Lord Mandelson Formally Requested to Testify in US Epstein Investigation
Lord Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to Washington, has been officially called upon to provide testimony to the United States Congress concerning his association with the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. A formal letter dispatched by two Democratic members of the House of Representatives demands that Lord Mandelson submit to questioning by the House Oversight Committee as part of their ongoing investigation into Epstein's extensive criminal network.
Political Fallout and Diplomatic Scrutiny
The disgraced peer's connections to Epstein have ignited significant political controversy, leading to intense pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign from office. Critics have vehemently questioned the prime minister's judgement in appointing Lord Mandelson to the prestigious role of US ambassador, widely regarded as the most coveted diplomatic posting within the British government. This appointment has now become a focal point of scrutiny amid the unfolding scandal.
Detailed Congressional Request
The letter, jointly signed by Representatives Robert Garcia and Suhas Subramanyam, explicitly states: "While you no longer serve as British ambassador to the United States and have stepped down from the House of Lords, it is clear that you possessed extensive social and business ties to Jeffrey Epstein and hold critical information pertaining to our investigation of Epstein's operations." The document further emphasizes the severity of the situation, adding: "Given the appalling allegations regarding Epstein's conduct, we request that you make yourself available for a transcribed interview with Committee staff regarding the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators."
Compelling Evidence Cited
The congressional correspondence outlines multiple pieces of evidence that demonstrate Lord Mandelson's close relationship with Epstein over several years:
- A handwritten note from Lord Mandelson in a 50th birthday book for Epstein, where he affectionately referred to the financier as his "best pal."
- Documentation confirming the peer's stay at Epstein's New York apartment in 2009, during the period when Epstein was serving an 18-month sentence for soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor.
- Photographs from the latest Department of Justice release of Epstein files, showing Lord Mandelson in his underwear, further substantiating their personal connection.
The letter underscores the urgency of the matter, imposing a strict deadline of February 27 for Lord Mandelson to respond to the two US politicians.
Background and Previous Denials
Lord Mandelson served as the US ambassador from February to September of last year before being dismissed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer due to the escalating controversy surrounding his relationship with Epstein. Throughout the ordeal, Lord Mandelson has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has previously expressed regret for maintaining his association with Epstein, acknowledging that the relationship persisted for an excessive duration.
This recent development follows a similar request made last year by the same two US representatives to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was then a prince, highlighting the broad scope of the congressional investigation into Epstein's influential network.
