case. I have discussed this with the PUS.
“There is a potential, that absent a positive indication, Peter goes public on some of his claims so there is some urgency.”
Addressing criticism of the government for giving Mandelson a £75,000 payout, chief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones told MPs it was agreed to avoid high costs of an employment tribunal.
“Despite the fact that he was withdrawn from Washington because he had lost the confidence of the prime minister, the government obviously found that to be inappropriate and unacceptable,” Mr Jones said.
“The settlement that was agreed was to avoid even higher further costs involving a drawn-out legal claim at the employment tribunal.”
Watch: Jeremy Corbyn 'astonished' by 'faux outrage' over Mandelson in Labour party
15:32 , Holly EvansGovernment pledge to review vetting system after Mandelson failures
15:27 , Holly EvansThe government has pledged to review its vetting system after it failed to stop Peter Mandelson from being appointed as US ambassador.
Sir Keir Starmer was warned about Mandelson’s “particularly close relationship” with Jeffrey Epstein before giving him the role in Washington, the first tranche of files about his appointment revealed.
The prime minister has previously said Mandelson went on to lie when asked about his continued relationship with Epstein.
The Cabinet Office has said it will review its vetting system to include "lessons learned from Peter Mandelson's developed vetting", and appointed Baroness Anderson to work on government standards policy.
The Foreign Office is also “supporting the strengthening” of the due diligence and security vetting processes for politically appointed Heads of Mission, including introducing individual due diligence-specific interviews with proposed candidates.
'No one will be able to trust Starmer's judgement again', shadow minister says
15:21 , Holly EvansShadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart said: “These documents just confirm what we already knew. Keir Starmer was plainly aware of the relationship between Mandelson and the world’s most notorious paedophile when he appointed him as US ambassador.
“What’s worse, the Government gave him a payoff of £75,000 despite his resignation in disgrace. No one will be able to trust the Prime Minister’s judgment again.
“The Labour Government need to come clean on what documents have been hidden from view and whether WhatsApps or private emails have been deleted or hidden.
“The Government must release the files in full and make Mandelson repay the money.”
Matthew Doyle told investigators that Mandelson was a personal friend
15:15 , Holly EvansOne of the key figures in ensuring Peter Mandelson was made the ambassador to the US was the then director of communications Matthew Doyle.
After Mandelson was sacked in September last year an investigation into the appointment by Mike Ostheimer, the general counsel to the PM, noted that in a telephone interview with Doyle the former director of comms described the disgraced Labour grandee as “a personal friend”.
The admission ties in with Morgan McSweeney, the former chief of staff who pushed the appointment, whose mentor was Mandelson.
It appears that key parts of the vetting involved taking the opinion of Mandelson’s friends in Downing Street rather than the warnings of impartial civil servants.
No 10 called for daily welfare checks on Mandelson last month
15:04 , Athena StavrouNo 10 called for daily welfare checks on Peter Mandelson last month after further details of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein came to light.
Discussing details about Mandelson’s £75,000 payout upon being sacked as US ambassador, a No 10 official asked a foreign office official if there had been a welfare check on the former Labour peer.
They asked “to do one each day if that’s OK for a while”.
Tony Blair reissues a statement emphasising his limited contact with Epstein
15:02 , Holly EvansThe papers once again highlight how Peter Mandelson and Bill Clinton persuaded Sir Tony Blair when he was PM to meet Jeffrey Epstein on 14 May 2002.
The former prime minister has as a result reissued a statement making clear that was his one and only time contact with the convicted paedophile long before his crimes were known.
A spokesperson said: “As far as he can remember, Mr Blair met with him for less than 30 minutes in Downing Street in May 2002, and discussed US and UK politics. He never met or engaged with him subsequently. This was, of course, long before his crimes were known of and his subsequent conviction.”
What are the key takeaways from the Mandelson files?
15:01 , Holly EvansThe first set of files relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s ambassador to the US have been released by the government.
The key revelations include:
- Sir Keir Starmer was warned of a “reputational risk” over Mandelson’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, which had continued after his conviction in 2008.
- Mandelson asked for over £500k payoff but received £75k.
- Sir Keir’s national security adviser found Mandelson’s appointment “weirdly rushed”.
- Mandelson had orchestrated a 2002 meeting with then-prime minister Tony Blair
- The ex-US ambassador had suggested using Nigel Farage to improve UK relations with Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Lord Mandelson said he felt 'utterly awful' about Epstein friendship in 2025 letter
14:55 , Holly EvansLord Peter Mandelson told Foreign Office colleagues in his farewell email on September 11, 2025, that he continued to “feel utterly awful about my association with Epstein twenty years ago”, despite the fact he was later proven to have been in touch with paedophile financier as recently as 2016.
In the email to Foreign Office staff, Lord Mandelson told colleagues as he quit his job as British ambassador to Washington: “The circumstances surrounding the announcement today are ones which I deeply regret.
“I continue to feel utterly awful about my association with Epstein twenty years ago and the plight of his victims. I have no alternative to accepting the Prime Minister’s decision and will leave a position in which I have been so incredibly honoured to serve.
“I wish to thank you for all of your efforts in serving me as your Ambassador. In a short time we have achieved so much. We leave the relationship with the US in a really good condition, with a magnificent State Visit and the new US-UK Technology Partnership – my personal pride and joy that will help write the next chapter of the special relationship – set for next week.
“Thank you from me, Reinaldo and Jock. I will treasure the experience and memory of having worked with you all.”
Labour backbencher cannot understand ‘why we paid a penny’ to Mandelson
14:51 , Holly EvansA Labour backbencher has criticised the government for paying Peter Mandelson £75,000 after he was sacked from his role as the UK’s ambassador to the US.
Former minister Justin Madders said the risk of an employment tribunal would have been “miniscule” as he called for the government to pressure Mandelson to donate the payout to victims of abuse.“
If one of my constituents came to see me and told me they had lost their job or been sacked because they had lied during the application process and wanted compensation I would tell them that they had absolutely no chance of doing that,” he said in the Commons.
“So I really struggle to understand why we paid a penny”.
Watch: Mandelson 'should have never represented UK' says minister
14:48 , Holly EvansAnalysis: Two of the PM’s closest allies are in the firing line
14:47 , Holly EvansOur political editor David Maddox writes...
The questions of Sir Keir Starmer’s judgement go well beyond his appointment of Peter Mandelson as the ambassador to the US.
At the heart of this appointment were two other men that Sir Keir put his absolute trust in.His now former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney is detailed in the documents for talking through and explaining Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
This apparently, on page 8, was reinforced by the then director of communications Matthew Doyle.
After quitting his director of comms job Doyle was later made a peer by Sir Keir only for him to be suspended from Labour over his relationship with a paedophile.
The idea now that Doyle was central to justifying Sir Keir in appointing Mandelson only makes a very bad look even worse.
It is clear that allies of the PM will now hope that the blame can be pinning on McSweeney and Doyle.
However, the buck stops with the prime minister and he cannot escape the fact that the appointment of all three and reliance on their advice was his own choice.
Starmer's national security adviser said Mandelson appointment was 'weirdly rushed'
14:44 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer’s national security adviser raised concerns over the the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador, saying the process was “weirdly rushed” and “unusual”, the files released on Wednesday show.
Jonathan Powell - who also previously served as Tony Blair's chief of staff - raised the concerns with Sir Keir's then chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.
Notes taken from a call between Mr Powell and the prime minister’s general counsel in September 2025 said the national security adviser “found the appointment process unusual of Lord Mandelson (LM) weirdly rushed”.
But Mr McSweeney "responded that the issues had been addressed", the notes read.
Lord Mandelson suggested using Farage as 'bridgehead' to Trump and Elon Musk
14:42 , Holly EvansLord Peter Mandelson suggested using Nigel Farage to better the UK’s connections with the Trump administration, newly released documents reveal.
The due diligence report that went to the Prime Minister ahead of Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador in Washington quoted the peer as saying of Mr Farage: “You can’t ignore him, he’s an elected member of parliament. He’s a public figure. He’s a bridgehead, both to President Trump and to Elon Musk and others . . . National interest is served in all sorts of weird and wonderful ways.”
Mandelson’s request for £500k ‘inappropriate and unacceptable'
14:36 , Holly EvansPeter Mandelson’s request for a payout of over £500,000 was “inappropriate and unacceptable”, a minister has told MPs.
The documents released on Wednesday confirmed the former Labour peer secured a £75,000 payout when he was sacked from his job as US ambassador, but officials revealed in emails he had begun negotiations at a far higher figure.
Speaking to MPs upon the release of the files, chief secretary to the prime minister Darren Jones said Mandelson had asked for “nearly six times the final amount, despite the fact he was "withdrawn from Washington after losing the confidence of the prime minister".
He called this “inappropriate and unacceptable”.
Analysis: It is now clear that Keir Starmer was warned about the dangers of appointing Mandelson
14:35 , Holly EvansOur political editor David Maddox writes...
This is a very difficult day for Keir Starmer because even a cursory look at the documents published today reveal that he had plenty of warnings and red flags about appointing Peter Mandelson to such a sensitive diplomatic role.
The documents go into detail about Mandelson’s relationship with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein including staying at his flat after he was in prison for his crimes.
They also go into the problems of Mandelson’s history in having to resign from previous government jobs over his personal behaviour.
The problems of his business relationships are highlighted and his closeness to China.There is little room for the prime minister to really claim that he did not know enough not to go ahead with the appointment.
But the line that political appointments are worse than professional diplomats in cases such as these underlines the difficulty for Sir Keir.
The advice noted: “If anything goes wrong you could be more exposed as the individual is connected to you personally.”
Clinton and Mandelson set up a meeting between Blair and Epstein
14:30 , Millie CookeBill Clinton and Peter Mandelson set up a meeting between Tony Blair and Jeffrey Epstein, the first tranche of Mandelson files have revealed.
In an email to national security adviser Jonathan Powell in 2002, Mr Mandelson said: "Do you remember when Clinton saw TB he said he wanted to introduce his travelling friend, Jeffrey Epstein, to TB?".
The email continues: "I think TB would be interested in meeting Jeffrey, who is also a friend of mine, because Jeffrey is an scientific catalyst/entrepreneur as well as someone who has his finger on the pulse of many worldwide markets and currencies. He is young and vibrant. He is safe (whatever that means) and Clinton is now doing a lot of travelling with him."
The files then show a note to to Mr Blair, which told the then PM he was meeting with Epstein at 5pm on May 14 2002.
Minister addressing MPs on Mandelson files release
14:29 , Holly EvansDarren Jones is addressing the Commons upon the release of the first tranche of files relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.
The chief secretary to the prime minister said there are further tranches to come and told MPs: “It is important to recognise the strength of feeling on all sides of the house, my own included, at the disgust and horror at the nature and extent of the relationship that Peter Mandelson maintained with Jeffrey Epstein despite his criminal conviction for abusing a vulnerable young girl.
“Including encouraging Jeffrey Epstein to then fight that conviction.”
Mandelson tried to get £500k payout after being sacked as ambassador
14:23 , Athena StavrouThe first tranche of the Peter Mandelson files have revealed the disgraced former US ambassador originally asked for a payout of over £500,000 after being sacked from his role.
Emails in the documents confirmed the former Labour peer secured a £75,000 payout when further information about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein came to light.
In an email to officials at the Foreign Office, a Treasury official said the government had done “[very] well to get this settlement down this low with minimal fuss.”
The email reads: “If there’s any pushback, it might be worth mentioning that he opened negotiations asking us to pay out his contract (over £500k).”
Starmer warned over ‘reputation risk’ from Mandelson appointment
14:22 , Holly EvansThe checklist vetting document noted how Mandelson had been forced to resign from government jobs on two previous occasions and warned Sir Keir about “reputational risk”.
It stated: “There is a general reputational risk around previous departures from the New Labour Government, both relating to financial matters, including high-profile donors to government.”
One of the examples quoted was his resignation as trade and industry secretary in 1998 “due to not declaring a £373,000 loan from Geoffrey Robinson, a cabinet colleague, which was used to fund a property purchase.”
Starmer was warned about Mandelson’s business interests
14:20 , David MaddoxA checklist on the due diligence inquiries into Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US underlines that there were concerns about his business interests which were flagged with the prime minister.
Regarding Mandelson’s Global Counsel lobbying firm, the document states: “Reputational risks could occur relating to any of these clients' dealings with the UK or USA government. Global Counsel did not declare any lobbying clients under the last quarter of the Sunak Administration, media reporting is noting the group's expansion since the election.”
It lists clients as including TikTok, Shell, Accenture, the Premier League, JP Morgan, Santander, BP, Sizewell C, and Shein.
Sir Keir Starmer is already facing questions over an off the books meeting he had with Mandelson when he was ambassador in Washington with another of his clients Palantir.
Papers go into detail on how PM was briefed ahead of the appointment on Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein
14:10 , David MaddoxA briefing note to the prime minister from the civil servants looking into the suitability of Peter Mandelson to the role reveals that they had arranged to brief Sir Keir Starmer personally about Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein.
They note: “We have sought a due diligence…and your chief of staff (Morgan McSweeney) has discussed Peter’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein which we will go through with you, but your director of communications (Matthew Doyle) is satisfied with his responses to questions about contact.”
Doyle was made a peer after resigning as director of comms and has recently been suspended from the Labour Party over separate questions about his own propriety.
Starmer was advised about Mandelson's 'particularly close relationship' with Epstein before he appointed him
14:06 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer was advised about Lord Peter Mandelson's "particularly close relationship" with Jeffrey Epstein when he appointed him, including reports of the peer having stayed in the paedophile's flat while he was in prison.
The first tranche of files relating to the appointment of Mandelson, published on Wednesday, reveal advice given to the prime minister ahead of his appointment.
That advice - put together in December 2024 - highlighted a 2019 report commissioned by JPMorgan, which found that Epstein appeared to “maintain a particularly close relationship with Prince Andrew the Duke of York and Lord Peter Mandelson, a senior member of the British government”.
The note also highlighted that this relationship continued after Epstein was first convicted of procuring an underage girl in 2008, as well as pointing out that "Mandelson reportedly stayed in Epstein's House while he was in jail in June 2009".
Starmer was warned about dangers of a political appointment for ambassador to the US
14:03 , Holly EvansOur political editor David Maddox says:
In a document weighing up the pros and cons of a political appointment for ambassador to the US as opposed to a seasoned diplomat, Sir Keir Starmer was clearly warned that a political appointment was more dangerous for him personally.
The document noted on a political appointment: “If anything goes wrong you could be more exposed as the individual is connected to you personally.”
Meanwhile, with a diplomatic appointment they highlighted how when things went wrong with Lord Kim Darroch during Theresa May’s premiership she was able to distance herself.
Despite the warning Sir Keir went ahead with the political appointment of Peter Mandelson.
First set of Lord Mandelson files released
13:55 , Holly EvansThe Government has published the first set of documents relating to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the United States.
Ban on Al Quds Day marches in place until 11 April
13:50 , Dan HaygarthA ban on processions related to Al Quds Day will be in place until 11 April, home secretary Shabana Mahmood has told MPs.
The home secretary had approved a request from the Metropolitan Police to ban a march planned for Sunday “to prevent serious public disorder” – the first time a protest march has been banned since 2012.
The annual Al Quds Day march in London has always been seen as pro-Iranian, drawing criticism after its organisers expressed support for the country’s late leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Organisers say it is more of a pro-Palestine event.
Several counter-protests had also been planned for the day.
In a statement to the House of Commons, the home secretary said: “My first duty is to keep the public safe, having carefully and thoroughly considered the risk … assessment presented to me by the Metropolitan Police, I am satisfied that an order under section 13 is necessary.
“For one month there will therefore be a prohibition on processions in London related to Al Quds Day by protesters and counter-protesters, which will come into effect today and will end on the 11th of April.
“Should the commissioner consider a further extension is required, he will be able to make a further submission at that time.”
Starmer took UK into the war 'when he allowed the Americans to use UK bases', says Flynn
13:45 , Dan Haygarth
The SNP’s Westminster leader claimed Sir Keir Starmer took the UK into the war in Iran “when he allowed the Americans to use UK bases”.
Stephen Flynn said at Prime Minister’s Questions: “Donald Trump’s war in Iran is illegal and the situation that has unfolded since is verging on insane.
“Oil is falling from the sky, sewers are exploding, the IRGC is indiscriminately attacking civilians across the region, cargo ships, and potentially even mining the Strait of Hormuz.
“The economic consequences of which will be stark for the global economy, but for every single person living on these isles too, and whether the Prime Minister accepts it or not he did indeed take us into that war when he allowed the Americans to use UK bases just last week.
“But I have a specific question. He’ll have seen the same footage I have of an American Tomahawk missile landing on a primary school killing 110 children. Does he believe that to be a war crime?”
The prime minister replied: “We’re all concerned by that footage. But let me be absolutely clear with him, we have 300,000 UK nationals, including Scottish citizens, in the region – strikes, missiles and drones are being fired into the region, putting them at great danger.
“We are taking action to protect them. I’m astonished that the SNP says ‘don’t take action to support Scottish citizens in the region’. It’s outrageous.”
Reeves: ‘Valid’ to say national insurance hike should not have happened
13:40 , Dan Haygarth
Rachel Reeves has said there was a “valid argument” that she should not have hiked employers’ national insurance contributions after the number of jobless young people approaches one million.
But the chancellor insisted the move announced in 2024 was needed to put money into public services.
Ms Reeves told parliament’s Treasury Committee: “We did make the decision to increase national insurance in my first budget and that’s because we needed to properly fund public services, including the National Health Service, which got a £29 billion-a-year uplift.
“So, I do recognise, and it’s a valid argument to say that that should not have happened. But if that didn’t happen, we wouldn’t have been able to put the money into the NHS and reduce waiting lists.
“And reducing waiting lists in the NHS is also good for business, because it means that more people are available for work, and the workforce is is healthier.
“But I do recognise there are particular issues around youth unemployment.
“A lot of that, with respect, we inherited with a big increase in the young people not in education, employment or training, but we are facing into that with actions coming on stream from next month.”
Keir Starmer opens door to scrapping fuel duty hike
13:35 , Dan HaygarthSir Keir Starmer has hinted at a move to cancel a fuel duty hike amid concerns over the impact that the Middle East crisis will have on the UK economy, report David Maddox and Millie Cooke,
The prime minister told MPs that the planned 5p increase would be “kept under review” before it is due to come into force in September.
Fuel duty is currently frozen to help drivers with the cost of living, but that is due to end in the autumn. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has so far resisted calls to cancel the planned hike in response to the oil price spike caused by Donald Trump’s war on Iran.
But his comments, which came during a tetchy exchange at Prime Minister’s Questions, pave the way for another possible U-turn.
Read the full article below:
Nick Clegg hits out at ‘deeply unfair’ university tuition fees system
13:06 , Dan HaygarthSir Nick Clegg has said the university tuition system is “deeply unfair” for students and suggested there could be a future institution which oversees the terms of student loans.
The former leader of the Liberal Democrats and deputy prime minister admitted some responsibility for costly tuition fees, which were increased during his time in government.
Sir Nick told the BBC he would take any criticism of the role “on the chin”, saying he was not responsible for later changes, including the repeated freezing of the graduate repayment threshold.
“I think graduates quite rightly feel very sore, because they're sort of running to stand still,” Sir Nick said.
Read more:
Nick Clegg hits out at ‘deeply unfair’ university tuition fees system
Mortgage rates soar above 5% as market hit by most turbulent days since Truss mini-Budget
12:53 , Holly EvansNearly 500 mortgage deals for homeowners have been pulled from the market over the Middle East conflict – the fastest disappearing act since the aftermath of the 2022 mini-budget.
Average mortgage rates have also soared past the five per cent mark as lenders scramble to hike their rates for both two- and five-year fixes.
The war on Iran and ensuing turbulence across the region have had a wide-ranging impact on the global economy, with the price of oil shooting past $100 (£74) at one stage before dropping back to $90 (£66).
Read the full article here:
Mortgage rates soar above 5% as market hit by most turbulent days since mini-Budget
Mandelson given £70k severance payout, files will reportedly show
12:45 , Millie CookeThe first tranche of Mandelson files, which will be published today, are expected to show that Peter Mandelson was given a severance payout of £70,000, the Financial Times reported.
But sources told the newspaper he had asked for a much bigger payout, a request that was reportedly rejected.
Badenoch says HMS Dragon would have left a week ago under her leadership
12:41 , Holly EvansConservative leader Kemi Badenoch claimed that HMS Dragon would have left a week ago if she was prime minister while Sir Keir Starmer called for her to apologise for comments about the British armed forces.
Speaking at PMQs, Sir Keir said: “In this job, you don’t get a second shot at making the right call on taking your country to war.
“If she (Mrs Badenoch) were prime minister, we would be in the war, and she would be coming back to Parliament a week later to say, ‘Oh, sorry, I got that one wrong’.”
Mrs Badenoch replied: “If I were prime minister, HMS Dragon would have left a week ago. The only time he’s taken decisive action was stopping Andy Burnham from standing in the by-election.”
Watch: Starmer quizzed if Iran school bombing is a war crime
12:37 , Holly EvansStarmer says government will do 'everything we can' to keep energy bills down
12:34 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer says he will do “everything we can” to keep energy bills down, and took aim at Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage over their stance towards the Iran conflict.
Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, asked if he could guarantee that costs to British households would not rise by hundreds of pounds in July.
In response, Sir Keir said: “People will be really worried about the impact on them, and just to reassure households that the cap is in place until the end of June, until July, and therefore that deals with the situation for households.
“We are working with the sector and with others and with allies to do everything we can to make sure those energy bills don’t rise.”
He also called on efforts to “de-escalate” the situation in the Middle East. Taking aim at the Tory and Reform leaders, Sir Keir said: “If they had been leading the country, we’d be in a war.”
Analysis: Starmer paves the way to cancel fuel duty rise
12:25 , Holly EvansOur political editor David Maddox writes...
After days of the chancellor Rachel Reeves sticking by her plans to increase fuel duty by 5p in the autumn, the prime minister appears to have U-turned on the plan.
Answering questions from Kemi Badenoch in PMQs on the plans for the fuel duty hike, Sir Keir said that he would keep the tax frozen until September and then it “will be reviewed” before another rise.
It is clear he has seen the political danger and is paving the way to cancel the rise if the war is still raging in Iran and pushing the price of oil and gas up.
This is a distinct shift in tone from the chancellor’s support for the measure in her statement on Monday and then in Treasury questions this week.
Ms Reeves used the generic line that “taxes are always kept under review” while Sir Keir has committed to reviewing this planned increase before bringing the rise.
While Sir Keir is not cancelling the plan from the despatch box today he is making it clear that there is now a strong chance it will not happen.
For a man who has become well known for his U-turns in office this looks like another one in the making.
Watch: Keir Starmer berates Kemi Badenoch for U-turn on Iran war
12:17 , Holly EvansKemi Badenoch slammed for “screeching U-turn” on Iran
12:16 , Millie CookeSir Keir Starmer has once again criticised Kemi Badenoch for her changing position on the war in Iran, accusing her of a "screeching U-turn".
It comes after the Tory leader initially signalled her support for the UK joining Israeli and US strikes on Iran, but on Tuesday appeared to row back from her position.
Taking aim at Mrs Badenoch, Sir Keir told the Commons: “If she were prime minister… we would be in the war, and she would be coming back to Parliament a week later to say, oh, sorry, I got that one wrong.”
Starmer says fuel duty remains under review
12:14 , Holly EvansKemi Badenoch asks how an increase in fuel duty is going to help with the cost of living.
She asked the prime minister: “The Prime Minister told us at the start of the year that the cost of living was his number one priority. So can he explain how a rise in fuel duty helps with the cost of living?”
Sir Keir Starmer responds: "Fuel duty is frozen. It's going to remain frozen until September, and we will keep the situation under review in light of what's happening in Iran."
Starmer accuses Badenoch of 'mother of all U-turns' on Iran
12:10 , Holly EvansSir Keir Starmer has accused Kemi Badenoch of performing the “mother of all u-turns” on her position on the UK’s involvement in the war in the Middle East.
He said Ms Badenoch “relentlessly” attacked him for refusing to join initial US-Israel strikes, before changing her position.
“Yesterday, in the wake of the economic consequences the leader of the opposition totally abandoned her position,” he said.
“She told the BBC I never said we should join.”
He added: “That is the mother of all u-turns on the single most important decision a prime minister ever has to take - whether to commit the United Kingdom to war or not.”
He said she and Nigel Farage had been “spooked” and were now “furiously trying to backpedal” on their stance.
Badenoch seizes upon calls to scrap planned 5p increase in fuel duty
12:07 , Millie CookeKemi Badenoch has seized upon calls to scrap the planned 5p increase in fuel duty this autumn, asking: "Why does the prime minister think now is the right time to increase the cost of petrol?"
Responding, Sir Keir Starmer said: "Mr Speaker, we are not increasing the cost of petrol. We are absolutely clear in taking the measures that are necessary to deal with the impact of the conflict in Iran.
"We're dealing with that with other allies, we’re taking the necessary action. But the best thing that we can do is to work with others to de-escalate the situation."
He added: "Fuel duty is frozen. It is going to remain frozen until September. And we will keep the situation under review in light of what is happening in Iran."
Starmer facing PMQs
12:03 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer has stood up to face this week’s PMQs ahead of the release of the Peter Mandelson files.
The prime minister began with updating the Commons on the UK’s response to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
He said the RAF have flown over 200 hours of defensive operations, and thanked armed forces for their efforts.
He will now face questions from the leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch ahead of the release of the first tranche of files.
