Mandelson information newest: MPs demand Starmer ‘hauls’ ambassador again to UK to reply questions on Epstein ties | EUROtoday

Tory former defence secretary Ben Wallace has claimed that Lord Mandelson ought to by no means have been appointed as UK ambassador to the US.

With the Jeffrey Epstein scandal blowing up, Sir Ben has warned that Mandelson threatens to wreck the UK’s model if he stays in place.

He posted on X: “Peter Mandelson must go. From day 1 in DC it was always about him not about UK plc. He has spent his political career ‘regretting’ and ‘resigning’. Why he was ever allowed to represent the Crown and the UK is beyond me.”

Respected former overseas secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind has informed The Independent that Lord Mandelson’s place because the UK’s ambassador to the US is now “very weak” given the revelations over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

For Sir Malcolm the important thing downside is the messages between the 2 after the previous financier and paedophile was convicted.

He stated he would anticipate Mandelson to fall on his sword as prime minister Sir Keir Starmer struggles to defend him.

Sir Malcolm stated: “The revelation of the message he sent to Epstein after Epstein had plead guilty to a sex offence with a minor and been imprisoned, makes Mandelson’s position very weak. I would not be surprised if he chose to resign later today.”

Paula Barker has dropped out of the Labour deputy management race, giving her assist to Lucy Powell.

She stated: “The next deputy leader must listen to the concerns of every section of our party and not be afraid to bring those challenges to the government.

“Being a good team doesn’t mean we can’t be honest, criticism of government, when it’s constructive, makes us stronger.”

Read beneath for the newest on who continues to be within the operating.

Former chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee Alicia Kearns MP has referred to as on her successor, Labour MP Emily Thornberry, to demand that Lord Peter Mandelson returns to the UK for questioning.

MPs are reportedly calling for Lord Peter Mandelson to return from the US for questioning over the newest revelations about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

As a Lord, Mandelson will not be required to face questioning from MPs.

But the highly effective Foreign Affairs Committee, comprised of many Labour MPs, is reportedly eager for him to return.

Tory MP and Foreign Affairs Committee member Aphra Brandreth has additionally urged Lord Mandelson to return to Britain to face questioning.

“At a time of huge instability around the globe, it’s vital that the UK’s ambassador to the US is focused completely on his job,” she told the broadcaster in a statement.

“As a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I’d welcome the chance to query Lord Mandelson on his potential to hold out his duties to the UK.”

A Government minister will be forced to answer questions in the Commons about Lord Mandelson’s appointment.

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has granted an urgent question to Tory Neil O’Brien.

Mr O’Brien said: “The Speaker has granted me an urgent question in Parliament on Peter Mandelson this morning. Starmer gave no answers yesterday, let’s try again.”

Lord Mandelson is not required to be questioned by MPs due to being a Lord.

Labour MP Rachael Maskell has said Lord Peter Mandelson’s role as UK ambassador to the US is “untenable” given his previous relationship with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The Treasury said a new report out on Thursday sets out how the Chancellor will look to fix sudden jumps in business rates, known as “cliff edges”, amid a number of options to encourage growth and investment among firms.

Ms Reeves stated: “Our economy isn’t broken, but it does feel stuck.

“That’s why growth is our number one mission.

“We want to see thriving high streets and small businesses investing in their future, not held back by outdated rules or strangled by red tape.

“Tax reforms such as tackling cliff-edges in business rates and making reliefs fairer are vital to driving growth.

“We want to help small businesses expand to new premises and building an economy that works for, and rewards working people.”

We have some more information on why Emily Thornberry has dropped out of the race for Labour’s deputy leadership race.

The MP failed to gain the necessary support in Labour’s deputy leadership race and pulled out.

The former shadow minister gained just 13 nominations from fellow MPs, well short of the necessary 80 to progress to a vote among members.