Prosecutors ‘in close contact’ with police investigating Andrew and Mandelson links to Epstein

Prosecutors in England and Wales are closely monitoring police investigations into Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police is reviewing allegations that Epstein provided Andrew with a woman for sex and that Andrew shared confidential government reports with Epstein. The Metropolitan Police is investigating Mandelson for allegedly leaking Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to Epstein during his time as business secretary. The investigations stem from documents released by the US Department of Justice. The Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service is in contact with both police forces but has not yet been asked for formal advice. Buckingham Palace has stated it will support any police investigation into Andrew.

Newly released files reveal a deeper friendship than previously known between British politician Peter Mandelson and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The files include emails from 2009 showing Mandelson requesting to stay at Epstein's Manhattan mansion while serving as Britain's Secretary of State for Business. Epstein also offered to arrange meetings between Mandelson and JPMorgan executives. This revelation has ignited a political scandal in Britain, leading to resignations and calls for transparency regarding Prime Minister Keir Starmer's knowledge of Mandelson's ties to Epstein when he was appointed ambassador to the United States. The British government alleges Mandelson lied about the extent of his relationship with Epstein during the vetting process for the ambassador role.

The article discusses the political fallout from the release of the Epstein files, particularly in Britain, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a crisis. Although Starmer himself has no known direct connection to Jeffrey Epstein, his ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson, was fired in September after his ties to Epstein surfaced. Subsequently, Starmer's chief of staff and communications chief resigned due to their connections to Mandelson and the scandal. The situation has led to calls for Starmer's resignation and has significantly damaged his government, potentially impacting his chances in the 2029 elections. The article highlights how the Epstein scandal, originating in the U.S., has become a major political issue for Starmer in Britain.

Keir Starmer's director of communications, Tim Allan, resigned after five months, following the departure of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney. Allan cited the need for a new Number 10 team as his reason for stepping down. His resignation comes amid controversy surrounding the potential appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington due to his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Allan's appointment had already been met with some controversy due to his previous work at the PR agency Portland. The loss of two senior staff members in quick succession has raised concerns about the stability of Starmer's Downing Street operation, particularly as McSweeney was considered instrumental to Starmer's political success. The Conservative party has attempted to keep the focus on Starmer.

The article discusses how UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's position could be threatened by fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. It highlights that previous associations with Epstein have already led to the downfall of Prince Andrew and the firing of UK ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, by Starmer. The article suggests that new revelations are causing turmoil for Starmer's government. The article includes photos of Keir Starmer and Peter Mandelson. The article does not specify the nature of the new revelations or how they directly implicate Starmer.

Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer's chief of staff, resigned amid growing controversy surrounding Starmer's appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States. The resignation comes as Starmer faces increasing pressure regarding Mandelson's past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, which has surfaced in recently revealed files. McSweeney, a key advisor credited with contributing to Starmer's electoral success, stated that he advised the Prime Minister to appoint Mandelson and takes full responsibility for the decision. He acknowledged the appointment was a mistake that has damaged the party, the country, and public trust in politics. The resignation marks a significant crisis for Starmer's leadership.

Morgan McSweeney resigned as Keir Starmer's chief of staff due to the controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. McSweeney stated he advised the Prime Minister to make the appointment and takes full responsibility for the resulting damage to the party, country, and public trust. He believes his resignation is the only honorable course of action in light of the situation. McSweeney expressed pride in his work but regret over the circumstances of his departure, emphasizing the need to remember the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and overhaul the vetting process for future appointments. He remains supportive of the Prime Minister's efforts to rebuild trust and restore standards.

A UK cabinet minister, Pat McFadden, is calling for Peter Mandelson to return a £55,000 payout he received after resigning as ambassador to the US last year. Mandelson's resignation followed increased scrutiny of his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. McFadden suggests Mandelson should return the money or donate it to charity, and the Foreign Office is reviewing the payment's legality. McFadden, a former ally of Mandelson, expressed dismay over newly released emails suggesting Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Epstein. Despite the controversy, McFadden stated his support for the current Prime Minister, arguing against frequent changes in leadership. The head of the Fire Brigades’ Union has become the first boss of a Labour-affiliated union to call on the prime minister to stand down.

Keir Starmer is facing increased pressure to dismiss his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, due to the controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson's appointment. Simon Opher, a Labour MP, publicly called for McSweeney's removal, citing poor advice regarding Mandelson, whose ties to Jeffrey Epstein have recently resurfaced. The impending release of government files related to Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador is expected to intensify the scrutiny. Harriet Harman criticized Starmer's handling of the situation, deeming him "weak, naive and gullible" for considering Mandelson in the first place. The controversy stems from revelations about Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, including a reported $75,000 payment and the sharing of sensitive information. Starmer has apologized for the appointment, but calls for McSweeney's dismissal persist.

In the UK, a political controversy has erupted following the revelation of former ambassador Peter Mandelson's close ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Documents indicate Mandelson maintained a relationship with Epstein, shared sensitive information, and received payments connected to him. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed regret over Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US. The controversy emerged on February 5, 2026, prompting a police investigation into the nature of the relationship and potential implications. The investigation aims to determine the extent of Mandelson's involvement and whether any laws were broken.

Opposition politicians are calling for a halt to UK government contracts with Palantir, citing a lack of transparency surrounding the deals and the company's connections to Peter Mandelson and Peter Thiel. Since 2023, Palantir has secured over £500 million in contracts with the NHS and Ministry of Defence. Concerns have been raised about Palantir's involvement in British policing and its provision of technology to the Israel Defense Forces and Trump's ICE. Calls are mounting for parliamentary debate and contract termination, particularly regarding a £330 million NHS contract, due to concerns about data privacy and effectiveness. Palantir defends its work, stating its software improves public services.

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.

Keir Starmer has confirmed that he knew about Peter Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein before appointing him as US ambassador in December 2024. Mandelson had lied repeatedly about the extent of his contact with Epstein, who was convicted of child sex offenses. A two-stage vetting process was conducted on Mandelson, including a "due diligence" review by the Cabinet Office's propriety and ethics team. The team sent outstanding questions to No 10 after reviewing publicly available information, including that Mandelson had stayed overnight at Epstein's house and maintained an ongoing friendship with him after his release from prison. Starmer asked Mandelson to address three specific questions, which were later revealed to be inaccurate. The government is under pressure to reveal more details about its vetting process for Mandelson's appointment.

The UK government will release files related to Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US, following pressure from the Conservative Party. This decision stems from scrutiny of Mandelson's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, which were known but allegedly downplayed at the time of his appointment. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the release would exclude information compromising national security or the police investigation into Mandelson. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has expressed skepticism, demanding full transparency and accusing the government of attempting to selectively release information. Starmer admitted Mandelson misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein and regrets the appointment, further stating he will introduce legislation to strip Mandelson of his title.

Peter Mandelson, a UK politician and current British Ambassador to the United States, has announced his resignation from the House of Lords amid controversy over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision comes after pressure mounted on Mandelson following reports that he had met with Epstein in 2001, two years before the financier's arrest for soliciting prostitution from minors. Mandelson had previously denied any close relationship with Epstein, but the latest revelations have led to calls for a police investigation into his involvement. Mandelson's resignation is seen as a response to the growing scrutiny surrounding his association with Epstein. The exact reasons behind his decision are not yet clear.