In a stunning admission, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly apologized to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein. The apology centers on his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, a key Labour figure, as Britain’s ambassador to the United States, despite Mandelson’s alleged lies about his ties to the disgraced financier.
The controversy erupted after leaked emails and investigative reports exposed Mandelson’s close connections to Epstein. These revelations have sent shockwaves through Westminster, placing Starmer squarely in the spotlight. Mandelson, who served as a minister under former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, stepped down from the House of Lords amid the fallout. He cited a desire to spare his party further embarrassment.
Speaking in Hastings, a southeastern English city, Starmer addressed the growing unrest within his Labour Party. ‘Epstein’s victims have endured trauma that most of us can’t even comprehend,’ he said, his voice heavy with regret. He continued, ‘I’m sorry for what happened to you. I’m sorry that so many powerful people failed to help you. And I’m sorry for believing Mandelson’s lies and appointing him.’
Starmer acknowledged he had some details about Mandelson’s associations but expressed deep regret over the appointment. He accused Mandelson of repeatedly lying and betraying the country. The Prime Minister revealed plans to release files related to the nomination on Wednesday and discuss it in Prime Minister’s Questions, but police advised against it to avoid jeopardizing ongoing probes.
‘I understand people’s feelings; I want to release those documents as soon as possible,’ Starmer assured. He stressed that the issue should never become ‘political football,’ urging unity over division.
Recent documents from the U.S. Department of Justice have intensified the scandal, detailing Mandelson’s intimate exchanges with Epstein, including shared emails and sensitive government files. This scandal threatens to overshadow Starmer’s early tenure, raising questions about judgment at the top of British politics.
As calls for transparency grow louder, Starmer’s apology marks a pivotal moment. Victims’ advocates praise the gesture but demand full accountability. The Labour leader now faces the challenge of restoring public trust amid this high-stakes political drama.