Starmer Faces Parliamentary Backlash Over Mandelson Epstein Emails

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing intense scrutiny and parliamentary pressure following the dismissal of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington amid revelations of Mandelson's supportive emails to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer has expressed regret that he was not shown the full details of the emails before Prime Minister's Questions and admitted he would not have appointed Mandelson had he known the extent of the information earlier. The opposition Conservatives have secured an emergency three-hour debate to question Labour ministers on the matter just before President Donald Trump's state visit to the UK, heightening the political tension. Despite calls from some Labour MPs for Starmer to resign, party officials insist he remains focused on governing, emphasizing ongoing work such as nuclear energy deals with the US. The controversy has added to a broader atmosphere of crisis within Labour, with concerns about Starmer's leadership and the party's performance in upcoming elections fueling internal debate. Nonetheless, government ministers emphasize continuing their agenda and engaging with constituents on pressing issues.