UK PM Starmer apologises to Epstein victims for appointing Mandelson

UK questions its leader’s judgement amid revelations of former ambassador Peter Mandelson’s close ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.Published On 5 Feb 2026British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologised to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States, despite the diplomat’s close ties to the late sex offender.“It had been publicly known for some time that Mandelson knew Epstein, but none of us knew the depth and the darkness of that relationship,” Starmer said in a speech given from southern England on Thursday.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3UK police launch investigation into ex-envoy Mandelson over Epstein tieslist 2 of 3UK fires ambassador to US Peter Mandelson over links to Epsteinlist 3 of 3UK PM Starmer urges ex-Prince Andrew to cooperate in Epstein files probeend of listThe prime minister had appointed Mandelson to be ambassador to the US in December 2024.“I am sorry,” Starmer said, addressing his apology to the victims. “Sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointing him.”Starmer fired Mandelson last September after emails were published showing that he maintained a friendship with Epstein following the late American financier’s 2008 US conviction for sex offences involving minors.But the prime minister now faces fresh pressure over the appointment after the US Justice Department last week released files revealing new details of Mandelson’s close relationship with Epstein.The files also suggested Mandelson had leaked government documents to Epstein, and that Epstein had recorded payments to Mandelson or his then-partner, now his husband.Mandelson, who is now under police investigation for alleged misconduct in office, said he does not recall having received payments and has not commented publicly on allegations he leaked documents. He has not responded to messages from media outlets seeking comment.