Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologised to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, admitting he was wrong to appoint Lord Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States and saying he “regrets believing his lies” during the vetting process.
Speaking at an event in East Sussex, where he was originally due to outline his government’s Pride in Place strategy, Starmer instead opened his remarks by addressing the growing controversy surrounding Mandelson’s links to the disgraced financier.
He said no one was aware of the depth and darkness of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein at the time of his appointment in 2024.
Starmer explained that Mandelson was questioned extensively about his ties to Epstein during the vetting process but gave answers that were “intentionally designed to create the impression” that the relationship was minimal. He said further information later emerged, including emails, which revealed that Mandelson had not been truthful. Following additional questioning, Mandelson was dismissed.
The prime minister acknowledged he should not have made the appointment and said he understood the anger felt by Labour MPs and the wider public. He added that when individuals in public life act dishonestly, it undermines trust in politics as a whole.
The scandal has intensified pressure on Starmer’s leadership. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described his position as untenable and urged Labour MPs to trigger a vote of no confidence, saying he should be dragged out of Number 10. She criticised Starmer for apologising over Mandelson rather than, in her view, addressing ignored security advice.
Despite growing criticism, Starmer insisted he would continue focusing on governing, pointing to falling inflation, interest rate cuts and work on child poverty. He said stepping away from these priorities because of the misconduct of others would be “a minute wasted”.
Opposition figures and some Labour MPs continue to question whether his authority has been permanently damaged, but Starmer said he intends to carry on with what he described as the vital work of changing the country for the better.
For more details, visit New Dailyprime
