Newscast (BBC News)

Episode Title: Two More Problems For Keir Starmer?
Date: February 11, 2026

Overview

This episode delves into two of the most significant political stories affecting UK politics: the mounting scrutiny of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s judgment—especially regarding the appointment of Matthew Doyle to the House of Lords—and the broader fallout from the Epstein files, including a striking intervention by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The episode also features an on-the-ground update from Lise Doucet in Tehran, reporting on the aftermath of protests and the regime’s response in Iran.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Starmer’s Turbulent Week and PMQs Performance

(Starts ~01:05)

• Setting the Scene: The week in Westminster has been described as "extraordinary," with Starmer’s leadership under intense pressure.

  "It's been quite the week and we're just reporting on it, you know. We’re not the people at the center of it. We’re just the observers."
  (Chris Mason, 01:22)

• Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs):
  • Starmer received a significant boost from his MPs in PMQs, reflecting party solidarity after a “bumpy week.”
  • Leaders of all three major parties came out "pretty punchy," with robust exchanges—particularly over the Matthew Doyle peerage issue.
  • Alexis notes the tradition:

    "The louder the cheer, potentially the more they need shoring up."
    (Alex, 03:39)

  • Ed Davy (Lib Dems) managed to visibly rile the Prime Minister, prompting a rare “authentic finger jabbing anger” response.

    "One of authentic finger jabbing anger from the Prime Minister towards the Lib Dem leader."
    (Chris Mason, 04:29)

2. The Matthew Doyle Peerage Controversy

(Begins ~04:52; Main focus 05:34–13:41)

• Background Recap:
  • Matthew Doyle, a long-serving Labour figure and Starmer’s Director of Communications, was announced as a future Labour peer in December.
  • Soon after, it emerged that Doyle had in the past campaigned for a council candidate, Sean Morton, who was charged (and later convicted) with child sex offenses.
  • Doyle claims he supported Morton during Morton’s protestations of innocence.
• Judgment Under Fire:
  • Repeated questions about Starmer’s wisdom in offering Doyle a peerage, particularly after the revelations.
  • Labour’s explanation is that Downing Street was unaware of the full details at the time of the appointment.
• Clarifications about the Process:
  • There is a lapse between the announcement of a peerage and the formal conferral (letters patent).
  • Debate over whether the appointment could have been stopped post-revelation.

    "Authorities... say, no. Until the letters patent happen, the peerage is not actually cast in stone."
    (Chris Mason, 11:51)

Memorable Interchange

• Kemi Badenoch (Tory Leader) during PMQs:

  "A few weeks ago, [Starmer] announced a peerage for one Matthew Doyle... Immediately after that, the Sunday Times published... that Doyle campaigned for a man charged with child sex offences. Yet despite the Prime Minister knowing this, he gave Doyle a job for life in the House of Lords anyway."
  (Kemi Badenoch, 08:24)

• Starmer’s Response:

  "Matthew Doyle did not give a full account of his actions... They will be changed. And yesterday I removed the whip from Matthew Doyle."
  (Keir Starmer via Chris Mason, 09:03)

• Moral Dilemma Raised:
  • Is it fair to punish Doyle for actions taken before any conviction, under the principle of innocence until proven guilty?

    "If we believe in the principle of innocent until proven guilty, is it reasonable for Lord Doyle to be stripped of his peerage for his actions relating to someone who was, at the point at which he took those actions... innocent?"
    (James, 10:36)

3. Critique of Leadership and “Boys Club” Allegations

(13:41–15:07)

• Questions About No. 10 Operations:
  • Criticisms resurface about whether a “boys club mentality” exists in Downing Street.
  • Proposal from within Labour: Create a new "First Secretary of State" post, filled by a senior woman, to help address concerns.

    "That underlying sense, and it has been alive for a long time... perception can be reality. And there has been a persistent perception from critics... of a 'boys club’."
    (Chris Mason, 14:44)

4. Gordon Brown’s Intervention on the Epstein Files

(15:31–20:01)

• Significant Intervention:
  • Gordon Brown publishes a powerful article in the New Statesman after examining the Epstein files.
  • Calls Britain’s unacknowledged role in the abuse “shocking,” and demands a major police investigation—including an interview with Prince Andrew.

    "Britain's as yet unacknowledged role in facilitating or failing to stop that abuse... has shocked me to the core."
    (Gordon Brown via James, 16:05)

• Police Response:
  • The Met previously downplayed its jurisdiction but Brown’s intervention compels a direct call for further investigation.
  • Thames Valley Police is reportedly making progress in discussions about Prince Andrew’s role.

    "Revelations... require the police to interview Andrew Mountbatten Windsor."
    (James, 18:19)

5. Wider Implications of the Epstein Revelations

(19:24–20:01)

• Discussion about how focus on Mandelson and UK political links with Epstein overshadows the broader abuse and trafficking suffered by victims.
• Brown is quoted highlighting media priorities:

  “Leaks of market sensitive financial information have incurred far more coverage than the victims.”
  (Gordon Brown, quoted by Alex, 19:52)

6. On-The-Ground Report: Iran Protests and Regime Response

(From 21:41 onwards)

Guest: Lise Doucet, BBC Chief International Correspondent

• Reporting Constraints and Atmosphere:

  “Places always look more dangerous from a distance... Iran is a mix of frustration and fascination... but there is also intense surveillance.”
  (Lise Doucet, 22:25–23:08)

• Protest Crackdown:
  • The government put down protests with lethal force—official death toll reported as over 3,100, human rights groups suggest it could be up to 7,000 or more.

  “Government here told us yesterday their official death toll is about 3,100... other projections could be in the tens of thousands.”
  (Lise Doucet, 25:23–26:48)

• Public Sentiment:
  • Many Iranians venting pain and anger; economic hardship (4-5x inflation) fueling discontent.
• Regime Resilience:
  • Despite predictions, the Islamic Republic shows no major cracks, highlighting the complexity of public support.

  “The situation is not black and white... what is undeniable is that 47 years on, the authorities here faced their most critical test.”
  (Lise Doucet, 28:22–29:47)

Diplomatic and Security Situation

• Anniversary Celebrations as Show of Strength:
  • Mass rallies staged by loyalists to project regime stability despite recent unrest.
• US-Iran Relations:
  • Ongoing shuttle diplomacy; US wants maximalist concessions on nuclear and missile programs, Iran demands rights to civilian enrichment.

    “Iran says we need to be allowed a certain amount commensurate with civilian purposes... That’s where discussions are now.”
    (Lise Doucet, 31:16–33:19)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On PMQs and Leader’s Support:

  “The louder the cheer, potentially the more they need shoring up.”
  (Alex, 03:39)

• On “Boys Club” Critique:

  “There has been a persistent perception from critics of the Prime Minister of that sense of a quote, unquote, boys club.”
  (Chris Mason, 14:44)

• Gordon Brown’s Intervention:

  “Britain’s as yet unacknowledged role in facilitating or failing to stop that abuse has shocked me to the core.”
  (Gordon Brown via James, 16:05)

• Reporting from Iran:

  “Places always look more dangerous from a distance... But this is a country which is not a North Korea at all. This is people of very courageous people, very outspoken people.”
  (Lise Doucet, 22:25–23:25)

• On Public Suffering in Iran:

  “More than one person just burst into tears when I asked... like, 'what’s the main worry on your mind this month?'”
  (Lise Doucet, 24:15)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 01:05–04:52: Setting the scene, PMQs reactions
• 04:52–13:41: Matthew Doyle peerage scandal, questions of judgment, PMQs aftermath
• 13:41–15:07: Boys club allegations and Labour Party’s internal debate
• 15:31–20:01: Gordon Brown’s New Statesman article, Epstein files, policing and political ramifications
• 21:41–26:48: Live from Tehran: Reporting restrictions, aftermath of protest crackdown
• 26:48–29:47: Cost of living, regime stability, regime’s response to protests
• 29:47–33:19: Iran’s global diplomacy, nuclear talks, regional security issues

Conclusion

This episode grapples with the compounded challenges facing Keir Starmer: mounting questions about his judgment and leadership in light of the Matthew Doyle controversy, persistent criticism over Downing Street’s internal culture, and the wider implications from the Epstein scandal, now stoked by Gordon Brown’s forceful calls for action. The episode also offers a rare, nuanced insight into present-day Iran amid unrest, thanks to Lise Doucet’s frontline reporting.

Listeners come away understanding not just the headlines, but the critical nuances, tensions, and human consequences shaping both UK politics and world affairs this week.