Prime Minister Apologises to Epstein Victims Over Mandelson Role
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a public apology to the victims of convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, acknowledging he was unaware of the "depth and darkness" of Peter Mandelson's relationship with the financier when appointing him as US ambassador in 2024.
Speaking at an event in East Sussex, Starmer expressed regret for believing Mandelson's false statements during the recruitment process. "I am sorry for having believed Mandelson's lies and appointing him," the Prime Minister stated, addressing what has become the most severe scandal of his premiership.
Mandelson's Deceit and Ongoing Investigations
The Prime Minister revealed that during Mandelson's vetting for the diplomatic position, he specifically asked about the nature of his ties to Epstein and whether he had accepted any gifts or money. "The information now available makes clear that the answers he gave were lies," Starmer declared, explaining that Mandelson had portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew.
Recent revelations from the so-called Epstein files have exposed the true extent of their relationship, showing:
- Regular contact between Mandelson and the convicted paedophile
- Sharing of highly market-sensitive information during Mandelson's tenure as business secretary
- Visits to Epstein after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor
- Acceptance of regular payments from the financier
These disclosures have prompted a Metropolitan Police investigation into Mandelson's conduct, with the former deputy Prime Minister facing the prospect of being stripped of his peerage.
Political Fallout and Economic Impact
The scandal has plunged Starmer's administration into disarray, with several Labour MPs suggesting he should resign. Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch added her voice to growing calls for the Prime Minister to step down, urging Labour backbenchers to initiate a no-confidence vote.
"Britain is not being governed," Badenoch asserted during a hastily arranged news conference. "Labour was voted in with a huge majority of about 160, and they can't get anything done. Something is wrong."
The political uncertainty has triggered significant economic consequences:
- A sell-off in UK government bonds (gilts)
- The pound sliding 0.5% against the dollar
- Britain's long-dated borrowing costs reaching their highest level since November
Document Release and Government Response
Starmer has committed to releasing all relevant documents to Parliament "as quickly as possible," though he noted that police have prevented disclosure of information that might prejudice their investigation or any future trial.
The Prime Minister's address, originally intended to focus on an £800 million "Pride in Place" initiative for high street regeneration across 40 English areas, was completely overshadowed by the Mandelson revelations. Under the pilot scheme, local communities would have received up to £20 million each to improve their areas.
Despite the mounting pressure, Starmer has vowed to remain as Prime Minister, though his leadership now faces its most serious challenge since taking office.
