MPs Grill Starmer Over Mandelson (Again)

On 20 April 2026, Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, was questioned by members of Parliament about his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States. The inquiry focused on Mandelson’s initial failure to meet security vetting requirements for the role. Starmer claimed officials in the Foreign Office had concealed this information, leaving him unaware at the time of the appointment.

During the session, the prime minister stated that he would have reconsidered the nomination had he known about the vetting issues. This admission sparked debate over transparency within the government’s foreign affairs department. Meanwhile, Adam and Chris explored the potential consequences for Starmer’s leadership, analyzing the political fallout of the controversy.

US-Iran Ceasefire Talks Remain Uncertain

On the same day, Adam provided an update on the ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran, which have yet to reach a definitive agreement. To delve deeper into the situation, he spoke with BBC’s chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet, from Tehran. The conversation highlighted the complexities and challenges facing the talks, with no clear resolution in sight.

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New episodes are released daily, offering fresh insights into the UK’s political landscape. For more news and current affairs content, visit BBC Sounds. The show is presented by Adam Fleming, produced by Jack Maclaren, Anna Harris, and Shiler Mahmoudi, with social media coordination by Jem Westgate and technical support from Mike Regaard. Chris Gray serves as the assistant editor, while Sam Bonham oversees the senior news editing.