UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – British PM Keir Starmer backs UK Ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson after messages to US financier Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
As reported by The Telegraph, Sir Keir Starmer supports Lord Mandelson after he posed in a bathrobe with Jeffrey Epstein.
Notes written by the British Ambassador to Washington for Jeffrey Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003 surfaced on Monday, 8 September.
In the text, Lord Mandelson called Jeffrey Epstein his “best pal” and shared a photo of himself in a bathrobe with the disgraced financier. He ended a message with the words, “We love you.”
What did Keir Starmer’s spokesman say about Lord Mandelson and Epstein?
When asked about the revelations on Tuesday, the Prime Minister’s spokesman said,
“I’ll just point you to what he’s previously said on this prior to the appointment.”
They stated,
“But we’re focused, obviously, on our relationship with the US. We’ve got president Trump coming for an unprecedented state visit next week to build on the progress we’ve already made between our governments.”
When pressed on confidence in Lord Mandelson, the spokesman said,
“Yes, and as I say the ambassador’s played a key part in all of the achievements I’ve just run through when it comes to strengthening the trade relationship with the US, the UK-US defence deal, and work to end Putin’s war.”
When questioned about Lord Mandelson calling Epstein his “best pal,” the spokesman stated, “You’ve got his statement on that so I’ll refer you back to that.”
Asked if “excused the past behaviours” of the ambassador, the spokesman responded,
“No, I’m saying he’s responded to those […] The Prime Minister is focused on his relationship with the United States. The ambassador’s playing a key part in that.”
Number 10 declined to say if Sir Keir was aware of Lord Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein or the album of photos.
In August 2019, Jeffrey Epstein died in his federal jail cell in Manhattan while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. Officials called it a suicide.
Lord Mandelson’s spokesman’s stance on his ties to Epstein
Lord Mandelson’s spokesman told the BBC that his link to Epstein “has been a matter of public record for some time.”
He has admitted regret over his relationship with Epstein, saying he “wished he had never met him.”
Mr Mandelson’s assignment to Washington signals his political comeback after a long absence since the New Labour period.
What did Wes Streeting say about Lord Mandelson and Epstein?
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Lord Mandelson will have “more to say” about his links to Jeffrey Epstein following the release of private messages.
He stated Epstein had committed “horrific” and “appalling” crimes.
Mr Streeting said,
“I think the ambassador has been clear that he regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein, and who can blame him? Who would want to be associated with Epstein, given what we know now about the horrific crimes that he perpetrated?”
When questioned if Lord Mandelson will provide more details, he responded,
“Well he’s never backwards in coming forwards, and I’m sure he will have more to say. But I don’t think we should tar everyone as kind of guilty by association.”
The health secretary said,
“I think it’s appalling the crimes that Epstein committed, and it’s really important that the sunlight of disinfectant is provided by his victims, whose testimony should be believed, who should be given the platform to set out the horrific abuse they endured.”
He added,
“Because while they may have been denied justice while Epstein was still alive, they can at least make sure that his name is blackened in death.”
What did the Labour MP say about Lord Mandelson?
One Labour MP said,
“He ought to resign. He knows how to stand down, after all. This would be the third time at least.”
The MP doubted that Sir Keir Starmer would sack his ambassador, calling him “too weak politically” to challenge a senior Blair figure.
Key facts about Jeffrey Epstein
Jeffrey Epstein was convicted in 2008 of soliciting a minor, avoiding harsher federal charges. He was known for ties to politicians, celebrities, and business leaders.
His network raised questions about whether it helped him evade justice. In 2019, he was found dead in his jail cell, ruled a suicide amid controversy.