Starmer ignored Mandelson warnings, documents show

Plus: Ongoing US investigation finds it is responsible for Iran girls' school attack

Thursday, March 12, 2026 Good morning and welcome to your daily news briefing from The Independent.   New documents reveal that Keir Starmer ignored warnings about Peter Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein before appointing him US ambassador, a US investigation finds it was responsible for bombing a girls' primary school in Iran, and anti-migrant protesters target Coronation Street legend Julie Goodyear over false rumours. Top stories 1 | Documents reveal Starmer ignored warnings about Mandelson's links to Epstein Read more 2 | Trump claims ignorance as Pentagon admits US missile killed more than 170 at Iranian girls' school Read more 3 | Anti-migrant protesters target Coronation Street legend's old home over false rumours Read more 4 | Three brothers arrested after 'terror bombing' at US embassy in Norway Read more 5 | Kneecap rapper will not face new terror trial after CPS appeal rejected Read more Editors' picks David Hockney's Serpentine show offers hope in a desperate world Why the dark secrets of Epstein's Zorro ranch could soon be unearthed I'd happily pay a dog licence if it meant an end to criminal owners Your Views Your Views 'Judge the mood': Readers urge King Charles to cancel US state visit If Charles wants to stop the growing dissatisfaction with royalty, he needs to judge the mood of the country. I very much doubt that he would get many in favour of this visit. ncomment   ncomment     Share your opinion and read the full debate here.     Don't forget to complete your registration We've noticed that you still have not completed your registration to The Independent. Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism. It allows us to better understand our readers and tailor your experience. By registering, you'll also gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including: Limited access to Premium articles Access to The Independent app Access to more than 20 newsletters Commenting on independent.co.uk Unlock these benefits by completing your registration today.  COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION   WATCH  Teenage car wash attendant takes down axe-wielding man STAT OF THE DAY $9 million The amount spent on crabs legs and lobster by the US military, a new analysis published by government watchdog Open the Books found. Read more QUOTE OF THE DAY "Weirdly rushed." This was how National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell described Sir Keir Starmer's decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. The remark was revealed in newly released papers that show he was warned about the dangers of appointing Mandelson. Read more Other stories you might like Why Gen-Zers like me don't think our country is worth fighting for As police move in, the dark secrets of Epstein's Zorro Ranch could soon be unearthed Louis Theroux's manosphere documentary is an infuriating failure Use discount code: "BOOST" to save at London Sock Company. Get up to 50% off menswear in the Wax London sale. Join the conversation and follow us Download our apps: Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Evening Headlines newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy policy and cookie policy