Lord Mandelson has been dismissed as the UK’s ambassador to the US following new revelations regarding his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Keir Starmer called for his removal after it was disclosed that he advised Epstein on his legal troubles related to underage sex charges. In 2008, Lord Mandelson corresponded with Epstein, expressing support and urging him to fight for early release.
The British Embassy in Washington stated that the recently uncovered emails demonstrate a deeper relationship between Lord Mandelson and Epstein than previously known at the time of his appointment. Questions are now being raised about the extent of Mr. Starmer’s knowledge of the emails and when he became aware of their contents.
After an urgent meeting with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, Lord Mandelson’s fate was sealed. This decision came shortly after Mr. Starmer defended him in Parliament as the situation escalated. The sacking occurred just before US President Donald Trump’s scheduled state visit to the UK.
Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty informed MPs that following the revelation of additional information in Lord Mandelson’s emails, the Prime Minister instructed the Foreign Secretary to recall him as the ambassador to the United States. The emails revealed a more significant relationship between Lord Mandelson and Epstein than previously acknowledged.
Lord Mandelson’s messages to Epstein in 2008, where he expressed support and offered advice, have been met with condemnation from several politicians, including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former Labour MP Harriet Harman. Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey called for a new ambassador who would stand up to Trump, emphasizing the need for transparency in the appointment process.
Despite prior support from the Prime Minister, calls for Lord Mandelson’s resignation grew as details of his relationship with Epstein emerged. Lord Mandelson admitted feeling embarrassed by his past associations with Epstein and expressed sympathy for Epstein’s victims. The release of documents by the US House Oversight Committee shed further light on Lord Mandelson’s ties to Epstein.
Lord Mandelson, who had known Epstein for a few years, denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities and expressed regret for their association. When asked about the potential release of the Epstein files, Lord Mandelson stated that he does not believe he is mentioned in them but expects embarrassing revelations to surface.
Overall, the dismissal of Lord Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US underscores the gravity of his connections to Epstein and the need for accountability in diplomatic appointments.