Sky News was paused for a breaking news alert as Sir Keir Starmer took questions from reporters.
Sky News was halted for a breaking alert (Image: SKY NEWS)
Sky News was interrupted for a breaking alert as Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it is “a little bit far-fetched” to suggest former Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney’s phone theft was linked to the release of files on former Labour peer Peter Mandelson. It came amid concerns that correspondence relating to Mandelson’s appointment as British ambassador to the United States could be lost after McSweeney’s phone was stolen in London in October 2025.
A Sky News reporter asked the Prime Minister this morning as the breaking news banner flashed on the screen: “And just finally, critics say the theft and botched investigation of your former Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney’s phone, stinks of a cover-up. Can you understand why people are suspicious of his phone being stolen just as the [Peter] Mandelson scandal was unfolding?”
Keir Starmer answered burning questions from reporters (Image: SKY NEWS)
Starmer replied: “Well, the phone was stolen, and it was reported to the police. There is a transcript of the call in which Morgan McSweeney gives his name, his date of birth and the details of the phone, and the police confirm that it was reported.
“Unfortunately, there are thefts like this; it was stolen, it was reported at the time, and the police acknowledged and confirmed that that is what happened.
“The idea that somehow everybody could see some time into the future, there could be a request for the phone, is to my mind a little bit far-fetched.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the loss of messages as a “cock-up rather than conspiracy”.
Viewers were quick to comment on the Prime Minister’s remarks, with one disgruntled X user writing: “Just because something’s reported doesn’t make it true. I could report my phone stolen while it’s sat in my hand… Doesn’t make it a reality.”
“This whole thing stinks. Feels like a cover-up, and honestly, there’s something not right here that needs dragging into the open.”
A second added: “Trouble is, @Keir_Starmer, is it isn’t a “little bit far-fetched”. Trust is at an all time low. And you’re a reason for that!”
Meanwhile, a third penned: “So… the phone was stolen, the messages vanished, but don’t worry folks, nothing to see here. Classic politics.”
Despite the backlash, someone else remarked: “Well, he isn’t exactly going to say, ‘Oh yes, I hid it for him.’”
Another said: “Makes the interviewer look stupid… which is not far from reality.”
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