Many MPs blamed him for the appointment of the former Labour peer to ambassador of the US - Mandelson was sacked from that position in September, but has come under further pressure following new Epstein files, which suggest he shared confidential information with the convicted sex offender when he was the business secretary. In a statement Mr McSweeney said: "The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself. "When asked, I advised the prime minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice. In public life responsibility must be owned when it matters most, not just when it is most convenient. In the circumstances, the only honourable course is to step aside." Mr McSweeney said it has "not been an easy decision". He added: "Much has been written and said about me over the years but my motivations have always been simple: I have worked every day to elect and support a government that puts the lives of ordinary people first and leads us to a better future for our great country. Only a Labour government will do that." He said he had "two reflections" as he leaves the post. "Firstly, and most importantly, we must remember the women and girls whose lives were ruined by Jeffrey Epstein and whose voices went unheard for far too long. "Secondly, while I did not oversee the due diligence and vetting process, I believe that process must now be fundamentally overhauled. This cannot simply be a gesture but a safeguard for the future." He ended his statement saying he remains "fully supportive" of Sir Keir Starmer. "He is working every day to rebuild trust, restore standards and serve the country. I will continue to back that mission in whatever way I can. It has been the honour of my life to serve." The files have also led to questions over Sir Keir Starmer's judgement in appointing Mandelson to the top diplomatic positionm, with some Labour MPs calling for him to resign also. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

The 84-year-old went missing from her home in Arizona under suspicious circumstances. She was last seen at her home near Tucson on the evening of 31 January and was reported missing the following morning. Investigators said they had found signs of forced entry and believe she was taken against her will. Here's everything we know so far. What do we know about the disappearance? The NBC News anchor's mother was last seen at roughly 9.30pm on 31 January, when she was dropped off at home by family after having dinner with them, the sheriff's department said. Ms Guthrie, who lives alone, was then reported missing by her family the next day, Sunday, after she did not attend church. Ms Guthrie has a pacemaker and needs daily medication, and her family and authorities have said they are concerned her health could be deteriorating by the day. What do we know about the investigation? Search and rescue teams were supported by volunteers, Border Patrol, and the homicide team after Ms Guthrie was reported missing. They were stood down by the end of 2 February as the case became a criminal investigation. Police have said there were signs of forced entry at the property, and DNA tests showed blood found on Ms Guthrie's front porch matched hers, the county sheriff has said. Investigators also found her doorbell camera was disconnected early on 1 December, with software data recording movements at the home minutes later. Investigators have been unable to recover the footage because Ms Guthrie did not have an active subscription to the service. Police officers have been reviewing information from licence plate cameras and surveillance video from nearby homes while working to analyse data from local phone towers. Read more:Epstein files: The key findings so far Ransom notes At least three media organisations reported receiving apparent ransom notes during the week after Ms Guthrie's disappearance, which they handed over to the police. One man was arrested in Los Angeles on Thursday, accused of sending texts to Ms Guthrie's family asking about Bitcoin demanded in a reported ransom letter, according to a federal criminal complaint out of Arizona, NBC News reported. The messages were not linked to the other reported ransom demands. Heith Janke, the FBI chief in Phoenix, said details in the messages to news organisations included a demand for money, with a deadline for Thursday evening and a second deadline for Monday if the first one was not met. At least one note mentioned a floodlight at Ms Guthrie's home and an Apple watch, he added. On Friday, KOLD-TV in Tucson said it received a new message, via email, linked to Ms Guthrie's case. The station said it could not disclose its contents and the FBI said it was reviewing the message's authenticity. 'Vehicle of interest' Police investigating the disappearance were searching a vehicle in Arizona that may be connected to the investigation, NBC News reported on Friday. A spokesperson for the convenience store chain Circle K told the broadcaster, Sky News's US partner, that officers visited one of their stores after "receiving a tip regarding a vehicle of interest, and our team has provided them access to the store's surveillance video". Officials have not said whether the vehicle or vehicles are connected to any part of the disappearance. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information about Ms Guthrie's whereabouts. What has Savannah Guthrie said? On Wednesday, Savannah Guthrie shared a video on social media in which she addressed her mother's captor alongside her sister Annie and brother Cameron. "We are ready to talk," the anchor said. "However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. "We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us." She added: "Our mum is our heart and our home. She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart, is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive, she needs it not to suffer. "Mummy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter." Shortly after the video was posted, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family's, and Local Law Enforcement's, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY. "We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!" On Saturday, she told the potential kidnappers her family "will pay" for her safe return. "We received your message and we understand," she said, speaking alongside her siblings Cameron and Annie in an Instagram video. "We beg you now to return our mother to us, so that we can celebrate with her." "This is the only way we will have peace," she added. "This is very valuable to us, and we will pay." Savannah Guthrie co-hosts Today, the morning show on NBC News, the US sister network of Sky News. She often brought her mother on as a guest. Speaking on the show in 2022 on Nancy Guthrie's 80th birthday, she said: "She has met unthinkable challenges in her life with grit, without self-pity, with determination and always, always with unshakeable faith. "She loves us, her family, fiercely, and her selflessness and sacrifice for us, her steadfastness and her unmovable confidence is the reason any of us grew up to do anything."

Speaking to Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden defended Morgan McSweeney, who several Labour MPs believe should quit or be sacked. Mr McSweeney is said to have pushed for Peter Mandelson to be appointed ambassador to the US last year, despite his known links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Asked if he should go, Mr McFadden said: "I don't think he should. In the end... it's a prime ministerial appointment. And prime ministers have to take responsibility for the decisions that they make." Latest updates from Politics Hub Lord Mandelson was sacked from the Washington role in September over emails he sent to Epstein following his conviction for sex offences in 2008. However, anger over the appointment intensified this week following the latest tranche of Epstein files, which suggest Lord Mandelson may have leaked marked sensitive information to his friend after the global financial crisis, when he was business secretary in Gordon Brown's government. Some MPs have openly called for Sir Keir to resign after he seemed to confirm that Lord Mandelson's ongoing relationship with Epstein came up in the disgraced former ambassador's vetting. However Mr McFadden said a change of leadership would cause reputational damage as he defended his boss. Read more:PM 'fighting for his political life', Labour peer warnsHow can a UK prime minister be ousted? He told Trevor Phillips: "I think he's got a five-year mandate, which was just voted for 18 months or so ago in a general election. His task is by no means complete, barely begun. "And I also think it is not good for the country to change its prime minister every 18 months or two years is leading to chaos and uncertainty, economically, politically and reputationally around the world. "So I know this has been a difficult week, but I think we should stick with the prime minister, support him. He admits he's made a bad mistake here. He has apologised for it, and I'm sure he will learn from that going forward." Mr McFadden also said Lord Mandelson should return the payoff he received after being sacked or "give it to a charity, perhaps one involving violence against women and girls". He added: "I think taking a payoff in these circumstances, I don't think the public will think much of that."

Nepal required 10 runs from the final over to pull off an upset but were only able to score five off Sam Curran as they ended on 180-6 chasing 185 in the Group C encounter at Wankhede Stadium. Earlier, Harry Brook (53 off 32 balls) and Jacob Bethell (55 off 35) sealed half-centuries with sixes, while Will Jacks (39no off 18) slammed three maximums in a 21-run final over as England posted 184-7 against the Associate nation in the teams' first-ever meeting. Scorecard: England vs Nepal, T20 World Cup, MumbaiEngland vs Nepal - as it happened at Wankhede StadiumStream England vs West Indies for FREE on Sky Sports App Nepal raced to 31-0 in three overs and then went again after a couple of wickets had checked their progress, cantering to 123-2 after 14 overs as Rohit Paudel (39 off 34) and Dipendra Singh Airee (44 off 29), who combined for 82 off 54 deliveries, tucked into the leg-spin of Adil Rashid (0-42), including flogging his third over for 19. The ask was cut to a manageable 62 runs from the final 36 balls as England got edgy, before Airee and Paudel were then caught slogging Liam Dawson (2-21) and Curran (1-27) in successive overs and the game switched back towards the favourites. However, a 22-run Jofra Archer over, in which Lokesh Bam (39no off 20) creamed back-to-back sixes, and then a 14-run Luke Wood set made for a thrilling finale - one Curran ensured went England's way. As England celebrated and Nepal considered what might have been, it became clear just how vital Jacks' late show with the bat had been. England next play West Indies in Mumbai on Wednesday - a game you can stream live for free on the Sky Sports App - before a Valentine's Day clash with Scotland in Kolkata and then a final group fixture against debutants Italy at the same venue on February 16. Nepal, who proved they will be a match for anybody at this tournament, are in action versus Italy on Thursday. England and Nepal play out Mumbai classic Brook's side, T20 World Cup winners in 2010 and 2022 and semi-finalists in the previous edition in 2024, stumbled to 57-3 one ball into the sixth over when Tom Banton (2) was pinned lbw on the reverse sweep to leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane's first delivery. Phil Salt (1) had earlier been caught on the sweep at the start of the second over as Nepal off-spinner Sher Malla struck with his first ball in the T20I format, with Jos Buttler (26) snicking a rising delivery from seamer Nandan Yadav (2-25) behind in the fifth. Brook - eager to move on from a "horrendous" time in the spotlight following his scuffle with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand last autumn - got a move on for England after initially batting pretty sedately, sharing a fourth-wicket stand of 71 off 45 with Bethell. Bethell, who batted at No 3 with Brook entering at No 5, collared anything short, while Brook's sixes were cracked from deep in his crease before both batters holed out in the deep shortly after notching their third and sixth T20 international fifties respectively. England's innings stalled for a bit - Curran chopping on to his stumps for a pedestrian two - only for 45 runs to be looted from the final three overs, with Jacks taking apart Karan KC in the last set with three off-side maximums around Archer's run out. Archer and Wood were taken apart by Kushal Bhurtel (29 off 17) across the second and third overs - Archer (1-42) battered for 14 and Wood (1-31) nailed for 15 - before Dawson had Aasif Sheikh (7) pouched on the sweep and Jacks (1-17) caught and bowled Bhurtel. Back came Nepal, though, with Paudel and Airee smoking boundaries and running brilliantly and Lokesh's fireworks keeping dreams of a famous win alive before the nerveless Curran had the final say. England's T20 World Cup fixtures and results (first round) All times UK and Ireland; all games live on Sky Sports Beat Nepal by four runs (Mumbai)vs West Indies (Wednesday February 11) - Mumbai (1.30pm)vs Scotland (Saturday February 14) - Kolkata (9.30am)vs Italy (Monday February 16) - Kolkata (9.30am) Watch the Men's T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports from February 7 to March 8. Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free with NOW.

The 41-year-old American ruptured her ACL in a crash at a World Cup race in Switzerland on 30 January but was determined to compete at the Olympics nevertheless. Just 13 seconds into her final run in Cortina, northern Italy, on Sunday, Vonn crashed on the piste, having clipped a slalom gate while mid-air. The Team USA athlete was heard screaming after the crash as she was surrounded by medical personnel for several minutes. Vonn was then strapped to a gurney and flown to hospital by helicopter. The severity of her injuries is not known. People in the crowd, including rapper Snoop Dogg, watched as the skier crashed and was taken away from the course. Vonn's father was also in the stands and stared at the ground while she was being treated. Vonn's teammate, Breezy Johnson, won the women's downhill, becoming the second American woman to take the Olympic downhill gold. Vonn was the first US woman to accomplish the feat. Vonn was considered a medal hopeful despite her ruptured ACL and completed two impressive training runs earlier this week. She had returned to elite ski racing last season after nearly six years in retirement, having had a partial titanium knee replacement in her right knee. As well as the ruptured ACL, she also had a bone bruise and meniscus damage.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her own home near Tucson, Arizona, on the evening of 31 January, and was reported missing the next day after she did not turn up at church. Law enforcement officials have concluded that she was kidnapped, but the Pima County Sheriff's Department said it has not identified any suspects or people of interest in the case. On Saturday, a week after her mother's disappearance, the NBC News Today co-anchor posted a video on Instagram where she urged those believed to be holding Ms Guthrie to return her. "We received your message and we understand," she said, joined by her siblings Cameron and Annie. "We beg you now to return our mother to us, so that we can celebrate with her." "This is the only way we will have peace," she added. "This is very valuable to us, and we will pay." Savannah Guthrie was referring to a message sent to the Tucson-based television station KOLD on Friday, according to Kevin Smith, a spokesperson for the FBI office in Phoenix. KOLD said it received an email related to the Guthrie case on social media that day but declined to share details about its contents as the FBI conducted its review. The station was one of several news outlets that received alleged ransom letters during the week. Sky's US correspondent Martha Kelner said that "this is obviously a huge mystery still", noting that there are "no suspects and no persons of interest in this case". While it's still unclear who the sender is, she added it appears they "used the same secure server to hide their IP address" and that the new note "the senders believe will indicate to investigators that they are the same person or people that sent the original note". Read more from Sky News:Gordon Brown says he was 'betrayed' by MandelsonDozens of flood warnings issued in UK It comes after it emerged that police investigating Ms Guthrie's disappearance were searching for a vehicle or vehicles that may be connected to her case. A spokesperson for the convenience store chain Circle K told NBC News on Friday that officers visited one of their stores after "receiving a tip regarding a vehicle of interest, and our team has provided them access to the store's surveillance video". Sky News has contacted the Pima County Sheriff's Department for comment.

Many MPs blamed him for the appointment of the former Labour peer to ambassador of the US - Mandelson was sacked from that position in September, but has come under further pressure following new Epstein files, which suggest he shared confidential information with the convicted sex offender when he was the business secretary. In a statement Mr McSweeney said: "The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself. "When asked, I advised the prime minister to make that appointment and I take full responsibility for that advice. In public life responsibility must be owned when it matters most, not just when it is most convenient. In the circumstances, the only honourable course is to step aside." Mr McSweeney said it has "not been an easy decision". He added: "Much has been written and said about me over the years but my motivations have always been simple: I have worked every day to elect and support a government that puts the lives of ordinary people first and leads us to a better future for our great country. Only a Labour government will do that." He said he had "two reflections" as he leaves the post. "Firstly, and most importantly, we must remember the women and girls whose lives were ruined by Jeffrey Epstein and whose voices went unheard for far too long. "Secondly, while I did not oversee the due diligence and vetting process, I believe that process must now be fundamentally overhauled. This cannot simply be a gesture but a safeguard for the future." He ended his statement saying he remains "fully supportive" of Sir Keir Starmer. "He is working every day to rebuild trust, restore standards and serve the country. I will continue to back that mission in whatever way I can. It has been the honour of my life to serve." The files have also led to questions over Sir Keir Starmer's judgement in appointing Mandelson to the top diplomatic positionm, with some Labour MPs calling for him to resign also. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive Breaking News alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News App. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

After France dismantled Ireland in Thursday's tournament opener, England were tasked with underscoring their status as chief rivals to the reigning champions - a challenge they rose to in ruthless fashion. Arundell celebrated his first Test start since the 2023 World Cup by running in three first-half tries and there were also touch downs for Ben Earl, Toe Roebuck and Tommy Freeman, as well as a penalty try. Men's Six Nations 2026: Fixtures and schedule | StandingsNot got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺 Wales were architects of their own downfall, buckling time and again under England's brutal dominance that saw the vistors reduced to 13 men in the first period after Nicky Smith and Dewi Lake were sent to the sin bin. Wales may have arrived at Twickenham with expectations at an unprecedented low, but this drubbing offered another sobering reality check for Steve Tandy's squad, with the magnitude of the task of reviving Welsh rugby laid bare. For Steve Borthwick and England, a comprehensive bonus‑point win - their 12th successive Test victory - offered the latest measure of their continued progress ahead of next week's Calcutta Cup trip to a wounded Scotland. England put sorry Wales to the sword England ticked along at a point a minute from the outset. George Ford followed his early penalty with a miss‑pass that released Arundell in the corner for his first, establishing a 10-0 lead inside eight minutes. Prop Smith paid the price for persistent Welsh infringements when he was sent to the bin on 17 minutes, and his captain Lake followed him 30 seconds later for cynically bringing down a maul, leaving the visitors down to 13. It took England seconds to exploit the numerical advantage, Ford and Arundell combining again as the winger gathered the fly‑half's cross‑field kick to touch down unopposed for his second. Wales ultimately conceded 12 points with Smith and Lake off the field, Earl marauding down the touchline and over in the corner for England's third midway through the first half. Even when restored to their full complement, there was no respite for Wales. Fraser Dingwall pounced on a handling error in the Welsh backline, shifting the ball immediately to Arundell, who streaked clear of Aaron Wainwright to complete his hat‑trick. England picked up where they left off early in the second half, with Tom Roebuck carving through Wales to add a fifth try for the hosts. Twickenham roared to salute England captain Maro Itoje as he came off the bench for his first appearance since the passing of his mother. But he was on the field only seconds before being sent to the bin for repeated infringements caused by mounting Welsh pressure, which finally yielded a score when Josh Adams gathered a cross‑field kick to touch down and spare the visitors' blushes. Henry Pollock saw a try ruled out for a foot in touch, only for England to be awarded a penalty after Taine Plumtree's tackle on the forward was deemed high. After seeing a score chalked off for a Luke Cowan‑Dickie neck roll at the breakdown, Tommy Freeman had the final word when he went over in the corner to add a final coat of gloss to an England victory that was sealed with ease. Ford: We left a bit out there Player of the match - England fly-half George Ford - told ITV: "We're obviously delighted with the result, and by and large I thought the performance was good. "There's a tad bit of frustration in that as well. We wanted a good start, a decent performance, and we got that. "The start of a Test match is always massive. First 10, 15, 20 minutes tactically to get a foothold in the game and put your stamp on it. "We're trying to put bits of our game together, we want a really good defence, kicking game, set-piece, all to give us attacking opportunities. The more we create, the more we'll take. "We probably left a bit out there today. It's always tough at Murrayfield, but we'll look forward to it. We always love going up there. We'll give it our best shot." Borthwick: Plenty of room for improvement England head coach Steve Borthwick: "Defensively, we were excellent. We know Wales have got so many dangerous players and pace out wide, and we shut them down really well. "Our kicking game was good and the set-piece did a good job, but there's plenty of room for improvement. "What is really pleasing is we created loads of opportunities and we can get better at converting those. "Especially in that second half, we didn't convert the opportunities in the manner I would like us to. There is plenty for us to go and work on." 'Self-inflicted' elements to Wales defeat Wales head coach Steve Tandy: "We're really frustrated. Through the autumn and working with the group, I've loved it. But we're more disappointed with ourselves today. "Today, a lot of what happened was self-inflicted. We felt we were in a good place, but to lose when having four yellow cards and being very inaccurate with the ball, you are always going to fall behind on the scoreboard. "It's part of the game. And part of our journey of where we need to go. We are where we are for a reason. "Ultimately, we're really disappointed with our performance tonight. England are in a really good spot, bit we're bitterly disappointed." What's next? England travel to Murrayfield to face Scotland for the Calcutta Cup on February 14 at 4.40pm, while Wales host defending champions France in Cardiff on February 15 at 3.10pm.