Sir Keir Starmer wobbled over the Chagos Islands deal and was talked down by Jonathan Powell and Lord Hermer, it was claimed on Thursday. Eventually, his National Security Adviser Mr Powell and Attorney General Lord Herner talked him round, the Spectator reported. Sir Keir Starmer was talked out of his Chagos 'wobble' by Powell and HermerThe Spectator reported that there was a 'very difficult meeting' between Sir Keir's political team and Mr Powell, Sir Tony Blair's former chief of staff. The piece added that Mr Powell and Lord Hermer were the two 'siren voices' who talked round a PM who holds international law in high regard. Mr Powell is under pressure over the Lord Mandelson row as he recommended the New Labour architect for the post of US ambassador.

Source: Daily Mail February 13, 2026 04:12 UTC