Barclays reportedly cuts ties with lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson

Barclays has reportedly cut ties with Global Counsel, a lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, following intense scrutiny over their dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. The move comes after revelations of Mandelson's close relationship with Epstein and allegations that he leaked sensitive information on government policy to the late child sex offender. Vodafone has also announced it is reviewing its contract for public affairs services with Global Counsel due to concerns about the firm's handling of Mandelson's remaining stake. Mandelson resigned from the Labour party on Sunday amid a major political scandal sparked by his relationship with Epstein. The UK government has been urged to release information on Mandelson's role in the matter, which is being investigated by the US Department of Justice. Global Counsel's clients include Palantir and Glencore, among others.

Keir Starmer has apologized to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for believing Lord Mandelson's "lies" and appointing him as the UK's ambassador to the US in December 2024. The apology follows growing anger over Starmer's handling of the situation, acknowledging that while Mandelson's association with Epstein was known, the extent of their relationship was not. Starmer expressed regret for the appointment and promised to release files he claims will prove Mandelson lied about the friendship during vetting. Opposition leaders have criticized Starmer, with some calling his position "untenable" and demanding a confidence vote. The government initially planned to withhold sensitive material but was forced to release documents to Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee after pressure from Labour backbenchers.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologized to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the U.S. in 2024. Starmer admitted he knew about Mandelson's friendship with Epstein at the time of the appointment. He stated that he believed Mandelson's claims that he barely knew Epstein. Starmer's apology came after facing criticism from both opposition lawmakers and members of his own Labour Party. The apology was delivered in a speech on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Horntye Park Sports Complex in England. The controversy threatens Starmer's position as Prime Minister.

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.

Sarah Ferguson's charity, Sarah's Trust, is closing "for the foreseeable future" after new details emerged about her friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. The decision follows the release of approximately 3 million files by the US Department of Justice, which included evidence of Ferguson's close relationship with Epstein, including referring to him as the "brother" she "always wished for." The charity, which has partnered with over 60 organizations in 20 countries, provided aid during the COVID-19 pandemic and supported projects in Ukraine and Ghana. Prior to this closure, seven other charities had already severed ties with Ferguson due to her association with Epstein. The released files also contained an email from Ferguson suggesting Epstein may have had a secret child and accusing him of using her to get close to Prince Andrew.

The US Department of Justice has released millions of files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein, including documents, images, and videos. This release, mandated by law, aims to provide transparency to the public. The files contain details about Epstein's time in prison, his death, and investigative records on Ghislaine Maxwell. The released documents also reveal emails between Epstein and high-profile figures, including an offer to introduce "The Duke" to a Russian woman and a £10,000 payment to Lord Mandelson's husband. These emails, dating back to 2009 and 2010, shed light on Epstein's associations and financial dealings.

Newly released documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case name individuals including Elon Musk and Peter Mandelson. The documents reveal that Prince Andrew invited Epstein to meet him at Buckingham Palace after Epstein's release from house arrest. Email exchanges from 2010 suggest Epstein contacted Prince Andrew to inform him of his presence in London. This occurred shortly after Epstein completed a 13-month sentence in August 2010 for soliciting prostitution from underage girls. The documents also contain photos appearing to show Prince Andrew crouching over a woman.

Newly released documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files have again implicated Britain's ex-Prince Andrew in the Epstein scandal. The documents, disclosed by the US Justice Department, include photographs of Andrew in compromising positions and reveal Epstein's 2010 proposal for Andrew to meet a Russian woman. Andrew has long faced scrutiny for his association with Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex crime charges. Despite repeatedly denying any wrongdoing, Andrew stepped back from royal duties in 2019 and was later stripped of his royal titles and honors by King Charles in October following renewed accusations. The surfacing of these new files has reignited public attention on Andrew's connection to the disgraced financier.

Newly released emails from the US Department of Justice reveal that Jeffrey Epstein sent thousands of pounds to Reinaldo Avila da Silva, the husband of Peter Mandelson, after Epstein's release from prison in 2009. Da Silva requested funds from Epstein to cover expenses related to an osteopathy course, including fees, anatomical models, and a laptop. Epstein agreed to wire the money and subsequently sent at least £10,000, followed by instructions to his accountant to send additional funds totaling $13,000 and then $2,000 per month. The emails raise further questions about the relationship between Epstein and Mandelson, who had previously apologized for his association with the disgraced financier. The Financial Times first reported the allegations, which a source close to Mandelson initially denied.