Sir Keir Starmer has made a personal appeal to Labour MPs as he prepares to face a Commons vote on whether to launch a sleaze inquiry into the Peter Mandelson vetting saga on what will be a crucial day for the future of his premiership.
His direct appeal at a meeting of the parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) came after Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirmed on Monday that MPs would be allowed to debate whether or not the prime minister should be referred to the powerful Commons Privileges Committee for a probe into whether he misled parliament over the disgraced peer’s appointment as US ambassador.
Speaking at a Monday night meeting of the PLP, the beleaguered prime minister said: “I have responsibility for being totally transparent with you, with parliament and the British public. I take that very seriously as well.
“But this is not about a lack of transparency. This is a political stunt by our opponents who want to bring us down, obscure our message, stop us getting on with our work. And the timing tells you everything nine days before local elections.”
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Keir Starmer could be referred to the Privileges Committee (Reuters)
He told Labour MPs: “Tomorrow is pure politics and we need to stand together against it.”
With Labour MPs mulling over supporting Kemi Badenoch’s motion and others plotting to remove him in May, Sir Keir pleaded with them to “look at the bigger picture” and stick by him.
The Privileges Committee was responsible for Boris Johnson’s exit from frontline politics after it investigated him for misleading the House over the “partygate” breaches of Covid laws in Downing Street.
The vote will come on a difficult day withhis former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and former top civil servant Sir Philip Barton – both of whom played key roles in the appointment of Lord Mandelson – will give evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee.
already Labour grandees, former home secretaries Alan Johnson and Lord David Blunkett, have written a letter calling on Labour MPs to oppose referring Sir Keir for investigation.
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Mr McSweeney was widely regarded as a protege of the former US ambassador and pushed for his appointment, while Sir Philip was the predecessor of Sir Olly Robbins – who was sacked by Sir Keir for failing to tell ministers that Lord Mandelson had failed security vetting.
Sir Philip left the department in January 2025, eight months earlier than expected. The committee is expected to examine whether he left his post as a result of his opposition to Lord Mandelson’s appointment.
As the prime minister faces pressure from all sides on the Mandelson saga, he will also have his attention diverted by a meeting of the Middle East Response Committee, as part of an attempt to mitigate the economic impacts of the Iran war, and by King Charles’s address to the US Congress, both of which are taking place on Tuesday.
On the same day, the Commons will vote on whether to refer the PM to the Privileges Committee to consider if he misled MPs when he claimed “due process” was followed in Lord Mandelson’s appointment, and that there was “no pressure whatsoever”.
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It comes after it emerged that the Foreign Office decided to appoint the Labour grandee despite the fact that he failed the vetting process.
Labour’s huge majority in the Commons means such a vote would almost certainly not pass, especially as Labour MPs are expected to be whipped to vote against the motion, but it could still be damaging for the prime minister.
As first revealed by The Independent, MPs from both sides of the House, including Labour, are understood to have written to the speaker requesting that the committee, which deals with serious disciplinary issues in parliament, investigate the PM.
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In the wake of Sir Lindsay’s decision to allow MPs to debate the issue, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch claimed that the “facts are overwhelming”.
“The prime minister misled the House of Commons, repeatedly,” she claimed. “He appointed a national security risk and friend of a convicted paedophile, to be our ambassador in Washington, our most sensitive diplomatic post. He pretended that full due process was followed for this appointment. It was not.”
Ms Badenoch argued that the prime minister must “be held to the same standards he held previous prime ministers to”, warning: “There is no room for hypocrisy.”
She added: “Every MP now faces a matter of conscience, not party, conscience. Do they cover this up or do they vote to seek the truth?”
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But a No 10 spokesperson dismissed the attempt to launch a parliamentary inquiry as a “desperate political stunt by the Conservative Party”.
Lindsay Hoyle confirmed that MPs will vote on whether to refer the prime minister to the Privileges Committee (PA)
A number of MPs and former parliamentarians have referred to the precedent set during the Partygate probe into Mr Johnson, when the Tories failed to use their majority to oppose the inquiry, and their MPs on the committee “put party second” in finding him guilty.
It comes as concerns grow among Labour MPs across different factions of the party that the government plans to whip to block the vote.
However, the Tories are going to push the fact that they did not oppose the motion when Boris Johnson was referred to the committee for misleading parliament.
One former cabinet minister said: “We did set something of a precedent, but I think we have some moral authority on the issue because of the way we allowed the inquiry to take place into Boris. This is a question of putting integrity before party.”
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Sir Ed Davey also piled pressure on Sir Keir not to whip his MPs to oppose his referral to the Privileges Committee, saying: “Even Boris Johnson didn’t block his MPs voting for scrutiny.
“MPs must be given a free vote on any motion to refer Starmer, not forced into being accomplices to a cover-up.”
Over the weekend, Cabinet minister Darren Jones insisted there is “no case to answer” when asked about a potential referral of Sir Keir to the committee, as well as accusing the Conservatives of “using tactics” ahead of local elections.
If form in this season’s Champions League was the benchmark, then Arsenal would be home and dry with 10 victories and two draws in 12 games – and they beat Bayern in November.
But the Gunners have not been in a final since 2006 – when they were beaten by Barcelona in Paris – and competition pedigree plays a role in the Champions League.
The north Londoners finished top of the league phase and had been handed a favourable path to Budapest as a result, with wins over Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting in previous rounds.
Just three of the previous 20 champions have been first-time winners – making it even more of an uphill task for Mikel Arteta’s side.
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The Gunners will take on a resurgent Atletico Madrid, who are the surprise package in this year’s competition.
Many predicted Diego Simeone’s side would be sent packing by Spanish rivals Barcelona in the last eight, but the three-time finalists are back to their gritty best in this competition.
Atletico are way off the pace in the La Liga title race and recently had their hearts broken in the Copa del Rey final by Real Sociedad.
But in Julian Alvarez, Atleti have hope. The Argentine striker has netted nine times and registered four assists in 13 matches, making him the key for the Spaniards to reach the final.
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Bayern Munich have already tied up the Bundesliga title and are purring under Vincent Kompany this season.
Bayern’s attack was in fine form as they beat Real Madrid 6-4 on aggregate in a thrilling quarter-final. That took their European tally to 38 goals in 12 games – the best in the Champions League this season.
England captain Harry Kane has been at the forefront of everything special at Bayern. He looks to add to his 12 goals, while aided by game-changing widemen Luis Diaz and Michael Olise.
The six-time winners know more than most what it takes to lift this trophy.
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And that leaves us with the holders, PSG.
The Parisians finally broke their Champions League hoodoo in May 2025 with a 5-0 win over Inter Milan – the biggest winning margin in a final.
Like last season, Luis Enrique’s side had to come through a play-off to reach the knockout stages. But, also like last term, they have dispatched of two English sides in Chelsea and Liverpool.
A 4-0 aggregate victory over the Premier League champions proves PSG are at their frightening best and now have the experience to boot.
Directed by New Zealand dancer and choreographer, Parris Goebel, the three-minute video opens in a black and white striped room with the two stars on separate platforms on opposite sides of the frame – Gaga in a bright yellow wig and royal blue gown with Doechii in an oversized pink hat and black skirt frame or crinoline – with the two surrounded by brightly dressed dancers.
Administrators for the fashion accessories chain said that around 1,300 workers will be made redundant as a result.
The move does not affect the retailer’s 356 concessions, including many in Asda stores, and its head office.
It comes after private equity owner Modella Capital hired Kroll to oversee the administration earlier this year.
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A spokesman for Kroll said: “As of April 27, all Claire’s standalone stores in UK and Ireland have ceased trading.
“All store employees have been advised of redundancy.
“We understand an interested party is in discussion with a number of landlords with a view to taking new leases for some of the sites.”
Last August, Claire’s appointed administrators for its UK and Ireland business.
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The US parent firm for the high street retailer said at the time that it had filed a formal notice to administrators from advisory firm Interpath.
Interpath then confirmed Will Wright and Chris Pole had been appointed joint administrators for the firm.
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At the time, Will Wright, UK chief executive at Interpath, said: “Claire’s has long been a popular brand across the UK, known not only for its trend-led accessories but also as the go-to destination for ear piercing.
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“Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern for as long as we can, while we assess options for the company.
“This includes exploring the possibility of a sale which would secure a future for this well-loved brand.”
Will you miss Claire’s? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
R&A chief executive Mark Darbon says that players guilty of on-course misconduct could receive a two shot penalty at the Open in July.
This follows a reprimand for Sergio Garcia at last month’s Masters where the Spaniard damaged a tee box with his club after an angry reaction to an errant tee shot on the second hole of his final round.
Scotland’s Bob MacIntyre was also warned by Augusta officials after microphones caught him swearing and gesturing angrily during a ruinous first-round 80 at the year’s opening major.
Both incidents brought player behaviour into sharp focus in a season where the four major tournaments, the Masters, US PGA, US Open and Open, have agreed to implement a new code of conduct.
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The leading professional tours are expected to follow suit, but unlike the majors, their policies have yet to be formalised.
There has always been scope for a player to be disqualified for a serious breach, as Garcia was for furiously damaging a green in a DP World Tour event in Saudi Arabia in 2019.
But now there is scope for referees to impose shot penalties for players who seriously breach the etiquette of the game. It means that, for the first time, a fit of temper could affect a leaderboard at one of golf’s big four tournaments.
“I think first and foremost, you want passion,” Darbon told BBC Sport.
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“You want passion from players, you want passion from spectators, but there’s a fine line, and one of the amazing things about this sport are the values and integrity that underpin it.
“So we will watch that line very closely. We, like many of the other major events, are looking to implement a new code of conduct policy that will be in place this summer here at Royal Birkdale.
“And it will give us another measure by which to help influence and control that behaviour.”
Asked how this might impact competitors at the 154th Open, Darbon said: “It will depend on the circumstance and a determination of what their actions may lead to, but you could well see a two-shot penalty, for example, being deployed.
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“We will clarify all of those details in the buildup to the championship.”
An oxygen bottle storage facility will be built at Scarborough Hospital after North Yorkshire Council approved the York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s proposal.
The facility will be constructed out of galvanised steel in order to respond to “the arising requirement for oxygen bottles to be stored nearer to the hospital” at Woodlands Drive.
“The visual impact to the surrounding area will be minimised by the size of the store, which will be set behind two reasonably large pine trees that mostly conceal the store from views from the hospital’s medical education building,” according to a design statement submitted by the NHS Trust.
The application site is 183 square metres and consists of a patch of grass which is enclosed by a concrete duct adjacent to a couple of pine trees .
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“The proposed gas cylinder store would appear significantly subservient amongst the immediately adjacent pine trees and the nearby Medical Education Building,” the plan adds.
The existing public right of way will remain unaffected in terms of access to the car park, while a hard landscaped pathway from the drop kerb positions goes to the store.
(Image: Press.)
Council officers said the development was of an acceptable design and appearance in accordance with the principles of design.
Planners described the structure as “modest in scale, with a maximum height of approximately 2.4 metres” and added that it would “not give rise to any overbearing impact, loss of light, or overshadowing to neighbouring properties”.
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The application was approved by North Yorkshire Council, subject to conditions.
Today, the King has arrived to meet President Trump for the US state visit. His arrival comes as security concerns are heightened after a shooting during the White House correspondents dinner on Saturday.
The visit is also happening at a time when the Prime Minister is having trouble at home. Sir Keir Starmer is set to face a vote by MPs on whether there should be an inquiry over his claims about the vetting of Lord Mandelson.
What’s in store for the King and can the trip help ‘repair’ relations between the US and the UK, and Starmer’s image at home?
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Adam is joined by political correspondent Joe Pike, chief North America correspondent Gary O’Donoghue and royal reporter Sean Coughlan.
You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say “Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord
Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.
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New episodes released every day. If you’re in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi and Molly Finlay. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
All Creatures Great and Small’s Samuel West, who plays Siegfried Farnon, and Anna Madely, known as the much loved Mrs Hall, took a break from filming the latest series to plant a sapling grown from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland in Grassington – where the popular drama is filmed.
It was planted at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre and the planting is part of a UK‑wide legacy project that will see saplings grow in all 15 National Parks.
Sam West & Anna Madeley with the new sapling (Image: Yorkshire Dales National Park)
Following the felling of the much‑loved Sycamore Gap tree in 2023, the National Trust carefully propagated cuttings, which have now been distributed to every UK National Park. The plantings form part of a coordinated initiative led by National Parks UK in partnership with the National Trust.
Each sapling is a direct cutting from the original Sycamore Gap tree, ensuring its story continues to grow in landscapes cared for by National Park teams, communities, farmers and landowners. The new trees will act as living reminders of a much-loved national landmark.
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Mark Corner, Member Champion for Natural Environment at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said: “This new generation of trees reminds us that conservation is about our commitment to future generations. From one iconic tree to 15, its legacy will now grow in every National Park, and we are proud to play our part in this story of resilience and renewal here in the Yorkshire Dales.
Sam West & Anna Madeley planting the Sycamore Gap sapling (Image: Yorkshire Dales National Park)
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Sam and Anna for taking time out of their busy filming schedule to help us celebrate this landmark moment in the continuation of the Sycamore Gap tree’s legacy. Their involvement is especially fitting here in the Yorkshire Dales – home of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ – a place long associated with compassion for animals, landscapes and rural communities. It’s a reminder of how deeply our stories, our places, and our care for nature are linked.
“The location at Grassington National Park Visitor Centre ensures visitors can watch the sapling grow in the heart of the National Park – a place where thousands begin their exploration of the Dales every year”.
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s exit earlier in the day was one of the biggest shocks of this year’s World Snooker Championship, but Judd Trump has followed the Rocket out
22:32, 27 Apr 2026Updated 22:36, 27 Apr 2026
No. 1 seed Judd Trump followed Ronnie O’Sullivan out of the World Snooker Championship. Earlier in the day, John Higgins came from behind to send the Rocket packing on a dramatic final leg decider.
Having trailed the seven-time World Champion by five frames at one point, Higgins put together a run of six frames in a row, before going on to edge him in a tense final frame. Not long after, Chinese youngster Wu Yize defeated four-time World Champion Mark Selby, who whacked his snooker cue against the table not long before Wu secured a 13-11 triumph – but the drama did not end there at the Crucible.
In the final evening session of the day, Iranian ace Hossein Vafaei enjoyed his finest day at the home of the World Snooker Championship by overcoming the No. 1 on a deciding frame. Despite scoring 208 points less than Trump, Vafaei was the one heading into the quarter-final.
The Cessna 208 Caravan lost communication while flying from Yei to Juba International Airport
Husna Anjum Senior Reporter and Tim Hanlon
22:13, 27 Apr 2026Updated 22:13, 27 Apr 2026
At least 14 people have lost their lives after an aircraft crashed and erupted into flames due to ‘poor weather conditions’.
The Cessna plane went down on the outskirts of South Sudan’s capital, killing all 13 passengers and the pilot, the civil aviation authority said.
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Preliminary reports indicate that the plane arriving from Yei town may have crashed due to weather conditions that affected visibility. The Mirror reports two Kenyans were killed with the rest of the victims of South Sudanese descent, according to the civil aviation authority.
The authority said a team was dispatched to the site about 12 miles outside Juba. The Cessna 208 Caravan, which was operated by CityLink Aviation, lost communication while flying from Yei to Juba International Airport.
Air traffic control is understood to have lost contact with the plane after 30 minutes into the journey which would have been a distance of around 80 miles. Videos of the crash site shared on social media showed remains of the aircraft in flames with the location shown appeared hilly and misty.
“All the bodies were charred beyond recognition,” reportedly said a member of a UN rescue team that was sent to the scene. Meanwhile, a US politician and a pilot were tragically killed in a fireball plane crash last weekend.
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Liz Conmy, a North Dakota state legislator, died after the plane went down in a suburban park shortly after take-off. The plane was seen plummeting down before exploding into flames.
Emergency services raced to the small park to find the wreckage engulfed in flames. It’s understood the plane had just left Crystal Airport on Saturday morning when it plunged down into a green space in Brooklyn Park, north of Minneapolis.
The North Dakota Democratic–Nonpartisan League Party, an affiliate of the national Democratic Party, confirmed Conmy’s death in a social media post, calling her a champion for public education, the environment, and transparency.
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“We are completely heartbroken and gutted by the loss of Representative Liz Conmy. Her death is a profound loss for our state,” the party said in a post on X.
Officers responded to a report of a small airplane crash at 11:51am and found an aircraft that had crashed and caught fire in a park in the city of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, shortly after taking off, Brooklyn Park Police Inspector Matt Rabe said.
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Ronnie O’Sullivan faces calls to ban his preferred chalk (Picture: Getty Images)
Chalk controversy has descended upon the Crucible, as Neil Robertson calls for a ban on the brand used by Ronnie O’Sullivan.
It is an intensely nerdy snooker debate, but one that has changed the game in recent years since the rise to prominence of chalk brand Taom.
The Finnish company has become the preferred chalk brand of almost every player on the professional tour, but not the most famous.
O’Sullivan has remained loyal to Triangle, the more traditional chalk manufacturer, which used to be used by the majority of players.
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Most have moved over to Taom as it produces fewer kicks (unwanted poor contact between balls) and does not embed in the cloth as much as Triangle.
Looking at snooker matches now, there are far fewer chalk marks on the cloth, in fact they have been largely eradicated.
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O’Sullivan still uses it, though, as he did in defeat to John Higgins on Monday, but Roberson wants to see it banned from the sport.
O’Sullivan has stuck to his guns on his chalk (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I know he [O’Sullivan] is good friends with Damien Hirst, but it’s like he’s doing artwork with chalk all over the cloth.
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‘I don’t think he does it to put off anyone, he’s not that way inclined at all, but it’s not great. It’s hard enough to play Ronnie O’Sullivan, but he’s the only player, just about, on tour who uses that chalk. Hopefully they bring in a ban, but there’s only a couple of players who use it.’
Asked if he will genuinely raise a ban as a possibility, he said: ‘It’s something to bring up, because it can really ruin the game.
Neil Robertson insists players ‘hate’ dealing with Triangle chalk (Picture: Getty Images)
‘It’s not really fair for the players who aren’t using it. It can be used tactically if someone wanted to, which I don’t think should be allowed in the game.
‘Shaun [Murphy] and I were just having a littler chuckle about it, we would love to see it removed from the face of the Earth. Even snooker clubs are banning it! Why are we using it?’
The Wizard of Wishaw was not going as far as calling for a ban, but said it was an added challenge of facing the Rocket.
‘I’m just delighted I came to the party in the third session, because the first two sessions, how I was only 9-7 behind, I’ll never know,’ said Higgins after coming from behind to beat O’Sullivan.
‘Ronnie was by far the better player, his cue ball was amazing and that’s what sort of makes you just feel inferior sometimes, when his cue ball is so much better and I’m scrapping about.
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John Higgins felt hampered by his opponent’s chalk (Picture: Shutterstock)
‘But there are circumstances why that is because we all know he uses the other chalk and different things, so that’s what makes the table play a little bit bouncy and it’s all messy and different things, so it’s tough to play against, but you’ve just got to try and get it out of your mind.’
Asked if the chalk is an unfair advantage for the Rocket, Higgins said: ‘Listen, I know as players we speak about it. Why wouldn’t you take the advantage when you have got a better cue ball control than every other player?
‘So why wouldn’t you have that advantage? Because if you’re going in at a level playing field, everybody’s using the same chalk, no chalk marks, everything, it maybe gives players more chance of beating them.
‘Now, that’s what people do in every sport, they try to use the little advantage. I don’t know, you’d obviously have to ask Ronnie’s real feelings about that, about using old chalk. I think, yeah, who knows?’
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