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PM criticizes peer for incomplete disclosure on sex offender links

At Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer faced inquiry regarding his choice to confer a peerage upon Lord Doyle.

The decision to grant a peerage to Lord Doyle, Sir Keir Starmer's former communications chief, has been defended by the prime minister, despite allegations that Lord Doyle did not fully disclose his connections to a convicted sex offender.

A composite image shows on the left Keir Starmer leaving Downing Street wearing a suit and tie with glasses while holding folders, and on the right Lord Matthew Doyle in fluffy white and red robes while speaking in the House of Lords. — Sir Keir Starmer (left) made the comments in relation to Lord Matthew Doyle (right) at PMQs on Wednesday

During Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed his decision to remove Lord Doyle from the Labour Party's parliamentary group, citing a lack of transparency regarding Lord Doyle's past associations.

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, questioned Sir Keir Starmer's knowledge of Lord Doyle's background during the appointment process, suggesting that the prime minister had compromised the government's integrity by elevating individuals with questionable judgment.

Lord Doyle has apologized for his previous association with Sean Morton, a former Labour councillor who pleaded guilty to indecent child image offenses in 2017.

The announcement of Lord Doyle's peerage was made on December 10 of the previous year, with his appointment as a former director of communications for Sir Keir Starmer.

A report by The Sunday Times on December 27 revealed that Lord Doyle had campaigned on behalf of Morton after he was charged with possessing and distributing indecent images of children in December 2016.

According to a No 10 spokeswoman, the government thoroughly investigated Lord Doyle's past ties to Morton, including multiple interviews, prior to his appointment.

On January 7, a group of nine opposition MPs, led by SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, submitted a motion in the Commons expressing concerns about Lord Doyle's appointment.

Lord Doyle, a veteran Labour strategist who served as the party's head of press from 1998 to 2005, took his seat in the House of Lords on January 12.

It is understood that the prime minister's office was not aware of Lord Doyle's involvement in Morton's campaign at the time of his nomination in early December, but was informed after the report was published in The Sunday Times on December 27.

Lord Doyle released a statement on Tuesday, explaining that Morton had maintained his innocence at the time of his campaign support, and acknowledging that his decision to continue supporting Morton was an error in judgment.

He expressed his unconditional apology for not ceasing his support for Morton before the conclusion of the judicial process.

This development follows Sir Keir Starmer's confirmation that he had appointed Lord Mandelson as US ambassador despite knowing about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The prime minister apologized to Epstein's victims for believing Lord Mandelson's account of his relationship with the financier, which was later revealed to be misleading.

At the start of Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer defended his former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who resigned over his role in promoting Lord Mandelson's appointment as ambassador.

Kemi Badenoch looks to the camera while speaking during a press conference with the Union flag in the background, in London on 5 February. — Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch questioned how much the prime minister knew while appointing Doyle

Sir Keir Starmer accepted responsibility for the mistakes made and offered his apology.

However, Kemi Badenoch accused the prime minister of deflecting blame, pointing out that the Lord Mandelson episode was not an isolated incident.

Badenoch referenced the peerage granted to Lord Doyle, highlighting the Sunday Times report that exposed his campaign support for a individual charged with child sex offenses.

She questioned why the prime minister proceeded with Lord Doyle's appointment despite being aware of these allegations, asking, "Why did he give Doyle a job for life in the House of Lords anyway?"

Sir Keir Starmer responded by stating that Lord Doyle had not provided a complete account of his actions, and that he had removed the whip from Lord Doyle as promised.

The prime minister then addressed his government's record on tackling violence against women and girls.

Badenoch countered that Sir Keir Starmer only demonstrates concern for victims when it is convenient for him.

The prime minister refused to accept lectures from the Conservatives on standards in public life, criticizing Badenoch's own record.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander explained to the BBC's Politics Live that the government did not halt Lord Doyle's appointment due to the lack of an established process for withdrawing a peerage nomination after it has been made.

Alexander acknowledged that there is no formal mechanism to recall a nomination once it has been submitted to the House of Lords.

The prime minister's official spokesman echoed this explanation, stating that the government is undertaking broader reforms of the vetting and appointment processes.

When asked about the claim that there is no precedent for withdrawing a peerage nomination, a House of Lords spokesperson clarified that a peerage is formally created when the letters patent are sealed, which occurred on January 8.

The sealing of the letters patent is the formal process by which a peerage is created.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey criticized Sir Keir Starmer's judgment in appointing both Lord Mandelson and Lord Doyle, describing it as "catastrophic".

Sir Keir Starmer responded in the Commons, stating that the country has been let down for years, and that the opposition should take responsibility for their actions.

He highlighted the impact of austerity measures supported by the opposition and suggested that they should acknowledge their role in the country's problems.

Stephen Flynn of the SNP stated that the House of Lords Appointments Commission provides confidential advice to the prime minister on the suitability of potential nominees, including Lord Doyle.

Flynn requested that the prime minister release the advice related to Lord Doyle's appointment, but Sir Keir Starmer declined, citing the established procedures.

The SNP has since written to the prime minister, requesting the release of all documents related to Lord Doyle's appointment.

The Conservatives have also indicated that they may use parliamentary mechanisms to compel the release of these documents if necessary.

A Conservative party spokesman stated that they are giving Labour the opportunity to be transparent, and will review their options depending on Labour's response.

Lord Doyle has been approached for comment regarding the prime minister's statements about him in the Commons.

For more information on the developments in Westminster, sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter.

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DP World CEO departs amid fallout over Epstein connections

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem’s departure follows the revelation of hundreds of emails allegedly exchanged between him and Epstein, as revealed in recently disclosed documents.

DP World's global ports operator has undergone a change in leadership, with the previous head stepping down amidst scrutiny surrounding their association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, wearing white, gestures during the World Government Summit in Dubai in 2017.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem's departure as chairman and chief executive follows the release of newly uncovered files, which indicate he exchanged numerous emails with Epstein over the course of a decade.

The mention of an individual in these files does not imply any wrongdoing, and the BBC has reached out to Sulayem for a statement regarding the matter.

On Friday, DP World announced the appointments of Essa Kazim as chairman and Yuvraj Narayan as chief executive, without making any reference to Sulayem, whose photograph appears to have been removed from the company's website.

DP World, a Dubai-owned logistics company with a significant presence in global trade infrastructure, operating port terminals across six continents, has faced increasing pressure from its business partners in recent days.

Earlier in the week, the UK development finance agency and La Caisse, Canada's second-largest pension fund, announced that they would be suspending new investments in the firm.

Additionally, the Prince of Wales' Earthshot project, which received funding from DP World, was reported to the UK Charity Commission following Sulayem's appearance in the recently released files.

The documents suggest a close and extensive relationship between Sulayem, a prominent Gulf business figure, and Epstein, spanning multiple areas of interaction.

US lawmakers Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie have accused Sulayem of being one of several influential individuals associated with Epstein, citing him as one of "six powerful men" linked to the disgraced financier.

The lawmakers, who co-sponsored the legislation that led to the release of the Epstein files last year, claim that certain information was improperly redacted from the documents.

On 9 February, Thomas Massie highlighted a redacted document that appeared to contain an email from Epstein in 2009, referencing a "torture video"; the recipient responded that they would be traveling between China and the US, although the context of the exchange is unclear.

US officials have confirmed that Sulayem was the recipient of the email in question, which was sent by Epstein.

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Ireland Seeks Redemption in Match Without Spectators

Ireland’s Captain Caelan Doris has emphasized that the team must have all players contributing in order to move past their loss to France and secure a win against Italy.

Ireland captain Caelan Doris is urging his team to deliver a strong performance against Italy, following their disappointing loss to France last week.

Historically, Ireland have dominated Italy in their home Six Nations matches, winning their last five encounters by at least 30 points, including a 2024 match where they held Italy scoreless, but a similar outcome is not expected this time around.

Italy's confidence is high after their 18-15 victory over Scotland in Rome, where they excelled in the set-piece and defended well in the closing stages.

Gonzalo Quesada's team put in an impressive display despite the challenging weather conditions, and their win has given them momentum ahead of their trip to Dublin.

In contrast, Ireland's camp has been introspective after their 16-year-low Six Nations loss to France, with head coach Andy Farrell expressing his disappointment and the need for improvement.

Farrell was critical of his team's performance, particularly in the first half, and has made several changes to the lineup for the Italy match, including the exclusion of Josh van der Flier, Jacob Stockdale, Tommy O'Brien, and Cian Prendergast.

The Irish coach has also spoken about the need for his team to "simplify things" and understand their identity, following a clear-the-air meeting with the squad.

Farrell has emphasized the importance of players not overthinking their roles and instead focusing on their strengths, as they prepare to face Italy.

The Irish coach's message to his players is to trust their instincts and not overcomplicate their game plan against Italy.

Ireland's review of their loss to France was a candid and honest assessment, with players and coaches alike acknowledging the need for improvement.

Ireland has made six changes to their team for the Italy match, with newcomers Cormac Izuchukwu and Rob Baloucoune, as well as uncapped lock Edwin Edogbo, set to feature.

Captain Caelan Doris believes that the new players must take ownership of their roles and contribute to the team's overall performance.

Doris expressed his enthusiasm for the team's lineup, despite the changes, and emphasized the importance of cohesion and trust among the players.

The Irish captain's message to the new players is to have faith in their abilities and enjoy the experience, while also focusing on the team's core strengths.

Doris stressed that every player must be fully committed and take responsibility for their actions on the field, in order to achieve a positive outcome.

He added that creating a sense of unity and purpose through their actions can have a profound impact on the team's performance.

Doris reiterated that every player must be fully invested and take ownership of their role, in order to achieve success against Italy.

Edwin Edogbo, the towering Munster lock, is set to make his Test debut for Ireland on Saturday.

Ireland's loss to France was marked by a lack of intent, and head coach Andy Farrell has responded by making changes to the team, including the inclusion of wingers James Lowe and Rob Baloucoune.

The hope is that these changes will help Ireland to rediscover their sense of purpose and direction against Italy.

Lowe, a experienced player, was dropped for the France match, but returns to the lineup, while Baloucoune makes his first appearance for Ireland since November 2022.

The inclusion of Cormac Izuchukwu in the back row is expected to add dynamism and ball-carrying ability to Ireland's attack.

There is also excitement about the potential of Edwin Edogbo, who has impressed for Munster despite struggling with injuries earlier in his career.

Caelan Doris will switch back to open-side flanker, a position he has played before against Italy, and where he has scored tries in the past.

Regardless of his position, Doris is focused on helping Ireland to move past their loss to France and deliver a strong performance against Italy.

The Irish captain reflected on the team's discussions throughout the week, which have centered on accountability, simplicity, and a renewed focus on their core values.

Doris emphasized the importance of the team holding each other accountable and taking ownership of their actions, in order to drive improvement.

The Irish captain acknowledged that the loss to France has served as a reference point, but expressed confidence that the team can learn from the experience and move forward.

Doris believes that Ireland has the potential to improve, but must focus on executing their game plan effectively and trusting their strengths.

The match between Ireland and Italy is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 14 February, at 14:10 GMT.

The Aviva Stadium in Dublin will host the encounter.

Fans can listen to live commentary of the match on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2, BBC Radio Ulster, and the BBC Sport website and app, as well as follow live text commentary.

Italy has a chance to cause a major upset in the Six Nations, and will be looking to build on their win over Scotland last week.

The Italians pushed Ireland close last year, losing 22-17, and will be hoping to go one better this time around.

Despite the absence of Juan Ignacio Brex, Italy has a number of threats, including Tommaso Menoncello, one of the most exciting young talents in European rugby.

The Italian forwards have shown their ability to compete with top teams, having dominated Scotland and caused problems for South Africa's pack in November.

Caelan Doris acknowledged that Italy is no longer just a passionate team, but a side with a well-rounded attack and strong defense.

The Irish captain noted that Italy's attack is now a significant threat, and that their ability to play with width and depth makes them a challenging opponent.

Doris also highlighted the improvement in Italy's scrum, as well as the quality of their back three and the physicality of their forwards.

The Ireland team to face Italy is: Osborne; Baloucoune, Ringrose, McCloskey, Lowe; S Prendergast, Casey; Loughman, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Ryan, Izuchukwu, Doris (capt), Conan.

Ireland's substitutes for the match include Kelleher, O'Toole, Furlong, Edogbo, Beirne, Timoney, Gibson-Park, and Crowley.

The Italian team features Pani, Lynagh, Marin, Menoncello, and Ioane in the backline, with P Garbisi and Fusco in the half-back positions, and a forward pack consisting of Fischetti, Nicotera, Ferrari, N Cannone, Zambonin, Lamaro as captain, Zuliani, and L Cannone.

Italy's replacement players are Di Bartolomeo, Spagnolo, Hasa, Ruzza, Favretto, Odiase, A Garbisi, and Odogwu.

On Saturday, Hollie Davidson of Scotland will make history by becoming the first female referee to officiate a men's Six Nations match, with the fixture being Ireland's home game against Italy.