Starmer vows to defend ‘decent Britain’ as he faces fury over Mandelson appointment
Sir Keir Starmer will seek to position himself as a defender of “decent and tolerant Britain”, just hours after his own MPs took a fresh blow to his authority over the publication of documents relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador.
With the Prime Minister facing criticism for his judgment and integrity, and full details of the decision to appoint Mandelson still unpublished, Sir Keir will seek to refocus attention on Labour’s plans to revitalize British societies while targeting those seeking to sow “division and decline”.
Rather than answer ongoing questions about his decision to appoint, the Prime Minister will say he “loves this country” but fears the “devastating decline” of communities could endanger national security.
He is expected to say, “The greatest country in the world.” “The progress and prosperity I have seen throughout my life. Personally, my journey from working class to this point, I owe everything to this country and its values. I have spent most of my professional life serving them.”
“Because I believe in them. I believe in our values. I believe in the rules that protect those in need. I believe in the freedom to live and let others live under the same flag, with decency and tolerance, respecting differences.”
Sir Keir will use his speech in East Sussex to draw attention to the “grievance” he will accuse rival political parties of peddling, ahead of the crucial by-election in Manchester and May’s local and devolved parliamentary elections.
Speculation continues that Sir Keir will face a leadership challenge if Labor performs poorly.
He had previously framed the February 26 contest in Gorton and Denton as a battle between Labor and Reform UK after former MP Andrew Gwynne resigned for health reasons.
He will insist that a strong society is key to Britain’s security as he announces plans to provide an additional £800 million to support 40 new communities.
“A strong society is essential not only on its own terms, but also for national security,” Sir Keir will say.
“More bluntly, any country that cannot keep its high streets vibrant, keep its bills down and its people feel respected will struggle to stand the test of our times.
“So we must strengthen our society because it is vital for the future of this country.”
His call for unity comes as the prime minister faces growing pressure from members of his own party who fear his reputation will be damaged by Lord Mandelson’s appointment in Washington.
Files released by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) last Friday appear to show Lord Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Epstein while serving as business secretary under Gordon Brown’s Labor administration, dealing with the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath.
Asked by Kemi Badenoch at tense PMQs whether the official security inquiry had said the two men remained in contact after Epstein was jailed for juvenile offenses in 2008, Starmer said: “Yes, it was. He was asked a variety of questions as a result.”
He said Lord Peter Mandelson had “lied repeatedly” and that he “regretted” appointing him to the position. But Ms Badenoch said the appointment was “at the very heart of this prime minister’s decision”.
The Prime Minister said he would release documents related to the review process, but proposed an amendment to withhold some information based on national security concerns, sparking anger from some Labor MPs.
Former deputy leader Angela Rayner was among the MPs who criticized the change.
Sir Keir then proposed a so-called draft amendment that would allow parliamentarians on the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to have the power to decide what material is published.
Centre-left group Mainstream, backed by Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, called for a “clean break” after Lord Mandelson was “betrayed” by his appointment to “one of the most powerful diplomatic posts on the planet”.
“Peter Mandelson represents an old policy of elite privilege, diversion and toxic factionalism brought to its most bizarre conclusion,” Mainstream’s interim council said in a strongly worded statement.
“This is a fundamental betrayal of the people we are meant to serve. It shows a party culture that prizes connections over character and factional loyalty over basic honesty. Our members feel this betrayal deeply. They joined Labor to transform the country, not to watch it succumb to the same old disease.
“This period must end now, it is time for a clean break.”
Lord Mandelson has left the House of Lords but Sir Keir said legislation was being drafted to prevent him from continuing to use the title.
Following Prime Minister’s Questions, a Conservative Party spokesman said: “The Prime Minister admitted that the official security investigation had revealed Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, but he went ahead and appointed him anyway.
“This is the first time the Prime Minister has admitted this and it raises very serious questions about Keir Starmer’s shocking decision.”
