London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday apologised to victims of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and mounted a forceful defence of his leadership, as fresh revelations about former envoy Peter Mandelson intensified pressure on his government.
Starmer’s remarks come amid mounting criticism over his decision to appoint Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to Washington in December 2024, despite Mandelson’s known association with Epstein. The controversy has sparked anger across the political spectrum, including within Starmer’s own Labour Party, raising questions about his judgement at a time when opinion polls already show waning public support.
Files released last week by the US Justice Department revealed emails indicating the closeness of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein. The documents also suggested that Mandelson may have leaked government papers to Epstein and that Epstein had recorded payments to Mandelson or his then-partner, now husband.
Speaking at the start of a speech in southern England, Starmer said the scale of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein had not been known at the time of the appointment.
“It had been publicly known for some time that Mandelson knew Epstein, but none of us knew the depth and the darkness of that relationship,” he said.
Mandelson, a senior figure in a previous Labour government more than 15 years ago, resigned earlier this week from the House of Lords and is now under police investigation for alleged misconduct in public office. He has said he does not recall receiving payments and has not publicly addressed allegations related to document leaks. Mandelson did not respond to requests for comment.
Starmer had dismissed Mandelson from government roles last September, but critics argue that the latest disclosures have reignited scrutiny of the prime minister’s leadership and decision-making. Some Labour lawmakers have openly questioned whether Starmer can weather the political fallout, while government borrowing costs rose on Thursday amid investor concerns over political stability.
Addressing the controversy directly, Starmer said he had been misled.
“I was lied to,” he said. “I understand the anger and frustration among Labour MPs about what has happened. I share that anger.”
In a direct appeal to Epstein’s victims, the prime minister said: “I am sorry. Sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, and sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointing him.”
Starmer said he wanted to publish the security vetting advice he received before appointing Mandelson but would not do so while a police investigation is under way.
“However politically tempting, however popular, I will not take any step that risks justice for victims,” he said.
The episode marks one of the most serious political challenges of Starmer’s premiership so far, with the outcome likely to shape both his authority within the Labour Party and broader public confidence in his leadership.
