Starmer apologises to Epstein victims over Mandelson appointment

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly apologised to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, admitting he was misled when he appointed Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington despite Mandelson’s undisclosed relationship with the disgraced financier.

Starmer:  “I was lied to”

Speaking on Thursday, Starmer said Mandelson had portrayed his connection to Epstein as minimal.

“I am sorry for believing those claims,” Starmer said, adding that he would not have approved the appointment had he known the full extent of the relationship.

Mandelson removed from post

Mandelson was dismissed in September after newly released documents revealed that he maintained contact with Epstein even after the financier’s 2008 conviction for sex offences involving a minor. Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Financial and political ties revealed

Documents released by the US Department of Justice suggest Epstein transferred a total of $75,000 between 2003 and 2004 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva.

The files also include correspondence indicating a far closer relationship than Mandelson had previously acknowledged.

Police investigation underway

British police have confirmed an investigation into Mandelson over potential misconduct in public office. He has not been accused of any sexual offences. The inquiry is focused on ethical and financial concerns arising from his association with Epstein.

Pressure mounts on Starmer

Although Starmer has never met Epstein and faces no allegations himself, the controversy has intensified political pressure on his leadership. Critics argue the appointment raises serious questions about judgment and transparency at the highest levels of government.