UK PM Starmer admits his ‘mistake’ in appointing Mandelson as US ambassador

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken responsibility for his “mistake” in sending Peter Mandelson to Washington as ambassador, as Downing Street denied there was a “cover-up” in the release of files related to the appointment.The prime minister is facing fresh questions about his judgment in giving Mandelson the ambassadorship despite being warned of a “general reputational risk” because of his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.In his first public appearance since the publication of the documents, Starmer told reporters in Northern Ireland: “The release of the information shows what was known.”“That led to further questions being asked,” Starmer added. “Unfortunately, because of the Metropolitan Police investigation, we can’t release that information yet.”“But that doesn’t take away from the fact that it was me that made a mistake, and it’s me that makes the apology to the victims of Epstein, and I do that.”The absence of Starmer’s comments in the trove of government papers released on Wednesday has come under the spotlight, sparking questions over whether he followed procedures.