Beth Rigby @BethRigby On this. A Conservative spokesman says: “The PM has just admitted that the official security vetting highlighted Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, but he went ahead and appointed him anyway.
“This is the first time the PM has admitted this and it raises very serious questions over Keir Starmer’s shocking judgement.
“The PM is now trying to orchestrate a cover up by having his own government mark his homework. All MPs must now support the Conservatives’ humble address so that we reveal the full extent of this scandal and the shocking failure of Keir Starmer and his operation.”
Wow. This is high-stakes stuff. If Kemi can get Sir Keir's head on a pike (perfectly possible) then we could see her acclaimed as the most accomplished politician of her generation. That could totally change the dynamics, with even Nigel metaphorically having to kiss her ring on bended knee.
It's not necessarily to Kemi's advantage to see Starmer removed and replaced by someone a) better at politics and/or b) more left wing. Much better to let Starmer hobble on, crippled.
Why would she not want Labour to tack left?
Kemi would want Rayner or Ed Miliband to replace Starmer if he was removed yes, she wouldn't want Streeting.
Farage would want Ed Miliband, Polanski would not want Ed Miliband but would be OK with Streeting. Burnham would have been the worst option as Labour leader for Reform and the Greens but that has now been avoided for now
I haven’t noticed Mahmoud floated as a potential leader. I don’t know enough about her politics but as a rightie she seems to be quite a capabable person so perhaps the least worst option for someone of my leanings. She might make Marx look like Norman Tebbit and I’ve missed it but would be interesting to know if she is an option.
Afaicr she polls pretty badly with the party.
She’s Asian of Pakistani heritage, female, representing a working class inner city seat.
Course she polls badly with them.
To be fair I think she is quite conservative with a small c.
However the grassroots' complete rejection of her does show the extent to which they don't want any compromise with the electorate on social issues.
I quite like her and, oddly, I find her quite sexy too.
I think she is more in tune with the voters than the members.
She's the Ken Clarke of the Labour Party. Appealing to the electorate but too out of step with their party's membership.
What seems to have happened is that the security services and whoever does “vetting” have been supremely negligent.
All we (and perhaps Starmer) knew is that Mandelson had perhaps failed to sever himself entirely after Epstein’s conviction in 2008. At the highest level, that might not rule out sending Mandelson to Washington given the unique character of Trump and the vital need to wield influence in the context of war in Ukraine.
In fact, I welcomed Mandelson’s appointment myself (and note that I was the first person on PB to call for his resignation and investigation in an overnight thread when this fresh tranche of emails broke).
I think we need to understand what the fuck has happened to British intelligence. Mandelson, nor Andrew for that matter, ought to have been “allowed” to happen.
Nah. Starmer appointed Mandelson before the vetting happened. That made the vetting pointless.
The questions are whether Starmer made this decision for reasons of statecraft - send a friend of sex abusers to deal with a sex abuser - or if he's enmeshed with Mandelson in such a way that this was a favour in return for a favour (and if so, what was the favour?) and if Starmer will resign before we get an answer.
Woolie fly by, afternoon all. Is Mandy the end of Starmer? Maybe. A big rebellion on the humble address cover up amendment woukd assist in that. If it did, don't waste your mobey on Wes as his social media and piccy closeness to Petey will do for his chances short term. PM Ange by June? Stranger things have happened.
On local elections 26 (if not mentioned) the cancellations are very useful for the Toriea. There are very few councils up they can 'lose control' of outside London (where i expect them to gain 2 or 3 and lose 2) - they retain Broxbourne regardless as elected in thirds, theyve a chance of holding Fareham (half up) and theyll probably lose Newcaste Under Lyme and Walsall with Solihull in the balance. They will lose control of Essex and Hampshire. So the 'damage' will mostly be Scotland and Wales. Labour, on the other hand, will get butchered everywhere.
Hope all are well
The Tories could also lose Dudley but yes given Labour won the LE in 2022 when most council seats were last up the results should be better for Kemi than last year given those seats were last up in 2021 when the Tories won the LEs.
Unfortunately as you say Scotland and Wales were also last up in 2021 so the Tories will likely see big losses there as will Labour in Wales, though Labour might on a good night make a few gains from the SNP in Scotland as they were 3rd in Scotland behind the Tories in 2021 and Reform will mainly eat into the Scottish Tory vote
They dont have overall control in Dudley HYUFD (33 of 72 seats)
Thanks, Dudley likely goes Reform anyway
Agreed. Solihull better teritory for the blues, but maybe largest party NoC, Walsall likely fertile for Reform
Greens don’t do too bad in parts of Solihull. Seem to have taken up from the old ‘independent ratepayers’, however quite how their brand of Corbynite politics will go down there remains to be seen.
Not really fertile territory for the Wealth Tax now, fuck landlords, transvestites are women, free Gaza, reparations now brand of politics from the Greens.
It will be a hung council. Lib Dem’s will do well and Reform should do well in Chelmsley Wood.
I also think it’s a very bad precedent for the Commons to legislate to remove someone from the Lords.
The Lords themselves need to deal with their own.
This is perhaps an academic question now that Mandelson has resigned.
It's about the removal of the title "lord". Unless they can use the novel device used by the King to remove Andrew's titles, it's needs primary legislation.
I was in Washington DC when Peter Mandelson was appointed as ambassador. There was serious dismay in the British embassy about it - not specifically because of his Epstein links, but because everyone knew he was trouble and it always ends in tears with him. Plus, Karen Pierce was a brilliant ambassador who had a great relationship with Trump’s team, and wanted to extend. It was just awful judgement by Keir Starmer and his No10 from the very get go.
It’s because Starmer thought Mandelson could sell the stupid Chagos deal. That was Mandy’s job
When the history of this bizarrely tragic government is written, a little tropic archipelago near nowhere will be oddly prominent
Why are you saying it was about Chagos in particular rather than the general perception (of SKS) that Mandelson's peculiar talents would suit working with a peculiar White House?
Seeing as both Trump and Mandelson had relationships with Epstein it may even have been that Mandy's moving in these kinds of circles was what convinced the government to make him ambassador. Trump's world is one where rich and powerful men (and they are all men) carve up the world to their benefit. Treating women and girls Ike commodities is a feature not a bug, as to these people everything is a commodity, to be bought and sold for their benefit. To my mind this is the reality that the Epstein files lay open for all to see, although really it was all there anyway for those who want to see it.
Yes, I'm afraid 'takes a sleaze to manage a sleaze' might well have been a part of it. And now look. Nothing Mandelson could have achieved in Washington is worth even a fraction of this fallout. Such a bad call.
Really? The fallout is lots of embarrassment for Labour politicians for a few weeks alongside a perhaps 10% chance that a mediocre at best PM loses their job to be replaced by another likely mediocre at best PM.
The volatility in the UK-Trump relationship includes the future of Ukraine, NATO survival and trillions in the economy over the next couple of decades.
It's led to a massive scandal that damages Labour and helps Reform. By how much, we don't know, but it doesn't feel trivial. That, for me, outweighs whatever marginal utility PM had or could have had as our US ambassador.
Does it? It embarrasses Labour but Badenoch is the one who gets to scrutinise Starmer, not Farage. Also if it makes the voting public skeptical of politicians with a colourful history and connections to foreign powers and billionaires that is hardly any use for Reform is it?
If that (distinctly sunnier than mine) take proves correct I'll grab it with both hands. One thing I don't mind (if it happens) is a change of Labour PM. Even before this Starmer wasn't looking like somebody who can win the next election.
Yeah, I don't think it moves Reforms chance of being in power much and if anything I think its a further shift to Con from Reform as the benefit of being Loto kicks in. Makes Starmer less likely to be leader into the next election for sure - I still think he goes 2027 as that timescale suits all involved best.
I think he'll step down/be challenged in May after the locals/Scotland/Wales still. It's impractical to hold a leadership election while parliament is sitting.
Having previously thought Starmer would last out the year, I’ve cashed out my lay of his replacement this year for a loss of pennies. Expecting him to survive this year has become a gamble too far.
It's worth noting that we haven't even seen all the Epstein documents, so there could be yet more Mandelson revelations to come. Starmer needs to ponder whether it's better to go now of his own volition, rather than be forced out if even worse revelations appear.
What seems to have happened is that the security services and whoever does “vetting” have been supremely negligent.
All we (and perhaps Starmer) knew is that Mandelson had perhaps failed to sever himself entirely after Epstein’s conviction in 2008. At the highest level, that might not rule out sending Mandelson to Washington given the unique character of Trump and the vital need to wield influence in the context of war in Ukraine.
In fact, I welcomed Mandelson’s appointment myself (and note that I was the first person on PB to call for his resignation and investigation in an overnight thread when this fresh tranche of emails broke).
I think we need to understand what the fuck has happened to British intelligence. Mandelson, nor Andrew for that matter, ought to have been “allowed” to happen.
They were forensically directed to not report red flags
First, we don’t really know that. Second, that doesn’t absolve the “vetters” or what I believe to be gross negligence from British intelligence.
🚨BREAKING: Angela Rayner has intervened to ask that the Intelligence & Security Committee has oversight of release of docs
This is very significant. It suggests govt amendment as tabled today not adequate/sufficient as it stands & thinks ISC oversight important for transparency/public confidence
Six Palestine Action activists have been cleared of aggravated burglary over a break-in at a UK subsidiary of an Israeli defence firm.
Charlotte Head, 29, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31, were also charged with criminal damage and violent disorder but the jury reached partial or no verdicts.
The alleged raid targeted the Elbit Systems building near Bristol in the early hours of 6 August 2024.
The six defendants hugged in the dock and waved to supporters in the public gallery, who cheered loudly after the judge had left the court.
The jury at Woolwich Crown Court had been deliberating for more than 36 hours after a trial that began in November 2025. Rajwani, Rogers and Devlin were found not guilty of violent disorder. No verdict was reached for charges of violent disorder for Head, Corner and Kamio.
Jurors were also unable to reach a verdict on Corner's charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent relating to an alleged attack on a security guard.
Excellent news. A jury that won't be cowed. This presumably means all the Palestine Action trials will fail. This authoritarianism is what Starmer should be being pilloried for. He's been in Israel's pocket for far too long. All those Labour candidates thrown off lists must be smiling widely.
Is it excellent news if, as was reported, a security guard was assaulted and no-one is held to account? Does it mean anyone can now act in similar fashion 'because Palestine'? Or 'Because Iran'?
The jury found that a security guard wasn't assaulted. Do you have evidence to the contrary that wasn't available to the jury?
I also think it’s a very bad precedent for the Commons to legislate to remove someone from the Lords.
The Lords themselves need to deal with their own.
This is perhaps an academic question now that Mandelson has resigned.
It's about the removal of the title "lord". Unless they can use the novel device used by the King to remove Andrew's titles, it's needs primary legislation.
Woke up in the middle of the night having a dream that to propose a fix for the country that had a chance of (a) getting elected and (b) not falling apart very quickly, Zack Polanski, Ed Davey and Nigel Farage agreed to form an electoral pact, running as the Radical Alliance. A merger of some of the Greens radicalism, Reform's populism, and the LibDems compassion as a way to pull the UK out of this interminable swamp we're mired in.
Yeah well. (a) sounds within the realm of possibility when under the influence of a mind bending drug cocktail. Whereas (b) is a bit of a stretch.
Woke up in the middle of the night having a dream that to propose a fix for the country that had a chance of (a) getting elected and (b) not falling apart very quickly, Zack Polanski, Ed Davey and Nigel Farage agreed to form an electoral pact, running as the Radical Alliance. A merger of some of the Greens radicalism, Reform's populism, and the LibDems compassion as a way to pull the UK out of this interminable swamp we're mired in.
What sort of cheese had you been eating? Avoid it in future!
I also think it’s a very bad precedent for the Commons to legislate to remove someone from the Lords.
The Lords themselves need to deal with their own.
This is perhaps an academic question now that Mandelson has resigned.
It's about the removal of the title "lord". Unless they can use the novel device used by the King to remove Andrew's titles, it's needs primary legislation.
Surely it’s in the gift of the crown.
Nope, since the time of Henry VIII an act of Parliament is required.
Six Palestine Action activists have been cleared of aggravated burglary over a break-in at a UK subsidiary of an Israeli defence firm.
Charlotte Head, 29, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31, were also charged with criminal damage and violent disorder but the jury reached partial or no verdicts.
The alleged raid targeted the Elbit Systems building near Bristol in the early hours of 6 August 2024.
The six defendants hugged in the dock and waved to supporters in the public gallery, who cheered loudly after the judge had left the court.
The jury at Woolwich Crown Court had been deliberating for more than 36 hours after a trial that began in November 2025. Rajwani, Rogers and Devlin were found not guilty of violent disorder. No verdict was reached for charges of violent disorder for Head, Corner and Kamio.
Jurors were also unable to reach a verdict on Corner's charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent relating to an alleged attack on a security guard.
Excellent news. A jury that won't be cowed. This presumably means all the Palestine Action trials will fail. This authoritarianism is what Starmer should be being pilloried for. He's been in Israel's pocket for far too long. All those Labour candidates thrown off lists must be smiling widely.
Is it excellent news if, as was reported, a security guard was assaulted and no-one is held to account? Does it mean anyone can now act in similar fashion 'because Palestine'? Or 'Because Iran'?
The jury found that a security guard wasn't assaulted. Do you have evidence to the contrary that wasn't available to the jury?
I may have the wrong job, but I think at least one person was assaulted by someone...
"Corner was accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent by striking police sergeant Kate Evans in her back with a sledgehammer. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on this charge"
What seems to have happened is that the security services and whoever does “vetting” have been supremely negligent.
All we (and perhaps Starmer) knew is that Mandelson had perhaps failed to sever himself entirely after Epstein’s conviction in 2008. At the highest level, that might not rule out sending Mandelson to Washington given the unique character of Trump and the vital need to wield influence in the context of war in Ukraine.
In fact, I welcomed Mandelson’s appointment myself (and note that I was the first person on PB to call for his resignation and investigation in an overnight thread when this fresh tranche of emails broke).
I think we need to understand what the fuck has happened to British intelligence. Mandelson, nor Andrew for that matter, ought to have been “allowed” to happen.
They were forensically directed to not report red flags
First, we don’t really know that. Second, that doesn’t absolve the “vetters” or what I believe to be gross negligence from British intelligence.
We don’t know anything about what the PM knew, but we ought to be able to presume that it was more than us. Being buddies with a paedo should be bad enough
Beth Rigby @BethRigby On this. A Conservative spokesman says: “The PM has just admitted that the official security vetting highlighted Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, but he went ahead and appointed him anyway.
“This is the first time the PM has admitted this and it raises very serious questions over Keir Starmer’s shocking judgement.
“The PM is now trying to orchestrate a cover up by having his own government mark his homework. All MPs must now support the Conservatives’ humble address so that we reveal the full extent of this scandal and the shocking failure of Keir Starmer and his operation.”
Wow. This is high-stakes stuff. If Kemi can get Sir Keir's head on a pike (perfectly possible) then we could see her acclaimed as the most accomplished politician of her generation. That could totally change the dynamics, with even Nigel metaphorically having to kiss her ring on bended knee.
It's not necessarily to Kemi's advantage to see Starmer removed and replaced by someone a) better at politics and/or b) more left wing. Much better to let Starmer hobble on, crippled.
Why would she not want Labour to tack left?
Kemi would want Rayner or Ed Miliband to replace Starmer if he was removed yes, she wouldn't want Streeting.
Farage would want Ed Miliband, Polanski would not want Ed Miliband but would be OK with Streeting. Burnham would have been the worst option as Labour leader for Reform and the Greens but that has now been avoided for now
I haven’t noticed Mahmoud floated as a potential leader. I don’t know enough about her politics but as a rightie she seems to be quite a capabable person so perhaps the least worst option for someone of my leanings. She might make Marx look like Norman Tebbit and I’ve missed it but would be interesting to know if she is an option.
Afaicr she polls pretty badly with the party.
She’s Asian of Pakistani heritage, female, representing a working class inner city seat.
Course she polls badly with them.
Dunno, in the unlikely event I’d have any say in the matter, her scrubbing all the pro refugee & immigration stuff from her website in aid of her current balls of steel act would put me off.
What seems to have happened is that the security services and whoever does “vetting” have been supremely negligent.
All we (and perhaps Starmer) knew is that Mandelson had perhaps failed to sever himself entirely after Epstein’s conviction in 2008. At the highest level, that might not rule out sending Mandelson to Washington given the unique character of Trump and the vital need to wield influence in the context of war in Ukraine.
In fact, I welcomed Mandelson’s appointment myself (and note that I was the first person on PB to call for his resignation and investigation in an overnight thread when this fresh tranche of emails broke).
I think we need to understand what the fuck has happened to British intelligence. Mandelson, nor Andrew for that matter, ought to have been “allowed” to happen.
They were forensically directed to not report red flags
First, we don’t really know that. Second, that doesn’t absolve the “vetters” or what I believe to be gross negligence from British intelligence.
We don’t know anything about what the PM knew, but we ought to be able to presume that it was more than us. Being buddies with a paedo should be bad enough
Your original accusation is that Starmer directed the vetters to tone down any report. Your response here is simply a non-sequitur.
Six Palestine Action activists have been cleared of aggravated burglary over a break-in at a UK subsidiary of an Israeli defence firm.
Charlotte Head, 29, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31, were also charged with criminal damage and violent disorder but the jury reached partial or no verdicts.
The alleged raid targeted the Elbit Systems building near Bristol in the early hours of 6 August 2024.
The six defendants hugged in the dock and waved to supporters in the public gallery, who cheered loudly after the judge had left the court.
The jury at Woolwich Crown Court had been deliberating for more than 36 hours after a trial that began in November 2025. Rajwani, Rogers and Devlin were found not guilty of violent disorder. No verdict was reached for charges of violent disorder for Head, Corner and Kamio.
Jurors were also unable to reach a verdict on Corner's charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent relating to an alleged attack on a security guard.
Excellent news. A jury that won't be cowed. This presumably means all the Palestine Action trials will fail. This authoritarianism is what Starmer should be being pilloried for. He's been in Israel's pocket for far too long. All those Labour candidates thrown off lists must be smiling widely.
Is it excellent news if, as was reported, a security guard was assaulted and no-one is held to account? Does it mean anyone can now act in similar fashion 'because Palestine'? Or 'Because Iran'?
The jury found that a security guard wasn't assaulted. Do you have evidence to the contrary that wasn't available to the jury?
I may have the wrong job, but I think at least one person was assaulted by someone...
"Corner was accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent by striking police sergeant Kate Evans in her back with a sledgehammer. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on this charge"
The offence requires mens rea. Jury presumably split on whether that was proved beyond reasonable doubt.
🚨BREAKING: Angela Rayner has intervened to ask that the Intelligence & Security Committee has oversight of release of docs
This is very significant. It suggests govt amendment as tabled today not adequate/sufficient as it stands & thinks ISC oversight important for transparency/public confidence
That's both a manoeuvre, and fully justified. It gets more awkward for Starmer.
Unlike Starmer, Rayner is good at politics.
I don't think he can survive this one. There are too many directions from which the fatal blow comes. I suppose one of the least likely would be the PMs sense of honour and what would be good for country, parliament and party?
SFAICS things that could sae him for now are twofold: Kemi not wanting him to be replaced with someone who is a new broom with less baggage. And the problem of which named MP would be the first the wield the knife with 80 supporters, knowing that “The hand that wields the knife shall never wear the crown” is often true.
Slalom move incoming to amend the government amendment
Yet the Winter Olympics don’t open until Friday.
Reasons to be cheerful - joyful winter sports on TV for much of February, then just time for a nice lie down before the competitive wonder that is Crufts hits our screens in early March…
Six Palestine Action activists have been cleared of aggravated burglary over a break-in at a UK subsidiary of an Israeli defence firm.
Charlotte Head, 29, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31, were also charged with criminal damage and violent disorder but the jury reached partial or no verdicts.
The alleged raid targeted the Elbit Systems building near Bristol in the early hours of 6 August 2024.
The six defendants hugged in the dock and waved to supporters in the public gallery, who cheered loudly after the judge had left the court.
The jury at Woolwich Crown Court had been deliberating for more than 36 hours after a trial that began in November 2025. Rajwani, Rogers and Devlin were found not guilty of violent disorder. No verdict was reached for charges of violent disorder for Head, Corner and Kamio.
Jurors were also unable to reach a verdict on Corner's charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent relating to an alleged attack on a security guard.
Excellent news. A jury that won't be cowed. This presumably means all the Palestine Action trials will fail. This authoritarianism is what Starmer should be being pilloried for. He's been in Israel's pocket for far too long. All those Labour candidates thrown off lists must be smiling widely.
Is it excellent news if, as was reported, a security guard was assaulted and no-one is held to account? Does it mean anyone can now act in similar fashion 'because Palestine'? Or 'Because Iran'?
The jury found that a security guard wasn't assaulted. Do you have evidence to the contrary that wasn't available to the jury?
I may have the wrong job, but I think at least one person was assaulted by someone...
"Corner was accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent by striking police sergeant Kate Evans in her back with a sledgehammer. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on this charge"
One wonders what the defence did? Perhaps they used the old domestic violence excuse of she slipped and fell on the sledgehammer.
My guess is this outcome will produce a nice poll boost for the hard right so all those favouring that should be happy with the verdict.
🚨BREAKING: Angela Rayner has intervened to ask that the Intelligence & Security Committee has oversight of release of docs
This is very significant. It suggests govt amendment as tabled today not adequate/sufficient as it stands & thinks ISC oversight important for transparency/public confidence
That's both a manoeuvre, and fully justified. It gets more awkward for Starmer.
Unlike Starmer, Rayner is good at politics.
I don't think he can survive this one. There are too many directions from which the fatal blow comes. I suppose one of the least likely would be the PMs sense of honour and what would be good for country, parliament and party?
SFAICS things that could sae him for now are twofold: Kemi not wanting him to be replaced with someone who is a new broom with less baggage. And the problem of which named MP would be the first the wield the knife with 80 supporters, knowing that “The hand that wields the knife shall never wear the crown” is often true.
I am starting to come to the same view.
The crux for me was Starmer admitting the vetting flagged the relationship with Epstein. Now I suppose it would have been appalling vetting if it hadn’t, but I thought Starmer had a never crossed my desk strategy ready, which though embarrassingly inept would have tried to move the scrutiny away from him. But I think it’s very clear how he was fully aware of the fact there was a link, he just decided it was worth the risk and take the assurances at face value.
Slalom move incoming to amend the government amendment
Yet the Winter Olympics don’t open until Friday.
Reasons to be cheerful - joyful winter sports on TV for much of February, then just time for a nice lie down before the competitive wonder that is Crufts hits our screens in early March…
What seems to have happened is that the security services and whoever does “vetting” have been supremely negligent.
All we (and perhaps Starmer) knew is that Mandelson had perhaps failed to sever himself entirely after Epstein’s conviction in 2008. At the highest level, that might not rule out sending Mandelson to Washington given the unique character of Trump and the vital need to wield influence in the context of war in Ukraine.
In fact, I welcomed Mandelson’s appointment myself (and note that I was the first person on PB to call for his resignation and investigation in an overnight thread when this fresh tranche of emails broke).
I think we need to understand what the fuck has happened to British intelligence. Mandelson, nor Andrew for that matter, ought to have been “allowed” to happen.
They were forensically directed to not report red flags
First, we don’t really know that. Second, that doesn’t absolve the “vetters” or what I believe to be gross negligence from British intelligence.
We don’t know anything about what the PM knew, but we ought to be able to presume that it was more than us. Being buddies with a paedo should be bad enough
Your original accusation is that Starmer directed the vetters to tone down any report. Your response here is simply a non-sequitur.
I’m voicing my presumption. My only evidence to back it up is a Dan Hodges tweet. I’m not on solid ground; I don’t care either
What Starmer did in appointing Paedo Pal Pete as US Ambassador was so egregious that I’ll fling any accusation around that I like. Mine is, at least, plausible
Six Palestine Action activists have been cleared of aggravated burglary over a break-in at a UK subsidiary of an Israeli defence firm.
Charlotte Head, 29, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31, were also charged with criminal damage and violent disorder but the jury reached partial or no verdicts.
The alleged raid targeted the Elbit Systems building near Bristol in the early hours of 6 August 2024.
The six defendants hugged in the dock and waved to supporters in the public gallery, who cheered loudly after the judge had left the court.
The jury at Woolwich Crown Court had been deliberating for more than 36 hours after a trial that began in November 2025. Rajwani, Rogers and Devlin were found not guilty of violent disorder. No verdict was reached for charges of violent disorder for Head, Corner and Kamio.
Jurors were also unable to reach a verdict on Corner's charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent relating to an alleged attack on a security guard.
Excellent news. A jury that won't be cowed. This presumably means all the Palestine Action trials will fail. This authoritarianism is what Starmer should be being pilloried for. He's been in Israel's pocket for far too long. All those Labour candidates thrown off lists must be smiling widely.
Is it excellent news if, as was reported, a security guard was assaulted and no-one is held to account? Does it mean anyone can now act in similar fashion 'because Palestine'? Or 'Because Iran'?
The jury found that a security guard wasn't assaulted. Do you have evidence to the contrary that wasn't available to the jury?
I may have the wrong job, but I think at least one person was assaulted by someone...
"Corner was accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent by striking police sergeant Kate Evans in her back with a sledgehammer. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on this charge"
At least one person was assaulted by someone..
Tells you nothing about whether the evidence amounted to certainty of guilt, not against someone, but against one specific named person. Those not present at the trial, like me, can't know anything much.
Starmer should resign now. He's a dead man walking anyway, they're all just waiting till after the local elections so that he carries the stigma of that. He can gain a bit of respect and a better write up in the history books by going now. He was only supposed to be a caretaker anyway.
🚨BREAKING: Angela Rayner has intervened to ask that the Intelligence & Security Committee has oversight of release of docs
This is very significant. It suggests govt amendment as tabled today not adequate/sufficient as it stands & thinks ISC oversight important for transparency/public confidence
That's both a manoeuvre, and fully justified. It gets more awkward for Starmer.
Unlike Starmer, Rayner is good at politics.
I don't think he can survive this one. There are too many directions from which the fatal blow comes. I suppose one of the least likely would be the PMs sense of honour and what would be good for country, parliament and party?
SFAICS things that could sae him for now are twofold: Kemi not wanting him to be replaced with someone who is a new broom with less baggage. And the problem of which named MP would be the first the wield the knife with 80 supporters, knowing that “The hand that wields the knife shall never wear the crown” is often true.
I am starting to come to the same view.
The crux for me was Starmer admitting the vetting flagged the relationship with Epstein. Now I suppose it would have been appalling vetting if it hadn’t, but I thought Starmer had a never crossed my desk strategy ready, which though embarrassingly inept would have tried to move the scrutiny away from him. But I think it’s very clear how he was fully aware of the fact there was a link, he just decided it was worth the risk and take the assurances at face value.
I don’t think this is a critical admission. You and I knew Mandelson had had a relationship with Epstein before 2008, and that there had been some (but said to be minimal) connection afterwards.
Ambassadors have reached a deal on the legal texts to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan funded by joint debt (minus Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic).
€30 billion will be allocated for financial support, and €60 billion for military aid.
Six Palestine Action activists have been cleared of aggravated burglary over a break-in at a UK subsidiary of an Israeli defence firm.
Charlotte Head, 29, Samuel Corner, 23, Leona Kamio, 30, Fatema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31, were also charged with criminal damage and violent disorder but the jury reached partial or no verdicts.
The alleged raid targeted the Elbit Systems building near Bristol in the early hours of 6 August 2024.
The six defendants hugged in the dock and waved to supporters in the public gallery, who cheered loudly after the judge had left the court.
The jury at Woolwich Crown Court had been deliberating for more than 36 hours after a trial that began in November 2025. Rajwani, Rogers and Devlin were found not guilty of violent disorder. No verdict was reached for charges of violent disorder for Head, Corner and Kamio.
Jurors were also unable to reach a verdict on Corner's charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent relating to an alleged attack on a security guard.
Excellent news. A jury that won't be cowed. This presumably means all the Palestine Action trials will fail. This authoritarianism is what Starmer should be being pilloried for. He's been in Israel's pocket for far too long. All those Labour candidates thrown off lists must be smiling widely.
Is it excellent news if, as was reported, a security guard was assaulted and no-one is held to account? Does it mean anyone can now act in similar fashion 'because Palestine'? Or 'Because Iran'?
The jury found that a security guard wasn't assaulted. Do you have evidence to the contrary that wasn't available to the jury?
I may have the wrong job, but I think at least one person was assaulted by someone...
"Corner was accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent by striking police sergeant Kate Evans in her back with a sledgehammer. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on this charge"
The offence requires mens rea. Jury presumably split on whether that was proved beyond reasonable doubt.
Set your stop watches for the inevitable result of this verdict.
🚨BREAKING: Angela Rayner has intervened to ask that the Intelligence & Security Committee has oversight of release of docs
This is very significant. It suggests govt amendment as tabled today not adequate/sufficient as it stands & thinks ISC oversight important for transparency/public confidence
That's both a manoeuvre, and fully justified. It gets more awkward for Starmer.
Unlike Starmer, Rayner is good at politics.
I don't think he can survive this one. There are too many directions from which the fatal blow comes. I suppose one of the least likely would be the PMs sense of honour and what would be good for country, parliament and party?
SFAICS things that could sae him for now are twofold: Kemi not wanting him to be replaced with someone who is a new broom with less baggage. And the problem of which named MP would be the first the wield the knife with 80 supporters, knowing that “The hand that wields the knife shall never wear the crown” is often true.
I am starting to come to the same view.
The crux for me was Starmer admitting the vetting flagged the relationship with Epstein. Now I suppose it would have been appalling vetting if it hadn’t, but I thought Starmer had a never crossed my desk strategy ready, which though embarrassingly inept would have tried to move the scrutiny away from him. But I think it’s very clear how he was fully aware of the fact there was a link, he just decided it was worth the risk and take the assurances at face value.
Yes. "I knew nothing" is an embarrassing but tenable position, but "I knew almost everything but I didn't know that" is not.
I also think it’s a very bad precedent for the Commons to legislate to remove someone from the Lords.
The Lords themselves need to deal with their own.
This is perhaps an academic question now that Mandelson has resigned.
The new legislation is about officially stripping a peerage or MP status, because under law no one can… {and also stitching up Reforms dirty funding at same time, but, shhhh, not to let on that bit}
What seems to have happened is that the security services and whoever does “vetting” have been supremely negligent.
All we (and perhaps Starmer) knew is that Mandelson had perhaps failed to sever himself entirely after Epstein’s conviction in 2008. At the highest level, that might not rule out sending Mandelson to Washington given the unique character of Trump and the vital need to wield influence in the context of war in Ukraine.
In fact, I welcomed Mandelson’s appointment myself (and note that I was the first person on PB to call for his resignation and investigation in an overnight thread when this fresh tranche of emails broke).
I think we need to understand what the fuck has happened to British intelligence. Mandelson, nor Andrew for that matter, ought to have been “allowed” to happen.
They were forensically directed to not report red flags
First, we don’t really know that. Second, that doesn’t absolve the “vetters” or what I believe to be gross negligence from British intelligence.
We don’t know anything about what the PM knew, but we ought to be able to presume that it was more than us. Being buddies with a paedo should be bad enough
Your original accusation is that Starmer directed the vetters to tone down any report. Your response here is simply a non-sequitur.
I’m voicing my presumption. My only evidence to back it up is a Dan Hodges tweet. I’m not on solid ground; I don’t care either
What Starmer did in appointing Paedo Pal Pete as US Ambassador was so egregious that I’ll fling any accusation around that I like. Mine is, at least, plausible
I get the impression that appointing Mandelson for Labour MP's is like picking the brilliant but flawed footballer. He may well win the game, or even the league, but there is always the chance he will jumped two footed into a member of the crowd and be banned from the game for months.
Thats right folks, Mandelson is the Cantona of politics.
More seriously when a man has been forced to resign in shame multiple times, you probably shouldn't appoint him again.
I once knew a woman who was married to a man who had two previous wives, by each of which he had two children. The third and current marriage had produced two children. Reader, I would not have been planning anything long term in her shoes...
Journo says Starmer is helped by lack of any obvious successor
Ange says hold my beer...
She can’t possibly be Prime Minister, she don’t sound like one when she talks. She isn’t posh enough to be a UK Prime Minister.
Posh is the wrong word. Ultimately I struggle to believe people will see her as a credible Prime minister in the current global environment.
The only thing in her favour is the idea that the educated classes are so far up their own asses that we need an ordinary person who sees things as they actually are.
🚨BREAKING: Angela Rayner has intervened to ask that the Intelligence & Security Committee has oversight of release of docs
This is very significant. It suggests govt amendment as tabled today not adequate/sufficient as it stands & thinks ISC oversight important for transparency/public confidence
That's both a manoeuvre, and fully justified. It gets more awkward for Starmer.
Unlike Starmer, Rayner is good at politics.
I don't think he can survive this one. There are too many directions from which the fatal blow comes. I suppose one of the least likely would be the PMs sense of honour and what would be good for country, parliament and party?
SFAICS things that could sae him for now are twofold: Kemi not wanting him to be replaced with someone who is a new broom with less baggage. And the problem of which named MP would be the first the wield the knife with 80 supporters, knowing that “The hand that wields the knife shall never wear the crown” is often true.
Worth remembering that the last three* Prime Ministers to have been forced from office by their own party (Truss, Johnson, May) were none of them forced out by a formal process. There were Cabinet resignations and politicians seen as honest brokers who told them that the game was up, and it was time to go.
If the Cabinet are united and deliver the message that for the good of the party and the country it is now time for Starmer to stand aside, then none of them need to wield the knife as part of a formal process.
* Arguably all of them, all the way back to when votes of confidence were more frequent and used to settle this sort of thing.
What seems to have happened is that the security services and whoever does “vetting” have been supremely negligent.
All we (and perhaps Starmer) knew is that Mandelson had perhaps failed to sever himself entirely after Epstein’s conviction in 2008. At the highest level, that might not rule out sending Mandelson to Washington given the unique character of Trump and the vital need to wield influence in the context of war in Ukraine.
In fact, I welcomed Mandelson’s appointment myself (and note that I was the first person on PB to call for his resignation and investigation in an overnight thread when this fresh tranche of emails broke).
I think we need to understand what the fuck has happened to British intelligence. Mandelson, nor Andrew for that matter, ought to have been “allowed” to happen.
They were forensically directed to not report red flags
First, we don’t really know that. Second, that doesn’t absolve the “vetters” or what I believe to be gross negligence from British intelligence.
We don’t know anything about what the PM knew, but we ought to be able to presume that it was more than us. Being buddies with a paedo should be bad enough
Your original accusation is that Starmer directed the vetters to tone down any report. Your response here is simply a non-sequitur.
I’m voicing my presumption. My only evidence to back it up is a Dan Hodges tweet. I’m not on solid ground; I don’t care either
What Starmer did in appointing Paedo Pal Pete as US Ambassador was so egregious that I’ll fling any accusation around that I like. Mine is, at least, plausible
I have no objection to your presuming.
I agree that Starmer OUGHT to have known more. But I don’t know whether he did, and I rather think that he didn’t. I really think Starmer is shit, but I don’t think he’s the kind of person to turn a blind eye to that he kind of misconduct Mandelson stands accused of.
Ugh, just imagine if the IDF wasn’t the most moral army in the world.
Revealed: Israel bulldozed part of Gaza war cemetery containing allied graves
Satellite images and witness testimony show destruction as IDF claims it was forced to take defensive measures
Israeli forces have bulldozed part of a Gaza cemetery containing the war graves of dozens of British, Australian and other allied soldiers killed in the first and second world wars, satellite imagery and witness testimony reveal.
Satellite imagery of the Gaza war cemetery in al-Tuffah, a district of Gaza City, shows extensive earthworks in the southernmost corner of the graveyard. Bomb craters can be seen around the cemetery, but in this area the destruction appears to have been more systematic.
Rows of gravestones have been removed, the topsoil has been churned up and a substantial earth berm can be seen running across the middle of the affected area. It is of a size that suggests the use of heavy equipment.
There was no sign of the earthworks in March last year, but they are clearly visible in a satellite picture from 8 August. The disturbed area is even more apparent in an image of the cemetery from 13 December. Vegetation has regrown among the ranks of gravestones covering the rest of the cemetery, but the southwestern corner remains bare, with the earth berm casting a substantial shadow over the sandy soil.
Essam Jaradah, the graveyard’s former caretaker, whose home is close by, said: “Two bulldozing operations took place at the cemetery. The first bulldozing occurred outside the cemetery walls, extending approximately 12 metres around all sides of the cemetery. These areas were entirely planted with olive trees.
“Later on, an area of slightly less than 1 dunum [1,000 sq metres] was bulldozed inside the cemetery walls, specifically in the corner of the cemetery, which contains graves of Australian soldiers. The bulldozing covered the area from the bench where foreign visitors used to sit up to the memorial monument. Bulldozers also created sand mounds that were used as earth barriers.
“I witnessed this bulldozing after the Israeli army withdrew from the area, around late April or early May.”
After being shown satellite images of the cemetery, the Israel Defense Forces said it had been forced to take defensive measures in the heat of battle.
I know that he stayed at the convicted paedo’s place, but I didn’t know that they were actually close friends. Who could have possibly known? Petey pinky promised
🚨BREAKING: Angela Rayner has intervened to ask that the Intelligence & Security Committee has oversight of release of docs
This is very significant. It suggests govt amendment as tabled today not adequate/sufficient as it stands & thinks ISC oversight important for transparency/public confidence
That's both a manoeuvre, and fully justified. It gets more awkward for Starmer.
Unlike Starmer, Rayner is good at politics.
I don't think he can survive this one. There are too many directions from which the fatal blow comes. I suppose one of the least likely would be the PMs sense of honour and what would be good for country, parliament and party?
SFAICS things that could sae him for now are twofold: Kemi not wanting him to be replaced with someone who is a new broom with less baggage. And the problem of which named MP would be the first the wield the knife with 80 supporters, knowing that “The hand that wields the knife shall never wear the crown” is often true.
Worth remembering that the last three* Prime Ministers to have been forced from office by their own party (Truss, Johnson, May) were none of them forced out by a formal process. There were Cabinet resignations and politicians seen as honest brokers who told them that the game was up, and it was time to go.
If the Cabinet are united and deliver the message that for the good of the party and the country it is now time for Starmer to stand aside, then none of them need to wield the knife as part of a formal process.
* Arguably all of them, all the way back to when votes of confidence were more frequent and used to settle this sort of thing.
Mandie was an interesting choice at the time it was made. "We knew he was all over Epstein like perfume but thought ah what the hell" is appalling.
Here's the point. *WHY* did they choose to ignore everything they had saying don't appoint him? Because they thought he would be obsequious in front of Trump and slime his way into some kind of favour with the Orange Paedo.
The entire strategy to prostrate the UK before Trump is the problem, the appointment of Mandelson is only part of it.
Because if we're upset that they appointed Epstein's dodgy mate as Ambassador, we can't ignore that the target of his diplomatic efforts in Washington is far far worse/
🚨BREAKING: Angela Rayner has intervened to ask that the Intelligence & Security Committee has oversight of release of docs
This is very significant. It suggests govt amendment as tabled today not adequate/sufficient as it stands & thinks ISC oversight important for transparency/public confidence
That's both a manoeuvre, and fully justified. It gets more awkward for Starmer.
Unlike Starmer, Rayner is good at politics.
I don't think he can survive this one. There are too many directions from which the fatal blow comes. I suppose one of the least likely would be the PMs sense of honour and what would be good for country, parliament and party?
SFAICS things that could sae him for now are twofold: Kemi not wanting him to be replaced with someone who is a new broom with less baggage. And the problem of which named MP would be the first the wield the knife with 80 supporters, knowing that “The hand that wields the knife shall never wear the crown” is often true.
I am starting to come to the same view.
The crux for me was Starmer admitting the vetting flagged the relationship with Epstein. Now I suppose it would have been appalling vetting if it hadn’t, but I thought Starmer had a never crossed my desk strategy ready, which though embarrassingly inept would have tried to move the scrutiny away from him. But I think it’s very clear how he was fully aware of the fact there was a link, he just decided it was worth the risk and take the assurances at face value.
Yes. A further point is this: If you are vetting and something comes up which flashes a red light, that tells you that your researches have to be super thorough, and all the right questions asked. The PM has at his beck and call the entire resources of national intelligence. It isn't credible that they knew no more than the papers knew. And it isn't credible that they didn't have the capacity to find out more stuff than they already knew about Epstein.
The other thing is about 'The Buck Stops Here'. PM is in the number 1 position. Most people don't want to be there. Fair enough. I don't. The number 1 person can delegate all sorts of decision making, and decide all sorts of short cuts, and take all sorts of advice. But the whole point about being Number 1 is that you cannot delegate accountability for what ensues.
Mandie was an interesting choice at the time it was made. "We knew he was all over Epstein like perfume but thought ah what the hell" is appalling.
Here's the point. *WHY* did they choose to ignore everything they had saying don't appoint him? Because they thought he would be obsequious in front of Trump and slime his way into some kind of favour with the Orange Paedo.
The entire strategy to prostrate the UK before Trump is the problem, the appointment of Mandelson is only part of it.
Because if we're upset that they appointed Epstein's dodgy mate as Ambassador, we can't ignore that the target of his diplomatic efforts in Washington is far far worse/
Exactly. Starmer can't explain his true reasoning. "We knew Mandelson was a corrupt slimy shit, but we still thought he was OUR corrupt slimy shit"
Ugh, just imagine if the IDF wasn’t the most moral army in the world.
Revealed: Israel bulldozed part of Gaza war cemetery containing allied graves
Satellite images and witness testimony show destruction as IDF claims it was forced to take defensive measures
Israeli forces have bulldozed part of a Gaza cemetery containing the war graves of dozens of British, Australian and other allied soldiers killed in the first and second world wars, satellite imagery and witness testimony reveal.
Satellite imagery of the Gaza war cemetery in al-Tuffah, a district of Gaza City, shows extensive earthworks in the southernmost corner of the graveyard. Bomb craters can be seen around the cemetery, but in this area the destruction appears to have been more systematic.
Rows of gravestones have been removed, the topsoil has been churned up and a substantial earth berm can be seen running across the middle of the affected area. It is of a size that suggests the use of heavy equipment.
There was no sign of the earthworks in March last year, but they are clearly visible in a satellite picture from 8 August. The disturbed area is even more apparent in an image of the cemetery from 13 December. Vegetation has regrown among the ranks of gravestones covering the rest of the cemetery, but the southwestern corner remains bare, with the earth berm casting a substantial shadow over the sandy soil.
Essam Jaradah, the graveyard’s former caretaker, whose home is close by, said: “Two bulldozing operations took place at the cemetery. The first bulldozing occurred outside the cemetery walls, extending approximately 12 metres around all sides of the cemetery. These areas were entirely planted with olive trees.
“Later on, an area of slightly less than 1 dunum [1,000 sq metres] was bulldozed inside the cemetery walls, specifically in the corner of the cemetery, which contains graves of Australian soldiers. The bulldozing covered the area from the bench where foreign visitors used to sit up to the memorial monument. Bulldozers also created sand mounds that were used as earth barriers.
“I witnessed this bulldozing after the Israeli army withdrew from the area, around late April or early May.”
After being shown satellite images of the cemetery, the Israel Defense Forces said it had been forced to take defensive measures in the heat of battle.
“ Peter Mandelson exchanged explicit emails about "strippers" with Jeffery Epstein on the day the convicted child sex offender was released from jail, in July 2009. "Free and home," Epstein emails Lord Mandelson at 08.37am on 22 July, as he left a Florida prison following an 18-month sentence for soliciting sex with a minor. "How shall we celebrate?" writes back Mandelson, who was then business secretary under Gordon Brown. "With grace and modesty (those are the names of two strippers)," Epstein replies. "From now on, grace and modesty sd [should] be discovered in London," Mandelson appears to joke back a few hours later, before adding: "How is freedom feeling?" "She feels fresh, firm and creamy," Epstein says. Mandelson responds with two words: "Naughty boy."
Mandie was an interesting choice at the time it was made. "We knew he was all over Epstein like perfume but thought ah what the hell" is appalling.
Here's the point. *WHY* did they choose to ignore everything they had saying don't appoint him? Because they thought he would be obsequious in front of Trump and slime his way into some kind of favour with the Orange Paedo.
The entire strategy to prostrate the UK before Trump is the problem, the appointment of Mandelson is only part of it.
Because if we're upset that they appointed Epstein's dodgy mate as Ambassador, we can't ignore that the target of his diplomatic efforts in Washington is far far worse/
When you're a poodle, it's not done to acknowledge that your master is widely accused of being a paedo.
He was on TRiP yesterday. Basically said that Peter was attracted to power, influence, money and intrigue and that was, and has always been, his fatal flaw. Sir Keir's role in the matter was, I think, somewhat skipped over.
“ Peter Mandelson exchanged explicit emails about "strippers" with Jeffery Epstein on the day the convicted child sex offender was released from jail, in July 2009. "Free and home," Epstein emails Lord Mandelson at 08.37am on 22 July, as he left a Florida prison following an 18-month sentence for soliciting sex with a minor. "How shall we celebrate?" writes back Mandelson, who was then business secretary under Gordon Brown. "With grace and modesty (those are the names of two strippers)," Epstein replies. "From now on, grace and modesty sd [should] be discovered in London," Mandelson appears to joke back a few hours later, before adding: "How is freedom feeling?" "She feels fresh, firm and creamy," Epstein says. Mandelson responds with two words: "Naughty boy."
Mandelson is gay; there’s no way he could have possibly known about the girls
Mandie was an interesting choice at the time it was made. "We knew he was all over Epstein like perfume but thought ah what the hell" is appalling.
Here's the point. *WHY* did they choose to ignore everything they had saying don't appoint him? Because they thought he would be obsequious in front of Trump and slime his way into some kind of favour with the Orange Paedo.
The entire strategy to prostrate the UK before Trump is the problem, the appointment of Mandelson is only part of it.
Because if we're upset that they appointed Epstein's dodgy mate as Ambassador, we can't ignore that the target of his diplomatic efforts in Washington is far far worse/
Exactly. Starmer can't explain his true reasoning. "We knew Mandelson was a corrupt slimy shit, but we still thought he was OUR corrupt slimy shit"
Clear as day
Probably in email messaged Starmer reluctant to release
Effectively
Ensure the orange prick has to give us best trade deal... Put mandy in there to whisper "epstein" at every opportunity.
A smart politician would have let that come out months ago when mandy sacked
“ Peter Mandelson exchanged explicit emails about "strippers" with Jeffery Epstein on the day the convicted child sex offender was released from jail, in July 2009. "Free and home," Epstein emails Lord Mandelson at 08.37am on 22 July, as he left a Florida prison following an 18-month sentence for soliciting sex with a minor. "How shall we celebrate?" writes back Mandelson, who was then business secretary under Gordon Brown. "With grace and modesty (those are the names of two strippers)," Epstein replies. "From now on, grace and modesty sd [should] be discovered in London," Mandelson appears to joke back a few hours later, before adding: "How is freedom feeling?" "She feels fresh, firm and creamy," Epstein says. Mandelson responds with two words: "Naughty boy."
Mandelson is gay; there’s no way he could have possibly known about the girls
So we've been led to believe. What was he doing with a female in his underpants in *that* photo?
“ Peter Mandelson exchanged explicit emails about "strippers" with Jeffery Epstein on the day the convicted child sex offender was released from jail, in July 2009. "Free and home," Epstein emails Lord Mandelson at 08.37am on 22 July, as he left a Florida prison following an 18-month sentence for soliciting sex with a minor. "How shall we celebrate?" writes back Mandelson, who was then business secretary under Gordon Brown. "With grace and modesty (those are the names of two strippers)," Epstein replies. "From now on, grace and modesty sd [should] be discovered in London," Mandelson appears to joke back a few hours later, before adding: "How is freedom feeling?" "She feels fresh, firm and creamy," Epstein says. Mandelson responds with two words: "Naughty boy."
Mandelson is gay; there’s no way he could have possibly known about the girls
So we've been led to believe. What was he doing with a female in his underpants in *that* photo?
“ Peter Mandelson exchanged explicit emails about "strippers" with Jeffery Epstein on the day the convicted child sex offender was released from jail, in July 2009. "Free and home," Epstein emails Lord Mandelson at 08.37am on 22 July, as he left a Florida prison following an 18-month sentence for soliciting sex with a minor. "How shall we celebrate?" writes back Mandelson, who was then business secretary under Gordon Brown. "With grace and modesty (those are the names of two strippers)," Epstein replies. "From now on, grace and modesty sd [should] be discovered in London," Mandelson appears to joke back a few hours later, before adding: "How is freedom feeling?" "She feels fresh, firm and creamy," Epstein says. Mandelson responds with two words: "Naughty boy."
Mandelson is gay; there’s no way he could have possibly known about the girls
So we've been led to believe. What was he doing with a female in his underpants in *that* photo?
He was on TRiP yesterday. Basically said that Peter was attracted to power, influence, money and intrigue and that was, and has always been, his fatal flaw. Sir Keir's role in the matter was, I think, somewhat skipped over.
Thanks. Lolz. Big Al was never interested in any of those things. He was purely in it for the dossiers
“ Peter Mandelson exchanged explicit emails about "strippers" with Jeffery Epstein on the day the convicted child sex offender was released from jail, in July 2009. "Free and home," Epstein emails Lord Mandelson at 08.37am on 22 July, as he left a Florida prison following an 18-month sentence for soliciting sex with a minor. "How shall we celebrate?" writes back Mandelson, who was then business secretary under Gordon Brown. "With grace and modesty (those are the names of two strippers)," Epstein replies. "From now on, grace and modesty sd [should] be discovered in London," Mandelson appears to joke back a few hours later, before adding: "How is freedom feeling?" "She feels fresh, firm and creamy," Epstein says. Mandelson responds with two words: "Naughty boy."
Meanwhile over in the US...Blanche said ‘it isn’t a crime to party’ with Epstein
“ Peter Mandelson exchanged explicit emails about "strippers" with Jeffery Epstein on the day the convicted child sex offender was released from jail, in July 2009. "Free and home," Epstein emails Lord Mandelson at 08.37am on 22 July, as he left a Florida prison following an 18-month sentence for soliciting sex with a minor. "How shall we celebrate?" writes back Mandelson, who was then business secretary under Gordon Brown. "With grace and modesty (those are the names of two strippers)," Epstein replies. "From now on, grace and modesty sd [should] be discovered in London," Mandelson appears to joke back a few hours later, before adding: "How is freedom feeling?" "She feels fresh, firm and creamy," Epstein says. Mandelson responds with two words: "Naughty boy."
I’m sure there was a happy release or two that day for Mr Epstein.
He was on TRiP yesterday. Basically said that Peter was attracted to power, influence, money and intrigue and that was, and has always been, his fatal flaw. Sir Keir's role in the matter was, I think, somewhat skipped over.
Thanks. Lolz. Big Al was never interested in any of those things. He was purely in it for the dossiers
Beth Rigby @BethRigby On this. A Conservative spokesman says: “The PM has just admitted that the official security vetting highlighted Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, but he went ahead and appointed him anyway.
“This is the first time the PM has admitted this and it raises very serious questions over Keir Starmer’s shocking judgement.
“The PM is now trying to orchestrate a cover up by having his own government mark his homework. All MPs must now support the Conservatives’ humble address so that we reveal the full extent of this scandal and the shocking failure of Keir Starmer and his operation.”
Wow. This is high-stakes stuff. If Kemi can get Sir Keir's head on a pike (perfectly possible) then we could see her acclaimed as the most accomplished politician of her generation. That could totally change the dynamics, with even Nigel metaphorically having to kiss her ring on bended knee.
It's not necessarily to Kemi's advantage to see Starmer removed and replaced by someone a) better at politics and/or b) more left wing. Much better to let Starmer hobble on, crippled.
Why would she not want Labour to tack left?
Kemi would want Rayner or Ed Miliband to replace Starmer if he was removed yes, she wouldn't want Streeting.
Farage would want Ed Miliband, Polanski would not want Ed Miliband but would be OK with Streeting. Burnham would have been the worst option as Labour leader for Reform and the Greens but that has now been avoided for now
I haven’t noticed Mahmoud floated as a potential leader. I don’t know enough about her politics but as a rightie she seems to be quite a capabable person so perhaps the least worst option for someone of my leanings. She might make Marx look like Norman Tebbit and I’ve missed it but would be interesting to know if she is an option.
Afaicr she polls pretty badly with the party.
She’s Asian of Pakistani heritage, female, representing a working class inner city seat.
Course she polls badly with them.
Dunno, in the unlikely event I’d have any say in the matter, her scrubbing all the pro refugee & immigration stuff from her website in aid of her current balls of steel act would put me off.
Also, she’s a self-declared devout Muslim
Do we really believe the USA under Trump would cooperate on nukes and intel with a UK ruled by a Muslim?
No way. It would be the end of Trident and the end of Five Eyes, and probably NATO
“ Peter Mandelson exchanged explicit emails about "strippers" with Jeffery Epstein on the day the convicted child sex offender was released from jail, in July 2009. "Free and home," Epstein emails Lord Mandelson at 08.37am on 22 July, as he left a Florida prison following an 18-month sentence for soliciting sex with a minor. "How shall we celebrate?" writes back Mandelson, who was then business secretary under Gordon Brown. "With grace and modesty (those are the names of two strippers)," Epstein replies. "From now on, grace and modesty sd [should] be discovered in London," Mandelson appears to joke back a few hours later, before adding: "How is freedom feeling?" "She feels fresh, firm and creamy," Epstein says. Mandelson responds with two words: "Naughty boy."
Mandelson is gay; there’s no way he could have possibly known about the girls
So we've been led to believe. What was he doing with a female in his underpants in *that* photo?
I would have been rather flustered if that was me, in my underpants with a beautiful woman in a dressing gown like that. I think he has passed his "are you gay?" test.
Comments
The questions are whether Starmer made this decision for reasons of statecraft - send a friend of sex abusers to deal with a sex abuser - or if he's enmeshed with Mandelson in such a way that this was a favour in return for a favour (and if so, what was the favour?) and if Starmer will resign before we get an answer.
Second, that doesn’t absolve the “vetters” or what I believe to be gross negligence from British intelligence.
Do you have evidence to the contrary that wasn't available to the jury?
He's going to be all over the next tranche, then.
House of Lord's library has recently updated their briefing on it.
https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/peerages-can-they-be-removed/
"Corner was accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent by striking police sergeant Kate Evans in her back with a sledgehammer. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on this charge"
SFAICS things that could sae him for now are twofold: Kemi not wanting him to be replaced with someone who is a new broom with less baggage. And the problem of which named MP would be the first the wield the knife with 80 supporters, knowing that
“The hand that wields the knife shall never wear the crown” is often true.
She considers herself a Labour loyalist and a “number two”.
Reasons to be cheerful - joyful winter sports on TV for much of February, then just time for a nice lie down before the competitive wonder that is Crufts hits our screens in early March…
My guess is this outcome will produce a nice poll boost for the hard right so all those favouring that should be happy with the verdict.
The crux for me was Starmer admitting the vetting flagged the relationship with Epstein. Now I suppose it would have been appalling vetting if it hadn’t, but I thought Starmer had a never crossed my desk strategy ready, which though embarrassingly inept would have tried to move the scrutiny away from him. But I think it’s very clear how he was fully aware of the fact there was a link, he just decided it was worth the risk and take the assurances at face value.
What Starmer did in appointing Paedo Pal Pete as US Ambassador was so egregious that I’ll fling any accusation around that I like. Mine is, at least, plausible
Tells you nothing about whether the evidence amounted to certainty of guilt, not against someone, but against one specific named person. Those not present at the trial, like me, can't know anything much.
Is it true?
You and I knew Mandelson had had a relationship with Epstein before 2008, and that there had been some (but said to be minimal) connection afterwards.
https://x.com/i/status/2019047633910902841
Ambassadors have reached a deal on the legal texts to provide Ukraine with a €90 billion loan funded by joint debt (minus Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic).
€30 billion will be allocated for financial support, and €60 billion for military aid.
https://x.com/i/status/2019047633910902841
Thats right folks, Mandelson is the Cantona of politics.
More seriously when a man has been forced to resign in shame multiple times, you probably shouldn't appoint him again.
I once knew a woman who was married to a man who had two previous wives, by each of which he had two children. The third and current marriage had produced two children. Reader, I would not have been planning anything long term in her shoes...
The only thing in her favour is the idea that the educated classes are so far up their own asses that we need an ordinary person who sees things as they actually are.
Labour MPs are absolutely mutinous. Not seen fury like it - from Blairites to the left.
Talk of a "cover up", huge anger at the PM, questions over PM's future, one said to me it's "terminal".
*Multiple* MPs likening it to the Profumo Affair.
If the Cabinet are united and deliver the message that for the good of the party and the country it is now time for Starmer to stand aside, then none of them need to wield the knife as part of a formal process.
* Arguably all of them, all the way back to when votes of confidence were more frequent and used to settle this sort of thing.
I agree that Starmer OUGHT to have known more.
But I don’t know whether he did, and I rather think that he didn’t. I really think Starmer is shit, but I don’t think he’s the kind of person to turn a blind eye to that he kind of misconduct Mandelson stands accused of.
British intelligence on the other hand?
Revealed: Israel bulldozed part of Gaza war cemetery containing allied graves
Satellite images and witness testimony show destruction as IDF claims it was forced to take defensive measures
Israeli forces have bulldozed part of a Gaza cemetery containing the war graves of dozens of British, Australian and other allied soldiers killed in the first and second world wars, satellite imagery and witness testimony reveal.
Satellite imagery of the Gaza war cemetery in al-Tuffah, a district of Gaza City, shows extensive earthworks in the southernmost corner of the graveyard. Bomb craters can be seen around the cemetery, but in this area the destruction appears to have been more systematic.
Rows of gravestones have been removed, the topsoil has been churned up and a substantial earth berm can be seen running across the middle of the affected area. It is of a size that suggests the use of heavy equipment.
There was no sign of the earthworks in March last year, but they are clearly visible in a satellite picture from 8 August. The disturbed area is even more apparent in an image of the cemetery from 13 December. Vegetation has regrown among the ranks of gravestones covering the rest of the cemetery, but the southwestern corner remains bare, with the earth berm casting a substantial shadow over the sandy soil.
Essam Jaradah, the graveyard’s former caretaker, whose home is close by, said: “Two bulldozing operations took place at the cemetery. The first bulldozing occurred outside the cemetery walls, extending approximately 12 metres around all sides of the cemetery. These areas were entirely planted with olive trees.
“Later on, an area of slightly less than 1 dunum [1,000 sq metres] was bulldozed inside the cemetery walls, specifically in the corner of the cemetery, which contains graves of Australian soldiers. The bulldozing covered the area from the bench where foreign visitors used to sit up to the memorial monument. Bulldozers also created sand mounds that were used as earth barriers.
“I witnessed this bulldozing after the Israeli army withdrew from the area, around late April or early May.”
After being shown satellite images of the cemetery, the Israel Defense Forces said it had been forced to take defensive measures in the heat of battle.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/04/idf-bulldoze-gaza-war-cemetery-allied-graves-satellite-images
Lammy acting PM by Weds am. UK ceases to exist by Weds teatime
Here's the point. *WHY* did they choose to ignore everything they had saying don't appoint him? Because they thought he would be obsequious in front of Trump and slime his way into some kind of favour with the Orange Paedo.
The entire strategy to prostrate the UK before Trump is the problem, the appointment of Mandelson is only part of it.
Because if we're upset that they appointed Epstein's dodgy mate as Ambassador, we can't ignore that the target of his diplomatic efforts in Washington is far far worse/
Information in the public domain for months
Retrospective mock fury
Big winner today is Ange
The wheels in motion for regime change in June
The other thing is about 'The Buck Stops Here'. PM is in the number 1 position. Most people don't want to be there. Fair enough. I don't. The number 1 person can delegate all sorts of decision making, and decide all sorts of short cuts, and take all sorts of advice. But the whole point about being Number 1 is that you cannot delegate accountability for what ensues.
“ Peter Mandelson exchanged explicit emails about "strippers" with Jeffery Epstein on the day the convicted child sex offender was released from jail, in July 2009.
"Free and home," Epstein emails Lord Mandelson at 08.37am on 22 July, as he left a Florida prison following an 18-month sentence for soliciting sex with a minor.
"How shall we celebrate?" writes back Mandelson, who was then business secretary under Gordon Brown.
"With grace and modesty (those are the names of two strippers)," Epstein replies.
"From now on, grace and modesty sd [should] be discovered in London," Mandelson appears to joke back a few hours later, before adding: "How is freedom feeling?"
"She feels fresh, firm and creamy," Epstein says.
Mandelson responds with two words: "Naughty boy."
That will continue to be awkward post-Starmer.
Just trying to establish if you are Pep Guardiola.
Probably in email messaged Starmer reluctant to release
Effectively
Ensure the orange prick has to give us best trade deal... Put mandy in there to whisper "epstein" at every opportunity.
A smart politician would have let that come out months ago when mandy sacked
Lolz. Big Al was never interested in any of those things. He was purely in it for the dossiers
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5722145-ted-lieu-blasts-deputy-ag/
It's amazing the difference in approach. Circling the wagons?
Do we really believe the USA under Trump would cooperate on nukes and intel with a UK ruled by a Muslim?
No way. It would be the end of Trident and the end of Five Eyes, and probably NATO
I think he has passed his "are you gay?" test.