politics
UK troops at Iraq base shot down Iranian drones, Healey says
British forces based in Iraq shot down two drones overnight, Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed. Source link
Swinney seeks UK meeting over US military use of Prestwick Airport
Three American military refuelling aircraft that previously stopped at the airport are believed to be supporting US-Israeli airstrikes. Source link
I've lost friends since joining Reform, says Lord Offord
The ex-Conservative peer says he has made a “sacrifice” to join Nigel Farage’s party as its leader in Scotland. Source link
Minister defends PM's handling of Mandelson appointment
Documents show Sir Keir Starmer was warned the peer’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein posed a “reputational risk”. Source link
Student loans inquiry to look at whether system is 'unfair to graduates'
The Treasury Committee will look at whether “the goalposts [have] been moved in a way which is unfair”. Source link
Chris Mason: Some nuggets but no huge revelations in first batch of Mandelson files
This first digital document drop about the prime minister’s decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador is interesting, but not explosive. Source link
What do the first set of Mandelson files tell us?
The prime minister was warned that Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein posed a “reputational risk” before he was confirmed as US ambassador. Source link
PM warned of 'reputational risk' over Mandelson's Epstein links
Documents also suggest the peer explored the possibility of a £500K severance payment after being sacked as US ambassador. Source link
A 'weirdly rushed' appointment – and other key takeaways from Mandelson files
A batch of documents has revealed new details about the appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador. Source link
Polanski stood by breast enlargement hypnosis claim
A newly unearthed interview from 2013 casts doubt on the Green Party leader’s claim to have apologised. Source link