Overview

• An FCDO letter to MPs said the department was not asked to contribute to pre‑appointment due diligence on Peter Mandelson and that national security vetting began only after his role was announced.
• Keir Starmer said he knew of the existence of Mandelson–Epstein emails before defending the ambassador but not their contents, and later stated he would not have made the appointment had he known the full extent.
• MPs including Kemi Badenoch and Sir David Davis demanded publication of the Mandelson–Epstein files, accused the prime minister of avoiding scrutiny, and raised claims of double standards over Mandelson retaining the Labour whip.
• Labour’s benches were sparsely attended during the three‑hour debate as internal unrest grew, and senior No 10 aide Paul Ovenden resigned after historic explicit messages about Diane Abbott resurfaced.
• The row risks overshadowing President Trump’s state visit, with further questions expected for Starmer at a joint appearance as critics say the affair has dented the UK leader’s standing.