Mandelson praises Trump’s ‘graciousness’ and declines to apologize for friendship with Jeffrey Epstein – UK politics live
Mandelson expresses his appreciation for Trump’s ‘graciousness’ and ‘directness’. Laura Kuenssberg inquires of Peter Mandelson about his feelings towards Donald Trump during his tenure as the UK ambassador to Washington. Mandelson affirms that he did appreciate Trump, outlining several reasons, although he noted that he did not agree with all of Trump’s “language”.
I like him, yes, I appreciated his humour, his graciousness…
I valued his directness. You were aware of precisely what he was thinking, where you stood, and what his intentions were regarding engagement. Did I appreciate all his language? No, I did not, did I? Did he ever make me gasp?
At times, in some of his remarks, of course. Ultimately, President Trump is a remarkable risk-taker.
In today’s world, considering its conflicts and dangers, and my definition of national leadership, I place significant value on that.
Peter Mandelson highlighted his admiration for Donald Trump’s ‘graciousness’, a term he admitted is not commonly linked with the US president. Photograph: Jeff Overs/BBC/PAShareUpdated at 12.06 GMTKey eventsShow key events onlyPlease enable JavaScript to utilize this featureCouncils reportedly spent around £353m last year to house children in illegal residences, which included caravans, holiday camps, and Airbnbs, based on a new report by the children’s commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza. Here’s an excerpt from a report by the PA news agency regarding these findings:
On 1 September, there were 669 children residing in illegal accommodations – a decrease from 764 on the same date in 2024, the report from children’s commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza indicated.
Out of these 669 children, 89 have endured the same illegal housing for over one year, and nearly 60% exhibit complex additional needs or disabilities, as per the data.
The majority of children in these illegal dwellings are older than 15 (51%), while 46% were between the ages of 10 and 15, and 3.1% were under 10 years old, the report stated.
Dame Rachel remarked that her findings, published on Sunday, reflect “wide failings across an entire system” and advocated for enhanced models of children’s social care.
ShareUpdated at 12.39 GMTAndy Burnham states he agrees with much of what the Tories express about ‘children and social media’. We highlighted in the initial post that the Conservatives support a prohibition on social media for minors under 16 following Australia’s recent restrictions for children, and other nations are now contemplating similar actions to safeguard young people’s mental health. Now, Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has increased pressure on the Labour government to take action by indicating he aligns with various Conservative perspectives on children’s social media usage, calling for “bolder action” from ministers.
Burnham, who could face off against Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership if necessary, articulated on X:
I find myself in agreement with a lot of what Kemi Badenoch has articulated regarding children and social media. It seems to me that parents would appreciate a cross-party consensus around much bolder measures.
The UK government is monitoring reactions to Australia’s ban and is considering its policy options. Labour currently does not endorse a social media ban for those under 16, but contends it is taking steps to ensure children can only access age-appropriate content – an assertion many parents (and children) might dispute. The mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has criticized Keir Starmer’s leadership. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PAShareUpdated at 12.09 GMTUK desires a peaceful transition of power in Iran, transport secretary asserts. As the US evaluates the possibility of military strikes, Heidi Alexander remarked that she would not comment on America’s foreign policy towards Iran, where reports indicate that many individuals have been killed or injured by security forces in recent days.
Instead, as the Guardian’s Whitehall editor Rowena Mason notes in this article, the transport secretary only stated that the UK seeks a peaceful transition of power in Iran.
Alexander informed the BBC that the Iranian authorities must ensure the safety of civilians, uphold the public’s basic freedoms, including the right to protest, and for officials to exercise restraint in their responses to demonstrations, which initially arose due to the collapse of the nation’s currency but have since evolved into broader anti-government protests.
Iranian individuals congregate while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran, on 9 January 2026. Photograph: KHOSHIRAN/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty ImagesSpeaking on Sky News, she described Iran as a hostile nation posing a security threat in the Middle East and repressing its citizens, adding: “The priority today is to endeavor to stem the violence currently occurring in Iran.”
Alexander was notably more measured in her remarks compared to Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who previously stated she would not have an “issue” with the removal of the existing regime in Iran (see post at 09.42 for additional details).
ShareUpdated at 11.42 GMTUK cooperating with NATO allies to strengthen security in the Arctic, transport secretary mentions. The Telegraph reported that Downing Street is conversing with European partners about possibly sending a military contingent to Greenland to mitigate the chance of Donald Trump attempting to seize control of that mineral-rich self-governing Danish territory.
The proposals could involve the deployment of British troops, warships, and aircraft to defend Greenland from Russian and Chinese influences, according to the Telegraph.
No 10 has not provided specific comments on the report. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander was queried about it on the BBC this morning and stated the report “potentially reads something more into routine discussions between NATO allies than what truly exists.” It remains somewhat unclear what she implied by that…
Alexander continued to express:
We concur with President Trump that the Arctic Circle and contiguous nations, which in geopolitics is often termed the High North. This area is increasingly becoming a contested region, with the ambitions of Putin and China.
Even though we haven’t witnessed the disastrous implications in that area as we have in Ukraine, it remains critical that we collaborate extensively with all our NATO allies to ensure that we possess an effective deterrent in that part of the globe against Putin.
He has been increasingly active there. Furthermore, we observed just a few days ago the support that we rendered in an enabling role to the US to intercept that vessel associated with the shadow fleet; hence we cannot afford to take any risks regarding our nation’s security on the European continent. That is why we are working alongside our NATO allies.
ShareUpdated at 11.16 GMTIt would have been ‘meaningful’ for Mandelson to apologize for his friendship with Epstein, transport secretary states. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander appeared next on the BBC’s politics programme and was asked whether Peter Mandelson should have expressed remorse to victims for maintaining his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, the now-deceased convicted child sex offender. (Epstein was discovered dead in his cell on 10 August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex crime charges in New York, and his death was ruled a suicide.)
Alexander commented:
I believe what we witnessed in that interview was, at best, an instance of deep naivety on the part of Peter Mandelson. I think it would have been significant for the women who underwent the most appalling treatment at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein if Peter had taken the opportunity to apologize, yes, indeed.
Laura Kuenssberg subsequently asked Alexander if it was naive for the government to appoint Mandelson as ambassador (in December 2024) when his friendship with Epstein was already known. The transport secretary responded:
I think the extent and nature of the relationship that Peter Mandelson had with Jeffrey Epstein became evident only when those emails surfaced last September.
That is why the prime minister expeditiously acted to remove him from his position as ambassador to the United States. While there would certainly be a discussion regarding due diligence prior to appointing someone to such a role, my understanding is that the comprehensive information was not accessible at that time.
Heidi Alexander was asked about the recent interview featuring Peter Mandelson. Photograph: Jeff Overs/BBC/PAShareUpdated at 10.56 GMTMandelson states he was ‘kept separate from the sexual aspects of Epstein’s life’ due to being a gay man. Mandelson conveyed to the BBC that he “never detected anything in (Epstein’s) life, when I was around him, when I was at his residences, that would lead me to suspect what this evil criminal was doing to prey on these young women.”
The former UK ambassador to the US elucidated that as a “gay man in (Epstein’s) circles, I was insulated from what he was doing in the sexual aspects of his life.”
ShareUpdated at 10.30 GMTMandelson refuses to apologize for his connection with Epstein: ‘I was not culpable’. When questioned if he intended to express remorse for his ties to Epstein, Mandelson responded: “I want to apologize to those women for a system that ignored their voices and failed to provide them with the protection they deserved.”
Prodded by Laura Kuenssberg on whether he would offer an apology for his friendship with Epstein after his conviction, Mandelson stated:
If I had been aware or in any way complicit or culpable, certainly I would apologize… but I was not culpable, I was not informed regarding his actions, and I lament, and will regret until my last breath, the reality that powerless women were denied the protection they rightfully deserved.
When asked if he felt he deserved to be dismissed, Mandelson said: “I recognize why I was let go.”
ShareUpdated at 10.22 GMTMandelson admits continuing friendship with Jeffrey Epstein was a ‘grave error’. Peter Mandelson was subsequently asked about his association with Jeffrey Epstein and questioned on why he maintained his friendship with him post-conviction. Mandelson replied:
It was an exceptionally grave error on my part.
I accepted the narrative he provided during his initial indictment in Florida in 2008. I believed his account and now wish I hadn’t.
I extended my support to an individual based on a belief in his narrative, which proved to be misplaced loyalty.
Mandelson was dismissed in September over leaked emails wherein he expressed his backing for Jeffrey Epstein and encouraged him to “fight for early release” in 2008 while the disgraced financier was contending with charges of soliciting sexual relations from minors. The disclosed emails revealed that the pair had remained in contact until 2010.
ShareUpdated at 10.18 GMTMandelson appreciates Trump’s ‘graciousness’ and ‘directness’. Laura Kuenssberg inquires of Peter Mandelson if he had positive sentiments regarding Donald Trump while he was the UK’s ambassador to Washington.Mandelson acknowledges that he did appreciate Trump, citing multiple reasons for this, yet he mentioned he did not appreciate all of his “language”.
I like him, yes, I appreciated his humour, his graciousness…
I valued his directness. You were always aware of exactly what he was contemplating and your standing, along with what he desired and how he intended to engage with you. Did I favor all of his language? No, I did not, did I? Did he ever surprise me?
At times, in certain instances he did, of course. Ultimately, President Trump is a remarkable risk taker.
And for me, in the current global landscape, considering its conflicts and dangers and my interpretation of national leadership, I ascribe significant weight to that.
Peter Mandelson remarked on his admiration for Donald Trump’s ‘graciousness’, a term he conceded is rarely connected with the US president. Photograph: Jeff Overs/BBC/PAShareUpdated at 12.06 GMTThe US will not seize Greenland through military force, Mandelson states. Peter Mandelson provided his first broadcast interview since being dismissed as Britain’s envoy in Washington last year after revelations were made concerning the depth of his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. He was queried by the BBC about Donald Trump’s threats regarding Greenland – namely, those in which he mentioned the US would acquire the largely autonomous Arctic region “the easy way” or “the hard way”, citing its importance for national security.
Mandelson opined that he does not foresee the US occupying Greenland or initiating a military invasion, asserting that Trump is not a “fool”. He stated:
What will unfold is further discussions, extensive consultation, and a great deal of negotiation.
Ultimately, we all must recognize that the Arctic needs to be secured against China and Russia.
And if you were to ask me who will spearhead that initiative to ensure we are all aware, it is going to be the United States.
Donald Trump announces a trade deal in May 2025, with the then British ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson observing and smiling in the Oval Office of the White House. Photograph: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty ImagesShareUpdated at 10.23 GMTKemi Badenoch has stated her party would implement age restrictions to limit social media access for under-16s (refer to the initial post for additional details). She remarked on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program:
What we observe is that many children are spending excessive hours each day on platforms that are profiting from their anxiety, distraction, and are designed to be addictive.
Thus, we aim to achieve common-sense measures, safeguarding for children while allowing freedom for adults.
We intend to convey to parents that the government acknowledges their challenges. Hence, we advocate for the introduction of age limits.
The internet is akin to a wild west, particularly social media. We don’t believe children should be participating in it, and we desire the industry to recognize the direction we’re heading to start collaborating with them now in order to implement the proper solutions.
ShareProtesters continue to flood the streets of Iran, resisting an intensifying crackdown by authorities against the surging protest movement.
Earlier this week, prime minister Keir Starmer condemned the slaying of demonstrators in Iran and urged Tehran to “exercise restraint”.
Donald Trump has consistently threatened to intervene in recent days, cautioning Iranian officials against utilizing force against protestors. On Saturday, Trump declared that the US stands “ready to assist”.
Access to information from Iran has been hindered following the government’s decision last week to shut down internet services and international phone calls in reaction to the protests.
A US-based human rights organization, HRANA, reported that the death toll has escalated to 116, primarily among protesters, but includes 37 members of the security forces.
When questioned about intervention by the BBC this morning, Badenoch stated she would not oppose it, but any action – speaking hypothetically – would require a broad coalition of nations to establish stability in Iran.
ShareUpdated at 12.11 GMTGreenland is a ‘secondary issue’ when compared to what is transpiring ‘right now’, Badenoch says. Kemi Badenoch indicated that her primary concern is the ongoing existence of NATO and maintaining the US “on our side”. She asserted that discussions about deploying troops to resolve a dispute between alliance members are premature.
The Conservative party leader noted that Greenland is “a secondary issue compared to what is presently unfolding”, seemingly referring to the protests in Iran (she stated she does not have an issue with “removing a regime” that seeks to “harm” the UK). Badenoch remarked:
Certainly, we must ensure the security of NATO nations, and we support Greenland. We are in solidarity with Denmark. However, at this moment, discussing troops as if we are preparing for war with the US could create confusion among your audience regarding where priorities lie. Our immediate priority is the British national interest. What steps are we taking to ensure our country is safer? How do we enhance our national strength?
When pressed about her commentary regarding Greenland being a “secondary” issue, Badenoch reiterated that the conversation about the US invading Greenland is speculative, adding that she wishes to avoid exacerbating the situation.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch is currently discussing matters with Laura Kuenssberg on the BBC in what constitutes the second of the new year’s interviews with party heads (Keir Starmer was featured last week).
The Conservative party has been experiencing member and elected official departures to Reform UK, which polling indicates has a diverse voter base ranging from struggling workers and dissatisfied graduates to affluent retirees.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has received compliments from commentators regarding her recent performances in PMQs, yet her appeal among voters appears limited.
However, Badenoch likely found satisfaction in the latest YouGov poll, which shows her party leading Labour for the first time since the 2024 general election. The poll indicated the Tories at 19% and Labour at 17% – both trailing behind Reform UK, which commanded 26%.
ShareBan social media for under-16s, top teaching union urges UK government.
Geraldine McKelvie
Geraldine McKelvie is a senior correspondent at the Guardian
One of the UK’s major teaching unions has urged the government to prohibit social media access for under-16s due to concerns surrounding mental well-being and focus.
The Teachers’ Union (NASUWT) seeks to strengthen legislation so that major tech companies would face penalties for allowing children onto their platforms.
The online safety discourse has resumed prominence this month when it was revealed that Elon Musk’s Grok AI tool was digitally stripping clothing from women and children.
A pioneering ban on social media for individuals under 16 became effective in Australia last month, although its effectiveness remains uncertain.
NASUWT reported growing evidence that unregulated social media access is impairing children, affecting classroom behavior, and damaging mental health. The union also noted that children are suffering from exposure to violent and sexually explicit materials.
The union’s general secretary, Matt Wrack, stated:
Educators deal daily with the consequences of a social media environment that was not originally designed nor is suitable for children. Social media firms have repeatedly demonstrated that they will not act responsibly unless compelled to do so.
If we genuinely care about safeguarding children, protecting their mental health, and tackling the behavioral crisis in our schools, an immediate statutory ban for under-16s is essential.
You can read the full story here:
ShareConservatives would prohibit under-16s from social media if in power
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of UK politics. The Conservatives have declared they would restrict social media access for those under 16 if they regain government control, amid increasing worries regarding the mental health of young people, their concentration levels, and their unfettered access to harmful online content.
The Conservative party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has also asserted that mobile phones would be prohibited in schools if the Tories ascend to power, claiming such measures would assist in safeguarding children’s mental well-being and educational outcomes.
The party, which is significantly trailing in the recent polls, seeks to require social media companies, including popular platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, to implement age verification protocols to prevent under-16s from utilizing their services.
This comes as the NASUWT teachers’ union advocates for the government to enforce a ban on social media for minors in order to enhance focus in schools and minimize damage to mental health.
Australia initiated the world’s first child-under-16 ban on social media last month. Minors in this age group cannot utilize major social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat; existing accounts have been deactivated, and new accounts cannot be established.
Australia’s under-16s have lost access to major digital networks. Illustration: Victoria Hart/Guardian Design/Getty Images
Several other nations are deliberating prohibiting social media access for those under 15, following Australia’s lead, such as Denmark, which aims to introduce a ban in 2026, Norway, and France, which reportedly intends to restrict social media platforms for children starting in the 2026 academic year.
The UK Labour party has not outright rejected the concept but is asserting that “nothing is off the table” while cautioning that any ban must be “evidence-based”.
Kemi Badenoch will likely face scrutiny regarding the specifics of the proposed social media ban for under-16s during her appearance on the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg Sunday Politics program shortly. We will keep you informed on what transpires then, so stay tuned.
ShareUpdated at 08.54 GMT
Published: 2026-01-11 12:39:00
source: www.theguardian.com
