‘He stood up for freedom and his Christian faith,’ MP said following death of right-wing political activist

Charlie Kirk was a “friend” to the UK and he “stood up for freedom”, a Conservative MP told the Commons, as he paid tribute to the Donald Trump ally.

Andrew Rosindell said he welcomed Mr Kirk to the Houses of Parliament in 2018, taking him to a Christmas reception at Speaker’s House.

“He was a friend of the United Kingdom. He stood up for freedom and his Christian faith, and we mourn his loss and send our condolences to his family and friends,” the Romford MP added.

Rebecca Whittaker11 September 2025 13:17

Why Epstein and Mandelson’s friendship matters even more than you think

Tom Watling11 September 2025 13:01

Starmer found Mandelson emails with Epstein ‘reprehensible’

Sir Keir Starmer found Lord Mandelson’s emails to Jeffrey Epstein “reprehensible”, Downing Street has said.

Asked if the Prime Minister shared the view of two ministers who have said they were disgusted and sickened by the messages, Sir Keir’s spokesman said:

“I think it’s self-evident that he found the content of these emails reprehensible,” he said.

Asked what aspect Sir Keir found reprehensible, he said the depth and extent of the relationship shown in the emails was “new information”.

“And they show that Peter Mandelson suggested, that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful, should be challenged, and it’s in light of that and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes – that is why he’s been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.”

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Tom Watling11 September 2025 12:51

Downing Street appoints interim US ambassador

Downing Street has appointed James Roscoe , Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Washington, as the acting interim ambassador in the US.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister told journalists that Mr Roscoe, who is also a former ambassador to the United Nations, will take up the role from Lord Peter Mandelson immediately.

Tom Watling11 September 2025 12:49

Primark boss issues stark warning to Reeves over Budget

Tom Watling11 September 2025 12:44

Thornberry applauds sacking of Mandelson

Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Emily Thornberry, has backed the sacking of Lord Peter Mandelson.

While MPs cannot question Mandelson due to his lordship, the Foreign Affairs Committee is tasked with scrutinising ambassadorial appointments.

“Since the first rumours of his appointment, my committee has repeatedly asked – publicly and privately – to question Peter Mandelson,” she wrote on X.

“It is right that he has now been sacked.

“The FCDO should not have stopped us from asking questions. The government should welcome such scrutiny.”

Tom Watling11 September 2025 12:34

Polanski: Mandelson’s tensure in Washington is a sign of broken politics

Lord Peter Mandelson’s tenure in Washington, however short, is a “sign of a dirty, broken political system,” Green Party Leader Zack Polanski has said.

“Starmer’s instinct was to stand by Peter Mandelson, despite the evidence. His resignation now isn’t a matter of principle; it’s simple political expediency.

“It’s a symbol of a broken politics where the same insiders always fail up. How long until Mandelson ends up in a high-paid consultancy somewhere?

“While another washed-up former Westminster insider ends up in Washington? His resignation, like his original appointment, is a sign of a dirty, broken political system.”

(AFP/Getty)

Tom Watling11 September 2025 12:19

Government declines to say whether Mandelson will have Labour whip removed

The Government has declined to say whether Lord Mandelson has had the Labour whip removed.

In the Commons, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: “I do not know what it is about the decades of scandals and being best friends with a notorious child trafficker and paedophile, which should have got some alarm bells ringing in number 10 before this decision was taken.”

He added: “Did the Prime Minister know about these emails prior to standing up in that despatch box just yesterday to say he had confidence in Mr Mandelson, and does he retain the Labour whip in the House of Lords?”

Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty said the Government “will keep the House updated on these matters”, adding: “That decisive decision has been has been made, and as I’ve been very, very clear, all candidates are subject to routine, extensive vetting and background checks.”

(Getty)

Tom Watling11 September 2025 12:09

Temporary ambassadorial team in place following Lord Mandelson’s sacking Temporary ambassadorial team in place following Lord Mandelson’s sacking

Tom Watling11 September 2025 12:01

Former Tory minister calls for all documents related to Lord Mandelson’s latest appointment to be released

A Conservative former minister has urged the Government to release all documents relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment.

Father of the House Sir Edward Leigh, one of the longest serving MPs, said: “I just give him some gentle advice, in my experience of these scandals, the cover up and the lack of due process and the allegations of cronyism are much more serious than any original offence or alleged offence.

“So will the minister ensure that every single document is released post haste about the process, including this issue about the meeting that Mandelson requested with prime minister Blair?”

Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty did not respond directly to Sir Edward’s question, but said “officials are working diligently day and night” to ensure Donald Trump’s state visit is a “success”.

Tom Watling11 September 2025 11:52