Oxford News
How Oxfordshire MPs voted in Peter Mandelson investigation
Lord Mandelson, who was a frontrunner for Oxford University’s 2024 race to become chancellor but finished fourth as William Hague took up the role, has been under fire over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
MPs voted on Tuesday regarding Lord Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US by Sir Keir.
Overall, the motion to refer Sir Keir Starmer to the Privileges Committee was rejected in the House of Commons by 223 to 335, with a majority of 112.
Among the 56 Liberal Democrats who voted in favour of the investigations were Witney MP Charlie Maynard, Bicester and Woodstock MP Calum Miller, Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran, and Didcot and Wantage MP Olly Glover.
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Voting against the investigation were 333 Labour MPs, and one independent MP.
Within the 333 Labour MPs who voted against an investigation was Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds, and Banbury MP Sean Woodcock.
The tellers for the Noes were Labour MPs Nesil Caliskan who represents the Barking constituency and Deirdre Costigan who represents Ealing Southall.
Lord Peter Mandelson outside his home in north-west London
No vote was recorded for 53 Labour MPs, 12 Conservative MPs, 16 Liberal Democrat MPs, two Reform UK MPs, and three independent MPs.
A breakdown of the vote revealed 15 Labour MPs, 56 Liberal Democrats, 100 Conservatives, nine Scottish National Party MP, five Democratic Unionist Party MPs, four Plaid Cymru MPs, six Reform UK MP, five Green Party MP, one Alliance MP, two Social Democratic & Labour Party MPs, one Ulster Unionist Party MP, one Traditional Unionist Voice MP, and nine Independent MPs voted for the investigation.
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Tellers (counters) for the Ayes were Conservative MPs Harriet Cross, for Gordon and Buchan constituency and Gregory Stafford for the Farnham and Bordon constituency.
Notably, Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage abstained from voting, so did former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir of “begging” his MPs to back him, adding: “The whole country is sick of this man’s tone deaf, pompous moralising.”
Sir Keir Starmer faced the final session of PMQs before Parliament is suspended (House of Commons/PA)
She has said the Prime Minister was guilty of misleading the Commons when he claimed due process was followed and no pressure was exerted to grant Lord Mandelson security clearance against official advice.
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The Prime Minister has consistently denied misleading the House, leaning on the conclusion of former cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald that “appropriate processes” were followed.
Mrs Badenoch said: “This Government is like a bad episode of Game Of Thrones.
“His own people have turned against him and all the while, the Prime Minister is holed up in his castle, wetting himself about a visit from the King in the North.
“Yesterday, one Labour MP actually said that his days are numbered. That’s one of them. I wonder who it was because they’re all looking guilty as hell.”
Sir Keir replied: “She talks about political games. That’s what she was doing yesterday.”
Oxford News
Police: Wantage rapist is a ‘dangerous sexual predator’
Najeebullah Arab, of Mayfield Avenue, Grove, was today (Friday, June 19) sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to 10 years and 11 months’ imprisonment, an extended licence period of six years, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years and a lifetime restraining order for his victims.
The 40-year-old Afghan national pleaded guilty to sexually communicating with the 14-year-old child in May 2024.
READ MORE: Afghan man jailed for violent sexual offences in Wantage
He was on court bail for that offence when he sexually assaulted a woman in her 20s in January this year and, less than a week after that, sexually assaulted, kidnapped and raped a 19-year-old woman in Wantage.
Najeebullah Arab, jailed for committing violent sexual offences against women in Wantage (Image: Madeleine Evans)
Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Stuart May of the Thames Valley Police said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case, whose courage in coming forward has been vital in securing justice.
“They were rightly described as heroes by HHJ Nott during today’s sentencing.
“Arab is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted women and subjected them to traumatic and violent offences.
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“His actions have had a lasting impact on his victims, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time behind bars.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and ensures he can no longer pose a risk to the public.
“I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victims and the wider community that offenders like Arab will be brought to justice.”
Oxford News
Home‑Start Oxford is supporting 600 Oxfordshire families
Home-Start Oxford is marking Small Charity Week, running from June 22 to 29, by highlighting the vital role small organisations play in supporting communities.
Based in the centre and west of Oxfordshire, the charity offers free, confidential support to parents and carers with young children who are experiencing challenges such as postnatal depression, isolation, bereavement, health issues or disability.
Katharine Barber, CEO of Home‑Start Oxford, said: “Small charities are often closest to the people who need them most.
“We may be small in structure, but the difference we make is huge.
“Every week, our volunteers and staff walk alongside families who are facing incredibly tough circumstances, offering practical help, emotional support and a listening ear.
“Small Charity Week is a chance to shine a light on the essential role organisations like ours play in strengthening communities and to recognise the people who make it all possible.”
Despite rising demand, higher costs and a challenging funding environment, Home‑Start Oxford has supported more than 600 families so far this year.
This impact has been made possible thanks to the dedication of its volunteers, staff and supporters.
The charity is encouraging people to mark Small Charity Week by turning short-term awareness into lasting action.
Ms Barber said: “There are so many ways to support a small charity – from volunteering a few hours, to holding a fundraiser, becoming a regular giver, or simply sharing our work with others.”
Oxford News
Jeremy Clarkson announces new venture after Clarkson’s Farm
The former Top Gear and Grand Tour host purchased Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, back in 2008.
Having taken over the day-to-day operations back in 2019, Mr Clarkson started filming for the first season of Clarkson’s Farm, which was released in 2021.
Available on Prime Video, the documentary shows life on the farm and highlights the plight of British farmers.
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The fifth series had a staggered release across this month, with fans able to now binge-watch all eight new episodes.
This time last year, series four had also just been released, and Mr Clarkson followed up the conclusion of this with an announcement on his latest venture.
The 66-year-old has written several books over the years, including multiple which have covered his farming adventures in Oxfordshire.
He announced in June of 2025 that another was set to release later on in the year called Diddly Squat: The Farmer’s Dog.
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The book covered the latest action on the farm as well as his Asthall pub, The Farmer’s Dog, becoming the fifth book Mr Clarkson has written in the series.
Having purchased the Cotswolds watering hole for around £1m, the former Top Gear and Grand Tour presenter opened it to the public in the summer of 2024.
Although no confirmation has yet been made, it is expected that another book will be released this year, following on from Clarkson’s Farm series five.
It has also been confirmed that filming for the show’s sixth season is underway, with an anticipated release date in 2027.
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