UK PM Apologises to Epstein Victims Over Mandelson's Ambassador Role
5 Feb 2026 6:03 PM IST5 Feb 2026 6:03 PM IST
Starmer admitted he was misled by Mandelson's portrayal of their relationship and expressed regret for his appointment decision.
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a speech at Horntye Park Sports Complex in St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, England, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (Peter Nicholls/Pool Photo via AP)
London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologised Thursday to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to Washington despite his ties to the disgraced financier.
The prime minister said Mandelson had "portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew." In a speech on Thursday, he said "I am sorry … for having believed Mandelson's lies and appointed him."
Starmer fired Mandelson in September after emails were published showing that he maintained a friendship with Epstein following the late financier's 2008 conviction for sex offences involving a minor.
But the prime minister now faces fresh pressure over the appointment after newly released documents revealed new details of Mandelson's close relationship with Epstein.
( Source : AP )
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