UK

Cabinet ministers back PM despite Sarwar’s resignation call

Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader in Scotland, has criticized the performance of No 10, stating it has fallen short, yet he has made it clear that he has no intention of stepping down.

Following a call from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar for the prime minister's resignation, members of the cabinet have come out in support of Sir Keir Starmer.

Sir Keir Starmer leaving Downing Street on 9 February 2026 — Sir Keir Starmer leaving Downing Street on Monday

At a press conference, Sarwar criticized the current state of affairs in Downing Street, stating that the government's performance was subpar and that numerous errors had been committed at the highest levels.

As Sarwar's remarks were made public, several high-ranking Labour ministers promptly posted messages on social media to voice their backing for Sir Keir Starmer.

Sir Keir Starmer is working to maintain his position amid scrutiny over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US, a choice that has raised concerns due to Mandelson's past associations with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

In an effort to reassure his party, the prime minister spoke to a full gathering of the Parliamentary Labour Party at the Houses of Parliament on Monday evening, receiving a warm reception from his fellow MPs.

A man in suit and tie speaks to reporters. — Anas Sarwar giving a news conference on Monday

The prime minister emphasized his commitment to remaining in office, stating, "I have emerged victorious in every challenge I've faced."

He acknowledged the presence of critics throughout his career, noting, "I've had opponents at every turn, and that remains the case today."

The prime minister reiterated his dedication to his duties, saying, "Having worked tirelessly to bring about change in our nation, I am not willing to relinquish my mandate or abandon my responsibilities, thereby potentially plunging the country into turmoil."

Following the meeting, former minister Justin Madders expressed his desire to hear more from the prime minister, stating that he wanted to "build on the discussions we had tonight."

Madders observed that there was no apparent appetite for a change in leadership, commenting, "The general sentiment in the room was not in favor of replacing the prime minister."

According to sources present, MPs posed several tough questions during the meeting, as reported to the BBC.

A Labour MP, speaking to the BBC upon exiting the room, described the tone of the discussion, stating that many colleagues spoke candidly.

While the Prime Minister was meeting with MPs, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who is considered a potential challenger to Sir Keir's leadership, made a notable decision to release messages exchanged with Lord Mandelson, aiming to counter what he described as a "weekend of smear and innuendo" suggesting he had something to hide.

In an article published in the Guardian, Streeting clarified his relationship with Peter Mandelson, stating that they were not close friends, but he would not deny their actual association, as had been previously reported.

The released messages reveal Streeting's criticism of the government's economic policies, specifically stating that it lacks a growth strategy.

The prime minister received a standing ovation from Labour MPs and backing from his cabinet members at the end of the day, but this support may be short-lived, and his position remains precarious.

Speculation about Sir Keir's leadership has been ongoing for months, and the controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson's appointment has further fueled discussions about a potential change in leadership.

A small group of Labour backbench MPs, approximately six, have publicly called for the prime minister to step down, while two senior advisers have departed No 10 in the past 48 hours.

In his resignation statement as Downing Street chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney accepted "full responsibility" for his role in advising the prime minister on the appointment of Lord Mandelson.

Sarwar had previously expressed disapproval of the decision to appoint Lord Mandelson, and on Monday, he reiterated his stance, stating that it was time for the prime minister to resign.

In a statement, he acknowledged that his decision was difficult and came with a sense of loss, describing Sir Keir as a respectable individual, but emphasizing that his primary allegiance lay with Scotland.

As Scotland approaches elections in three months, Sarwar noted that he had to establish his own boundaries and determine what he was willing to accept and what he could no longer tolerate.

Regarding the government's performance, he stated that despite initial promises of change, numerous issues had arisen, undermining their commitment to difference.

While acknowledging that some positive developments had occurred, he pointed out that these accomplishments were being overshadowed by other events, making it impossible for them to be recognized or acknowledged, and thus, the status quo could not persist.

When questioned about his preferred replacement for Sir Keir, Sarwar clarified that he was not endorsing or supporting any particular candidate or alternative at this time.

Following Sarwar's press conference, several cabinet ministers publicly backed the prime minister within a one-hour timeframe.

On Monday, Tim Allan announced his departure from Downing Street, marking the fourth time a communications chief has left the post in under 12 months.

In a brief statement, Allan explained his decision to resign, stating that he wanted to make way for a new team at No 10 and expressed his well-wishes for the prime minister and their staff.

An announcement is anticipated shortly regarding the potential departure of Sir Chris Wormald, the cabinet secretary and the country's most senior civil servant, who may be leaving his position in the near future, possibly within the next 48 hours.

This development follows the resignation of McSweeney, who had criticized Lord Mandelson's appointment, deeming it "wrong" and citing the need to "step aside" as the only honourable course of action under the circumstances.

In September, Sir Keir took action against Lord Mandelson, a former Labour minister and peer, following the release of documents suggesting a close association with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The prime minister maintains that Lord Mandelson misled him regarding the extent and character of his connection to Epstein.

The departure of McSweeney, a key advisor to Sir Keir since his leadership campaign, had already dealt a significant blow to the prime minister's tenure.

With Allan's abrupt exit after just five months in the role, the prime minister faces additional challenges, increasing the pressure on Sir Keir to convince Labour MPs that he has a strategy for recovery.

According to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, the resignation constitutes "further evidence that Keir Starmer's government is in disarray", implying a loss of control.

In a statement to the media, a spokesperson noted that the prime minister's current position is one of limited authority, with Labour MPs holding significant sway over their actions.

According to Daisy Cooper, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, the public is seeking a government that prioritizes key issues such as the cost of living, NHS reform, and social care improvements.

Cooper emphasized that the public's desire is for a leadership focused on addressing the nation's challenges, rather than being distracted by personal political struggles.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, predicted that the prime minister's tenure would be short-lived, suggesting a resignation would occur in the near future.

Farage cited Anas Sarwar as a significant factor, questioning how Labour could effectively campaign in the Scottish elections if their current leadership structure, potentially including Keir Starmer, remains in place.

In the lead-up to Allan's resignation, Sir Keir addressed No 10 staff, emphasizing the importance of utilizing politics as a positive influence to drive initiatives that address child poverty, the cost of living crisis, and reduce NHS waiting times.

Sir Keir expressed his outrage over the Lord Mandelson controversy, stating that what angers him most is the erosion of trust in politics as a means to effect positive change and improve people's lives.

Sir Keir acknowledged to staff that he had explicitly expressed regret over his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson and offered apologies to those affected, before praising McSweeney, with whom he has collaborated for nearly a decade.

Sir Keir extended his gratitude to McSweeney, describing him as a friend, and noted that their collective efforts had transformed the Labour Party, secured a general election victory, and that none of these accomplishments would have been achievable without McSweeney's involvement.

According to Sir Keir, McSweeney's devotion, work ethic, and loyalty to both the party and the country were unparalleled.

Vidhya Alakeson and Jill Cuthbertson, both deputies to McSweeney, have taken on the role of joint acting chiefs of staff following McSweeney's departure.

The prime minister remains under intense scrutiny, with critics continuing to voice their concerns.

Clive Lewis, the Labour MP for Norwich South, expressed his doubts about the impact of McSweeney's exit during an interview with Radio 5 Live.

According to Lewis, the issue at hand is the broader political culture that has developed under Keir Starmer's leadership, one that prioritizes close ties to wealth and power.

Dame Emily Thornberry, a prominent Labour MP, offered her support for Sir Keir Starmer, describing him as a "good leader," while also emphasizing the need for him to demonstrate stronger leadership to provide clarity and direction.

According to Polly Billington, Labour MP for Thanet East and vice chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party, the recent departures from No 10 present an opportunity for key staffing adjustments that could help alleviate concerns about a lack of diversity at the highest levels of government.

Billington further emphasized that a lack of diverse perspectives can lead to poor decision-making, stating that being surrounded by like-minded individuals, particularly men, can have negative consequences.

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Life sentences imposed on two individuals for conspiring to target Jewish community

Two individuals have been imprisoned for their involvement in a plot that authorities believe had the potential to become the most lethal terrorist attack in the UK.

A life sentence has been imposed on two individuals who conspired to launch a devastating attack on Manchester's Jewish community, an incident that could have resulted in the UK's most lethal terrorist assault to date.

According to evidence presented at Preston Crown Court, Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52, orchestrated the smuggling of firearms into the UK as part of a plot inspired by Isis.

The plans were thwarted thanks to the efforts of an undercover operative, whose involvement was deemed pivotal by Greater Manchester Police in preventing the attack.

The court sentenced Walid Saadaoui and Amar Hussein to minimum prison terms of 37 and 26 years, respectively, for their roles in the conspiracy.

Walid Saadaoui, a resident of Abram in Wigan, and Amar Hussein, who has no fixed address, were convicted of preparing acts of terrorism during a period spanning from 13 December 2023 to 9 May 2024.

Bilel Saadaoui, Walid's 36-year-old brother, has also been found guilty of failing to report information about terrorist activities.

This developing story will be updated with additional information as it becomes available; please check back for the most comprehensive version.

News

Pair imprisoned following letterbox shooting linked to drug debt feud

The child was transported to a hospital, where it was determined that his injuries were not critical.

A pair of men from Bristol have received prison sentences totalling over 14 years for their roles in a shooting incident in Cardiff, where a teenager was injured after being shot through a letterbox with a double-barrelled shotgun.

Road sign showing Clos y Ffynnon, an estate in the Cardiff suburb of Pontprennau, where a 15-year-old was shot in a case of mistaken identity. — The 15-year-old was shot in Clos Y Fynnon, Pontprennau, Cardiff in a case off mistaken identity

On June 7, at 19:36, Efekan Karahan, 18, approached a house in Cardiff's Pontprennau area and fired his shotgun twice, striking the 15-year-old victim in the legs; Karahan was subsequently sentenced to 8 years and 4 months in prison.

Karahan's accomplice, Ashley Fernando Corbin, 21, also from Bristol, waited nearby during the shooting and received a 6-year prison sentence for his involvement.

According to evidence presented at Newport Crown Court, the attack was linked to an ongoing feud involving the drugs trade, which included a family member of the teenage victim who suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Prosecutor Clare Wilkins outlined the events of the incident, stating that the 15-year-old victim was at home caring for his brother when he went downstairs to make a cup of tea, unaware of the danger that awaited him.

As the victim entered the kitchen, he was startled by a loud noise at the front door, which would soon be followed by a more severe and life-threatening event.

Wilkins described how the victim then proceeded to the hallway, where he saw a figure through the glass panel in the front door, immediately followed by the sound of a gunshot and the letterbox being dislodged; a second shot was then fired, striking the victim, who managed to move out of sight.

After being shot, the teenager returned upstairs to check on his brother and soon realised he was bleeding from his leg, prompting him to seek help.

From the bedroom window, the victim spotted Corbin filming Karahan on his phone, with both men wearing balaclavas, a scene that would later be recounted in court.

The court was shown footage from a mobile phone and CCTV, which captured Karahan slipping on the tiled entrance to the house and forcefully hitting the door, an event that the victim had initially mistaken for someone kicking the door.

After firing the shotgun through the letterbox, Karahan was seen tripping over a railing while fleeing the scene, further evidence of the chaotic nature of the incident.

Karahan lost control of the shotgun momentarily before regaining possession of it and making his way across a field to a waiting vehicle, which had been fitted with cloned number plates.

The prosecution argued that the two defendants had travelled from Bristol to Cardiff with the intention of carrying out the attack, which was part of a larger, ongoing feud involving the drugs trade and a family member of the victim.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the victim contacted his older brother, who arrived at the house shortly afterwards and attempted to follow the defendants' vehicle.

The older brother returned home and called an ambulance for his younger brother, who was described in court as being pale and scared following the traumatic event.

A subsequent medical examination revealed that the teenager had suffered injuries from 30 pellets in his left leg, which had ricocheted and caused the harm.

In his defence, Ieuan Callaghan argued that Karahan had been exploited by criminal gangs in Bristol, portraying him as neither a dangerous nor sophisticated criminal.

Meanwhile, Ruth Smith, defending Corbin, suggested that her client had been vulnerable to exploitation by drug gangs since being excluded from school at the age of 13.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, in sentencing Karahan, emphasized that he had played a significant role in the incident, stating, "You pulled the trigger, not once but twice, which is not a lesser role," while also describing Corbin as having a pro-criminal attitude and being dangerous.

Leighton Mawer of the Crown Prosecution Service noted that the two defendants had carefully planned their actions, including the use of a firearm, which resulted in serious injuries to the victim.

Mawer added that the discharge of firearms can often have fatal consequences, but fortunately, this incident did not result in the loss of life.

News

Service Member Injured in Stabbing Incident Close to Military Base

According to Lt Col Mark Teeton, he considers himself lucky following what he describes as a premeditated and intentional assault perpetrated by Anthony Esan.

Lt Col Mark Teeton recalled the moment his life was put in danger when Anthony Esan dropped his deceptive facade and unleashed a violent attack, saying, "I knew I was in trouble."

Eileen Teeton in a black top and shoulder length brown hair, sits next to her husband Mark, who has short hair and is dressed in a grey suit. — Lt Col Mark Teeton, pictured with his wife Eileen, said the support of the public gave him strength after he was attacked by Anthony Esan in Chatham

On 23 July 2024, at approximately 18:00 BST, Teeton's routine walk home from Brompton Barracks was disrupted when Esan approached him, requesting to borrow his mobile phone to seek help for his broken-down moped.

Within three minutes, Teeton had suffered a brutal stabbing, which was briefly interrupted when his wife intervened, pushing Esan away as he lunged at her husband.

In an interview with the BBC, Teeton reflected on his ordeal, stating, "I was fortunate to have survived."

Esan, aged 25, received a life sentence with a minimum term of seven years and 162 days at Maidstone Crown Court.

During the sentencing, Mr Justice Picken described the attack as having an "unimaginable horror."

The judge also ruled that Esan would be detained in a hospital for as long as necessary.

Prior to the attack, Esan had conducted online searches for knives, a terrorist attack in West Africa, and TikTok videos depicting knife attacks in other countries.

Anthony Esan is seen being held by two police officers, who are wearing uniforms and gloves. Esan is wearing a grey top and has his hands behind his back. — The court heard Esan 'lied' to his mother and said he was going to look for a job

The court heard that Esan had also searched for information on the 2013 murder of Lee Rigby, referred to as the "Woolwich soldier murdered."

Forensic psychiatrists testified that Esan's actions were more likely driven by psychosis, but that he had intentionally targeted a soldier.

Mr Justice Picken stated, "The attack on Mr Teeton was targeted and deliberate."

Addressing Esan, the judge said, "You intentionally sought out a soldier with the intention of causing fatal harm, as evident from your online search of the Lee Rigby killing."

Eileen Teeton, Mark's wife, recounted how she rushed from their home and confronted the assailant, but Esan's gaze followed her.

She described how Esan then turned his attention back to her husband, at which point she realized the victim was her husband.

After Esan ceased his attack and fled on his moped, Eileen's priority was to get her husband medical attention as quickly as possible.

As Teeton drifted in and out of consciousness, guards from the nearby barracks, local residents, police, and paramedics arrived at the scene.

Teeton was rushed to Kings College Hospital in London, where he underwent emergency surgery, while his wife followed, unsure if he would survive.

Following the sentencing, Teeton stated that Esan's life imprisonment reflected the premeditation and planning that went into the attack against him, a British military officer.

He added, "Knife attacks have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the victim but also their families and the communities where they occur."

Teeton expressed his empathy, saying, "We feel the pain of every knife attack we see in the news, and our thoughts are always with those affected."

Prior to the attack, Teeton, a 26-year veteran of the military, had completed four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Wearing combat uniform and dark glasses, Lt Col Teeton smiles at the camera from the interior of a partly-constructed building in Afghanistan — Lt Col Teeton worked with the Canadian armed forces in Afghanistan in 2010/11

He credited the swift response of paramedics, who arrived by air ambulance, with helping to save his life.

Teeton also acknowledged the role of locals who provided first aid, saying, "The immediate care they provided, along with the basic first aid principles they applied, absolutely saved me."

After a three-week hospital stay, Teeton returned home to find that the military had relocated his family to a more private area.

He then spent five weeks at a rehabilitation centre for injured military personnel near Loughborough before returning to work full-time in January 2025.

In January, Esan pleaded guilty to attempted murder, following several delays in the case due to concerns about his mental health.

Esan had previously attempted to join the British Army on multiple occasions, with his first application submitted in 2020.

In the same year, he was referred to mental health services due to apparent mental health issues and reports of hearing voices.

Esan's mother believed that, given his mental state, he should not have been in the community, according to testimony presented in court.

Eileen Teeton, who sings in a military wives choir, expressed relief that Esan had pleaded guilty, sparing them the ordeal of a trial.

She stated, "We felt a massive sense of relief that he had taken responsibility for his actions and pleaded guilty, sparing us and the jurors from reliving the horrific ordeal."