Sky News issues breaking Mandelson update after being urged to give evidence

Sky News brought its afternoon show to a halt as a presenter issued a breaking news update about disgraced ex-Labour politician Peter Mandelson. The politician was seen in public today (February 14) for the first time since he was summoned to testify before the US Congress. The former ambassador to the US was seen leaving his home in North London with his dog in his arms.

He has been given a deadline of February 27 to respond to Congress's request for evidence, but has continued to deny any wrongdoing. It comes as the Prime Minister is facing calls to step down from office for appointing the 72-year-old as ambassador despite his links to the American paedophile.

In a letter published on Friday (February 13), Washington lawmakers said they wanted to hear first-hand evidence from the disgraced ambassador as part of their probe into the paedophilia scandal.

It reads: "While you no longer serve as British ambassador to the United States and have stepped down from the House of Lords, it is clear that you possessed extensive social and business ties to Jeffrey Epstein and hold critical information pertaining to our investigation of Epstein's operations.

"Given the appalling allegations regarding Epstein's conduct, we request that you make yourself available for a transcribed interview with committee staff regarding the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators."

The former Washington ambassador has suffered a staggering fall from grace in recent months, beginning in September, when he was sacked by Keir Starmer, then forced to resign in shame from the House of Lords.

His appointment is now threatening to tear down the entire government, after the Tories forced the government to publish all its messages and documents relating to both Mr Mandelson as US ambassador, and any other interference he may have had in the running of the state

Sir Keir has also lost his right-hand man and chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who was responsible for appointing Mr Mandelson to the top diplomatic posting. Mr Mandelson is also under investigation by the Met Police in London for potential breaches of the standards in public life.

Among the three million documents released by the US Department of Justice were revelations that Mr Mandelson sent Mr Epstein highly confidential market-sensitive information during his time serving as Business Secretary in Gordon Brown's government.

The information provided to the American financier, including details about UK asset sales and a Eurozone bailout package, could have helped the New York financier pocket millions.