Gordon Brown Denounces Former Ally's 'Betrayal of Country' Over Epstein Links
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has delivered a scathing condemnation of his former business secretary, Lord Peter Mandelson, describing his alleged actions as a "betrayal of his country" that put Britain "at risk". The accusations centre on Lord Mandelson allegedly sharing market-sensitive government information with the convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein following the 2008 global financial crisis.
Brown's Emotional Response to Alleged Leaks
When questioned about his former colleague's behaviour, Mr Brown expressed a cascade of emotions, stating he felt "shocked, sad, angry, betrayed, let down". He elaborated that the information passed on was "financially secret information" that was commercially sensitive, potentially exposing Britain's currency to risk and encouraging speculative trading.
"There's no doubt that huge commercial damage could have been done and perhaps was done," Mr Brown asserted, highlighting the serious implications for the UK economy during a period of global financial instability.
Police Investigation and Legal Developments
The Metropolitan Police confirmed their criminal investigation into claims of misconduct in a public office by Lord Mandelson is ongoing, describing it as a "complex" case requiring significant further evidence gathering. Officers have concluded searches at two of his properties in Camden, north London, and Wiltshire.
On Saturday afternoon, top corporate and financial crime lawyer Adrian Darbishire KC was seen visiting Lord Mandelson's residence near Regent's Park in London, spending approximately 90 minutes at the property. Lord Mandelson's representatives have been contacted for comment regarding these developments.
Revelations from Epstein Files Correspondence
The allegations gained traction following the release of emails from the Epstein files, which revealed correspondence between Lord Mandelson and the disgraced financier. The messages suggest the former Labour peer briefed Epstein on internal UK government discussions, including providing advance notice of a €500 billion EU bank bailout in 2010.
Furthermore, Lord Mandelson appears to have told Epstein he was "trying hard" to change government policy on bankers' bonuses. This occurred around the time then-Chancellor Alistair Darling announced a 50% "super tax" on bonuses in December 2009, aimed at preventing pay inflation through taxpayer-funded bailouts.
The documents also suggest financial transfers from Epstein to Lord Mandelson and his partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, adding another layer to the investigation.
Political Fallout and Calls for Accountability
Mr Brown admitted his own mistake in bringing Lord Mandelson back into the cabinet after his two controversial resignations under Tony Blair, stating "I made mistakes, I regret it, it shouldn't have happened." He extended this criticism to current Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who appointed Lord Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the US last year.
"Keir Starmer was misled and he was betrayed," Mr Brown said, acknowledging that both he and Sir Keir had made errors in judgement regarding Lord Mandelson. However, he praised the current prime minister as a man of "integrity" and attributed the appointment failure to "systemic failure" in vetting processes.
The political repercussions continued on Saturday when Labour MP Karl Turner called for Downing Street chief of staff Morgan McSweeney to resign, holding him responsible for Lord Mandelson's appointment. Mr Turner warned that "if the prime minister doesn't get rid of Mr McSweeney, he's lost the confidence of the PLP."
Mandelson's Previous Statements and Government Response
Lord Mandelson has previously acknowledged error in maintaining his association with Epstein after the financier's 2008 conviction for procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute. He stated: "I was wrong to believe Epstein following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards. I apologise unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered."
A government spokesperson responded to the revelations, stating: "The shameful and disgraceful behaviour revealed this week is wholly incompatible with public service, and it is right that no one is above accountability... We have already strengthened the Ministerial Code... But Gordon Brown is right that further action is needed in light of what has emerged this week - and we have already begun urgent work on how we can do more."
Mr Brown emphasised that while he and his colleagues felt betrayed, "the biggest betrayal was of the women and girls that were trafficked, that were exploited, that were treated as less than human."
