Keir Starmer slaps down Donald Trump at No10 press conference

Lord Peter Mandelson cashed in a £1.5million paycheque through the sale of his stake in an advisory firm, it has been revealed.

The disgraced peer, who was ousted from the House of Lords over his personal relationship with the convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, made the colossal sum by flogging off his shares in the company before it collapsed.

He was paid £250,000 just days before it went under, according to the Financial Times - but his former colleagues shares remained worthless just days later.

When it went into administration, the company blamed the "legacy" of Mandelson for the collapse.

Sir Keir Starmer did not want to send warships to the Middle East 'weeks ago', President Trump has claimed. Speaking today the President said: "I was very surprised with the United Kingdom, because United Kingdom two weeks ago, I said, why don’t you send some ships over? And he really didn’t want to do it.

"I said, you don’t want to do it? We’ve been with you. You’re our oldest ally, and we spend a lot of money on, you know, Nato and all of these things to protect you.

"We’re protecting them. We’re working with them on Ukraine. Ukraine’s thousands of miles away, separated by a vast ocean. We don’t have to do that, but we did it. Well, Biden did it. I mean, I have to be honest with you, Biden got taken to the cleaners, but we worked with them in Ukraine.

"We don’t need to work with them in Ukraine, and then they tell us that we have a mine ship around and they don’t want to do it."

The boss of the Metropolitan Police will demand the US release the unredacted correspondence between Lord Peter Mandelson and paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during a trip to Washington.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley’s visit to America this week follows a meeting with US ambassador Warren Stephens last month, it is understood.

The Times newspaper reported that the issue was raised during the meeting on February 24.

The US department of justice released millions of pages of documents related to Epstein in January, with some of the pages showing the extent of the connection between Lord Mandelson and the sex offender.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, is to visit the United Kingdom tomorrow, it has been confirmed. John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said: "I can confirm today that, over the last month, we have delivered to Ukraine 3,500 drones, 18,000 artillery rounds and three million rounds of small ammunition.

"We face two conflicts on two continents, supported by an axis of aggression with similar tactics and similar technologies.

"I say this to the Ukrainian people on behalf of the UK: we will not forget the war in Europe and our total determination to stand with Ukraine remains steadfast, and we will welcome President Zelensky to this country tomorrow."

Labour accused Richard Tice of trying to "deflect from his own tax affairs" after he accused the party of failing to pay tax on the revenue of its own property company.

A Labour spokesperson said: “Richard Tice is brazenly attempting to deflect from his own tax affairs by slinging mud and hoping something will stick.

"He needs to explain to the British people why he has gone to such extreme lengths to avoid paying almost three-quarters of a million pounds in tax.”

The Scottish Conservatives have said that the government's announcement on heating oil will be "welcome for rural households" that they say have been "ripped off" by rogue suppliers.

Andrew Bowie, the shadow secretary of state of Scotland aded: "But in Scotland this money cannot simply disappear into the black hole of the SNP Government’s budget.

"SNP Ministers must guarantee every penny reaches rural households, and the Conservatives will hold them to account to make sure it does."

In what world does it make sense to shut down our own gas production in the North Sea just to import more from Norway, who are drilling in the exact same fields we are shutting down?

Only in Ed Miliband's world, of course. Because Ed isn't motivated by what's best for our economy, or what will make us stronger and more resilient, but by whatever proves he is a worthy preacher for the Net Zero religion.

We are sitting on resources that other countries would kill to have on their doorsteps. Yet Ed has banned new oil and gas licences, refuses to sign off new projects, and has ground the sector to a halt with eye-watering taxes.

Read the full comment piece by Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho here

Reform UK's Scottish leader has said he quit the Tories because they were a "one policy" party in a "sort of co-dependent relationship with the SNP".

Malcom Offord, a former Scotland Office minister who defected from the Conservatives to join Nigel Farage's party last December, said his former party "have only got one policy and that is to say no to another referendum".

Speaking about the Scottish Tories he added: "They're in a sort of co-dependent relationship with the SNP. The SNP call for a referendum and the Conservatives say no to another referendum."

Speaking at an online event staged by the Institute for Government think tank, the Reform UK Scottish leader said that while this was happening "public services are not working and the economy is not growing".

As a result, he said, he had concluded he needed to leave the Conservatives and "go elsewhere", insisting: "I am very ambitious for Scotland."

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has accused Labour of failing to pay tax on the revenue of its own property company

In a letter to Labour Chairman Anna Turley, he said Labour Party Properties Ltd has earned more than £30 million in rental income in the last 25 years but does not appear to have paid any corporation tax.

It comes after Labour called on HMRC to investigate his tax affairs after The Sunday Times reported he had "avoided nearly £600,000 in corporation tax" through his property company.

Sir Keir Starmer's package of finanical help for households struggling with the soaring cost of heating oil on the back of the conflict in the Middle East could set a "staggeringly expensive" precedent, an economist has warned.

Paul Johnson, former director of the IFS, told Times Radio: "The thing that worries me is not so much can they find a few tens of millions, as I say a very small amount for this group of people, but what expectations does this set if other forms of power become more expensive?

"So if gas prices start to rise, if electricity becomes significantly more expensive, well people will say, well you help the people with the oil, but what about the 99% of us or whatever it is who don't use heating oil, who use other forms of energy? Are you going to bail us out?

"Now that then becomes staggeringly expensive. So what worries me is not, is this very expensive? It's the precedent it might be setting for the future."

Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “This support will be welcome for rural households who have been ripped off by rogue heating oil suppliers - but the Government must go further and cut everyone’s electricity bills by 20% through the Conservatives’ cheap power plan.

“The uncomfortable truth is that this scheme will be funded by Labour’s tax rises on working people - tax hikes that wouldn’t be necessary if Ed Miliband hadn’t chosen to leave £25 billion worth of tax revenue in the ground by shutting down the North Sea.”

Reform UK councils have delivered and identified more than £700 million in savings, Reform UK Deputy Leader and Head of DOGE Richard Tice has said.

In their first year, the Reform councils have delivered over £325 million in savings and identified a further £400 million for 2026/27.

Ending the war in the Middle East “is the quickest way to reduce the cost of living”, the Prime Minister has said as he pledged to work toward a de-escalation of the conflict in the region.

“We will continue to work towards a swift resolution of the situation in the Middle East because there is no question ending the war is the quickest way to reduce the cost of living,” Sir Keir Starmer said.

He added: “It’s moments like this that tell you what a government is about.

“My answer is clear: whatever the challenges that lie ahead, this government will always support working people.

“That is my first instinct, my first priority, to help you with the cost of living throughout this crisis.”

At the same time as the Prime Minister's press conference, Reform is holding an event explaining how it wants to cut council spending.

The party has been criticised for failing to cut council tax. It says it didn't promise cuts, but argues that, overall, Reform councils have taxed less than councils run by other parties.

Former Tory MP Ben Bradley, now in Reform, is pictured here at the podium where he is introducing Reform Deputy Leader Richard Tice

Keir Starmer says it's important to work with the oil and gas sector amid rocketing oil costs.

He warned there's a "higher risk of escalation" the longer the middle East war rages on. He says in addition to self defence and negotations about the Strait of Hormuz to de-escalate.

Sir Keir Starmer has announced £53 million in support for “those households that are most exposed” to rising heating oil prices.

The Prime Minister pledged to help UK households with the cost of living amid the energy price spike caused by the war in the Middle East.

Speaking in Downing Street on Monday morning, Sir Keir said: “I’m announcing immediate support for vulnerable heating oil customers today, providing £53 million for those households that are most exposed.”

He added: “This Government will always support working people.

“That is my first instinct, my first priority, to help you with the cost of living throughout this crisis.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said Treasury officials have “found the money” to help the 1.5 million households relying on the fuel.

Heating oil is not protected by the energy price cap and its price per litre has doubled as a result of the stranglehold on oil leaving the Middle East since the US-Israeli war with Iran began.

John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: “Taxpayers will have been screaming at the telly as this out of touch prime minister completely ignored the real threat to motorists - the crippling fuel duty hike coming later this year.

“Starmer’s stale sermon delivered nothing other than tired and outdated shibboleths on energy policy, completely ignoring the major and fundamental role that government policy has played in sending energy costs through the roof.

“Instead of tinkering around the edges and preaching about net zero, Starmer must commit to stopping the fuel duty hike.”

Keir Starmer was quizzed by GB News on whether he will allow more exploration of the North Sea for oil.

He says he is focused on things that can bring bills down now.

The UK “will not be drawn into the wider war”, the Prime Minister has said at a press conference addressing the crisis in the Middle East.

The comments come after Donald Trump warned the future of Nato is at stake unless allies including the UK offer military aid in the Middle East.

Speaking in Downing Street on Monday morning, Sir Keir Starmer said: “Our priority is always the national interest, and so we have been clear and consistent in our objectives throughout this conflict.

“First, we will protect our people in the region.

“Second, while taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war.

“And third, we will keep working towards a swift resolution that brings security and stability back to the region.”

ITV's Robert Peston fires in the first question of Peter Mandelson which diverts attention, momentarily, from the Middle East crisis

1. Energy price cap until end of June and legal direction to companies to pass on savings 

2. Fuel price cap until September

3. Petrol stations to give live prices - £53million for most exposed heating oil customers

4. Pressing on with building secure energy for UK. Fast tracking new nuclear power stations

5. Press for swift resolution - that is what will help the cost-of-living crisis

The PM takes a thinly-veiled jibe at the Reform UK and Conservative's over their critiscism at his decision not to take offensive action against Iran

Sir Keir Starmer has announced £53 million in support for “those households that are most exposed” to rising heating oil prices.

The Government will give a “legal direction” to energy companies to pass on “every penny of the savings that we delivered at last year’s budget” to consumers, Sir Keir Starmer said.

Keir Starmer says "ending the war is the quickest way to end the cost of living" crisis.

The Prime Minister is taking a serious and personal tone as he sets out a targetted 5-point plan to shelter Britons from the fallout from the Middle East crisis.

Keir Starmer says he wil not allow companies to make profits on the hardship of working people.

Keir Starmer says he wants an end to the war in Iran.

He said the longer it goes on, the more dangerous it is the the bigger the impact on the cost of living.

He says he knows people are really worried. He recalled what it was like growing up in the 1970s and describes the knot in his stomach every time bills came through the door.

The PM says it's vital for global energy that the key shipping lane remains safe and clear

The Prime Minister says the cost of living is at the forefront of his mind when dealing with the Iran crisis.

Keir Starmer has said he wants to see an end to the Iran-US war "as soon as possible".

He warned the longer it goes on, the worse the cost-of-living crisis will be here.

We're just minutes away from the Prime Minister's press conference in Downing Street. Sir Keir is due to take questions from journalists and influencers.

Keir Starmer is set to begin speaking from Downing Street at 10.30am. We will bring you all the latest updates live soon.

Kemi Badenoch has hit back at Sir Keir Starmer ahead of his press conference where he is expected to criticise her over Iran.

In a post on X, the Tory leader said: "This morning the Prime Minister will attempt to lecture the country about leadership. He will claim that he alone is acting in the national interest while misrepresenting my position.

"The truth is after the Mandelson scandal the whole country saw how he lied and lied.

"My position has been clear from the start. I said Britain should allow the United States to use our airbases if needed (NOT to join the initial strikes as Starmer claims), and when we were targeted to strike at those attacking our bases."

Sir Keir Starmer will use his press conference to take a swipe at political rivals Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage over their approach to the Iran crisis.

The Prime Minister is expected to say: "Moments like this also tell you about leadership... Now, there are others who would have made a different decision two weeks ago.

"They would have rushed the UK headlong into this war without the full picture of what they were sending our forces into and without a plan to get us out.

"That's not leading, it's following.

"My leadership is about standing firm for the British interest. No matter the pressure.

"And I believe time will show that we have the right approach. Right on the economy and the cost of living. Right on defence and energy.

"And right on this war, in the best interests of the British people."

Donald Trump has a "transactional" approach to international affairs, a Cabinet minister said in response to the US president's latest comments on Iran.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told Sky News: "It's a very transactional presidency and our job is to navigate this, to always remember that the friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom runs very deep.

"It's a good relationship. It's enduring and I think it will outlast all the personalities involved."

Donald Trump's warning abot the risk to Nato if allies do not contribute to the military effort to secure the Strait of Hormuz have been played down by a Cabinet minister.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told Times Radio: "There's a lot of rhetoric, always, in this presidency.

"Underneath that, there is a good and close relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. I'm confident that will continue. We speak to one another all the time.

"But that doesn't mean that we will always have to support every intervention and every action that the United States chooses to take."

Donald Trump warned the future of Nato is at stake unless allies including the UK deploy warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz.

The key oil trade route in the Middle East is being blockaded by Iran, which is sending prices soaring.

The US President said Nato faces a "very bad" future should its member states fail to help, adding: "We'll see if they help us. Because I've long said that we'll be there for them but they won't be there for us."

In an interview with the Financial Times, he reiterated his demand for allied assistance in the Strait of Hormuz, telling the paper: "It's only appropriate that people who are the beneficiaries of the strait will help to make sure that nothing bad happens there."

Sir Keir Starmer will use the press conference raise concerns about claims that suppliers of heating oil have cancelled orders and then jacked up prices.

In his press conference, the PM will say: "I will not tolerate companies trying to exploit this crisis to make money from working people... if the companies have broken the law, there will be legal action."

Sir Keir Starmer will give a press conference from 10 Downing Street this morning.

The Prime Minister will announce a subsidy for those who use heating oil to warm their homes after a price spike caused by the Iran war.

He Keir will say: "It's moments like this that tell you what a Government is about.

"My answer is clear. Whatever challenges lie ahead, this Government will always support working people.

"That is my first instinct - my first priority - to help you with the cost of living through this crisis."