Britain’s ambassador to the US, Lord Peter Mandelson, is under intense pressure after emails surfaced showing him offering support to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
The revelations have rocked Westminster just days before a crucial state visit by former US President Donald Trump, in which Mandelson is set to play a key diplomatic role.
Emails Show Support for Epstein During Conviction
The bombshell emails, obtained by The Sun, reveal Mandelson telling Epstein to “fight for early release” while he was facing jail for sexually abusing minors.
Mandelson reportedly assured his “best pal” that “everything can be turned into an opportunity” and encouraged him to remain resilient during what he described as “years of torture.”
He wrote: “I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened.
I can still barely understand it. It just could not happen in Britain.”
These messages appear to suggest that Mandelson tried to coach Epstein through the fallout from his convictions, raising questions about his judgment and associations.
Mandelson Expresses Regret But Avoids Full Clarity
In an interview, Mandelson admitted he had maintained his friendship with Epstein “far longer than I should have done,” though he was vague about exact timelines.
He suggested he fell for Epstein’s lies in 2009, noting that the world only fully realized Epstein’s criminal activities when he was federally prosecuted in 2019.
Despite claiming he only stayed in Epstein’s homes “in the early years,” court documents and emails indicate Mandelson continued visiting Epstein as late as 2012.
Critics argue this contradicts his narrative and casts doubt on his suitability as ambassador.
Epstein’s Influence on Financial Deals
Beyond social interactions, documents show Mandelson involved Epstein in major financial matters, including a £1 billion deal over a UK taxpayer-owned banking business.
Epstein acted as a go-between in the Sempra Commodities sale, introducing Mandelson to senior JP Morgan executives, including Jes Staley.
Emails show Mandelson forwarding correspondence about financial deals to Epstein and even seeking his assistance on a background check for an Israeli political consultant in 2013.
While Mandelson denies any direct business or financial benefit from Epstein, critics see the relationship as highly inappropriate given Epstein’s criminal convictions.
Political Fallout for Prime Minister Starmer
The revelations have put Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the defensive, with calls growing for Mandelson to be dismissed.
Starmer has publicly backed Mandelson, stating that “full due process” was followed before his ambassadorial appointment and that all candidates undergo extensive vetting.
Downing Street insists Mandelson’s friendship with Epstein was a matter of public record and that Starmer was briefed before appointing him to Washington.
Yet Epstein victims and campaigners continue to demand accountability, calling Mandelson “unsuitable” to represent Britain abroad.
Public and Historical Context
Mandelson’s long association with Epstein dates back decades.
He celebrated Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003 with a ten-page greeting, featuring holiday photos from Epstein’s Caribbean island, which was later dubbed “orgy island” by one of Epstein’s victims.
While Mandelson emphasizes that he never participated in any wrongdoing and never facilitated introductions to women, critics remain skeptical.
He has expressed profound sympathy for Epstein’s victims and repeatedly stated regret for maintaining the friendship.
Mandelson insists he was unaware of any criminal activity during their interactions and that his connection with Epstein was largely social and political.
The Wider Implications
With less than a week until Trump’s state visit, the timing of these revelations has heightened scrutiny on Mandelson and the Prime Minister.
The issue has sparked broader debates about the vetting process for senior diplomats, the influence of high-profile social networks, and the responsibilities of public figures in associating with convicted criminals.
As the political and public pressure mounts, all eyes are now on Mandelson and Starmer to see how they navigate the fallout from one of the most controversial ambassadorial appointments in recent British history.