Sir Keir Starmer has apologised for “believing Mandelson’s lies”, as he faces calls for a no confidence vote from opposition parties.

The prime minister remained mired in controversy over the links between Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Mandelson, who he made US ambassador.

Having sacked Lord Mandelson as ambassador last year, Sir Keir completely severed his relationship with him following the latest Epstein files release.

Politics latest: PM dodges questions about his future

At a speech in Hastings, East Sussex, Sir Keir said: “The victims of Epstein have lived with trauma that most of us can barely comprehend, and they’ve had to relive it again and again.

“They have seen accountability delayed and too often denied to them.

“I want to say this: I am sorry.

“Sorry for what was done to you. Sorry that so many people with power failed you.

“Sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointed him, and sorry that even now you’re forced to watch this story unfold in public once again.”

The prime minister added: “But I also want to say this – in this country we will not look away.

“We will not shrug our shoulders, and we will not allow the powerful to treat justice as optional. We will pursue the truth.

“We will uphold the integrity of public life, and we will do everything within our power and in the interests of justice.

“To ensure accountability is delivered.

“That is what the public expects. That is what the victims deserve, and it is what I will do.”

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‘A PM fighting for his political life’

The previous day, Sir Keir seemed to confirm that Lord Mandelson’s ongoing relationship with Epstein came up in the disgraced former ambassador’s vetting.

The prime minister said: “What I meant was it has been known publicly for some time that they knew each other.

“And that is precisely why, when we were going through the appointment process for the ambassador role, we asked questions about the nature and extent of that relationship.

“And what I didn’t say yesterday, partly inhibited by the approach of the police, is that that is precisely why those questions were asked, questions about the nature and extent of the relationship, whether Mandelson had stayed, as was suggested, at Epstein’s premises.

“And the answers given to those questions were intentionally intended to create the impression that Mandelson barely knew Epstein.”

At roughly the same time as Sir Keir was speaking, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch was also on her feet.

She was asked by Sky News’ political correspondent Rob Powell what her message for Labour MPs was.

The leader of the opposition said “Britain is not being governed”, but added that she did not think an election was going to take place until 2029 – because “most Labour MPs know that they will not be coming back”.

“They can pick someone else or force the government to do better rather than putting their heads in the sand. That is what I’m asking them for,” Ms Badenoch said.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “Keir Starmer should say ‘put up or shut up’. Let’s have a confidence vote now to see whether Labour MPs have any confidence in the prime minister, so the government can get past this one way or the other and start focusing on the change our country needs.”

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A limited number of Labour MPs have publicly called for Sir Keir to go.

Asked if Sir Keir should stay or go, veteran Labour MP Graham Stringer told Sky News: “I don’t think he’s got a very long future. It’s when and who not whether.”

And one anonymous minister was asked by Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby if the prime minister could survive.

They replied: “I don’t think so. Many in the party are beyond upset.”

Bipartisan lawmakers are voicing support for Rep. Nancy Mace’s, R-N.C., push to subpoena Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates over what she called “sick” allegations tied to Jeffrey Epstein — accusations his ex-wife, Melinda Gates, said he must answer for.

Those calls come as lawmakers wrestle with what Congress can do to responsibly work through the 3.5 million newly disclosed Epstein files.

“I did write a letter to [Chairman James Comer, R-Ky.] today requesting that we subpoena Bill Gates,” Mace told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.

“Epstein was sending emails about how he had contracted an STD, may have been involved with various women, allegedly — all allegedly. I’m not saying he did anything, but I’d like to bring him in,” she said.

GHISLAINE MAXWELL TO TESTIFY BEFORE HOUSE COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING HANDLING OF EPSTEIN CASE

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., speaks during a hearing with the House Oversight and Accountability Committee on April 11, 2024, in Washington, D.C.  (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the committee, said he supported the idea and hinted the committee’s work could go further.

“I’ve had conversations with Chairman Comer today on some additional folks we want to talk to, and so I think there’ll be some announcements pretty soon on that,” Garcia said, declining to elaborate further.

Mace’s calls for bringing in Gates for questioning come as the DOJ released a new tranche of files in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act last week. Since then, lawmakers have struggled to make sense of the deluge of images, messages, documents and files. Questions remain about how Congress can manage its focus to bring about accountability for the names that prompt the most questions.

For her part, Mace said she was left wanting answers about Bill Gates from recent interviews about his personal life.

“I watched Melinda Gates interview last night. I’m deeply disturbed. I want to bring Bill Gates in and question him about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein,” Mace said, referring to an interview Bill Gates’ ex-wife did with NPR.

Melinda Gates was married to Bill for 27 years before the couple parted ways in 2021.

The files imply that Epstein may have helped Gates conceal sensitive information from his wife during their marriage.

In an email that Epstein sent to himself, Epstein claimed Bill Gates had asked for help slipping antibiotics to Melinda in connection to a sexually transmitted disease (STD) he had contracted. Epstein claimed Gates had also asked him to delete messages about that STD.

Bill Gates has denied any misconduct. His foundation did not respond to a request for comment about Mace’s subpoena demands.

‘AWAY FROM ALL THE MUCK’: MELINDA FRENCH GATES SAYS EX-HUSBAND MUST ANSWER FOR EPSTEIN FILE ALLEGATIONS

Bill Gates, co-chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, on June 24, 2025.  (Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., another member of the Oversight Committee, said he supports Mace’s calls for Gates to testify. But with millions of documents and thousands of names in the mix, he also believes Congress should use some sort of process for who the committee decides to call in — and who it doesn’t.

He doesn’t have a clear-cut test that lawmakers can use to make those calls, but pointed out that some names are riper for scrutiny than others. He thinks former President Bill Clinton is one of them.

“I think that’s why the first step in our committee is with the former president,” Donalds said, referring to a scheduled deposition for Clinton later this month.

Lawmakers have demanded testimony from Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, after new pictures placing Bill Clinton repeatedly with Epstein surfaced in the DOJ’s disclosures.

None of the files implicate wrongdoing on their own, but Donalds believes they should prompt some level of congressional response, given Bill Clinton’s status.

“Bill Clinton was the president. [Epstein] was visiting his house, the president was on his plane,” Donalds said. “It’s different from somebody in the private sector. They don’t have access or influence over agencies the way a former president does.”

Hillary Clinton is scheduled to testify before the committee on Feb. 26, and Bill Clinton is scheduled to appear on Feb. 27.

Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., believes there is some sort of process behind the scenes that the committee uses to determine who it may want to interview.

“With a number of witnesses, both Republicans and Democrats — they have a certain procedure that was agreed to,” Krishnamoorthi said.

He did not expand on what that process looks like.

When asked about the Oversight Committee’s work, Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., said he’s not opposed to bringing in witnesses one by one if it means going beyond the work that’s already been done.

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., speaks at House Rules Committee in Washington, Jan. 31, 2023. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call, Inc. via Getty Images)

“You know, I look at Comer, who’s subpoenaing the Clintons, but nobody else. But look, we’re looking for the truth. I’m on the Rules Committee, I tried nine times to get them to vote to release the files,” McGovern said, referring to the committee that safeguards what bills reach the House floor.

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“I’m for full transparency. Anybody who’s involved should be questioned,” he said.

Comer did not respond to a request for comment on whether he would support calls from Mace or when the committee might send out additional subpoenas in connection to Epstein.

A women’s ice hockey match between Finland and Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics has been postponed after a norovirus outbreak.

The preliminary match was due to get under way on Thursday until medics identified cases among the Team Finland camp.

A statement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said: “The decision was taken following consultations with medical professionals after cases of norovirus were identified within Team Finland.

“It was made collectively and in accordance with established health and safety principles, with the health and wellbeing of players, team staff, officials and all tournament participants as the highest priority.”

The IOC added that the move was “responsible and necessary” and reflected the “integrity” of the competition.

The rearranged match will be played in the Rho Arena – a purpose-built temporary arena made exclusively for ice hockey – on 12 February.

The postponed match is among the most anticipated matches this year, with both sides among the favourites to claim gold.

Canada are the reigning Olympic champions after beating Team USA in the 2022 final in Beijing

Finland, who were beaten 11-1 by Canada that year, still went on to claim bronze.

It is not the first time the Winter Games have been struck with a norovirus outbreak.

In 2018, in South Korea, 41 security guards were hospitalised with vomiting.

The IOC took extreme measures – isolating a further 1,200 guards to prevent the spread.

Some 900 military soldiers were called in to cover security instead.

Chitrakoot: The wedding season has started and everyone must have seen the sound of musical instruments, tunes of DJ, luxury cars decorated with twinkling lights and the groom riding on a mare, but in Chitrakoot, UP, a wedding procession took place which stopped the pace of modernity for a moment and took people down memory lane. There was not a convoy of expensive cars here, but there was a line of decorated bullock carts, riding on which the groom had come to pick up his bride. The whole matter is of Lodhwara village of Chitrakoot district.

The procession reached by bullock carts

Let us tell you that on Wednesday night, when bullock carts were seen decorated one after another with bands and musical instruments in the streets of the village, people came out of their homes. Colorful clothes and garlands of flowers were decorated on the horns of the bulls. The most special thing was that the groom also came out with the wedding procession not in a horse or car, but in a bullock cart, seeing which everyone was capturing the scene on camera.

groom riding in bullock cart

For your information, let us tell you that this unique initiative has been taken by Ram Sahay Yadav in the marriage of his son Ram Yadav. He says that in the changing times, where weddings are becoming a medium of ostentation and extravagance, he has tried to give a message to his village and society that traditions should remain alive not only in books but also in behaviour.

When this procession left the village, the atmosphere suddenly started looking like an old tradition. At various places on the way, villagers welcomed the procession with flower garlands and showered flowers. Memories of old days were refreshed on the faces of the elders.

Former head gave information

Former Pradhan Harimohan Singh Yadav told in an off camera conversation that nowadays lakhs of rupees are spent on firecrackers and expensive cars in weddings. Many families even take loans, just for show. But this wedding procession proved that the real beauty of marriage lies in simplicity and tradition.

He further informed that this procession which took place on a bullock cart was not a procession for show off, but a procession to revive the old tradition. Now it should be kept alive even in today’s modern era. For information, let us tell you that this procession of Chitrakoot has now become a topic of discussion. Its pictures and videos are becoming increasingly viral on social media also.

Chris Harrison sparked controversy Wednesday for a seemingly innocent request posted on social media.

The former “Bachelor” host shared a casting call for his followers on Instagram that included a few specific requests. 

“A prominent streaming service is casting single men and women (21+) who want a traditional, marriage-minded partnership built on commitment and shared values,” the casting call read. “We’re looking for singles who believe in clear roles, long-term commitment, and building a life together – and who are dating with real intention.” 

Critics flocked to Harrison’s post with questions and criticism about the premise of the new show, where he boasted, “It’s time to help people find love again.”

FORMER ‘BACHELOR’ HOST CHRIS HARRISON FINDS HOLLYWOOD ESCAPE IN TEXAS AFTER CONTROVERSY DERAILED CAREER

Chris Harrison is returning to television as the host of a new dating show boasting “traditional marriage.” (Denise Truscello/Getty Images)

“The fantasy suite: the bachelorettes give up their voting rights, credit cards and dignity,” one user wrote, while another noted, “I’m sorry this is giving MAGA.”

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“Traditional marriage????? Why are we reverting back to 1920?” one fan asked. “This is really icky,” another Instagram user simply stated, while one follower asked, “So do you not like gay people or just women’s rights?”

While many were outraged by the casting call, a number of followers supported Harrison’s new quest.

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“It’s so weird to me that people are so triggered by the concept of a traditional marriage,” one user wrote. “Husband and wife loving each other, staying true to each other, having children, enjoying life together. Oh no, so terrible. We can’t have that.”

“It’s really sad how many people in these comments do not know what a traditional marriage is and how wonderful it is,” one fan said. 

“LOVE THIS!!! Everyone hating in the comments is just deluded into thinking traditional marriage is oppressive when it’s truly the most freeing and joy-filled union,” another user quipped.

Chris Harrison served as “The Bachelor” host for nearly two decades. (Paul Hebert/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

Representatives for Harrison did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Harrison’s return to television is years in the making. The reality TV host led “The Bachelor” and a handful of spinoff series for 19 years before he was ousted from his role in 2021.

The father of two left the show after he was accused of defending “Bachelor” winner Rachael Kirkconnell for attending an antebellum-themed party in college during an interview with Rachel Lindsay, the franchise’s first Black bachelorette.

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Jesse Palmer stepped in as the new “Bachelor” host that September.

Two years after he left the show, Harrison broke his silence on the unexpected exit from “The Bachelor” franchise. 

Chris Harrison and wife Lauren Zima moved to Texas shortly after he was ousted from the popular dating series. (Rick Kern/Getty Images)

During the premiere episode of his podcast, the former dating show host revealed how his departure deeply impacted his health. 

“I was sick to my stomach. I lost 20 pounds. I didn’t sleep. I didn’t eat. I was scared to death, not of my job but of my family – my fiancée [Lauren Zima]… I worried about my kids…” Harrison said on his first episode of “The Most Dramatic Podcast Ever with Chris Harrison.”

“I’m a bit of an empath, and I am very loyal to a fault, and I am a team player.”

He added, “I was embarrassed. I was mad at myself. I was disappointed in myself. The last thing in the world I ever wanted to do was be an agent of anything negative – whether it had to do with race or anything.”

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