Sir Keir Starmer was blasted by a Tory MP over Angela Rayner’s resignation in the first question of PMQs. Conservative MP Dr Luke Evans highlighted departures of Labour ministers just one year into the Prime Minister’s premiership.
Mr Evans said: “One year on the country’s seen a transport secretary resign over fraud, an anti-corruption minister investigated for corruption, a homelessness minister make tenants homeless and a housing secretary not pay tax on her second house.
“We’ve also had a Prime Minister who accepted more freebies than any other MP in the last Parliament. Is this the integrity he meant when he came to government?”
Sir Keir replied: “Here’s the difference I strengthened the ministerial code, I strengthened the independent adviser. The deputy prime minister referred herself to the adviser, was a clear finding and she did the right thing.”
It follows the resignation of Ms Rayner as deputy PM, housing secretary and Labour deputy leader in a row over her tax affairs.
THIS LIVE BLOG HAS NOW CLOSED
Richard Tice adds voice to those demanding Mandelson is sacked
Richard Tice, deputy Reform leader, says: “Mandelson should be sacked”
“Indefensible; Starmer did not deny he was aware of the close friendship between Epstein & Mandelson”
Senior Tory sums up Keir Starmer’s predicament
A senior Tory texts me to warn: “The British public hate tax dodgers.
“But you know what the great British public hate more than tax dodgers? Paedos and paedo sympathisers.”
Pithy.
PMQs in pictures
Sir Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch clash during PMQs.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch (Image: PA)
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Image: PA)
That’s it from PMQs!
PMQs is over and MPs are now set to talk about Israel’s strike on Qatar.
Starmer refuses to commit to publish Mandelson documents
Publishing documents about Lord Mandelson’s appointment as British ambassador to the US and his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein “will be subject to the usual procedures”, Sir Keir Starmer has said.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch told the Commons: “I think it is embarrassing that the Prime Minister is still saying that he has confidence in a man who was brokering deals with convicted child sex offenders while sitting in government. That is a disgrace.
“This Government has repeatedly – repeatedly – refused to declare Lord Mandelson’s full interests, and as part of the appointment, there will have been extensive Government vetting, including details and timings of Peter Mandelson’s dealings with Jeffrey Epstein.
“So will the Prime Minister publish all these documents, including those about his interests?”
Prime Minister Sir Keir replied: “Well, as I say, full due process was gone through in relation to this appointment, as would be expected.
“As for the publication of documents, as she well knows, that’s subject to a procedure which includes an independent element. It will be subject to the usual procedures.”
More ’embarrassing’ details will come out, says Mandelson
Lord Mandelson has told the Sun’s Harry Cole: “I don’t believe I’m named in the Epstein files. I have no doubt at all that there’s a lot of traffic, correspondence, exchanges, emails between us.
“And we know those are going to surface, we know they’re going to come out, we know they’re going to be very embarrassing and we know that I am going profoundly to regret ever having met him and been introduced to him in the first place.
“But I can’t rewrite history. What I can do is express my profound sympathy for those who have been trafficked by him and secondly I can accept, yes I can accept, that I continued my association with him for too long.”
Keir Starmer ‘in disarray’ say Conservatives
A Conservative Party spokesman said: “Keir Starmer was in complete disarray at PMQs.
“There are clearly questions he refuses to answer, because it appears he knew that Peter Mandelson had an intimate relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and still chose to appoint him to one of our country’s most important diplomatic and economic roles.
“The Prime Minister has put his Party, and his friend Mandelson above our national security. Only full transparency will now suffice. Starmer must immediately publish all documents related to Lord Mandelson’s appointment.”
Who is Peter Mandelson?
Peter Mandelson, now Lord Mandelson, was a leading figure in the project to modernise the Labour Party in the 1990s and create what became called “New Labour.”
It led to a huge election win for Labour in 1997.
He was a close ally of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, and served as Northern Ireland Secretary and Trade and Industry Secretary.
He famously fell out with Gordon Brown, the Chancellor at the time – but made a surprise return to the Cabinet as Business Secretary when Mr Brown became Prime Minister.
He was one of the first openly gay senior politicians at a time when that was still unusual.
Mandelson ‘did a deal with Epstein after Epstein was convicted’
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch further pressed the Prime Minister on whether it is “tenable” for Lord Mandelson to remain in post.
Mrs Badenoch said: “I asked the Prime Minister if he knew, the fact that he didn’t answer indicates that he probably did know.
“I wasn’t asking a question about process. I was asking a question about his judgment.
“The Daily Telegraph reports today, that while Lord Mandelson was business secretary, he brokered a deal with Jeffrey Epstein, while he was business secretary. And that this occurred after Epstein had been convicted of child sex offences.
“Given this new information, does the Prime Minister really think it is tenable for our ambassador to remain in post?”
Sir Keir Starmer replied: “The relationship between the US and the UK is one of our foremost relationships, and I have confidence in the ambassador in the role that he is doing.”
Starmer says ‘due process’ in Mandelson appointment
Sir Keir Starmer said “due process was followed” during the appointment of British ambassador to the US Lord Mandelson.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “This is interesting, he says the ambassador has expressed full regret, but the victims of the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein have called for Lord Mandelson to be sacked.
“And just so the House is aware, in 2019 Jeffrey Epstein was convicted of child prostitution and sex trafficking that took place between 2002 and 2005 that is the precise period which Lord Mandelson called Jeffrey Epstein his best pal.
“Was the Prime Minister aware of this intimate relationship when he appointed Lord Mandelson to be our ambassador in Washington?”
Sir Keir replied: “As she and the House would expect, full due process was followed during this appointment, as it is with all ambassadors. The ambassador has repeatedly expressed his deep regret, he is right to do so, he’s now playing an important part in the US-UK relationship.”
Keir Starmer defends speaking to Israel
Criticised by the SNP’s Stephen Flynn for meeting the Israeli President, Sir Keir repeats his support for the creation of a Palestinian state and says he won’t “give up on diplomacy”.
How Keir Starmer defended Peter Mandelson
Sir Keir Starmer said he has confidence in the British ambassador to the US Lord Mandelson.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said: “I also agree with the Prime Minister, as should all of us in this House, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Poland and all our Nato allies against Putin’s aggression.
“A Nato country has just had to defend itself against Russian drones. Now more than ever we need our ambassador to Washington fully focused on this issue and liaising closely with America. Does the Prime Minister have full confidence in Peter Mandelson?”
The Prime Minister replied: “Let me start by saying the victims of Epstein are at the forefront of our minds. He was a despicable criminal who committed the most heinous crimes and destroyed the lives of so many women and girls.
“The ambassador has repeatedly expressed his deep regret for his association with him. He is right to do so. I have confidence in him, and he is playing an important role in the UK-US relationship.”
What has Peter Mandelson done?
Peter Mandelson, a leading figure in the Labour Party in the late 1990s and 2000s, has said a resurfaced birthday message in which he described Epstein as his “best pal” is “very embarrassing to see and to read”.
The words appear in a 2003 “birthday book” compiled by British convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, which has now been published by a US Congress committee.
One of the financier’s victims, 41-year-old Sarah Ransome, said: “Something is really, really wrong here. Peter Mandelson should not be ambassador. He needs to be fired. He is unsuitable to be ambassador.”
Ed Davey also highlights Peter Mandelson
“People will be surprised by the Prime Minister giving ambassador Mandelson such strong support today” says Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey.
He asks if there might be more embarrassing material on Mandelson.
Liberal Democrats call for more support for carers
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey calls for more support for carers.
Conservatives issue statement after Starmer quizzed on Mandelson
Kemi Badenoch just challenged Keir Starmer to publish the vetting documents related to Lord Mandelson’s appointment.
The Prime Minister refused to commit to doing so.
Big cheers for the Conservative leader
Tory MPs are cheering Kemi Badenoch. They clearly think she has done a good job of holding Keir Starmer to account. They haven’t always been as enthusiastic at PMQs.
Kemi says we need an ambassador able to concentrate on foreign affairs
The Conservative leader is arguing that, following Russia’s drone incursion into Poland, the UK must have an ambassador to the US who is able to concentrate on the job.
Will Starmer instruct Mandelson to publish all his correspondence with Epstein?
Kemi Badenoch asks whether Starmer will instruct Mandelson to publish all his correspondence with Epstein?
Sir Keir doesn’t answer, and starts talking about Angela Rayner (!) and hospitals.
Kemi Badenoch suggests Mandelson should be sacked
Mrs Badenoch asks: “Does the Prime Minister really think it is tenable for our ambassador to remain in post?”
Starmer says he still has confidence in Mandelson.
Mrs Badenoch says this is “embarrassing”, and says Lord Mandelson was doing “deals” with Epstein.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch raises Peter Mandelson after Epstein admission
Kemi Badenoch asks the Prime Minister if he still has confidence in Peter Mandelson, the Labour grandee who described convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein his “best pal.”
She asks if Starmer knew about the close relationship between the two when Mandelson, a former Labour Cabinet Minister, was appointed as ambassador.
Sir Keir says all the correct processes were carried out.
Starmer under fire as PMQs begins
In the very first question, Sir Keir was asked by Tory MP Luke Evans about “a transport secretary resign over fraud, an anti-corruption minister investigated for corruption … and a housing secretary not pay tax on her second house”, as well as the freebies he accepted in opposition.
Starmer asked to explain why he accepts so many ‘freebies’
Conservative MP Luke Evans says Starmer accepted “more freebies than any other MP in the last Parliament”.
Keir Starmer says he “strengthened the Ministerial code” and says Deputy Prime Minister, who resigned after failing to pay the full amount of stamp duty she owed, “did the right thing.”
Russian drones in Poland were ‘unprecedented’
Keir Starmer vows to ‘ramp up the pressure on Putin’ following more Russian attacks on Ukraine, and Russian drones entering Polish airspace
Keir Starmer condemns Israel’s attacks on Hamas in Qatar
The Prime Minister has told MPs he “condemns” Israel’s attacks in the capital of Qatar, where the leaders of terror group Hamas are based.
He reiterates his call for peace in the conflict in Gaza.
Who’s asking the questions?
Here’s today’s PMQs running order:
Q1Dr Luke Evans (Hinckley and Bosworth) (905605)
Q2Melanie Ward (Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy) (905606)
Q3Simon Hoare (North Dorset) (905607)
Q4Carla Denyer (Bristol Central) (905608)
Q5Tom Rutland (East Worthing and Shoreham) (905609)
Q6Josh Newbury (Cannock Chase) (905610)
Q7Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (905611)
Q8Jon Trickett (Normanton and Hemsworth) (905612)
Q9Ruth Jones (Newport West and Islwyn) (905613)
Q10Adam Jogee (Newcastle-under-Lyme) (905614)
Q11Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (905615)
Q12Dr Simon Opher (Stroud) (905616)
Q13David Pinto-Duschinsky (Hendon) (905617)
Q14Dr Rupa Huq (Ealing Central and Acton) (905618)
Labour MPs launch ‘operation Stop Bridget Philipson’
Labour MPs are mounting a new attempt to prevent Starmerite Education Secretary Bridget Philipson from being coronated deputy Labour leader.
Opponents warn that despite being northern, she is ‘no Angela Rayner’ and “too robotic”.
Ms Philipson is leading the pack at the moment, with sacked Commons Leader Lucy Powell following in second.
Urgent question about Israeli strikes
The LibDems have secured an Urgent Question debate on the Israel’s Doha strike yesterday, scheduled for just after PMQs.
It will come just before the country’s PM arrives at No10 for his controversial meeting with the Prime Minister.
Starmer’s commute disrupted by strikes
One might think that the Prime Minister would avoid having their commute disrupted by union strikes, unlike every other Londoner this week.
However the Express hears that Parliament’s security staff walkout has also disrupted his arrival, with certain gates not being staffed today.
Starmer heads to PMQs
Sir Keir Starmer has been pictured leaving 10 Downing Street as he heads to the Commons for PMQs.
The PM leaves No10 ahead of PMQs (Image: PA)
Starmer criticised for Israel meeting
New Green Party leader Zack Polanski has said the Prime Minister’s meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog is a “brutal insult” to those suffering in Gaza.
Mr Polanski said: “Officers from Scotland Yard’s War Crimes Unit should be waiting on the other side of the door to Number 10 ready to handcuff Herzog and take him away for questioning. The Israeli president has been complicit while the Israeli government has engaged in committing genocide in Gaza.”
‘Wake up’ to threat from Russia, says Ireland
Russia’s incursion into Polish airspace “has to be a wake up call for the West”, Ireland’s deputy premier has said.
Speaking after Russian drones flew over Poland last night, Tanaiste Simon Harris called on US President Donald Trump to join EU efforts in sanctioning Russia saying they would be much more effective with American involvement.
“We’ve heard President Trump talk many times about considering sanctions and thinking about sanctions. In our view, the time for thinking about them is over.”
Mr Harris said Europe is preparing more sanctions against Moscow, but expressed concern at Russian President Vladimir Putin’s escalating “campaign of terror”, particularly after last month’s summit between the US and Russian leaders in Alaska.
“While the world talks about peace, talks about de-escalation, talks about finding an end to the Russian aggression in Ukraine – President Putin continues his campaign of terror against the civilian population in Ukraine, and last night, escalated that further by the launching of many drones into Poland.”
Three deaths appear to be linked to cross-Channel boats
Three migrants have died and another three are “likely” missing, French authorities have said.
The incident took place on Tuesday night off the coast of Pas-de-Calais, the Pas-de-Calais prefecture posted on X.
The translated post said: “A new tragedy occurred last night off the coast of Pas-de-Calais three migrants lost their lives, three other people are likely missing.
“The prefect was at the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer this morning, alongside the mayor of Le Portel and the prosecutor of Boulogne-sur-Mer, to oversee the security and rescue operations.
“Smuggler networks bear the responsibility for these tragedies. The State is determined to combat them.”
Starmer to consider response to Russian attacks
Sir Keir Starmer and Nato chief Mark Rutte last night said more pressure – including through sanctions – must be heaped on Vladimir Putin to engage with peace talks.
But since then, Polish officials have said the country’s airspace was violated by Russian drones, with the military and its Nato allies shooting down some that posed a direct threat.
The country’s prime minister Donald Tusk wrote on social media: “Last night the Polish airspace was violated by a huge number of Russian drones. Those drones that posed a direct threat were shot down.”
Mr Tusk said he informed the Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte about actions undertaken by the Polish side.
Starmer facing backlash over meeting Israeli PM
Keir Starmer is facing backlash from Labour MPs ahead of today’s meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Isaac Herzog.
Paula Barker, who’s standing to be deputy Labour leader, says the meeting should not go ahead.
Peter Mandelson breaks silence over Epstein
Peter Mandelson has admitted that the publication of intimate letters and photos of him and Jeffrey Epstein are “very embarrassing”
He branded the published images and letters “very embarrassing to see and to read”, though he insisted: “They were written before he was indicted.”
“I feel a profound sense of sympathy for those people, those women, who suffered as a result of his behaviour and his illegal criminal activities. And secondly I regret very very deeply indeed carrying on that association with him for far longer than I should have done.”
Current Labour deputy leader nominations
Here are the latest nomination figures that we have for each of the deputy Labour leader candidates:
Bridget Phillipson – 44
Lucy Powell – 35
Bell Ribeiro-Addy – 8
Emily Thornberry – 7
Paula Barker – 3
Alison McGovern – 2
