'Starmer accused of Mandelson cover up' and 'Time for Strait talking'
Criticism of Downing Street's handling of Lord Mandeslon's appointment as US ambassador remains prominent on Sunday's front pages. "Starmer accused of Mandelson cover-up" is the Sunday Telegraph's lead as it reports that opponents are questioning the PM's defence after it emerged that senior government officials knew of the former US ambassador's failed security vetting weeks before it was made public.
"Starmer's not fit to run the country" says the Mail on Sunday. The paper features Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch calling Sir Keir Starmer "weak, lazy and incompetent" and consumed by his own survival over national security.
The Independent has comments from former foreign secretary Sir James Cleverly who says it is "inconceivable" that the PM and his deputy David Lammy were not informed about Lord Mandelson's failed vetting. In its top picture, the paper shows US Apache helicopters patrolling the Strait of Hormuz after reports of ships being attacked following Iran's announcement it was closing the vital waterway a day after its reopening.
Staying with Lord Mandelson, the Sunday Times reports the former US ambassador failed his security vetting due to foreign ties rather than his friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Citing leaked documents, the paper says the biggest client of Lord Mandelson's lobbying firm was a company linked to the Chinese military.
It's "time for Strait talking" says the Sunday People as the US and Iran continue to spar over control of the critical shipping route.
There's more criticism levelled at the prime minister, with the Sunday Express saying Sir Keir is being accused of "betraying" Northern Ireland veterans over Labour's plans to repeal the Legacy Act. The controversial clause, which protects former servicemen from prosecution for Troubles-era crimes, had already been found to be unlawful and was opposed by Northern Ireland parties and victims' groups. The paper quotes a former SAS colonel who says veterans are being "pushed to the brink" while the PM "cuddles up to Europe".
The Daily Star focuses on a different crisis affecting British soldiers, who claim they are facing "digestive repercussions" due to the bean and vegetable food packs they have been given.
The Observer's front page previews the story of a man who became addicted to his chatbot, resulting in a psychotic breakdown. It's part of the paper's investigation into how unregulated AI is "causing a new mental health crisis".
Former PM Liz Truss has gone on a ski holiday in Switzerland to "boost EU relations" despite being an "arch-Brexiteer", according to the Sunday Mirror. "Truss is taking the piste" is the paper's headline.
Finally, the Sun spotlights pop star Holly Valance's new romance after splitting with her husband last year.
