Sir Olly Robbins has suggested that Sir Keir Starmer should have decided against appointing Lord Peter Mandelson after reputational risks were uncovered, in his first direct criticism of the prime minister.
The top mandarin said: “I regret that the due diligence process which threw up, as I understand it, serious reputational risks didn’t colour the prime minister’s judgement.”
The due diligence report, which took place before the Labour peer was named as nominee, mentioned red flags relating to his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and his business links to China.
Sir Olly told the Foreign Affairs Committee that there was “pressure” for the Foreign Office to approve Lord Peter Mandelson to the post of US ambassador, and No10 displayed a “dismissive approach” to vetting.
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The former top civil servant said that there was “no interest in whether, only interest in when” the Labour peer could be appointed, and there was a push to have him in Washington as quickly as “humanly possible”.
His appearance before MPs is a chance to respond to Sir Keir Starmer, who blamed the sacked senior civil servant for “deliberately” keeping him in the dark over the Labour peer’s security checks.
Alleged leaking to Guardian is ‘grievous breach of national security’
The leaking of details about Lord Mandelson failing security checks was a “grievous breach of national security” and prosecutions should follow, Sir Olly Robbins said.
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Sir Olly said it was deeply worrying that the story was given to The Guardian newspaper within days of the Cabinet Office briefing Number 10 on the vetting issues.
“I’m not making accusations at anybody, it’s not my business to do so,” he told the committee, adding: “I hope they’re being very rigorously investigated, and that prosecutions will result, because this is a grievous breach of national security.
“I’m not an investigator, all I’m able to do is put two and two together.
“The first I heard of this deep concern and briefing of it to the Prime Minister was only really hours before it appeared in The Guardian.”
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Holly Evans21 April 2026 11:18
Robbins suggests Starmer knew enough about Mandelson to block his appointment – even without the vetting outcome
Analysis, by Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
The prime minister’s key defence in this whole row is that if someone had told him that Mandelson had failed crucial security vetting he would not have made him as the UK’s man in Washington.
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But, in his evidence to MPs, Olly Robbins suggests the PM did have enough information to block the appointment.
He highlighted the ‘due diligence’ process, carried out before the vetting check, which, Mr Robbins added “threw up serious reputational risks”.
Mr Robbins told MPs: “I regret that the due diligence process, which threw up serious reputational risks, didn’t colour the PM’s judgement in making the appointment”.
Holly Evans21 April 2026 11:15
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Watch: I regret PM made appointment despite due diligence concerns
Robbins: I regret PM made appointment despite due diligence concerns
Holly Evans21 April 2026 11:03
‘I don’t reflect negatively on my judgements,’ Sir Olly says
Sir Olly Robbins said he does not “reflect negatively” on his own judgment or that of his colleagues.
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Asked about whether he thinks about the consequences of the decision he made regarding Lord Mandelson’s clearance, he told the Foreign Affairs Committee: “I’ve had plenty of opportunity over the last few days to reflect on that.
“I think about the consequences of it right now I’m afraid for my wonderful family and for the fact that I don’t seem to be able to sleep in my own home and for various other things, but I don’t reflect negatively on the professionalism and the judgments of my colleagues or I hope myself.”
Holly Evans21 April 2026 10:53
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Bombshell evidence so far from Olly Robbins
There have been a number of bombshell revelations already in the testimony from the former top official at the Foreign Office, sacked last week by Keir Starmer over the Mandelson scandal.
Parts of government did not want to vet Mandelson at all.
No 10 had a “dismissive approach” to vetting and there was an “atmosphere of pressure”, while Downing Street wanted Mandelson in Washington as quickly as ‘humanly possible’.
Changing ambassador after Mandelson had been appointed would have “damaged” relations with the US.
No 10 tried to find a diplomatic job for Matthew Doyle, then the PM’s chief of communications, now a peer who Labour was forced to suspend earlier this year over his links to a convicted paedophile.
Kate Devlin21 April 2026 10:52
Robbins: I regret PM made appointment despite due diligence concerns
Sir Olly Robbins has said he “regrets” that due diligence concerns raised about Peter Mandelson did not “colour the prime minister’s judgement” in his decision to appoint him as US ambassador.
Giving evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee, Sir Olly said he “regrets” that the full security vetting process was not done before the government announced Mandelson’s appointment, but said he does not regret the “work of my brilliant team and the judgment that we came to”.
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“I regret that this process was not done before announcement. I regret that the due diligence process, which threw up as I understand it, serious reputational risks, didn’t colour the prime minister’s judgment in making the appointment,” he said.
He added: “What I feel sad about, is that the prime minister’s nominee went ahead despite that due diligence.”
Sir Olly Robbins says he ‘regrets’ security vetting was not done before Mandelson announcement (PA)
Athena Stavrou21 April 2026 10:42
‘Dangerous misunderstanding’ of vetting confidentiality, Sir Olly says
Asked whether Sir Keir Starmer is right to have expected to be provided with more information on the vetting process, Sir Olly Robbins said that is a “dangerous misunderstanding” of confidentiality around the process.
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The former Foreign Office chief told the Foreign Affairs Committee: “I hope it’s clear from everything I have said so far that I believe that’s a misunderstanding and a dangerous misunderstanding of the necessity of confidentiality of the process.
“I’ve been interested, of course, over the last couple of days to read Lord Hague on this today and David Lammy even on Saturday, the former foreign secretary, deputy prime minister, where both have said in different language that they have never had vetting issues discussed with them in all their time as a minister and nor would they expect to.
“I’m afraid that’s exactly the culture I have been brought up in. It’s supported by guidance. You are not supposed to share the findings and reports of UKSV other than in the exceptional circumstances where doing so allows for the specific mitigation of risk.”
Holly Evans21 April 2026 10:34
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Not a ‘given’ that Mandelson would be vetted, Sir Olly says
Sir Olly Robbins said it was not a “given” that Lord Mandelson would be vetted for his appointment as US ambassador.
The former senior civil servant told the Foreign Affairs Committee: “It was not a … I’m afraid I don’t think at the point of his appointment and for days thereafter it was actually a given that he would be vetted.
“If you look at the documents submitted under the humble address there is no stipulation from number 10 that he should be vetted.
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“The welcome that was sent to him immediately afterwards doesn’t say welcome to the Foreign Office subject to vetting; the announcement put out on December 20 says that he will be out early in the new year, it does not say subject to vetting.”
He said the contract issued to Lord Mandelson after he was vetted said he must maintain his clearance “but nothing about his appointment actually, as far as I’ve seen in writing, stipulates it”.
Holly Evans21 April 2026 10:29
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Watch: Robbins says relations with the US would have been ‘damaged’ if Mandelson did not become ambassador
Robbins says relations with the US would have been ‘damaged’ if Mandelson did not become ambassador
Holly Evans21 April 2026 10:23
‘Keir Starmer has misled the House,’ says Kemi Badenoch
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “The evidence from Olly Robbins is devastating to Keir Starmer.
“It is clear that No10 not only made the appointment before vetting was completed, but that Mandelson was already acting as the ambassador before the vetting – even seeing highly-classified documents.
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“With this, and the ‘constant pressure’ No10 applied to the appointment and their ‘dismissive attitude’ to vetting Mandelson, it is now absolutely clear that ‘full due process’ was not followed.
In the winter months, especially in the UK, many of us don’t get enough vitamin D – mainly because the biggest source is sunlight. This is why the NHS advises adults to take a vitamin D supplement, to support bone, skin and muscle health, while also protecting your immune system.
Whether you prefer a tablet or a spray, you might be wondering if there’s an optimal daily dose when it comes to the best vitamin D supplements. For adults, experts recommend taking 10 micrograms or 400IU (International Units). The NHS recommend taking no more than 4000IU a day.
But are there people who may need more of the supplement? “People of colour and those who may have moved from hotter countries [may need more], because their body is used to higher levels of sun exposure. It’s also really important for pregnant women, but it can benefit everyone,” explains Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, NHS GP.
Of course, vitamin D isn’t just found in sunlight – you can get some through your diet, too, with Dr Ahmed explaining that the “best sources of vitamin D come from oily fish, eggs and lots of vegetables.” While he adds that the main causes of a deficiency are: “Low sun exposure and having an unbalanced diet. People with vitamin d deficiency can get muscle aches, fatigue, low energy and weakened bone health, which can then increase the risk of fractures as a result.’
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So, what source of vitamin D is best? “Vitamin D2 is from plants, while D3 is from animals. D3 is usually preferred and recommended,” adds Dr Ahmed. Some D3 supplements are also paired with vitamin K2, which helps direct calcium into the bones and teeth rather than allowing it to build up in arteries, kidneys or soft tissues.
Before you start taking vitamin D, it’s worth speaking speak with your GP to find out which dose is right for you. Once you know the suitable dosage, below, you’ll find my guide to the best vitamin D supplements, including capsules, sprays and gummies.
Police are asking people to check their video doorbells and CCTV for any sightings of the missing teenager
A teenager from Cambridgeshire has gone missing and police are asking the public to call 999 if they see him. Joshua Pierce, 17, was reported missing yesterday (April 20) after last being seen leaving his house in Trinity Close, Fordham at 9am.
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The 17-year-old is described as 6’2”, of slim build, with red hair. When Joshua was last seen, he left the address on his push bike and may be cycling in the East Cambridgeshire area.
DI Emma Garwood said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Joshua’s welfare, with searches of surrounding areas taking place and set to continue.
“Please can anyone in the area check their video doorbells and CCTV from yesterday onwards for any sightings of Joshua, to try and help trace where he has gone.”
Cambridgeshire Police has urged anyone who has seen him or who has information concerning his whereabouts to call 999, quoting incident 573 of April 20.
Drivers who are members of The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) have begun the first of two 24 hour walkouts this week.
They are the first walkouts in a series of six 24-hour strikes by drivers on the Tube.
But why are the drivers striking, when are they and how much disruption can passengers expect? Here is all you need to know.
What time are the Tube strikes?
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As it stands, members of the RMT union are striking at the following times (all BST):
21–22 April (12pm Tuesday – 11:59am Wednesday)
23–24 April (12pm Thursday – 11:59am Friday)
19–20 May (12pm Tuesday – 11:59am Wednesday)
21–22 May (12pm Thursday – 11:59am Friday)
16–17 June (12pm Tuesday – 11:59am Wednesday)
18–19 June (12pm Thursday – 11:59am Friday)
Why is the strike taking place on the Tube?
Transport for London (TfL) is offering Tube drivers the chance to work a four-day week, but the RMT has rejected the offer.
Under the plans the majority of drivers would see their working week reduced from 36 hours to 35 hours – but they would work longer shifts on days they work.
The RMT argues the working day would be too long under the proposals, risking driver fatigue and potentially compromising safety.
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The union instead wants to negotiate a 32-hour week over four days for drivers, meaning they would work three fewer hours each week for the same salary.
TfL is currently rejecting the RMT proposals, saying drivers do not need to take up the four day week offer and could remain on a five-day week if they want.
Members of the Aslef union have also already voted to accept TFL’s four-day week offer.
How much disruption is expected?
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All London Underground lines will be affected by the Tube strikes between April 21 and 24, TfL has said.
No service is expected at all on the Piccadilly and Circle lines during the strikes.
A reduced service will run across other lines but “significant disruption” is expected.
Any services that do run will be less frequent, very busy, and you may not be able to board the first train, TfL is warning.
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No service is expected on the Metropolitan line between Baker Street and Aldgate.
No service is expected on the Central line between White City and Liverpool Street.
Outside of the specific strike times disruption is also expected.
While normal services will be expected until mid-morning on the Tuesday and Thursday, services will then begin to ramp-down before the 24-hour strikes.
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Tube services that do run on Tuesday and Thursday will finish early. You should aim to have completed your journey by 8pm, TfL has said.
On the Wednesday and Friday, significant disruption will take place on all lines until midday.
Tube services that do run will start later than normal with no service expected before 7.30am on Wednesday and Friday.
In the afternoon on those days some disruption is expected until the evenings.
The Amy Wyatt star took to Instagram to share a series of selfies alongside Olivia, thanking her for being ‘our hero’.
‘Find yourself a friend who will drive half way across Yorkshire to rescue you when you’ve been hit by a Lorry!’ Natalie added in the caption, followed by: ‘RIP little red car’.
In the comments, she shared an update, confirming that no one was hurt in the accident.
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Dawn Taylor actress Olivia also commented, leaving a series of red love heart emojis, followed by two red car emojis.
Understandably, Natalie’s former Emmerdale co-stars were concerned, taking to the comments to share their disbelief.
When the limo she was riding in with the other Emmerdale women careened off the road and onto an icy lake, Amy tried to cross to dry land but ended up falling into the water.
She later died in hospital, after managing to tell husband Matty that she loved him one last time.
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Speaking to Metro at the Cure Usher Ball last year, Natalie reflected on filming her dramatic exit scenes.
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‘It was really sad,’ she admitted. ‘It was very cold, very sad, but it was also quite fun.
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‘I got to do a lot of things that I’ve never done before in my career, quite a few ticks on the bucket list. Things that I don’t necessarily have to do ever again!
‘I don’t need to be plunged into icy water ever again. People do it for fun nowadays, but I just think those people are mad.’
Earlier this year, it was announced that Olivia would also be leaving the ITV soap, with Dawn’s final story expected to play out in the summer.
That woeful run of form has damaged Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season, sat seven points behind fifth place Liverpool.
With their focus on the FA Cup this weekend, Chelsea could drop to as low as 11th place before the week is out if the sides below them pick up victories.
‘No Champions League football will be a kick in the teeth for Chelsea,’ Merson wrote in his column for Sky Sports.
Palmer has been linked with a return to Manchester (Picture: Getty)
‘Do you think Cole Palmer will be at Chelsea playing in the Europa Conference League? I don’t think so.
‘Manchester United will get into the Champions League, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was playing there next season.
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‘I don’t see Enzo Fernandez leaving though. Where is he going? No one’s paying £100m for him. And Chelsea aren’t going to accept a loss on him.
‘There’s a lot that needs to be done at Chelsea. They need a centre-forward, badly. They need a goalkeeper.
United could have Champions League football back on offer next season (Picture: Getty)
‘They’ve got some good defensive midfielders in Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos – but they need another player in there with a bit more guile.’
Despite talk of being unsettled in London, Palmer insisted last week he is happy with life in the capital.
‘When I see it I just laugh. Obviously Manchester is my home. All my family are there, but I don’t miss it. Maybe I’ll miss it if I don’t go for three months or something. But then when I get home I think there’s nothing there for me anyway.
‘I’ve got no plans to move from Chelsea. We’ve still got a lot to play for. We’ve got the FA Cup semi-final and if we finish in a Champions League spot it puts us in a good position to sign players that we need.
Eleven Eleven in Holcombe offered brunch and evening menus, alongside cocktails and other drinks in a cosy setting with velvet-style booths and bright, modern décor.
The establishment has been closed for around two weeks, despite being listed as open from Wednesday to Sunday online, and there are no notices on the door or windows of the restaurant to suggest why.
Customers have been openly speculating about the sudden closure on social media, but it seems that an official update is yet to be issued by the owners.
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Documents on the Companies House website show that an application to register the business was first made in April 2024, with Miss Paula Jane Kitchen and Mr Sam Davenport both listed as managing directors.
On March 1, 2026, a notice of ceasing to be a person of significant control was issued naming Mr Davenport, suggesting that he may have taken a step back.
The Bolton Road West property is now up for sale at £400,000.
The mixed‑use premises is being advertised as a ‘substantial and versatile’ property offering ‘immediate trading potential’.
According to the estate agents listing, the ground floor features an open‑plan trading area of around 1,515 square ft, with a central bar, fully equipped commercial kitchen and customer toilets, with a further 568 square ft basement for storage or cellar use.
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Above the business, a self‑contained flat of roughly 1,039 square ft provides additional living accommodation, which agents say could suit an owner‑operator, staff housing or generate rental income, subject to consents.
The Bury Times has attempted to contact the restaurant owners for more information.
Lize van der Walt shot to fame after appearing on the Gladiators TV series in 1997 and has now sadly passed away
Jordan Lloyd Beck and Olivia Bridge Reporter in Live News Network
12:01, 21 Apr 2026
A Gladiators star has sadly died at the age of 60 after battling cancer. Lize van der Walt, known as Gold on the popular British TV series, shot to fame when she joined the line-up in 1997.
Lize, originally from South Africa, was a “talented athlete” before she joined Gladiators where she earned the nickname Gold and established herself as a standout personality on the show.
On social media pages for Gladiators, it was announced today (Tuesday) that she had died last week on April 19, reports The Mirror. Tributes have since been pouring in for the “golden girl” of the show in the wake of the sad news.
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An emotional statement from a Gladiators spokesperson read: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gladiators’ golden girl, Gold.
“Originally from South Africa, Lize was a talented athlete long before Gladiators, excelling in the 400m and relay.
“Lize joined the UK Gladiators in 1997, bringing strength, spirit and determination to the Arena.
“Chosen from thousands of applicants to become one of the show’s new Gladiators, she quickly made her mark. Although injury limited her appearances, she showed incredible resilience and when she did compete, she proved that all that glistens truly was Gold.”
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It continued: “Our thoughts are with her son Michael, her family, friends and all who knew and loved her.
The victim aged in his 30s sustained injuries consistent with stab wounds to his torso.
11:38, 21 Apr 2026Updated 11:40, 21 Apr 2026
Two men have been arrested following a stabbing incident in north Belfast.
At approximately 4.50pm on Monday afternoon, April 20 police received a report that a man aged in his 30s sustained injuries consistent with stab wounds to his torso.
It’s understood the man was injured following an altercation with two other men in the street in the Oldpark Avenue area.
The victim was taken to hospital for injuries believed to be serious, but not life-threatening, at this time.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Two men aged 65 and 46 have been arrested in connection with the serious assault and remain in custody as our enquiries continue.“Anyone with information that could assist our investigation is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1106 20/04/26.”You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
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Jordan Gray, 26, was found dead with fatal firearm wounds at his home in the North Lanarkshire town’s Shields Court on December 14
11:32, 21 Apr 2026Updated 11:39, 21 Apr 2026
A man has been re-arrested in connection with the gunshot death of a young dad in Motherwell.
Jordan Gray, 26, was found dead with fatal firearm wounds at his home in the North Lanarkshire town’s Shields Court on December 14. Police earlier confirmed they were treating the dad-of-one’s death as murder.
A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection. The man was previously arrested on March 12 but was released pending further inquiries.
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He was re-arrested on Tuesday, April 21 following the execution of a warrant. The suspect is due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday, April 22.
It comes after Robert Clark appeared at the same court on March 12, charged with Jordan’s murder. Clark, 58, was also charged with possessing a gun in a public place.
He made no plea and was remanded in custody. Forensic officers were seen scouring Jordan’s home at the time of his death.
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Cops were pictured combing through bins and drains in the streets looking for clues. Uniformed officers stood on guard at a large cordon set up outside of Jordan’s home. A footpath and two entrances to a block of flats were locked down as officers carried out their investigation.
Floral tributes were laid beside the police cordon in honour of the young father. Claire Kerr, the mother of Jordan’s new-born child, also shared her shock at the tragedy.
At the time of his death, she wrote: “I can’t believe I need to write this but RIP Jordan Gray. We had our ups and downs but we have a beautiful baby boy together that is your absolute image. I promise I will always tell your son all about you and how much you loved him.”
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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of Jordan Gray in Motherwell. Jordan, aged 26, suffered fatal firearm wounds within his home in Shields Court in Motherwell shortly after 10.30pm on Sunday, 14 December, 2025.
“The man was previously arrested on 12 March, 2026, and released pending further inquiries. On Tuesday, 21 April, 2026, he was re-arrested following the execution of a warrant and is due to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday 22 April, 2026.
“A 58-year-old man was also arrested and charged last month in connection and appeared at court on Thursday, 12 March.”
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