Starmer Apologises to Epstein Victims Over Mandelson Appointment

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologised to victims of Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday for appointing Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States despite the politician's ties to the late sex offender. Starmer said he did not know the full extent of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein when he made the decision in late 2024, and he fired Mandelson in September after new documents came out.

Background

Jeffrey Epstein was a financier who died in 2019 while facing charges of sex trafficking and abuse of dozens of young girls. His connections to powerful people around the world have led to many scandals. In the UK, Prince Andrew stepped back from royal duties because of his friendship with Epstein. Peter Mandelson, a long-time Labour Party figure, also had a relationship with Epstein that went on after Epstein's 2008 conviction for sex crimes involving a minor.

Mandelson served in high government roles under past Labour leaders Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He resigned twice before from cabinet posts over issues with money and ethics. Even so, Starmer picked him for the ambassador job in Washington in December 2024, shortly after Labour won a big election victory in July. At the time, it was known that Mandelson knew Epstein, but Mandelson downplayed how close they were.

New files from US authorities changed everything. Emails and bank records show Mandelson stayed in touch with Epstein for years. In 2009, while Mandelson was business secretary, he sent Epstein an economic report meant for Prime Minister Gordon Brown. In 2010, emails suggest Mandelson tried to arrange a Downing Street tour for a Russian model connected to Epstein, though it never happened.

These details came out last week, leading to Mandelson's resignation from the Labour Party on Monday. Starmer had already sacked him from the ambassador post in September when earlier emails surfaced showing their ongoing friendship after Epstein's conviction.

Key Details

Starmer faced tough questions in Parliament this week. On Wednesday, he confirmed that the 2024 vetting for Mandelson's appointment had noted his link to Epstein after the 2008 conviction. This shocked many in the House of Commons. The next day, Starmer clarified that he only meant it was public knowledge they knew each other, not the full story.

Starmer's Apology

During a statement on Thursday, Starmer spoke directly to Epstein's victims.

"I am sorry, sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you. Sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointing him."

He said Mandelson had lied when asked about Epstein, describing him as someone he barely knew. Starmer stressed he never met Epstein himself.

The government wants to release the full vetting files to show Mandelson misled them. But police have warned that doing so now could harm an ongoing investigation. Some files may also go to Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee for security checks.

Starmer has ordered an inquiry into Mandelson's ties to Epstein during his time as a minister. It will be led by Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald. Starmer has also called for Mandelson to lose his lord title and seat in the House of Lords.

Pressure Inside Labour

Labour MPs are unhappy. Paula Barker, a party lawmaker, said Starmer's judgment is in doubt.

"I think he has questions to answer. I think he has a very long way to go to rebuild trust and confidence with the public, and trust and confidence within our party."

Some want Starmer to remove his top aide, Morgan McSweeney, who many blame for pushing Mandelson's appointment. Rivals like Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting have stayed quiet for now, but the mood is tense.

Rob Ford, a political science professor at the University of Manchester, described Starmer as a boxer on the ropes. He said the government's authority is damaged and could collapse soon or limp on for months.

What This Means

This scandal hits Starmer at a bad time. Labour promised clean government after 14 years of Conservative scandals, but Starmer's team has faced problems with welfare cuts, taxes, and public services. Polls show Labour trailing the Reform UK party, and there is talk of a leadership fight.

More tests lie ahead. A special election in Greater Manchester on February 26 could see Labour lose a safe seat. Local and regional votes in May look tough too. If losses pile up, pressure on Starmer will grow.

The Epstein files have made Mandelson's appointment the key mistake. Critics say Starmer was naive not to see the risks, given Mandelson's past. The prime minister vowed on Thursday to keep focusing on governing. But rebuilding trust will take time, and opponents are watching closely.

Within Labour, the fallout could shift power. Left-wing figures like Rayner might gain ground if Starmer weakens. On the right, Streeting's links to Mandelson could complicate things. For now, no one has moved against Starmer openly, but that could change with bad election results.

Outside politics, the apology highlights ongoing pain for Epstein's victims. Starmer's words aim to show accountability, but some doubt it will be enough. The inquiry into Mandelson's past roles may uncover more, keeping the story alive.

Starmer's team hopes the vetting files will clear his name once released. Until then, questions about judgment linger. The prime minister's ability to steady his government depends on handling this crisis and upcoming votes.