Starmer's Mandelson Backing Questioned Amid Lobbying Scandal

0:00On April 20th, new questions are popping up about UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's backing of Lord Mandelson. Now that details show his old lobbying. Firm Global Council raked in over 3.5 million pounds from Wushi Apptech over 2024 and 2025. That Shanghai biotech company faced heat in the U.S. for alleged ties to the Chinese military. Wushi got name in a 2024 U.S. Congress bill that aimed to block it from government contracts on national security worries, though it. Didn't pass as is, a milder version signed by Trump, skipped naming names. Meanwhile, Global Council also lobbied for private equity firm Canyon Bridge back in 2020, helping it push forward changes at a UK microchip. Company a buff for 550 million pounds in 2017, despite U.S. blocking a similar deal over security fears. Tory MP, Sir Iain Duncan Smith slammed the firm for aiding companies that could threaten UK business and defense.

1:00Wushi fired back in an open letter, insisting it poses no security risk and has dodged any U.S. sanctions. The firm shut down earlier this year as Mandelson's Epstein connection surfaced. He'd already quit the board in 2024 and sold his shares. To limit fallout. This ties into bigger debates on foreign influence in UK politics, with Starmer support for Mandelson drawing fresh scrutiny as more leaked surface.