PM Admits Mistake in Handling Epstein Controversy
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a formal apology to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein for trusting Lord Mandelson and appointing him as the UK ambassador to the US. However, he admitted that he had not known the full extent of Mandelson’s connection with Epstein.
Speaking ahead of a planned speech on funding for local communities, Starmer said, “None of us knew the depths and the darkness of that relationship.” Moreover, he emphasized his commitment to transparency in releasing related documents.
Opposition and Party Pressure Mount
Meanwhile, opposition leaders and members of Starmer’s own party have increased the pressure. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the Prime Minister’s position as “untenable.” At the same time, the Liberal Democrats called for a confidence vote to determine whether Labour MPs still support him.
Starmer Regrets Appointing Mandelson
Starmer expressed regret over appointing Lord Mandelson and said he would not have done so had he known the full truth. In particular, he directly addressed Epstein’s victims:
“I am sorry, sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you. Sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointed him and sorry that even now you’re forced to watch this story unfold in public once again.”
Government Forced to Release Documents
As a result, Labour backbenchers forced the government to pass sensitive documents to Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), rather than withholding them. The ISC will determine which documents are made public. Accordingly, Starmer expects these files to be laid before Parliament very soon.
Background on Mandelson’s Epstein Ties
Lord Mandelson was appointed as the UK ambassador to the US in December 2024. At the time, it was publicly known that he had maintained a friendship with Epstein after Epstein’s conviction for soliciting sex from a minor.
Therefore, Starmer concluded that Mandelson’s answers were lies, as he had portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew. Mandelson has defended himself, claiming he answered vetting questions truthfully.
