Intelligence Watchdog Refuses Timetable for Mandelson Vetting Papers
The publication of Peter Mandelson's controversial vetting papers faces indefinite delay after Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee stated it could not provide a timetable for releasing the documents. In a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday, the committee explained it cannot commit to a publication date "until we know the size of the task at hand." The committee is reviewing whether portions of the papers should be withheld for national security reasons, adding another layer of complexity to an already explosive political scandal.
Prime Minister Issues Public Apology Over Epstein Connections
Earlier on Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer delivered a public apology in Hastings, expressing regret to the victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Prime Minister stated he was "sorry for having believed Mandelson's lies and appointed him" as British ambassador to Washington. He insisted that "none of us knew the depth of the darkness" of Lord Mandelson's relationship with Epstein when selecting him for the prestigious diplomatic role. Downing Street confirmed officials have begun discussions with the Intelligence and Security Committee about the release process and will update Parliament once an agreement is reached.
Mounting Pressure and Calls for No-Confidence Vote
The prolonged delay intensifies pressure on Sir Keir Starmer, who faces growing unrest within his own party and opposition demands for a no-confidence vote. Despite the turmoil, the Prime Minister struck a defiant tone, vowing to continue his leadership and fulfil his 2024 election mandate to change the country. However, Labour MPs are calling for a "total overhaul of personnel" in Downing Street and for Sir Keir to admit to a "catastrophic error of political and moral judgment." Many within the party blame his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, for Lord Mandelson's appointment and are demanding dismissals.
Opposition Leaders Escalate Demands for Action
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch challenged Labour MPs to support a no-confidence motion, declaring at a Westminster press conference: "He will have to be dragged out of Number 10, so I am making them an offer. If they want the change they know the country needs, come and speak to my whips and let's talk seriously about a vote of no confidence to force the moment." Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey echoed this call, urging an immediate confidence vote to resolve the government's paralysis. Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticised the Prime Minister's apology as "very weak" and "not quite believable," describing the scandal as "the biggest for 100 years" involving sex, money, corruption, and misuse of confidential information.
