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The Papers: 'Starmer did ignore Epstein warnings' and 'Record oil release'

Thursday's papers all lead with files released on Lord Mandelson's vetting for the US ambassador role.

MPs launch student loans inquiry amid ‘perfect storm’ for young people in UK

Influential Treasury committee chair Meg Hillier says review follows growing concern over graduate debtUK firms struggling to hire young people amid cost pressures, MPs toldYoung adults in the UK face...

It's difficult to see how Starmer can put this right

In the end, the first drop of the Mandelson files contained neither a smoking gun nor bombshell revelation.

Starmer overruled warning of ‘reputational risk’ over Mandelson appointment, files show

Newly released documents also show Peter Mandelson was offered highly classified briefings before formal vetting was completeKeir Starmer overruled officials who warned of a “reputational risk” in mak...

Starmer’s national security adviser expressed concern about Mandelson appointment, documents show - as it happened

Release shows that Jonathan Powell warned Morgan McSweeney about the appointment of Mandelson as US ambassadorAs reported by Nadeem Badshah this morning, the documents relating to Peter Mandelson’s ap...

Unite announces cut to Labour membership fees by £580,000

UK union cutting contributions as talks with Birmingham council fail to reach resolution over bin strikeOne of Britain’s largest trade unions is cutting membership fees to Labour by more than half a m...

Mandelson documents raise questions about Starmer’s decision-making

PM knew of US ambassador’s ‘close relationship’ with Jeffrey Epstein and potential conflicts of interest from his lobbying roleFour months after Peter Mandelson was sacked as UK ambassador to Washingt...

MPs launch investigation into student loans system

A committee of MPs is launching an inquiry into the student loan system and whether it's fair for graduates

UK companies struggling to hire young people amid cost pressures, MPs told

Business lobby groups say firms less likely to take on staff with few qualifications or who have gaps in their CVsBritish companies are struggling to afford to hire young people after a long period of...

Starmer defends Welsh and Scottish devolution stance after leaked memo row

The prime minister says he would make no apology for spending money in Wales and Scotland "to improve people's lives".

Starmer attacks Badenoch and Farage over Iran war support U-turns at raucous PMQs

PM says UK would ‘be at war’ now if it were up to Tory and Reform leaders and accuses both of changing position UK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer has attacked Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farag...

Starmer warned cabinet against ‘overly deferential’ relations with devolved governments

Leaked memo dates from shortly after Labour Senedd members raised alarm devolution is being rolled backUK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer warned his cabinet against an “overly deferential”...

MPs demand urgent action on London grooming gangs

The government's inquiry into grooming gangs "must look specifically at London as part of its local investigations", says a group of MPs.

MP: I was raped and it took 1,088 days for case to reach court

Labour MP Charlotte Nichols has told the House of Commons that it took 1,088 days after she was raped for her case to reach court.

Jury restriction plan clears first hurdle despite Labour dissent

The justice secretary says the limits are required to stem a growing backlog of cases in crown courts.

UK digital ID scheme to have limited use before next general election, minister says

Darren Jones says £1.8bn project likely to cover only vehicle tax payments and right-to-work checks initiallyBritain’s £1.8bn digital ID scheme will only be available for a handful of uses by the next...

Jury trial changes survive Labour rebellion to clear first hurdle

Legislation to restrict jury trials for all but the most serious cases has passed its first major Commons hurdle - despite a rebellion by some Labour MPs.

MP tells Commons she waited 1,088 days for her rape case to reach court

Charlotte Nichols opposes plan to cut jury trials in England and Wales and calls for creation of special courts to hear rape casesAn MP has told the House of Commons that she was raped after an event...

Iranians living in UK tell Starmer that war will only strengthen Tehran regime

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe among more than 100 signatories to letter urging PM not to get drawn further into the conflictNazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is among three of Iran’s former political prisoners an...

China spying case: Labour MP received £2,400 donation from husband’s firm

Joani Reid denies any involvement in business activities of spouse, who was arrested last week by anti-terror policeJoani Reid, the MP who resigned the Labour whip last week after her husband was arre...