Political pressure is rising again in Westminster, and this time it’s aimed squarely at Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Fresh revelations about Jeffrey Epstein’s network have reopened uncomfortable questions, with calls growing for Peter Mandelson to publicly explain his past links to the disgraced financier.
The renewed scrutiny is now stretching across the Atlantic, pulling the UK government into a debate unfolding inside the US Congress.
US Lawmaker Urges Starmer to Step In
The latest push came from Democratic Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández, who argued that Starmer should actively encourage Mandelson to testify before the US Congress.
Speaking on the BBC’s Newsnight, she made it clear that American lawmakers lack the legal authority to force Mandelson to appear but believe political pressure from London could make a difference.
In her view, voluntary cooperation would be a step toward long-overdue transparency.
Survivors Still Waiting for Accountability
Leger Fernández also voiced frustration over what she described as a stalled reckoning for Epstein’s survivors.
She argued that justice remains out of reach because key documents linked to Epstein have still not been fully released.
According to her, the US administration has continued to block disclosure, making it harder for victims to get the answers and accountability they deserve.
Anger Over Mishandled Epstein Files
The congresswoman went further, sharply criticizing the US Department of Justice after it was forced to retract parts of the Epstein files.
Those documents reportedly exposed identifying details about victims, something she described as a serious failure.
She accused authorities of protecting perpetrators while putting survivors at risk, saying the system appears more focused on damage control than justice.
Police Probe Adds to Mandelson’s Troubles
Back in the UK, the controversy has taken on a more serious legal dimension.
The Metropolitan Police has launched a criminal investigation into allegations that Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to Epstein.
These claims relate to Mandelson’s time as business secretary during Gordon Brown’s Labour government, particularly amid the chaos of the 2008 financial crisis.
Messages That Raise Awkward Questions
Files released by the US Department of Justice suggest Mandelson shared information with Epstein while holding senior government office.
The documents also reveal Epstein repeatedly encouraging Mandelson to pursue the very top job in British politics, despite his Labour peerage preventing him from becoming prime minister under normal circumstances.
Jokes, Schemes, and Political Fantasies
Some of the exchanges read like dark political satire.
Epstein joked that Mandelson should marry Princess Anne and then divorce her, claiming it would dissolve his peerage and clear a path to Number 10.
In another message, he floated the idea of Mandelson marrying Princess Beatrice, even joking about royal grandchildren.
Mandelson appeared to engage in the banter, replying with comments that only deepened the unease around the correspondence.
A Push for Power During Labour’s Crisis Years
Beyond the jokes, Epstein repeatedly pressed Mandelson to make a serious play for leadership as Labour struggled in government.
He suggested joint leadership arrangements, including a proposed alliance with David Miliband, pitching the idea as a strategic takeover of the party.
Epstein also encouraged Mandelson to consider replacing Alistair Darling as chancellor, framing it as a missed opportunity if he didn’t act.
Gordon Brown in the Crosshairs
As Gordon Brown’s premiership weakened, Epstein’s advice turned sharper.
He urged Mandelson to distance himself from the prime minister, warning that loyalty to a sinking leader could damage his reputation.
Messages between the two later appeared to mock Brown’s looming exit, with Mandelson eventually confirming to Epstein that Brown had agreed to step down shortly before his resignation in 2010.
Mandelson Denies Wrongdoing as Scrutiny Intensifies
Mandelson has consistently denied any wrongdoing, but the unfolding police investigation means he is now likely to be questioned by officers.
With US lawmakers calling for testimony, British police examining potential legal breaches, and political pressure mounting on Keir Starmer, the controversy shows no sign of fading quietly.
What Comes Next
The immediate question is whether Starmer will publicly urge Mandelson to testify before US Congress, adding political weight to American calls for answers.
At the same time, the outcome of the Metropolitan Police investigation could determine whether this saga remains a political embarrassment or turns into something far more serious.
Either way, the Epstein revelations continue to cast a long shadow over figures who once believed the past had been buried.
