UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces resignation calls over Peter Mandelson appointment scandal

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to resign despite mounting pressure over his appointment of Peter Mandelson. The controversy centers on Mandelson's security clearance, with independent vetting officials reportedly recommending denial. Starmer addressed Parliament, facing renewed demands to step down after admitting an error in judgment. He claimed Olly Robbins, the foreign ministry's most senior official, failed to inform him about security concerns. Robbins was fired by Starmer last week and testified before a parliamentary committee. Starmer told lawmakers that Robbins answered "no" when questioned about sharing the recommendation with ministers or Number 10. The Prime Minister insisted he would not have proceeded with the appointment had he known about the vetting officials' recommendation. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in a related development.