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.

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.

Amidst speculation about Keir Starmer's future as Prime Minister, former Prime Minister Gordon Brown defended Starmer's integrity but acknowledged the serious challenges he faces. Brown emphasized the urgent need to address corruption and unethical behavior within the government. The Metropolitan Police stated that the investigation into alleged misconduct in public office by a 72-year-old man, reportedly Peter Mandelson, will be complex and lengthy, involving significant evidence gathering and analysis following property searches. The investigation is ongoing and Mandelson has not been arrested. The article also mentions concerns about systemic failures in government vetting processes.

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 is facing a potential police investigation for allegedly leaking market-sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein during the 2008 financial crisis when he was Business Secretary. Emails from Mandelson to Epstein, revealed in newly disclosed files, contained confidential details about government efforts to address the crisis, including asset sales, banker bonuses, and a Euro bailout package. Keir Starmer has ordered an investigation by the cabinet secretary and demanded Mandelson's resignation from the House of Lords, while Gordon Brown has also requested an investigation. Several MPs and parties have reported Mandelson to the police for misconduct in public office. The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it is reviewing reports to determine if a criminal investigation is warranted.