Judgement day: Starmer’s Mandelson statement ends in jeers

Judgement day: Starmer’s Mandelson statement ends in jeers

Author: The Telegraph April 20, 2026 Duration: 42:43

It’s Keir Starmer’s darkest day in office. In a statement to the Commons this afternoon, the Prime Minister apologised again for appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, but stopped short of admitting to misleading the House about the vetting process.


Despite the Prime Minister laying the blame squarely at the door of the Foreign Office, Camilla and Tim say that the whole sorry saga is the final nail in the coffin for Starmer’s premiership, and he must resign.


Elsewhere, Camilla and Tim look ahead to ousted Foreign Office civil servant Olly Robbins’s appearance before the Select Committee tomorrow, where they expect him to say that he couldn’t act on the results of Mandelson’s vetting as the Government had already announced his appointment.


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Producers: Georgia Coan and Lilian Fawcett

Senior Producer: John Cadigan

Executive Producer: Charlotte Seligman

Video Producer: Will Walters

Studio Operator: Meghan Searle

Editor: Camilla Tominey


Highlights

  • Camilla and Tim say the Prime Minister must resign after he failed to admit misleading the House
  • They unpack Starmer’s statement about Mandelson’s vetting, a masterclass in buck-passing

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For a sharp, unfiltered take on the stories shaping Britain and beyond, tune into The Daily T. This daily podcast from The Telegraph is driven by the candid chemistry and quick wit of Associate Editor Camilla Tominey and columnist Tim Stanley. They don’t just recap the headlines; they dive into the nuances, arguments, and often absurd realities behind the day’s most pressing topics in politics, culture, and society. The conversation is free-thinking and direct, cutting through the noise with a blend of analysis and humour that feels more like a compelling chat with well-informed friends than a formal news broadcast. Listeners will find themselves in the middle of intelligent debates on Westminster manoeuvres, cultural shifts, and global affairs. The podcast regularly features exclusive sit-downs with a wide array of influential voices, from political figures like Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch to other prominent names in the public eye, adding depth and varied perspective to the ongoing dialogue. It’s a reliable, engaging listen for anyone wanting to understand the ‘why’ behind the news, delivered with the distinctive edge and authority of The Telegraph’s editorial voice. Each episode promises to be both a briefing and a provocation, making The Daily T a standout in the daily news podcast landscape.
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