Keir Starmer is under pressure to remove Peter Mandelson from the Labour Party and issue an apology to victims of Jeffrey Epstein. Members of Parliament are seeking explanations for the delay in dismissing Lord Mandelson as US Ambassador after disturbing emails surfaced. Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry expressed concerns about oversights in Lord Mandelson’s appointment, referring to him as the UK’s “Trump whisperer.”
Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey raised questions in the Commons about the emotional impact on Epstein’s victims seeing Donald Trump, a close associate of Epstein and a figure with allegations of sexual abuse, ascend to the presidency. He also highlighted the unease caused by another close friend of Epstein, Lord Mandelson, being appointed as British ambassador to the US.
Labour backbencher Richard Burgon criticized the disparity in treatment, noting that some MPs, like Diane Abbott, faced suspension for opposing disability benefit cuts while Lord Mandelson retained his position as a Labour peer. Lord Mandelson’s supportive messages to Epstein were also scrutinized, where he offered encouragement and referenced strategies from ancient Chinese general Sun Tzu.
Apsana Begum, who lost the Labour whip for opposing the two-child benefit cap, pointed out the double standards applied to her and Diane Abbott compared to Lord Mandelson. The debate included discussions on the vetting process for Lord Mandelson and concerns about national security risks being disregarded. Tory Sir David Davis expressed disappointment in the Prime Minister’s handling of the situation.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty faced criticism during the debate for the government’s response to the revelations about Epstein. He emphasized the government’s stance on supporting Epstein’s victims and addressing the severity of the situation.