Starmer Faces Tough PMQs on Israel Strikes, Mandelson Controversy and Cabinet Shake-Up

Published: 10 September 2025 | The English Chronicle Desk

Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced a stormy Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) session in the Commons today, grappling with mounting criticism over Israel’s recent actions in Doha, growing controversy surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, and the political fallout from Angela Rayner’s resignation.

Opening PMQs, Mr Starmer condemned the Israeli strikes in Doha yesterday, saying they violated Qatar’s sovereignty and “did nothing to secure the peace that the UK has long advocated.” He confirmed he would meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog later in the day, stressing that he would deliver a strong message: “We condemn Israel’s actions, and we will urge immediate steps to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid for Gaza.”

His comments followed sharp criticism from within his own Cabinet. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said earlier this week that President Herzog must answer allegations of “war crimes, ethnic cleansing and genocide” linked to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. While the UK government has stopped short of formally designating Israel’s actions as genocide, ministers have acknowledged that serious legal and moral questions remain unanswered. The Prime Minister now finds himself under intense pressure both at home and abroad to confront Israel directly over its conduct.

The exchanges in the Commons also turned sharply to Lord Mandelson, the UK’s newly appointed ambassador to the United States. Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch asked whether the Prime Minister knew of Mandelson’s association with Epstein before confirming his appointment. Mr Starmer insisted that “full due process” had been followed, but questions over Mandelson’s judgment continue to swirl.

In recent days, Lord Mandelson admitted he “profoundly regrets” ever meeting Epstein and acknowledged that further “very embarrassing” messages between the two are likely to emerge. One resurfaced note allegedly described Epstein as his “best pal.” Speaking publicly, Mandelson said he feels “a tremendous, profound sense of sympathy for those women who suffered as a result of Epstein’s illegal, criminal activities,” but critics argue that his past connections undermine his credibility in Washington.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey pressed the Prime Minister on whether Mandelson remains a suitable figure to represent Britain abroad, given the deepening scandal. The Prime Minister defended the appointment but was visibly on the defensive as MPs on all sides raised concerns.

Adding to the turbulence, this was Mr Starmer’s first PMQs since the dramatic resignation of his deputy, Angela Rayner. She stepped down after the Prime Minister’s ethics adviser concluded she had breached the ministerial code over her failure to properly declare tax on a second home. Starmer, who initially backed Rayner, was forced into a swift reshuffle to steady his frontbench team.

The combination of foreign policy challenges, questions over integrity at the heart of government, and ongoing scrutiny of his party’s internal discipline meant Starmer endured one of his most difficult Commons appearances since taking office.

Observers noted that while the Prime Minister sought to project firmness on Israel and solidarity with victims of Epstein, his government risks being dragged into protracted controversies that could erode public confidence at a delicate political moment.

With his meeting with President Herzog looming and the Mandelson affair far from resolved, Starmer faces a critical test of leadership — balancing diplomacy abroad with accountability at home.