Starmer apologises to Epstein victims for believing Mandelson’s lies

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologized to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday expressing deep regret for his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the British Ambassador to the United States. 

Starmer originally appointed Mandelson to the Washington role last year, citing the veteran’s unique experience in trade and international relations developed while serving as Secretary of Trade and Industry. Mandelson has since stated he regrets associating with Epstein following the release of incriminating correspondence.

Mandelson told The Sun’s Harry Cole in a previous interview: “One, I feel a tremendous sense, a profound sense of sympathy for those people who suffered as a result of his behaviour and his illegal criminal activities."

Starmer said he too regretted a wrong action by the former ambassador to Washington. Starmer said, “It had been publicly known for some time that Mandelson knew Epstein, but none of us knew the depth and the darkness of their relationship.”

Neither Starmer nor Mandelson has been accused of misconduct by Epstein survivors. However, UK politicians noted that the Prime Minister's decision to appoint Mandelson was precarious. Following his apology to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, the prime minister promised to pursue truth and the integrity of public life; he continued to do everything in his power to ensure accountability.