Mandelson vetting scandal escalates

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing calls for a formal inquiry into his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the U.S. despite a failed vetting process.

Testimony from top civil servants suggests that 'due process' was followed, but key summaries of Mandelson's historical ties were not shared with the Cabinet Office.

The scandal has exposed deep rifts between the government and the civil service, with some MPs suggesting Starmer may have misled Parliament.

The controversy centers on Mandelson's past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.