UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Faces Criticism Over Security Vetting Override for Peter Mandelson
The United Kingdom is witnessing political controversy after reports emerged that Peter Mandelson, appointed as ambassador to the United States, was granted high-level security clearance despite failing the official vetting process.Government sources confirmed that the Foreign Office overruled security officials who had initially denied Mandelson clearance following a confidential background check in January 2025.Mandelson was sacked from his ambassadorial role in September 2025 after less than a year in office, amid revelations of his links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Police have also opened an investigation into allegations of misconduct in office by Mandelson.This controversy matters as it... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Apr 2026 18:31 LONDON
UK government summons social media leaders over children's safety
Top executives from major social media companies were called to Downing Street on Thursday to discuss measures to protect children online amid growing public and political pressure.The meeting was led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.Representatives from Meta, Snap, YouTube, TikTok, and X attended the discussions, where they were questioned on their efforts to safeguard children and address parental concerns.The government is currently consulting on whether to ban social media use for under-16s, following similar policies introduced in Australia.Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of social media companies taking responsibility, stating that "the consequences of... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Apr 2026 00:06 LONDON
Trump warns UK trade deal 'can always be changed' amid strained relations
US President Donald Trump has indicated that the existing trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom "can always be changed." Speaking to Sky News on April 15, 2026, Trump described the trade agreement, which was signed in May last year, as favorable to the UK but suggested it remains subject to renegotiation.Trump criticized UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for his government's stance on the ongoing US-Israel conflict, highlighting that the UK did not support the US in the war against Iran.He stated that the "special relationship" between the two countries "had been better" and expressed disappointment... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 12:09 LONDON
Former NATO Chief Warns UK's National Security 'In Peril'
Lord George Robertson, former NATO Secretary General and key adviser on the UK's Strategic Defence Review (SDR), has publicly warned that the country's national security is at risk due to political complacency.Speaking in Salisbury on 14 April 2026, he accused the UK government of being underprepared and underinsured against current threats.Lord Robertson criticised "non-military experts in the Treasury" for what he described as "vandalism" affecting defence funding.He highlighted repeated delays in publishing the promised 10-year defence investment plan intended to support the SDR's objectives.The government maintains it is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War,... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 Apr 2026 02:33 LONDON
