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‘Beleaguered and bereft’ – Mandelson messages reveal criticism of No 10
Newly published documents show Lord Mandelson and ministers’ concerns about the prime minister and Labour MPs.
13 hrs agoPolitics
Chris Mason: Decision to appoint Mandelson continues to inflict damage
When Sir Keir Starmer looks back on his time at No10, his decision to send Lord Mandelson to Washington will be a central part of the critique of his tenure.
UK wins court case over collapsed Rwanda asylum deal
The UK does not need to pay Rwanda after it pulled a deal between the two countries, a court has ruled.
Sturgeon tells BBC: I’m serving a sentence for crime I didn’t commit
Scotland’s former first minister is challenged by Laura Kuenssberg over the SNP embezzlement scandal, and at times struggles to hold back tears.
2 days agoScotland Politics
Mandelson files: What you need to know
The government has published more than 1,000 pages of documents about the former US ambassador’s appointment.
12 hrs agoPolitics
Key messages between Mandelson and ministers so far
The 1,000 pages include criticisms of Labour MPs, No 10 and the prime minister.
13 hrs agoPolitics
PM wants delayed defence investment plan published by Nato summit, MPs told
Unions and defence firms warn delays are a “threat” to British jobs, skills and national security.
16 hrs agoPolitics
Streeting suggests NI cut and North Sea drilling
The former health secretary has been distancing himself from policies pursued by Sir Keir Starmer’s government.
Welsh Labour faces existential crisis, says former minister
Wales’ controversial 20mph limit in built-up areas came at a cost to Welsh Labour, says former minister.
Ex-M&S chief to help government tackle youth unemployment
Marc Bolland will advise on getting young people into work after a review warned of a “lost generation”.
Badenoch tells Blair not to waste his time calling for Labour to change
The Tory leader sends an open letter to former Labour PM Sir Tony Blair following his critique of the government.
Top UK chefs call for cutting VAT for pubs and restaurants to 10%
Tom Kerridge, Yotam Ottolenghi, Ravneet Gill and Simon Rogan told BBC Newsnight VAT should be halved to ease mounting pressure on the hospitality industry.
Features and analysis
Sturgeon the master communicator was close to tears – but still faces more questions
The former Scottish first minister’s security in her own power and authority seems to have gone, writes Laura Kuenssberg.
Makerfield by-election candidates announced
Who is standing for Parliament in the Greater Manchester constituency of Makerfield?
‘Makerfield is suddenly at the epicentre of British politics’
The constituency is suddenly at the epicentre of British politics – and the by-election result could decide the next prime minister.
Track UK’s latest migration numbers – net migration, visas, asylum and small boats
Use our interactive tracker to explore the latest migration statistics for the UK
Chris Mason: Inside the shadow contest to be our next prime minister
It is now likely that we will have another new prime minister, possibly within weeks, or perhaps within months, our political editor writes.
From our Political Editor Chris Mason
Chris Mason: Decision to appoint Mandelson continues to inflict damage
When Sir Keir Starmer looks back on his time at No10, his decision to send Lord Mandelson to Washington will be a central part of the critique of his tenure.
Ministers braced for private texts and WhatsApps in Mandelson file release
The documents will offer a fascinating internal insight into how government works, including the way information flows and disagreements.
Chris Mason: VAT cut on summer fun – the announcement that didn’t leak
Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveils measures aimed at helping families with the cost of living – but is it enough?
Allegations about Reform candidate’s posts are troubling, Labour says
Campaigning organisation Searchlight claims Robert Kenyon was friends with a fascist campaigner on a now deleted Facebook page.
Chris Mason: Inside the shadow contest to be our next prime minister
It is now likely that we will have another new prime minister, possibly within weeks, or perhaps within months, our political editor writes.
BBC InDepth
Is it harder than ever to be prime minister?
Discontent with the political class is greater than ever – has the UK become ungovernable?
Relish and dread as Starmer ‘shambles’ hangs over Scotland and Wales elections
Laura Kuenssberg travels to Wales and Scotland to speak to candidates and voters ahead of May 7 polls.
Why Starmer still can’t move on from the Mandelson mess
The decision to send Peter Mandelson to Washington has become a scandal that just won’t go away for Labour.
As Starmer faces war overseas, his party can’t find peace at home
British politicians tend to stick together during dangerous moments abroad. In 2026? Not so much.
Why Europe’s leaders have struggled to speak as one on Iran
European nations say they want to work better together but have differing priorities
Watch/Listen
Minister at the heart of Mandelson files
BBC Politics reporter Joe Pike explains how there’s an unexpected person at the heart of Mandelson files.
How big is the Mandelson document drop?
More than 1,000 pages of documents on Lord Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s ambassador to the US have been published.
Sturgeon ‘will not apologise for the crimes’ of former husband
Speaking to Laura Kuenssberg, Sturgeon said: “I am not responsible for the crimes that my former husband committed and I’m not going to apologise for somebody else’s crimes”.
Get to know Wales’ new first minister
First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth answers quickfire questions at the Urdd Eisteddfod
‘A serious country’ can’t keep changing leaders – Blair
In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Sir Tony Blair said he believes ‘a serious country’ can’t keep changing its leaders.
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