UK PM Starmer apologises to Epstein victims for appointing Mandelson

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Mariamne EverettFebruary 5, 2026 at 02:53 PM

AI Summary

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologized to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the United States. In December 2024, Starmer appointed Mandelson despite knowing about his close ties to the late sex offender. Emails published in September revealed that Mandelson maintained a friendship with Epstein after the financier's 2008 US conviction and had leaked government documents to him. The US Justice Department has released new files revealing details of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, including payments made to him or his then-partner. Mandelson is now under police investigation for alleged misconduct in office. Starmer apologized for appointing Mandelson, expressing regret for the harm caused and acknowledging that he had failed to believe Mandelson's denials about his relationship with Epstein.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Prince Andrew 30% UK police 50% US Justice Department 60% United States ×270% UK ×280% Keir Starmer ×590% Jeffrey Epstein ×795% Peter Mandelson ×995%

Keywords

jeffrey epstein 100% peter mandelson 90% keir starmer 80% sex offences 70% political scandal 60% uk ambassador 60% police investigation 50% government documents 50% us justice department 40%