Keir Starmer LIVE: PM to carry press convention as anger grows over Peter Mandelson scandal
Keir Starmer will deliver a major speech today on funding for deprived areas left behind by the “scorched earth” policy of Tory austerity.
He will warn that communities’ “devastating decline” could imperil national security as £800 million in new funding to revamp high streets is announced. But the speech is likely to be overshadowed amid the ongoing row over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador – and Labour MPs growing anger.
During a day of political drama on Wednesday the PM insisted the sacked ambassador repeatedly lied about his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein during the vetting process.
Downing Street was battling to contain the scandal amid a backlash over a slew of fresh revelations about the Labour veteran. The PM was also forced into a climbdown by MPs, led by Angela Rayner, over the release of files about Lord Mandelson’s appointment.
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Mandelson ambassador appointment was ‘rational’ at time, top minister argues
A top Labour minister has insisted it was “rational” to appoint Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to Washington at the time.
Cabinet minister Steve Reed said Lord Mandelson – who was sacked by Keir Starmer last year – lied not only to the Prime Minister but to his entire Downing Street team over his friendship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking to Times Radio , Mr Reed said: “He lied about the extent of his relationship.He made out they barely knew each other. If that was what you believed at the time, and we needed to appoint an ambassador to carry out a trade deal with the United States, then it was rational, given Peter Mandelson’s experience as EU Trade Commissioner and UK Trade Secretary, it was rational to appoint him.”
Keir Starmer to give major speech warning UK politics is in dangerous era
Keir Starmer will warn British politics is in a dangerous era and call on the public to stand up and defend its values.
In a landmark speech, he will say tolerance and decency are under threat as he hits out at rivals who peddle grievance. Drawing a line between Labour and Reform UK and the Tories, the PM will say: “I believe in our way of doing things.
“That in a world that increasingly preys on weakness, I believe Britain is stronger as a tolerant, decent and respectful country.” Mr Starmer will accuse the Conservatives of abandoning communities – setting the scene for division in a veiled reference to Nigel Farage’s party.
