Robbins fired a blockbuster letter at the Foreign Affairs Committee before his appearance. Some of the main points:
Olly Robbins is offering his “blockbuster” defence against Starmer at the Foreign Affairs Select Committee right now. Round two…
Miliband on Sky News this morning:
“As you know, I steered well clear of Mandelson when I became Labour leader in 2010… I had a conversation with David Lammy about it before the appointment, and I said I was worried about it… I think [Lammy] was worried about it too.”
A perfect time to remind everyone he thinks he has better judgement than the (current) Prime Minister. Useful if there’s a vacancy…
On top of the already-conducted reviews by Chris Wormald, the ongoing Humble Address collection effort, and so on. Another review…
“I have asked the government security group in the Cabinet Office to look at any security concerns raised during Peter Mandelson’s tenure.”
Asked about why Mandelson received high-level STRAP clearance for access to the most sensitive material, he said:
“I have ordered a review of any national security issues arising in relation to what I found out last tuesday and I will obviously update the house when that review is complete.”
Revolving door…
Anderson added: “That man couldn’t lie straight in bed.”
Douglas Alexander – a friend of Starmer’s – was asked on Sky News if the PM will be in post at the next election. He wasn’t so sure himself:
“I think he will. There are no certainties but of course I think he will lead and I think he should because, frankly, on the biggest call in this parliament he’s exercised the right judgment, which is to keep us out of someone else’s war.”