UK PM Starmer avoids parliament probe over Epstein associate Peter Mandelson

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer successfully avoided a parliamentary probe on Tuesday. Opposition politicians had sought to refer Starmer to a committee to investigate whether he misled parliament regarding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as envoy to the US. Mandelson is a former associate of Jeffrey Epstein. The vote in parliament saw members reject the referral. This incident is the latest in a prolonged scandal that has affected Starmer's Labour government and led to calls for his resignation.

Philip Barton, former head of the Foreign Office, told a committee that Peter Mandelson's appointment raised more concerns than any other he oversaw. While Barton considered Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein "potentially difficult," he was not consulted on the final decision. He stated he was unaware of any pressure regarding the substance of Mandelson's vetting during his tenure as permanent under-secretary. However, Barton acknowledged that there was pressure on the process, though he did not receive direct calls from the chief of staff. He also stated he could not recall Morgan McSweeney swearing at him in a meeting, disputing a claim that suggested otherwise.