The second tranche of documents relating to Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to give the prestigious Washington job to Lord Mandelson rather than a career diplomat were released by the Government, with thousands of private WhatsApp messages now made public

Lord Peter Mandelson told the Government it would “never regret” naming him as Britain’s ambassador to the US, according to a memo released among thousands of documents concerning the appointment.

The second batch of files relating to Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to hand the coveted Washington role to Lord Mandelson instead of a career diplomat was made public by the Government on Monday afternoon.

Lord Mandelson also seemingly “declined to comply” with a request to surrender his personal phone and permit the Government to release WhatsApp messages and other material connected to his appointment, the documents revealed.

Before their release, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman characterised the extensive Whitehall-wide push to publish the documents as an “unprecedented piece of Government transparency”.

Ministers were preparing for potentially embarrassing disclosures ahead of the files being made public, which contain thousands of previously private WhatsApp exchanges between senior Government figures.

The memo, dated November 18 2024, seems to have been drafted while Lord Mandelson was awaiting the outcome of a ballot to determine Oxford University’s next chancellor, a position for which he was reportedly among the leading candidates at that time.

The letter, composed in blue ink on headed notepaper bearing Lord Mandelson’s name and a House of Lords seal, stated: “Dear David, As today (and all week) is polling day in Oxford and I am returning to London, I wanted to drop you a line, personally, about Washington.

“Thankfully, the media speculation has gone away and I hope this was not too irritating to you. I just wanted you to know that if you were minded to appoint me I would make sure you never regret it.”

Steering Britain’s affairs “through the Trump administration will require super-human skills and luck and a massive team effort”, he noted, before adding: “For me it would be the last thing I do in public life and it would be a huge honour to serve you and the Government in this role. So if you are up for it, so am I.”

The disclosure revealed that Lord Mandelson had exchanged WhatsApp messages with a number of senior government ministers.

On 20 July 2025, he informed pensions minister Torsten Bell that “the government doesn’t do policy, generally speaking, well enough”.

Mr Bell responded: “That is definitely true – everyone seems to think it’s someone else’s job to get the policy right… Which is very odd.”

Lord Mandelson fired back: “As the saying goes, rubbish in rubbish out…”

Separately, he described former transport secretary Louise Haigh’s departure from government as “harsh” following her resignation over a fraud offence. In a communication addressed to her on 29 November 2024, he wrote: “Lou, I am very sorry about this. You have been brave and loyal in your decision but it seems harsh given you were appointed in full knowledge.

“But you have acted in a way that enables you to come back later and everything you say and do now should be done with that in mind. Strong and honourable.”

An improved visitor centre, glamping site and activity centre are all part of the plans

These images show what an upgrade to a visitor attraction would look under multi-million pound plans. The Elan Valley Lakes project will see a redeveloped visitor centre, including new exhibition and planetarium, café extension to provide views of the dam, outdoor seating and car park improvements, all designed to deal with overcrowding.

In March 2025, the project received £565,500 of funding from the Mid Wales Growth Deal to fund initial work on the three phase plan.

The first phase is to expand the Celtic Rainforest area, create a film and a forest bathing trail. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.

The second is to redesign the visitor centre, and the third is to redevelop the sawmill, making a new activity centre, small glamping site, upgrade footpaths and bike trails and retreat accommodation as well as EV charging points.

In total the scheme will cost £21m.

In May, further funding for the project was approved by the Growing Mid Wales Board. It means Dŵr Cymru will receive a further £3.81m to progress delivery of the full project.

Those behind the scheme say it will create a flagship visitor destination for Mid Wales, building on the area’s natural, cultural and heritage assets.

The project aims to create year-round tourism opportunities, increase visitor spend, support jobs and apprenticeships, and strengthen the regional economy, while also supporting Welsh Water’s journey towards net zero.

The original visitor centre will have to close during construction but temporary facilities will be provided.

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Leader of Ceredigion council Councillor Bryan Davies and leader of Powys council, Jake Berriman, said: “We’re pleased to see the Elan Valley Lakes project progress into delivery. This investment reflects our shared ambition to unlock the potential of Mid Wales—supporting sustainable tourism, creating jobs and showcasing the region’s unique strengths.”

Kit Wilson from Dŵr Cymru said: “This investment marks an important milestone for the Elan Valley, Mid Wales and Welsh Water. By expanding facilities, creating new educational and community spaces, improving accessibility and enhancing the overall visitor experience, the project will help ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from this unique environment.

“It will also provide a valuable boost to the local economy, supporting sustainable tourism and growth while protecting and celebrating one of Wales’ most iconic landscapes.”

Residents say ‘multiple’ caravans have arrived at a site with permission for only one added pitch

Huntingdonshire District Council are investigating complaints that “multiple caravans” have been pitched at a traveller site without permission. Plans for one new pitch were approved at Tower Farm and Stables off Toseland Road last year, but residents of nearby Yelling said many more have arrived in recent days.

They said that “multiple traveller caravans” started to arrive on the site “overnight” around a week ago, adding, “now we face years of legal wrangling at massive taxpayer expense”.

A resident who asked to remain anonymous said: “Part of the site has recently been fenced off into ‘plots’ and then last week multiple lorries arrived carrying hardcore or gravel shortly followed by several caravans. It’s difficult to see exactly the extent of the site due to the high hedgerow and fencing.”

He expressed concern that nothing would be done about it and said residents have been reporting “various planning non-compliances” to the council without any action being taken.

He said: “In our conservation village of Yelling, we must obtain permission to trim a branch off of a tree, yet questionable developments such as Tower Farm are seemingly waved through.”

Huntingdonshire District Council said they are investigating the complaints and are unable to comment at this time.

A spokesperson said: “The council has been made aware of the concerns raised. As this matter is actively being investigated it would not be appropriate to comment at this time.”

Honey has been used by humans as a natural sweetener and energy source to sustain work and physical performance for thousands of years. Recently, it has re-emerged as a natural option for fuelling exercise, with some social media users claiming it’s the perfect thing to eat before a workout if you need an energy boost.

Interestingly, Sebastian Sawe, the first man to run a sub two-hour marathon, fuelled up before his race with bread and honey.

Research actually does suggest honey can work comparably to commercial products such as energy drinks and gels. But where it may be most beneficial is when it’s used as a recovery tool.

Honey and energy

Honey is primarily made up of carbohydrates – more specifically, glucose and fructose which are simple sugars. These carbs provide a rapid and accessible source of energy, which is particularly useful during exercise when the body needs fuel quickly.

Our bodies store carbohydrate as glycogen in the muscles and liver. These stores are depleted during moderate‑to‑high intensity exercise – especially during prolonged bouts of physical activity lasting longer than 60 minutes. When glycogen levels fall, fatigue increases and performance declines.

Consuming carbohydrates before or during exercise ensures energy is available, allowing us to sustain exercise for longer.

The science behind honey’s role in exercise is therefore straightforward: it supplies fast‑acting energy when needed. However, what is more interesting is that honey contains a natural combination of both glucose and fructose.

These sugars are absorbed through different pathways in the gut, allowing them to be used simultaneously. This increases the amount of carbohydrates absorbed, puts less strain on the gut, and helps sustain the amount of energy being delivered to working muscles during workouts. This may also potentially delay fatigue.

This science is also behind why many sports drinks and energy gels contain multiple carbohydrate sources to maximise fuelling efficiency.

Research has shown that consuming both glucose and fructose together enhances the amount of carbohydrate your body is able to use for energy compared to a single sugar source. Honey therefore represents a natural version of this evidence‑based approach.

In practical terms, one generous tablespoon of honey provides around 20 grams of carbohydrate. This is comparable to the amount of carbs found in a commercial energy gel.

Consuming around 1tbsp or 1.5tbsp of honey before training can top up glycogen stores, particularly in the liver. This can be important if training in the morning when liver glycogen stores are lower from an overnight fasting period.

But while honey can help provide the body with the energy it needs during a workout, whether honey actually boosts performance is less certain.

Previous research found that using honey as a drink given before and during 75 minutes of football training (a total of around four heaped tablespoons per participant) was not found to have improved performance.

A commercial sports drink containing the same amount of carbohydrates was also tested. Neither the sports drink nor the honey proved to have any performance benefit over the placebo (water only) – showing that both carb drinks had no effect.

However, other studies have shown that honey does perform similarly to other carbohydrate sources and may improve performance.

For instance, a study which gave cyclists 15g of honey every 16km over a 64km time trial resulted in cyclists having greater power output in the final 16km compared to those who were given a placebo.

Additionally, a recent study in trained cyclists who were given 90g of honey per hour over three hours of cycling found that performance was comparable to traditional sports gels.

So while honey might not boost your performance over other types of carbs, it may work just as well.

Additional benefits

Where honey shines may well be in its role in recovery. Research has shown that consuming a honey‑based drink after exercise helps maintain higher blood glucose levels, which can affect subsequent performance – particularly when the body is under extra stress (such as when it’s hot).

In one study, ten recreational runners performed two one-hour runs in the heat, with a two-hour rest in between. After the first run, they were given a drink containing honey. The researchers found that the runners were able to run around 10% further in the second trial after consuming honey than they had run during the first trial.

This suggests that honey may be particularly effective at restoring energy between bouts of exercise. As honey contains both glucose and fructose, this can help replenish the body’s energy stores quickly.

Beyond its carbohydrate content, honey also contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and important plant compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. These compounds may have antioxidant, antimicrobial and potentially antiviral effects, which may be particularly beneficial for athletes during stressful training periods.

However, not all honeys are the same. Their taste, texture, sugar composition and contents vary depending on factors such as flower source, climate and processing methods. For instance, Malaysian and Manuka honey contain higher levels of anti-bacterial and anti‑inflammatory compounds, which could better support recovery and immune function.

Some research also indicates certain types of honey can influence inflammatory signalling pathways, potentially helping regulate the response. This means honey may reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery, offering more than just a source of energy.

However, there’s currently little evidence to suggest that one type of honey is significantly superior to another as an exercise fuel.

Based on current evidence, honey does appear to be comparable to other sports products such as energy gels. This makes honey an effective, low cost, natural alternative to commercial sports fuels for athletes.

For more than 30 years he was a cherished member of the BBC radio and TV commentary team. His knowledge was unsurpassed, his humour never diminished.

We gave him the tag of ‘Tight Yorkshireman’ – always the last to get to the bar to buy a drink, we’d joke, and he’d play up to that role.

But, that was a myth. He was the most generous fella you could meet.

And, he was certainly always the last to leave the bar once the drinks were in because he loved the stories, the memories and the opinions we’d all share about our great game.

“Of course I love calling games with him because he’s so enthusiastic,” said BBC rugby league commentator Matt Newsum, my former colleague.

“But away from the mic I love hearing his life stories, getting him carried away on his favourite Led Zeppelin songs, and introducing him to the delights of halloumi after his initial scepticism. I can’t publish what he said at first.

“The biggest compliment I can give is that when my dad died last year, John became the next best thing to me – he was much, much more than a colleague.”

We sat beside each other for so many memorable matches – from Paris to Sydney, from Castleford to Catalans. He was such a cherished friend.

JK loved being part of the game, whatever the role. So, it is consolation, though barely, that one of his greatest thrills was being part of the BBC’s Challenge Cup final team.

That’s a role he once again fulfilled the day before his unexpected and devastating passing.

He had one passion greater than rugby league and that was his family.

Anyone who met JK knew how much his wife Dawn and all their kids meant to him. As much as we are hurting that he’s gone, their pain will be infinitely greater and they are so much in our thoughts.

Good night Keary, from Paris and Sheffield, and all those other places you left your lasting legacy.

You were the best of us.

Ainsley Boothe, 33, had been in an “on/off” relationship with the woman before demanding entry to a house in Bolton where she had been staying with a friend on January 2 this year.

Bolton Crown Court heard how he came into a bedroom at around 8am while the woman was asleep.

Emily Wilson, prosecuting, said: “Her first response on waking up and seeing the defendant was to say ‘don’t hit me.’”

She added: “The crown would say that’s a sad indictment of their relationship.”

The case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Phil Taylor)

Boothe listed from the dock as Ms Wilson told the court how he kicked the woman to the head and then to her back and side, breaking her ribs and puncturing a lung.

His victim was able to get to a neighbour’s house to call the police where she was taken to hospital and discharged four days later.

Ms Wilson said that Boothe, of no fixed abode, was arrested after police raided a house and found him “hiding in the kitchen”.

Boothe, who has 12 previous convictions for 22 offences including possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and a previous assault case, gave no comment when interviewed.

But brought before the courts he confessed to causing grievous bodily harm.

Amy Weir, defending, said Boothe had earned credit for his guilty plea and said that while in custody he now had a job at HMP Altcourse.

She said that he hoped to avoid drug use once eventually out of prison but that “the real test of course will be when he is released”.

But Recorder Ben Lawrence reminded the court of Boothe’s vicious assault on his victim.

He said: “She immediately said ‘don’t hit me’, a reflection of past events between you.”

Recorder Lawrence also noted that Boothe had been on bail when he attacked the woman.

He jailed Boothe for 22 months and made him subject to a five-year restraining order forbidding from contacting the woman or going near any address where she may have been staying.

Boothe, who had been watching in silence up to that point, appeared to quietly nod and say “OK”.

Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has revealed he has stage four cancer.

Stage four is the most advanced stage of cancer, and means the disease has spread to other parts of the body.

Keegan’s family originally disclosed he was battling cancer in January, after the 75-year-old had “further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms” in hospital.

The football world has since rallied around the two-time European footballer of the year, who has been undergoing treatment in recent months.

In one of his first public appearances since the news, Keegan was handed an emotional standing ovation as he returned to Newcastle for a live event.

“I was in a car accident and, through that, I had to have an operation,” the ex-Newcastle United forward and manager said on stage at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House.

“Whilst having the scan for the operation, they found out I had cancer. They said they had an absolute top doctor for fighting what you have got, which is stage four cancer.

“So I went to meet him. He’s a Liverpool supporter so I knew I wouldn’t walk alone.

“He said, ‘Kevin, this new treatment, I’ve got a tremendous strike rate’. I said, ‘What’s your strike rate?’ He said, ‘33%’. I thought it would be 80%, 90%. 33%!

“I’m still here at the moment.”

Keegan enjoyed spells at Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle as a player during an illustrious career.

He later went on to have stints in charge of Newcastle, Fulham, England and Manchester City as a manager.

Keegan is one of the most transformational figures in Newcastle‘s history, the mastermind behind the Entertainers, who challenged for the Premier League title in 1996.

Such is his status, current head coach Eddie Howe even reached out to Keegan when he got the Newcastle job in 2021 to try and get the inside track on the club and the mindset he needed to succeed.

Howe has just endured a bruising league season after the Magpies slipped to 12th place in the Premier League table.

But Keegan is firmly behind the “first manager to win anything since most of us have been alive” after he lifted the League Cup last season.

An open invitation remains for Keegan to return to St James’ Park and, though he was conscious of “intruding”, the club legend reiterated he “wants to say goodbye” having not taken in a game at the stadium since winning his case for constructive dismissal following his departure in 2009.

However, he has no thirst for a statue to be placed outside the ground.

“You will have to wait until I die, I’m afraid,” he added.

“I’m not against the statues that are outside at all, but it’s not something that really means that much to me.

“My statue is the way you receive me.”

In a statement, Newcastle sent their “heartfelt support” and “warmest wishes” to Keegan and his family following his diagnosis.

“Kevin holds a unique and cherished place in the history of Newcastle United, and in the hearts of our supporters,” it read.

“His passion, leadership and connection to the club and city have shaped some of our most memorable moments.

“Everyone at the club is behind Kevin and sends strength and best wishes to him and his family for the journey ahead.

“Kevin will always be warmly welcomed at St James’ Park and we hope to see him again soon.”

Private credit company Castlelake revealed late on Friday, after the stock market close in London, that it was in the early stages of considering an offer for easyJet, but had not yet approached the firm’s board.

The American firm, which confirmed it owns a stake of around 2.14% in easyJet through shares held on behalf of funds it manages, said on Monday any offer would be for “no less than” 403.23p a share, valuing the airline at a minimum of £3.06 billion.

The carrier said the takeover interest comes at a time when its share price has been pushed lower by worries over the impact of the Iran war on the airline sector.

Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed

EasyJet said on Monday: “The board notes the highly opportunistic timing when easyJet’s share price is temporarily depressed due to the current situation in the Middle East and its impact on customer confidence and jet fuel prices.”

It highlighted its strong financial position and said it remained focused on its medium-term target to deliver more than £1 billion in pre-tax profits.

The Luton-based firm said it also “notes the considerable regulatory, financial and other execution challenges associated with a potential takeover of easyJet”.

But it said it has a duty to maximise shareholder value and would “consider any proposal, should one be made”.

Castlelake has until 5pm on June 26 make a firm offer or walk away under UK takeover rules.

Led by executive chairman and founder Rory O’Neill, Castlelake and has assets under management worth 36 billion US dollars (£27 billion).

It entered talks in January with bankrupt US carrier Spirit Airlines over a possible takeover.

Castlelake has also previously bailed out collapsed Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and then sold on its shares to Air France-KLM.

According to the airport’s departure board for Monday, June 1, Finnair flight AY1362 to Helsinki, due to leave at 10.05am, has been cancelled.

Kuwait Airways flight KU114 to Kuwait City, scheduled for 11.35am, has also been cancelled.

Several departures are also running behind schedule.

The easyJet flight U22099 to Montpellier, due to depart at 10.30am, is now estimated to leave at 1pm.

Another easyJet service, U22265 to Marrakesh, scheduled for 4.10pm, is estimated to depart at 6.18pm.

Jet2 flight LS991 to Pula, due at 4.20pm, is now expected to leave at 6.15pm, while TUI flight BY102 to Melbourne, Florida, scheduled for 11.05am, is estimated to depart at 12.15pm.

On arrivals, a number of inbound services are also delayed, including flights from Athens, Kuwait City, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Toronto, Doha and Amman.

Air Transat flight TS206 from Toronto, due at 11.40am, is delayed until 12.33pm, while IndiGo flight 6E31 from Mumbai, due at 10.40am, is delayed until 11.20am.

Passengers are being advised to check the latest flight information with their airline before travelling to the airport.

North Lanarkshire Council has received an application from agents Tragere Ltd whose client wishes to change the designated use of a building in Merry Street to allow the adaptation to residential accommodation.

A developer is seeking to renew expired planning permission to convert offices in Motherwell to create seven flats.

North Lanarkshire Council has received an application from agents Tragere Ltd whose client wishes to change the designated use of a building in Merry Street to allow the adaptation to residential accommodation.

The conversion does not include alterations to parking provision, with five existing spaces to be retained. A note in the application explains that planning permission had previously been granted but has now expired due to the amount of time which has passed since then.

Nearby properties, including Cheque Centre, branches of William Hill and McDonalds, and Motherwell train station, have been sent notification of the new planning application.

For additional information or to leave comment for consideration, visit North Lanarkshire Council’s website and look for planning reference 26/00418/FUL.

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