Keir Starmer Apologises to Jeffrey Epstein Victims for Appointing Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer publicly apologised to victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the US prompted an uproar, saying he was sorry for having believed Mandelson’s 'lies' about the nature of his friendship with Epstein and accepting responsibility for relying on assurances that proved misleading.

“British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologised to the victims ‍of Jeffrey Epstein and says he is sorry ​for having appointed Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, who ⁠was a close friend of the late sex offender”

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Several outlets report Starmer made his apology while facing cross-party and internal Labour pressure over the December 2024 appointment, and some versions note the appointment was later rescinded and Mandelson resigned from the Lords amid the scandal.

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Starmer said: 'None of us knew the depths and the darkness of that relationship... I want to say this to the victims: I am sorry.'

Newly released US Justice Department files are being reported across multiple outlets as central to a controversy over Lord Mandelson's links with Jeffrey Epstein.

Several articles say the records suggest Mandelson's friendship with Epstein was closer than previously understood.

ABC News

They also report that the files contain emails and entries that point to leaked market-sensitive documents and alleged payments.

The Nightly and The Straits Times cite examples including a 2009 memo on possible UK asset sales and a 2010 advance warning about an EU bailout plan worth €500 billion.

India Today says the files show Mandelson passed market-sensitive information of clear financial interest to Epstein after the 2008 financial crisis.

Some reports also note that the files record alleged payments to Mandelson or his then-partner.

The political fallout within Westminster has been substantial, with opposition parties and a number of Labour backbenchers publicly criticising Starmer's judgement; some are calling for senior officials to go and opposition leaders are moving to exploit the scandal.

“Prime minister knew of Peter Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein when he appointed him ambassador to the US”

Al Jazeera

The Independent and The Guardian report growing unrest inside Labour, including calls to sack Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, and demands for vetting papers to be released.

The Telegraph and GB News describe senior Conservatives and some commentators as saying the apology is insufficient and that Starmer's position is at risk.

Several items also link the controversy to short-term market moves, noting a brief rise in government borrowing costs.

Several outlets report that Peter Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords and is under police investigation.

Mandelson says he does not recall receiving payments and has not addressed the leak allegations.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The Straits Times and The Nightly both record his denial about recalling payments.

The Sun and The Mirror emphasize photographic and earlier evidence that has prompted public scepticism and a harsher framing of his conduct.

HuffPost provides background on why Mandelson, a politically experienced figure with past resignations over money and ethics, was chosen for the role in the first place.

International coverage varies in focus.

“This video can not be played Sir Keir Starmer says sorry to Epstein victims for appointing Mandelson Sir Keir Starmer has apologised to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein for believing Lord Mandelson's "lies" and appointing him as the UK's ambassador to the US”

BBC

Some outlets emphasize the human and victim-facing aspect of Starmer's apology.

BBC

Others stress institutional failures in vetting or the national security implications of alleged document sharing.

Several point to political ramifications, including market reactions and leadership vulnerability.

For example, Women's Agenda and The Mirror foreground the apology to victims.

The Nightly, The Straits Times and India Today emphasize US Justice Department records and the alleged leaked papers.

GB News and The Guardian highlight parliamentary processes and whether Downing Street staff retain confidence.

The cumulative picture combines contrition, documentary allegations, and a growing political crisis whose ultimate consequences remain uncertain.