British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued an apology to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday, expressing regret for appointing Peter Mandelson as U.S. ambassador, who had a close relationship with the deceased sex offender. Starmer admitted that he was unaware of the depth of the bond between Mandelson and Epstein when he selected him for the position in December 2024, accusing Mandelson of dishonesty regarding their connection.
“I apologize for the harm you have suffered, for the failures of those in power, for believing Mandelson’s falsehoods and appointing him, and for the unwelcome public scrutiny you must endure once more,” Starmer stated.
While Starmer had previously pledged to disclose the vetting guidance he received when choosing Mandelson for the Washington role, he mentioned on Thursday that he was also obliged to comply with a police request not to release information that could prejudice an ongoing investigation. Allegations suggest that Mandelson, aged 72, may have shared confidential government information with Epstein, who passed away in 2019 following a federal indictment in the U.S.
Starmer informed reporters that the extent and darkness of the relationship between Mandelson and Epstein had not been widely known until recently. When questioned by reporters, Starmer remarked that he did not believe his own error warranted his resignation as prime minister, acknowledging the public anger and frustration.
Mandelson was among the numerous public figures identified in the extensive releases of files by the U.S. Justice Department related to Epstein investigations. While appearing in these files does not imply criminal wrongdoing, it has raised concerns about associations with Epstein. Mandelson denied being aware of the full scope of Epstein’s personal life, which involved numerous allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking by women. However, their relationship persisted beyond Epstein’s 2008 conviction in Florida.
In the latest Epstein disclosure, emails suggest that Mandelson provided Epstein with a memo in 2009 regarding potential U.K. asset sales and tax alterations, and in 2010, he informed Epstein in advance of a European Union decision. Following these revelations, Mandelson resigned from his party and the House of Lords this week.
The opposition has criticized Starmer for not providing clear answers on the failure of Mandelson’s vetting process, with questions raised about who advised the prime minister. Starmer defended his decision, while the opposition accused him of evading accountability behind the ongoing police investigation into Mandelson.
Starmer nominated Mandelson for the ambassadorial role in December 2024. Mandelson, who first served as an MP in 1992 and held various positions within Labour governments, eventually attained a peerage in the House of Lords before being dismissed from his ambassadorial post in September.
Mandelson expressed remorse for his association with Epstein, acknowledging his regret for believing the lies fed to him by the “charismatic criminal liar.” Starmer appeared satisfied with Mandelson’s statements, offering his support in Parliament.
Former President Trump, when asked about Mandelson’s resignation, expressed disappointment before deflecting with a broader response shifting focus to his own ties to Epstein and criticizing Democrats for what he perceived as a distraction from his administration’s accomplishments.
