Podcast appearances and mentions of Peter Mandelson

Why does tax expert Dan Neidle take Gabriel Zucman seriously as a thinker on inequality, but dismiss Gary Stevenson's warnings as populism? What did he uncover in Peter Mandelson's emails, and how did he expose Nadhim Zahawi's tax affairs? Can a wealth tax really raise the money Britain needs, or is it a seductive slogan that promises far more than it can deliver? Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart are joined by tax expert Dan Neidle to answer all these questions and more. __________ Search IG.com to find out more and/or Look for IG in your app store. __________ Instagram: @restispolitics Twitter: @restispolitics Email: therestispolitics@goalhanger.com __________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Video Editor: Caroline Kaye Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen General Manager: Tom Whiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Metropolitan Police investigation into whether Peter Mandelson improperly shared confidential, potentially market-sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein had reportedly stalled because British investigators still did not have access to the unredacted Epstein files held by U.S. authorities. Scotland Yard had initially sought the material through informal law-enforcement channels before escalating the request into a formal mutual legal assistance process, which could take as long as a year and still offered no guarantee that the Justice Department would turn over everything investigators wanted. Mandelson, who had served as business secretary and later as Britain's ambassador to the United States, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on February 23, 2026, and his properties were searched. Investigators were examining allegations that he had passed sensitive information to Epstein while in government, although Mandelson had denied wrongdoing.Concerns were now growing that the investigation could ultimately collapse if Scotland Yard could not obtain the unredacted records, which were considered potentially crucial to determining exactly what Mandelson communicated to Epstein and whether any criminal offense had occurred. Detectives could still attempt to build a case through interviews with former politicians and officials, but the missing U.S. material appeared to represent a significant evidentiary gap. Reports suggested that the Trump administration was reluctant to release files that might generate additional political fallout, although the Justice Department denied refusing cooperation and said both countries were required to follow established legal procedures governing international evidence sharing. The controversy therefore placed the Mandelson investigation inside the larger dispute over Epstein transparency: even after millions of pages had been released, redactions and unreleased material remained capable of directly affecting active criminal investigations outside the United States.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Fears for Mandelson investigation as Met still doesn't have unredacted Epstein files | The Independent

For our third summer EMQs we're returning to our What Ifs. Ed Balls and George Osborne first consider how Britain would change had they never entered politics? Would the Bank of England become independent? Would there be a Manchester mayoralty? Or, would it have had no impact?What if George got the US Ambassador gig over Peter Mandelson? The pair consider how George would approach the job differently, blowback from within Labour, and whether Keir Starmer would still be in post without the controversy of Mandelson. They then go back in time to February 1974, where a hung Parliament saw Labour form a minority government. What if negotiations between the Conservatives and Liberals panned out? How long would this coalition survive? Would it stop Margaret Thatcher becoming PM? Who leads Labour after Harold Wilson? Finally, what if Labour were the largest party in 2015? If it's a hung Parliament who do they go into coalition with? Can they work with the SNP? Does it stop Brexit? What happens with the Tories and UKIP?We love hearing from you, so please don't forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles:

When Peter Mandelson was sacked as the UK's ambassador to the United States over his links with Jeffrey Epstein people wondered how he ever got appointed in the first place. Eventually Keir Starmer's government was forced to publish more than a thousand pages of emails, messages and letters which reveal how Peter Mandelson was appointed, vetted and cleared to become the UK's most influential diplomat. What emerges from those documents, is a story about who wields power in Britain today, how it works and how we conduct our politics. The Observer's Ada Barumé tells the story of a political farce that begins with the appointment of Peter Mandelson and ends with the resignation of Keir Starmer. The Mandelson Files is a 4 part original series from Tortoise Investigates and The Observer.To binge listen to all episodes today, ad-free, subscribe to The Observer and use the code AUDIO50 to get 50% off your annual subscription.You'll get access to:This series and all our podcasts before anyone elseAd-free listeningPremium newslettersPuzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crosswordExclusive offers from our partners including Mubi and iescapeTickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or onlineOr subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to listen to all our podcasts, including this one, without any ads.Reporter - Ada BaruméProducer - Amalie SortlandSound design - Dominic DelargyPodcast artwork - Lucy StevensonExecutive producer - Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Peter Mandelson was sacked as the UK's ambassador to the United States over his links with Jeffrey Epstein people wondered how he ever got appointed in the first place.Eventually Keir Starmer's government was forced to publish more than a thousand pages of emails, messages and letters which reveal how Peter Mandelson was appointed, vetted and cleared to become the UK's most influential diplomat.What emerges from those documents, is a story about who wields power in Britain today, how it works and how we conduct our politics.The Observer's Ada Barumé tells the story of a political farce that begins with the appointment of Peter Mandelson and ends with the resignation of Keir Starmer.All four episodes are now available to listen to for subscribers to the Observer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A 1999 child-protection campaign linked to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children brought Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson together at a high-profile event focused on safeguarding vulnerable children. Both men were publicly positioned as advocates against abuse, aligning themselves with efforts to protect minors. Within a short period after that introduction, however, both were photographed socializing with Jeffrey Epstein, creating a stark contrast between their public roles and their private associations.That overlap has since drawn criticism, with individuals connected to the campaign expressing regret about facilitating the connection and acknowledging how it intersected with Epstein's wider network. The situation highlights how Epstein was able to operate within elite circles that included political figures and royalty, even as those same figures were publicly tied to causes meant to combat the kind of abuse he was accused of. Both Andrew and Mandelson have denied wrongdoing, but the timing and proximity of these relationships continue to raise questions about judgment and why those associations were not immediately severed.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:New picture shows disgraced Andrew with Mandelson at kids charity event weeks after 'meeting for first time'Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

A former senior Foreign Office official told lawmakers that he was instructed to move ahead with appointing Peter Mandelson despite raising concerns during the vetting process, including issues connected to Mandelson's associations and the potential political fallout. According to his testimony, he was effectively told to “get on with it,” signaling that the decision had already been made at higher levels and that standard caution around security clearance and reputational risk was being overridden.The disclosure has fueled criticism that the appointment process was rushed and that proper scrutiny was sidelined in favor of political priorities. Officials acknowledged that red flags existed but indicated there was little willingness to delay or reconsider the decision, even with Epstein-related concerns lingering in the background. The episode has since raised broader questions about how seriously vetting procedures are taken when they conflict with political objectives, and whether accountability mechanisms within the government were bypassed.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Former foreign office chief was told to ‘get on' with appointing Mandelson despite his worries over links with Epstein | LBC

The US tech giant Palantir ‘holds public contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds in everything from financial regulation to local government', Peter Geoghegan and Lucas Amin wrote recently in the LRB. The newsletter where they work, Democracy for Sale, ‘has been looking into Palantir's business in the UK, and particularly its contracts with the NHS'. On this episode, Peter joins Thomas Jones to discuss the company's origins, rapid rise and expansion – with the help of Peter Mandelson – into the British state. They talk about the risks of handing our most personal data over to a company whose billionaire founders have poured millions into right-wing political campaigns in the US, and ask whether the software's actually any good at doing what it promises. Read Peter Geoghegan and Lucas Amin on Palantir: https://lrb.me/palantirpod From the LRB Subscribe to the LRB: ⁠⁠https://lrb.me/subslrbpod Close Readings podcast: ⁠https://lrb.me/crlrbpod⁠ LRB Audiobooks: ⁠https://lrb.me/audiobookslrbpod⁠ Bags, binders and more at the LRB Store: ⁠https://lrb.me/storelrbpod⁠ Get in touch: podcasts@lrb.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A former senior Foreign Office official told lawmakers that he was instructed to move ahead with appointing Peter Mandelson despite raising concerns during the vetting process, including issues connected to Mandelson's associations and the potential political fallout. According to his testimony, he was effectively told to “get on with it,” signaling that the decision had already been made at higher levels and that standard caution around security clearance and reputational risk was being overridden.The disclosure has fueled criticism that the appointment process was rushed and that proper scrutiny was sidelined in favor of political priorities. Officials acknowledged that red flags existed but indicated there was little willingness to delay or reconsider the decision, even with Epstein-related concerns lingering in the background. The episode has since raised broader questions about how seriously vetting procedures are taken when they conflict with political objectives, and whether accountability mechanisms within the government were bypassed.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Former foreign office chief was told to ‘get on' with appointing Mandelson despite his worries over links with Epstein | LBCBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Senator Elizabeth Warren is demanding answers from JPMorgan chief executive Jamie Dimon about whether he acted on advice connected to Jeffrey Epstein while lobbying against a proposed British tax on bankers' bonuses. Warren's questions follow the release of a 2009 email exchange in which Epstein asked then-Labour minister Peter Mandelson whether Dimon should pressure UK chancellor Alistair Darling over the tax. Mandelson reportedly replied that Dimon should “mildly threaten” Darling, and Dimon later warned that JPMorgan could reconsider investments in Britain, including plans for a new London headquarters. Warren said the communications raise serious questions about the extent of JPMorgan's relationship with Epstein and what DimonDimon testified in 2023 that he had never met Epstein and had not heard his name until Epstein's 2019 arrest. JPMorgan continues to insist that Dimon never communicated with Epstein, never sought his advice and was not involved in decisions involving Epstein's accounts. The bank has also rejected former executive Jes Staley's claim that he discussed Epstein with Dimon, describing Staley's testimony as unreliable. JPMorgan acknowledged that maintaining Epstein as a client was a mistake but said the bank ended the relationship in 2013 and would have acted sooner had it known he was continuing to commit crimes. Warren is now seeking a fuller accounting of whether Dimon's lobbying efforts were influenced, directly or indirectly, by Epstein and his political connections.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:JP Morgan boss pressed by US senator about contact with Jeffrey Epstein | JP Morgan | The Guardian

Keir Starmer is facing intensifying calls to resign as a political scandal deepens around his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the United States, despite serious concerns raised during the security vetting process. The controversy centers on revelations that Mandelson failed key vetting checks tied in part to his past association with Jeffrey Epstein, raising questions about judgment, oversight, and whether warnings were ignored or overridden. Starmer has acknowledged the appointment was a mistake but maintains he was not informed of the failed vetting at the time, a claim that critics—both political opponents and figures within his own party—have openly challenged.The growing pressure is not just about the appointment itself, but about credibility and accountability. Critics argue that either Starmer knew about the risks and proceeded anyway, or he failed to maintain control over a critical national security decision—both scenarios fueling demands for his resignation. The issue has been compounded by internal turmoil, including firings, conflicting testimony from officials, and broader political setbacks facing his government. With elections looming and party support showing signs of strain, the scandal has evolved into a direct threat to his leadership, with opponents framing it as a defining test of trust and competence at the highest level of government.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Why U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer Is Facing Growing Calls to ResignBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

It's been branded “the scariest company on the planet” and it is busy weaving itself into the fabric of Britain's NHS, defence establishment and beyond. Peter Thiel's Palantir has a terrible reputation – but do its products even work as billed? As MPs call for Palantir's £330m NHS contract to be scrapped and fears grow over Big Brother-style data sharing, we talk to Democracy for Sale founder Peter Geoghegan whose investigation into Palantir reveals a company that's a lot better at schmoozing than delivery – and how Peter Mandelson's lobbying firm helped land the NHS deal.How did a controversial US tech firm – whose AI powers military strikes in Gaza and Iran and ICE's immigration raids, and whose founder Peter Thiel thinks the NHS makes people sick – wheedle its way into Westminster? And what can we do about it? • Read about Peter and Lucas Amin's investigation on Democracy for Sale • Read the full 7,000 word investigation on the London Review of Books• Back us on Patreon – www.patreon.com/bunkercastWritten and presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Producer: James Liddell. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music: Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.www.podmasters.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Senator Elizabeth Warren is demanding answers from JPMorgan chief executive Jamie Dimon about whether he acted on advice connected to Jeffrey Epstein while lobbying against a proposed British tax on bankers' bonuses. Warren's questions follow the release of a 2009 email exchange in which Epstein asked then-Labour minister Peter Mandelson whether Dimon should pressure UK chancellor Alistair Darling over the tax. Mandelson reportedly replied that Dimon should “mildly threaten” Darling, and Dimon later warned that JPMorgan could reconsider investments in Britain, including plans for a new London headquarters. Warren said the communications raise serious questions about the extent of JPMorgan's relationship with Epstein and what DimonDimon testified in 2023 that he had never met Epstein and had not heard his name until Epstein's 2019 arrest. JPMorgan continues to insist that Dimon never communicated with Epstein, never sought his advice and was not involved in decisions involving Epstein's accounts. The bank has also rejected former executive Jes Staley's claim that he discussed Epstein with Dimon, describing Staley's testimony as unreliable. JPMorgan acknowledged that maintaining Epstein as a client was a mistake but said the bank ended the relationship in 2013 and would have acted sooner had it known he was continuing to commit crimes. Warren is now seeking a fuller accounting of whether Dimon's lobbying efforts were influenced, directly or indirectly, by Epstein and his political connections.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:JP Morgan boss pressed by US senator about contact with Jeffrey Epstein | JP Morgan | The GuardianBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Senator Elizabeth Warren is demanding answers from JPMorgan chief executive Jamie Dimon about whether he acted on advice connected to Jeffrey Epstein while lobbying against a proposed British tax on bankers' bonuses. Warren's questions follow the release of a 2009 email exchange in which Epstein asked then-Labour minister Peter Mandelson whether Dimon should pressure UK chancellor Alistair Darling over the tax. Mandelson reportedly replied that Dimon should “mildly threaten” Darling, and Dimon later warned that JPMorgan could reconsider investments in Britain, including plans for a new London headquarters. Warren said the communications raise serious questions about the extent of JPMorgan's relationship with Epstein and what DimonDimon testified in 2023 that he had never met Epstein and had not heard his name until Epstein's 2019 arrest. JPMorgan continues to insist that Dimon never communicated with Epstein, never sought his advice and was not involved in decisions involving Epstein's accounts. The bank has also rejected former executive Jes Staley's claim that he discussed Epstein with Dimon, describing Staley's testimony as unreliable. JPMorgan acknowledged that maintaining Epstein as a client was a mistake but said the bank ended the relationship in 2013 and would have acted sooner had it known he was continuing to commit crimes. Warren is now seeking a fuller accounting of whether Dimon's lobbying efforts were influenced, directly or indirectly, by Epstein and his political connections.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:JP Morgan boss pressed by US senator about contact with Jeffrey Epstein | JP Morgan | The GuardianBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Is Britain really as free of corruption as we think? This year the UK posted its lowest-ever score in a global corruption index. High-level scandals like Peter Mandelson's Epstein ties and Peter Murrell embezzling from the SNP – and less conspicuous instances of fraud and backhanders – are eating into our self-image as rule-followers. And the man who might be Prime Minister keeps changing his explanation for a £5m gift from a crypto baron. Are these isolated political crises, or does the rot in our system run deeper? Professor of anti-corruption practice at the University of Sussex Robert Barrington joins Zing Tsjeng to unpick how corruption manifests in Britain. • Buy Robert's book Corrupted Kingdom: Britain's Disappearing Integrity – And How We Can Get It Back from our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too.• Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/TheBunker.• Back us on Patreon – www.patreon.com/bunkercastWritten and presented by Zing Tsjeng. Producer: James Liddell. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production.www.podmasters.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most interviews sound the same.Safe questions. Predictable answers. Polite agreement.But every now and then, something different happens.A moment of silence.An unexpected question.A shift in energy that makes everyone lean in.In this episode, I sit down with Alfie Joey – former BBC presenter – to explore what actually makes an interview memorable.Alfie has interviewed prime ministers, celebrities and business leaders. We talk about why over-preparation can make you more natural, how one repeated question can break through any defence, and why the best interviewers never make it about themselves.Alfie shares stories from the field – from interviewing Peter Mandelson in a completely unexpected way, to creating a room-wide “chocolate moment,” to asking one simple question that left an entire audience in silence.If you host a podcast or want to have better conversations, this episode will change how you think about asking questions.What You'll Learn:- How to create (or spot) powerful interview moments- The danger of putting yourself in the story- How to challenge guests without confrontation- Why most questions lead nowhere – and how to fix that- The simple LinkedIn trick to make interviews freshIn This Episode:04:08 – The Power of Over-Preparation08:00 – Interviewing Peter Mandelson 12:27 – The LinkedIn Trick for Better Questions16:54 – Why Listening Is the #1 Skill18:30 – Never Put Yourself in the Story23:30 – The Chocolate Interview Moment29:35 – Following the Audience, Not the Plan50:47 – Why You Must Watch Your RecordingsIf you want to run better interviews – and better conversations – this episode is for you.We hope you enjoy it.———————Connect with Alfie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfie-speakeasyguy-joey/ Website: https://alfiejoey.com/

Britain is changing prime ministers again: Keir Starmer is out after two years, with Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham the favourite to replace him — inheriting an underfunded defence plan and the wreckage of Peter Mandelson's Epstein-tainted appointment, all of it driven by the fear of Reform. Chris and Matt then ask what happens when the mole is a machine, using Anthropic's Claude blackmail experiment and Melissa Graves's Lawfare essay to reframe AI in intelligence work as a counterintelligence problem. Finally, Ken Harbaugh's Atlantic report on Ukraine's "warrior-witches" — women running honeypots and directing drone strikes from occupied ground, where the oldest tradecraft still wins. Trigger Warning: In the last story after the second AD Break there is mention of violence against women in the Russian War on Ukraine Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs. Take our audience survey: https://forms.gle/eFx59XntNtiKzNQa8 Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Buy us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Articles discussed in today's episode "Keir Starmer to step down as prime minister two years after historic election victory" by Pippa Crerar | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jun/22/keir-starmer-resigns-as-prime-minister "How UK's Keir Starmer went from election landslide to downfall" by Jill Lawless & Pan Pylas | Associated Press: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/how-uks-keir-starmer-went-from-election-landslide-to-downfall "Andy Burnham soft-launches his premiership" by Dan Bloom | Politico Europe: https://www.politico.eu/article/andy-burnham-uk-soft-launches-his-premiership/ "Starmer backs 5 billion drone overhaul for UK forces in DIP" by George Allison | UK Defence Journal: https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/starmer-backs-5-billion-drone-overhaul-for-uk-forces-in-dip/ "The Next Counterintelligence Problem Is Artificial" by Melissa Graves | Lawfare: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-next-counterintelligence-problem-is-artificial "The Warrior-Witches of Ukraine's Resistance" by Ken Harbaugh | The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/international/2026/06/underground-intelligence-network-russia-ukraine/687578/ Connect with us on social media Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Twitter/X: https://x.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD: https://filmsandpodcasts.co.uk/ Music by Andrew R. Bird Photos by Alamy, UK Government Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode examines the very topics that real intelligence officers and analysts consider on a daily basis through the lens of global events and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and journalists. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A leaked dossier known as Project Fish reportedly claims that Lord Peter Mandelson was viewed by Russian intelligence as a “privileged contact” for more than three decades, beginning around the time he served as Labour's director of communications in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The dossier, reportedly compiled by a former British intelligence officer with knowledge of Russian operations, alleges that Mandelson was considered one of Russia's most significant influence opportunities inside British politics. The claims are explosive, but the reporting also makes clear that there is no concrete public evidence proving Mandelson acted as a Russian agent or betrayed Britain on Moscow's behalf. People close to Mandelson have dismissed the allegations as “nonsense” and deny that he ever acted improperly for Russia.The dossier also ties the Russia allegation to Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting that Epstein's connection to Mandelson may have created leverage or intelligence value for Russian services. That is where the story becomes especially sensitive: Mandelson has already faced scrutiny over his Epstein ties, including separate reporting that he allegedly forwarded confidential UK government information to Epstein during the financial crisis, prompting calls for investigations and questions about his judgment. But the Russia dossier itself appears contested, and critics have raised doubts about its credibility, with one Russia-focused commentator describing the allegations as implausible and resembling “news-cycle adjacent fantasies.” So the heart of the story is not that Mandelson has been proven to be a Russian asset, but that a leaked intelligence-style dossier is now adding another layer of suspicion to an already toxic record of access, judgment, Epstein proximity, and elite political vulnerability.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Lord Peter Mandelson is Russia's 'Privilege Contact,' According to Leaked Dossier | IBTimes UK

A leaked dossier known as Project Fish reportedly claims that Lord Peter Mandelson was viewed by Russian intelligence as a “privileged contact” for more than three decades, beginning around the time he served as Labour's director of communications in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The dossier, reportedly compiled by a former British intelligence officer with knowledge of Russian operations, alleges that Mandelson was considered one of Russia's most significant influence opportunities inside British politics. The claims are explosive, but the reporting also makes clear that there is no concrete public evidence proving Mandelson acted as a Russian agent or betrayed Britain on Moscow's behalf. People close to Mandelson have dismissed the allegations as “nonsense” and deny that he ever acted improperly for Russia.The dossier also ties the Russia allegation to Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting that Epstein's connection to Mandelson may have created leverage or intelligence value for Russian services. That is where the story becomes especially sensitive: Mandelson has already faced scrutiny over his Epstein ties, including separate reporting that he allegedly forwarded confidential UK government information to Epstein during the financial crisis, prompting calls for investigations and questions about his judgment. But the Russia dossier itself appears contested, and critics have raised doubts about its credibility, with one Russia-focused commentator describing the allegations as implausible and resembling “news-cycle adjacent fantasies.” So the heart of the story is not that Mandelson has been proven to be a Russian asset, but that a leaked intelligence-style dossier is now adding another layer of suspicion to an already toxic record of access, judgment, Epstein proximity, and elite political vulnerability.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Lord Peter Mandelson is Russia's 'Privilege Contact,' According to Leaked Dossier | IBTimes UKBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

A leaked dossier known as Project Fish reportedly claims that Lord Peter Mandelson was viewed by Russian intelligence as a “privileged contact” for more than three decades, beginning around the time he served as Labour's director of communications in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The dossier, reportedly compiled by a former British intelligence officer with knowledge of Russian operations, alleges that Mandelson was considered one of Russia's most significant influence opportunities inside British politics. The claims are explosive, but the reporting also makes clear that there is no concrete public evidence proving Mandelson acted as a Russian agent or betrayed Britain on Moscow's behalf. People close to Mandelson have dismissed the allegations as “nonsense” and deny that he ever acted improperly for Russia.The dossier also ties the Russia allegation to Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, suggesting that Epstein's connection to Mandelson may have created leverage or intelligence value for Russian services. That is where the story becomes especially sensitive: Mandelson has already faced scrutiny over his Epstein ties, including separate reporting that he allegedly forwarded confidential UK government information to Epstein during the financial crisis, prompting calls for investigations and questions about his judgment. But the Russia dossier itself appears contested, and critics have raised doubts about its credibility, with one Russia-focused commentator describing the allegations as implausible and resembling “news-cycle adjacent fantasies.” So the heart of the story is not that Mandelson has been proven to be a Russian asset, but that a leaked intelligence-style dossier is now adding another layer of suspicion to an already toxic record of access, judgment, Epstein proximity, and elite political vulnerability.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Lord Peter Mandelson is Russia's 'Privilege Contact,' According to Leaked Dossier | IBTimes UKBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Keir Starmer's Britain is facing yet another law-and-order meltdown — and Julia Hartley-Brewer is not letting ministers off the hook.Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabbir Ahmed, known sickeningly as “Daddy”, is due to be released from prison despite being convicted of 30 rape and sexual offences against girls, including a child as young as 12. Stripped of British citizenship but unable to be deported to Pakistan thanks to an immigration loophole, his victims say they were promised justice — and betrayed again.Former military intelligence officer Philip Ingram joins Julia to ask why Parliament can pass emergency laws for British Steel, but not to protect British girls.Also: a BBC investigation tracks down convicted people smuggler Twanna Jamal, once branded the “godfather” of the French migrant camps, allegedly living under a false name in Leicester, driving a BMW and running businesses — while immigration authorities appear powerless or unwilling to act.Julia and Philip also take aim at Shabana Mahmood's immigration crackdown, warning that its “disproportionate impact” loophole could leave foreign offenders free to remain in Britain.There's also fury over a growing £5 billion defence black hole, with questions over whether Starmer's promised military uplift exists at all — while Russian drones, spy ships and sanctioned tankers probe Britain's nuclear sites and NATO defences.Plus: claims from a former MI6 officer that Peter Mandelson was viewed by Russian intelligence as a “privileged contact”, and what that really means in the world of espionage.Then Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg joins Julia from College Green to argue that Britain must change primary legislation, override human rights obstacles and leave the ECHR if it wants to deport foreign criminals and protect the public.And finally: Starmer issues a formal apology to victims of forced adoption — but Rees-Mogg questions whether today's maternity scandals should be the Government's real priority.Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM.Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has come under mounting political pressure as renewed scrutiny surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files has reignited questions about the role of prominent political figures connected to the scandal. The controversy intensified following developments involving Peter Mandelson, whose past association with Epstein has resurfaced in newly discussed records and testimony circulating in the United States. Critics across the political spectrum have argued that the situation places Starmer in an uncomfortable position because Mandelson remains a powerful and influential figure within Labour circles despite the long-running controversy surrounding his links to Epstein. Opposition politicians and some voices within Starmer's own party have demanded greater clarity about Mandelson's relationship with Epstein and whether any additional information contained in the emerging files could further implicate figures tied to the British political establishment.The pressure on Starmer stems not only from Mandelson's history with Epstein but also from the broader political optics of appearing reluctant to distance the government from individuals connected to the disgraced financier. As new material from the Epstein files continues to circulate and international investigations expand, critics argue that Starmer must confront questions about Mandelson's role directly rather than allowing the issue to linger in the background. The controversy has created an awkward political dilemma for the prime minister: Mandelson is widely seen as a veteran strategist and influential voice within Labour's political orbit, yet his association with Epstein has repeatedly sparked public backlash. With the Epstein files continuing to generate headlines in both the United States and the United Kingdom, Starmer now faces intensifying calls from opponents and transparency advocates to address the issue head-on and clarify his government's stance on figures linked to the scandal.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

In France, prosecutors in Paris have opened multiple new investigations into suspected crimes connected to late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein following the public release of millions of pages of previously sealed documents by U.S. authorities. Authorities announced two preliminary probes — one focused on alleged sex abuse and human trafficking offenses and the other on potential financial and economic wrongdoing, including money laundering, corruption, and tax fraud — with the goal of examining whether any French nationals or activities in France played a role in Epstein's network. Prosecutors are also encouraging potential victims in France to come forward and are revisiting earlier inquiries, including the case of French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, an Epstein associate who was charged with sex crimes but died in custody before trial. The investigations extend to high-profile figures, with probes under way into former culture minister Jack Lang and his daughter for suspected tax fraud linked to Epstein-related financial arrangements, as well as scrutiny of a French diplomat accused of improper conduct based on emails in the released files.In the United Kingdom, police have stepped up inquiries into potential ties between Epstein and activities on British soil as documents released by U.S. authorities shed light on previously unseen details. U.K. law enforcement agencies are examining whether Epstein may have used private flights in and out of UK airports, notably Stansted and Luton, to traffic women — claims prompted by flight logs and passenger lists found in the newly disclosed files. Multiple police forces, including Essex, Thames Valley, Surrey, and the Metropolitan Police, are coordinating through a national group to assess emerging allegations linked to trafficking, immigration irregularities, and connections to British-linked associates, with inquiries involving figures such as Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (both of whom have denied wrongdoing). The coordinated effort is part of a broader response to the global revelations from the Epstein files and reflects growing political and legal pressure in Britain to investigate any potential abuses or misconduct tied to Epstein's network.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Paris prosecutors open two new Epstein probes and call on victims to come forwardPolice probe claims Epstein trafficked British victims through Stansted | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

The developments center on renewed police scrutiny of sexual misconduct allegations connected to Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, with authorities reviewing both historical claims and newly surfaced material. Investigators are reassessing evidence linked to Epstein's trafficking network, including accounts from multiple women who allege inappropriate conduct during encounters tied to Epstein's properties and social circle. These claims are being examined alongside previously known accusations, such as those brought by Virginia Giuffre, which were settled civilly without any admission of guilt.At the same time, the investigation appears to be widening in scope, with police not only revisiting sexual allegations but also examining broader questions about Andrew's conduct and associations during his relationship with Epstein. This includes whether individuals in his orbit, including security personnel or others connected to his movements, may have witnessed or overlooked potential wrongdoing. While no new charges have been confirmed and Andrew continues to deny all allegations, the ongoing inquiry reflects increasing pressure on authorities to fully explore both past accusations and any new evidence emerging from recently released Epstein-related files.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Met Police is probing 'whole range of sexual allegations' against Andrew, chief confirms - and says Peter Mandelson is being investigated over €500billion bailout email he sent Jeffrey Epstein | Daily Mail Online

Keir Starmer has resigned amidst enormous pressure from within the Labour Party. The question is, what does this change actually mean for a Great Britain that seems on the cusp of social upheaval...I'm doing this episode from the ARC conference in London.SPONSOR: American FinancingMany homeowners have more equity than they realize but are turning to credit cards instead of putting that equity to work. American Financing's salary-based mortgage consultants can help wipe out high-interest debt, with mortgage rates currently in the 5s and customers saving an average of $800 a month. There are no upfront fees, and starting now could even delay two mortgage payments.NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org. APR for rates in the 5s start at 6.327% for well qualified borrowers. Call 866-886-2026 for details about credit costs and terms. Average savings based on borrowers who save over $199.99.Call 866-886-2026 or visit https://www.AmericanFinancing.net/MTA-----GET YOUR MERCH HERE: https://shop.nickjfreitas.com/BECOME A MEMBER OF THE IC: https://NickJFreitas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickjfreitas/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickFreitasVATwitter: https://twitter.com/NickJFreitasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NickjfreitasTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nickjfreitas3.000:00:00 – Starmer steps down: seven prime ministers in ten years 00:01:00 – How Labour won: the 2024 landslide that wasn't 00:02:52 – The scandals: Angela Rayner and Peter Mandelson 00:05:00 – Labour wiped out: local elections, Reform and the Greens 00:09:52 – Why Starmer had to go: Burnham and the Manchester by-election 00:11:22 – Andy Burnham's agenda: tax, housing and welfare 00:14:23 – Socialism or fascism? Public-private control of industry 00:19:23 – Will Labour ever tackle immigration? 00:21:29 – The Denmark model: open borders vs. the welfare state 00:23:04 – Is Britain becoming ungovernable?

In September 2025, Peter Mandelson — then the United Kingdom's Ambassador to the United States — was dismissed (effectively recalled and fired) by Prime Minister Keir Starmer after revelations about his longstanding social relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein surfaced. Emails published earlier that year showed Mandelson had maintained contact with Epstein after Epstein's 2008 conviction and had expressed supportive sentiments toward him, which diplomats said was far deeper than what had been known at the time of his appointment. Those communications raised questions about his judgment and suitability for the high-profile diplomatic post, prompting Starmer to remove him from the position immediately.In February 2026, the scandal escalated when authorities arrested Mandelson on 23 February on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This followed the release of internal documents and emails from the U.S. Department of Justice's Epstein files suggesting he may have shared sensitive government information with Epstein during his time in government in 2009–10. As part of the fallout, Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords and the Labour Party, and British police executed search warrants at his residences as part of a criminal investigation. His arrest reflects widening legal and political consequences from the Epstein file revelations that have also embroiled other high-profile figures.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Queen Elizabeth II is accused by unnamed royal sources of repeatedly shielding Prince Andrew and ignoring warnings about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The claims center partly on documents indicating that the Queen supported Andrew's appointment as Britain's special trade representative in 2000, a position that gave him extensive international access and placed him in contact with wealthy business figures. Critics now argue that the role may have provided Andrew with opportunities to pursue questionable dealings connected to Epstein, including unproven allegations that he benefited financially from business introductions. One unidentified insider goes much further, claiming that the Queen knew about Epstein, the girls and the trafficking but protected Andrew because he was her favorite son. Those allegations remain unverified, and Andrew has consistently denied criminal wrongdoing.The broader suggestion is that the Queen's loyalty to Andrew may have overridden concerns within the royal family and government about his judgment and conduct. King Charles, then Prince of Wales, was reportedly skeptical of Andrew's suitability for the trade role, but the appointment moved forward with support from figures including Peter Mandelson. The claims have resurfaced as authorities examine whether Andrew improperly shared confidential trade information with Epstein, placing renewed pressure on the royal family to explain what palace officials knew and when they knew it. However, much of the account relies on anonymous sources, recycled tabloid allegations and unrelated conspiracy theories, meaning the central accusation—that Elizabeth knowingly covered up Andrew's Epstein connections—has not been established by official findings or tested in court.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Queen Elizabeth Blindly Covered Up Ex-Prince Andrew's Epstein Ties, Royal Insider Claims | IBTimes UK

Queen Elizabeth II is accused by unnamed royal sources of repeatedly shielding Prince Andrew and ignoring warnings about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The claims center partly on documents indicating that the Queen supported Andrew's appointment as Britain's special trade representative in 2000, a position that gave him extensive international access and placed him in contact with wealthy business figures. Critics now argue that the role may have provided Andrew with opportunities to pursue questionable dealings connected to Epstein, including unproven allegations that he benefited financially from business introductions. One unidentified insider goes much further, claiming that the Queen knew about Epstein, the girls and the trafficking but protected Andrew because he was her favorite son. Those allegations remain unverified, and Andrew has consistently denied criminal wrongdoing.The broader suggestion is that the Queen's loyalty to Andrew may have overridden concerns within the royal family and government about his judgment and conduct. King Charles, then Prince of Wales, was reportedly skeptical of Andrew's suitability for the trade role, but the appointment moved forward with support from figures including Peter Mandelson. The claims have resurfaced as authorities examine whether Andrew improperly shared confidential trade information with Epstein, placing renewed pressure on the royal family to explain what palace officials knew and when they knew it. However, much of the account relies on anonymous sources, recycled tabloid allegations and unrelated conspiracy theories, meaning the central accusation—that Elizabeth knowingly covered up Andrew's Epstein connections—has not been established by official findings or tested in court.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Queen Elizabeth Blindly Covered Up Ex-Prince Andrew's Epstein Ties, Royal Insider Claims | IBTimes UKBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

For the final episode of this series, we look at some of the stories that we're leaving unresolved in our ‘News Quiz 2026 Summer Break Cliffhanger Special'. This includes the latest on the Peter Mandelson scandal and the back and forth between Trump, Israel and Iran. We also discuss the British animals which might make it onto our banknotes, and Andy challenges the panel on their best ways to improve football ahead of this year's Men's World Cup.This week's panel is Pierre Novellie, Alasdair Beckett-King, Coco Khan and Desiree Burch.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Lotte Allan, Angela Channell, Eve Delaney and Katie Storey Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Sound Editor: Marc Willcox Recorded by David ThomasA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

A newly surfaced photograph from Department of Justice files shows former Prince Andrew—now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—sitting barefoot in a bathrobe alongside Jeffrey Epstein and British politician Peter Mandelson at a wooden table, believed to be on Martha's Vineyard around 1999 or 2000. The image is one of the first known photos placing all three men together in a casual setting, adding to the growing body of visual and documentary evidence linking Andrew to Epstein's social circle during that period.The photo's release has intensified scrutiny on Andrew's longstanding relationship with Epstein, particularly as it coincides with ongoing investigations and previously disclosed communications suggesting continued contact even after Epstein's criminal history was widely known. Authorities in the U.K. are examining allegations that Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein during his time as a trade envoy, while the broader document releases continue to raise questions about how deeply embedded Epstein was within elite political and social networks.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Former Prince Andrew pictured barefoot in bathrobe with Peter Mandelson, Epstein | Fox News

The Epstein files are being framed as more than another royal scandal in Britain; they are being presented as a full institutional crisis hitting the monarchy, Parliament, and the Metropolitan Police all at once. The reporting argues that the newly released U.S. Justice Department documents have accelerated a collapse in public trust, with polling showing support for the monarchy falling below majority levels and approval ratings for senior royals dropping sharply. The deepest royal damage centers on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was reportedly arrested in February 2026 on suspicion of misconduct in public office over questions about whether he forwarded classified government reports to Epstein while serving as a trade envoy. No charges have been brought, but the arrest and open investigation have turned Epstein from a reputational stain on the royal family into a live legal and constitutional problem.The political and policing fallout is described as just as severe. Keir Starmer's government is portrayed as being badly damaged by the Peter Mandelson connection, after Mandelson's Epstein relationship and later document releases reportedly helped fuel a Labour revolt, cabinet resignation pressure, and growing questions about Starmer's judgment. At the same time, the Metropolitan Police is under scrutiny over allegations that officers had proximity to Epstein-linked social circles, that Epstein-connected flights entered and left Britain without meaningful scrutiny, and that a London property tied to Epstein was not pursued more aggressively despite concerns about young women being housed there under coercive conditions. The broader point is that Britain is not dealing with one isolated Epstein-related embarrassment, but a convergence of failures across the Crown, the government, and law enforcement — the very institutions that were supposed to prevent this kind of power-protected abuse from festering in the first place.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Epstein Files Are Tearing Britain's Institutions ApartBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

UK police have begun reviewing material tied to Jeffrey Epstein that references Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson, with investigators examining whether any criminal conduct linked to those associations occurred within the United Kingdom. The effort involves multiple law enforcement bodies working in coordination, supported by prosecutors who are providing early legal guidance as authorities sift through newly surfaced documents originating from U.S. disclosures. The focus is not just on past associations, but on whether those relationships crossed into territory that could justify formal charges under UK law.The scrutiny has intensified pressure on both men, with allegations centering on whether either of them improperly shared sensitive or privileged information with Epstein while holding influential public roles. Investigators are assessing whether those interactions amounted to misconduct or breaches of official duty, while both figures have denied any wrongdoing. The situation has triggered significant political and reputational fallout, with ongoing inquiries determining whether the material uncovered rises to the level of prosecutable offenses.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Anti-corruption cop in UK Epstein files probe vows 'relentless pursuit for justice' - The MirrorBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Andy is with Mark Steel and Ria Lina to ask the big questions...Are we still paying attention to the Iran war?Would Andrew Mountbatten Windsor make a good mechanic?Has anyone read the latest Peter Mandelson files? And the World Cup - a political own goal?

This week, Nish and Coco dig into the latest release of files around Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US, and what the hundreds of emails and WhatsApps reveal about Labour's internal panic, Keir Starmer's leadership, and a government that seems increasingly unsure of itself.They also unpack Alan Milburn's major review into youth unemployment. Is Britain dealing with a generation that doesn't want to work, or a broken system that has stripped away routes into jobs, training and support?Plus: Nish and Coco are joined by Sabah Choudrey, speaker, consultant and founder of Trans Pride Brighton, to discuss the EHRC's new guidance on single-sex spaces, the worsening climate for trans people in the UK, and how a small network of gender-critical organisations has helped push trans rights into the centre of the culture war.GUESTS Zoë CrowtherSabah ChoudreyUSEFUL LINKSUpdated EHRC Code of Practice: GI's response | Gendered IntelligenceJoin the trans lobby on the 25th June: Mass Lobby for Trans Equality CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS SHOPIFY: https://shopify.co.uk/podsavetheukVANTA: https://www.vanta.com/PSTUK AURA FRAMES: https://www.auraframes.com Code: PSTUK BT: Search ‘Why BT' to find out more.Pod Save the UK is an Intelligence Squared production for Crooked Media.Get in touch - contact us via email: podsavetheuk@crooked.comLike and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUKInstagram: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/podsavetheuk.crooked.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukX: https://x.com/podsavetheuk

The second tranche of messages related to the vetting of Peter Mandelson to be UK ambassador to the US were released on Monday – the gift that keeps on giving. Tim Shipman joins Patrick Gibbons to discuss his political column, which reveals some of the messages from Darren Jones MP which should have been included... yet they weren't – why? Tim talks to Patrick about how embarrassing the latest messages are for Labour, what they reveal about Keir Starmer's government and what he thinks more broadly about 'government by WhatsApp'.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than 1,500 pages of documents tied to Peter Mandelson's controversial appointment as Britain's ambassador to the United States were released, but the release immediately triggered more questions than answers. The files reportedly showed Mandelson aggressively lobbying for the Washington post, promising ministers they would “never regret” appointing him, while also revealing internal Labour messages that painted a bleak picture of Keir Starmer's leadership and the mood inside government. But huge sections of the document dump were redacted on national security and diplomatic grounds, and at least one key vetting summary was withheld because of an ongoing police investigation into Mandelson. Opposition MPs seized on the apparent absence of Starmer's direct paper trail, questioning how such a major appointment could happen with so little visible documentation from the Prime Minister himself.The most damaging unanswered questions revolve around what was missing: redacted pages, absent WhatsApp messages, disappearing-message settings, and undisclosed vetting material. No. 10 acknowledged that Starmer uses disappearing messages on WhatsApp, saying this can be consistent with government guidance, but critics argue it raises obvious questions about whether key communications about Mandelson's appointment are now gone. The release also intensified scrutiny of Mandelson's Epstein-related baggage, his reported security-vetting problems, and why the government pushed ahead with the appointment despite reputational and political warnings. In plain terms, the document dump was supposed to close the book, but instead it opened a new chapter: who backed Mandelson, what did Starmer know, what did the vetting process flag, and how much of the record has been hidden, deleted, or redacted?to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Five questions STILL unanswered after 1,000s of bombshell Mandelson docs - redacted files, missing texts and PM loathed

For years, Lord Peter Mandelson tried to minimize the depth and seriousness of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, presenting it as a regrettable association from the past rather than an intimate, ongoing connection with a convicted sex offender. That version became harder to sustain as more material emerged showing that Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was not casual, distant, or easily dismissed. A handwritten note in Epstein's alleged birthday book reportedly referred to Epstein as Mandelson's “best pal,” while later disclosures showed communications and financial links involving Mandelson's husband after Epstein's 2008 conviction and 2009 release from custody. The central problem for Mandelson was not simply that he had known Epstein, but that the public record kept suggesting a relationship far closer, warmer, and more durable than the carefully managed explanations he had offered.The released emails blew those denials apart because they appeared to show Mandelson engaging with Epstein as a trusted confidant and useful contact, even after Epstein was already publicly known as a convicted sex offender. What had been framed as an embarrassing old connection suddenly looked like a continuing relationship that raised questions about judgment, access, influence, and whether political elites were still willing to treat Epstein as useful despite knowing exactly who he was. The fallout was severe: Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to Washington came under intense scrutiny, the vetting process became a political scandal, and the documents forced a broader reckoning over how much the government knew before putting him in such a sensitive diplomatic post. In the end, Mandelson's problem was that the paper trail did what years of polished denials could not withstand: it made the relationship look less like a mistake from the past and more like a liability that powerful people had tried to explain away until the emails made that impossible.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

More than 1,500 pages of documents tied to Peter Mandelson's controversial appointment as Britain's ambassador to the United States were released, but the release immediately triggered more questions than answers. The files reportedly showed Mandelson aggressively lobbying for the Washington post, promising ministers they would “never regret” appointing him, while also revealing internal Labour messages that painted a bleak picture of Keir Starmer's leadership and the mood inside government. But huge sections of the document dump were redacted on national security and diplomatic grounds, and at least one key vetting summary was withheld because of an ongoing police investigation into Mandelson. Opposition MPs seized on the apparent absence of Starmer's direct paper trail, questioning how such a major appointment could happen with so little visible documentation from the Prime Minister himself.The most damaging unanswered questions revolve around what was missing: redacted pages, absent WhatsApp messages, disappearing-message settings, and undisclosed vetting material. No. 10 acknowledged that Starmer uses disappearing messages on WhatsApp, saying this can be consistent with government guidance, but critics argue it raises obvious questions about whether key communications about Mandelson's appointment are now gone. The release also intensified scrutiny of Mandelson's Epstein-related baggage, his reported security-vetting problems, and why the government pushed ahead with the appointment despite reputational and political warnings. In plain terms, the document dump was supposed to close the book, but instead it opened a new chapter: who backed Mandelson, what did Starmer know, what did the vetting process flag, and how much of the record has been hidden, deleted, or redacted?to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Five questions STILL unanswered after 1,000s of bombshell Mandelson docs - redacted files, missing texts and PM loathedBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

A newly surfaced photograph from Department of Justice files shows former Prince Andrew—now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—sitting barefoot in a bathrobe alongside Jeffrey Epstein and British politician Peter Mandelson at a wooden table, believed to be on Martha's Vineyard around 1999 or 2000. The image is one of the first known photos placing all three men together in a casual setting, adding to the growing body of visual and documentary evidence linking Andrew to Epstein's social circle during that period.The photo's release has intensified scrutiny on Andrew's longstanding relationship with Epstein, particularly as it coincides with ongoing investigations and previously disclosed communications suggesting continued contact even after Epstein's criminal history was widely known. Authorities in the U.K. are examining allegations that Andrew shared confidential information with Epstein during his time as a trade envoy, while the broader document releases continue to raise questions about how deeply embedded Epstein was within elite political and social networks.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Former Prince Andrew pictured barefoot in bathrobe with Peter Mandelson, Epstein | Fox NewsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

The second tranche of documents related to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador have been released. The documents, running at more than 1,000 pages, were supposed to reveal what ministers knew about Mandelson's links to Epstein and the security process to approve his appointment, but instead have revealed government infighting and early doubts about Keir Starmer's premiership. Lucy Hough speaks to the Guardian's head of national news, Archie Bland – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

We look at some correspondence from the Prince of Darkness and a company offering a great way to make your garden shed worth $160k. Then, Riley speaks with Gareth Fearn about the ongoing unfolding energy crisis, and how the British state has spent the last twenty years solving the problem they wish they had. Get more TF episodes each week by subscribing to our Patreon here! RILEY ALERT Check out No Gods, No Mayors here! HUSSEIN ALERT Check out 10k Posts here! MILO ALERT Check out Milo's tour dates here: https://www.miloedwards.co.uk/liveshows NATE ALERT Nate's band Second Homes has just released their debut album, which includes the song used in this episode's outro, and you can stream it for free here! Trashfuture are: Riley (@raaleh), Milo (@Milo_Edwards), Hussein (@HKesvani), Nate (@inthesedeserts), and November (@postoctobrist)

The second batch of documents tied to Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as the UK ambassador to the United States is set to be published, with officials describing it as one of the largest document releases ever laid before Parliament. The files relate to the controversy over Mandelson's appointment, his vetting process, and the fallout from revelations about the extent of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, which ultimately led to his removal from the ambassadorial post. The release is expected to include a large volume of communications and government material, though some sensitive vetting documents may be withheld or redacted because of an ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. The broader issue is politically damaging for Keir Starmer's government because it raises questions about what officials knew, when they knew it, how Mandelson was cleared for such a high-profile diplomatic role, and whether the government was fully transparent about the risks surrounding his Epstein ties.Newly released Epstein-related files reportedly show another strange layer of his obsession with genetics, DNA, reproduction, and personal legacy, including references to sperm banking, genetic testing, and alleged efforts to preserve or extend his biological footprint even after death. The material fits into a broader pattern already associated with Epstein: his documented fascination with eugenics, transhumanism, elite scientific circles, and the idea of using wealth and access to embed himself inside worlds of medicine, genetics, academia, and power. The new information is unsettling not only because of what it suggests about Epstein's private ambitions, but because it raises more questions about who knew about these interests, who helped facilitate them, whether any institutions enabled him after his conviction, and why so many pieces of his operation remain hidden, redacted, or only partially understood years after his death.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Second batch of Mandelson files to be published on MondayEpstein's dark dream of spreading his DNA may outlive him: new files - Raw Story

GB News Political Editor Christopher Hope reports as GB News sources claim messages between Peter Mandelson and Keir Starmer were omitted from the new release of Mandelson files. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, more than 1000 pages of documents about Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US have been published by the government.Adam, Chris and Joe get together to discuss what the files tell us about Peter Mandelson's vetting process, his relationship with some of the government's most senior figures and his thoughts on the Prime Minister's leadership. Some of the files have been redacted or held back as part of the ongoing criminal investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office by Peter Mandelson. He has repeatedly let it be known that he believes he has not acted criminally, did not act for personal gain and is co-operating with policeYou 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/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.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 Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

As Parliament returns from recess, the latest files related to Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US are due to be released today. How bad could they be for Labour? Tim Shipman joins James Heale to discuss – has the self-styled 'Prince of Darkness' proven to be more a ghost of Christmas past for the government?Plus: Mandelson isn't the only ghost haunting British politics today. Tim and James discuss the ghost of Christmas present, the scandal facing the SNP. Former party treasurer – and husband to Nicola Sturgeon – Peter Murrell pled guilty to charges of embezzlement, prompting the former First Minister to deliver a teary interview to the BBC at the weekend. How believable did they find Sturgeon? And, with two by-elections on the horizon, what consequences could there be for the SNP?Finally: the boys discuss the latest poll showing Trade Union support ebbing away from Labour towards Reform. So – continuing the Dickensian metaphor (sorry) – could this be Labour's very own ghost of Christmas future?Produced by Megan McElroy and Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richie Allen - AKA The BBG - with a round-up of the day's top news stories including: Former Scottish First Minister unrepentant over husband's embezzling. 1,500 new Peter Mandelson files released. Do they reveal anything? Pfizer contraceptive drug causes brain tumours in women. Class action looms. BBC investigation exposes shocking maternity failings in Nottingham hospitals. What does it mean, if anything, for Lucy Letby? Plus much more. 

Peter Mandelson's links with senior figures in China, Russia and Israel were among the concerns raised by the UK's vetting agency when it concluded he should be denied clearance, multiple sources have told the Guardian. It comes after a powerful parliamentary committee said the government was failing to fully comply with a parliamentary motion ordering the release of all papers relating to Mandelson's appointment. A spokesperson for Hayman said he “has no personal connection or familiarity whatsoever” with Mandelson, and his contact with him was limited to work the British politician did for his thinktank. A Cabinet Office spokesperson said it was “committed to complying with the Humble Address in full”. Lucy Hough speaks to the head of investigations Paul Lewis – watch on YouTube. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Some hot topics of conversation this week include the ever evolving Peter Mandelson vetting saga, phones being banned in schools and robots who can take over the world... sorry robots who can take over sports. Helping Andy make sense of it all are Daliso Chaponda, Catherine Bohart, Hugo Rifkind and Ria Lina.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Jade Gebbie, Christina Riggs, Henry Whaley and Angela Channell Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinators: Asha Osborne-Grinter & Caroline Barlow Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

The US-Iran ceasefire deal is set to end on Wednesday but Donald Trump says he does not want to extend the deadline. The US President believes the US is in a very strong negotiating position. Iran has not yet confirmed if it will attend peace talks in Islamabad. The US vice-president J D Vance, who will lead the American team, is reportedly yet to leave Washington. Also: the British prime minister Keir Starmer comes under intense pressure over his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, fuelling doubts about whether he can survive as prime minister; Japan says it will scrap the weapons export rules that it's had in place since the end of the Second World War so it can sell lethal arms to its allies; and a group of women in Spain target the lingering symptoms of breast cancer treatment with the help of archery.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has come into effect after it was brokered by the United States. Hezbollah have indicated they will observe the truce, though Israeli troops are to remain in Lebanese areas they have occupied. Iran has welcomed the development but wants a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. President Trump says Iran has agreed to hand over its enriched uranium, one of the key sticking points in negotiations to bring the war to an end. Fresh talks, he said, could resume as early as this weekend with Washington and Tehran "very close" to making a deal.Also: the British Prime Minister is facing calls to resign, after it emerged that his former ambassador to the US was appointed despite failing security vetting. Peter Mandelson was sacked last year over his friendship with the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The future of the Saudi-funded golf tour LIV hangs in the balance as cash appears to be running out. The four astronauts of Nasa's Artemis II say their Moon mission gave the world a sense of hope and unity at a time when both feel in short supply. After a row over tennis tech rules at the Australian Open, tennis stars will be allowed to use trackers and watches to monitor their performances at upcoming majors such as the French Open. And how the escaped wolf Neukgu captured headlines in South Korea, setting firefighters and police on a week-long chase. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk