Publication of Epstein Files Forces Keir Starmer to Defend Peter Mandelson as UK Ambassador to the US

Newly released U.S. Department of Justice files and previously published emails have triggered a political crisis in London.

“A report reveals crude messages between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, including Mandelson telling Epstein upon his release, "Liberation day”

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They reveal a closer and longer-running relationship between Lord Peter Mandelson and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein than was publicly known when Mandelson was named UK ambassador to Washington.

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Media accounts say the tranche of material includes extensive correspondence and files.

Those disclosures prompted Prime Minister Keir Starmer to withdraw the appointment and apologise to Epstein's victims.

The revelations have also prompted police and parliamentary scrutiny.

Sources say Mandelson was sacked last September after earlier emails emerged.

They add that the DOJ collection is vast, containing millions of pages, videos and images.

The size of the collection has intensified scrutiny over who knew what before the appointment.

Multiple outlets cite allegations of financial transfers and message exchanges that suggest a warmer relationship than Mandelson publicly acknowledged and, in some accounts, possible sharing of market-sensitive information.

Several reports say bank records show Epstein made payments totalling about $75,000 in 2003–04 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner.

ABC News

Emails published in UK tabloids include lines urging Epstein to 'fight for early release' and messages such as 'I think the world of you.'

Mandelson has questioned the authenticity of some documents and says he does not recall receiving the funds.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly apologised to Epstein's victims and accepted political responsibility for appointing Mandelson after saying he had been misled by him, but the apology has not quelled cross-party outrage or unrest inside Labour.

“Conservative MP Esther McVey accused Sir Keir Starmer of poor judgement "ruining this country and the Labour Party”

Al Jazeera

Starmer told the public he was "sorry for having believed Mandelson's lies."

He ordered an urgent civil-service review of how Mandelson's contacts were handled in vetting and agreed to hand relevant appointment documents to parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee.

Critics, including opposition politicians and a victims' lawyer quoted in media, called the apology insufficient, and some Labour MPs and commentators are calling for further accountability at senior levels.

The logistics and legal risk of publishing the vetting files have become a separate flashpoint.

Ministers agreed in principle to release correspondence, but the Metropolitan Police asked for publication to be delayed because of an ongoing investigation.

Al Jazeera

Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee will decide what, if anything, must be withheld.

Coverage differs on whether the delay is routine caution or an attempt to withhold politically damaging material.

Opponents accuse the government of stalling, while officials and the ISC insist redactions and police requests are legitimate precautions.

Beyond politics, the allegations have prompted formal probes and raised questions about market-sensitive disclosures and institutional oversight.

“British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologised to victims of Jeffrey Epstein after admitting he was wrong to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US and saying he did not know the "depth and darkness" of Mandelson’s ties to the convicted sex offender”

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The Metropolitan Police opened an investigation into suspected misconduct in public office.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The EU is reported to be investigating Mandelson's conduct while he was a commissioner.

Commentators warned of market and polling fallout.

Financial and market concerns, including warnings that a leadership crisis could hurt the pound and increase government borrowing costs, appear in some coverage.

Other coverage calls to prioritise victims and accountability, illustrating how sources differ by focus and implied severity.