Labour MPs Intensify Pressure on Starmer Over Mandelson-Epstein Report
Labour MPs are escalating demands for Sir Keir Starmer to clarify whether he was aware of a critical report detailing Peter Mandelson's connections to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The mounting pressure follows revelations from Labour peer Lord Glasman, who disclosed he raised concerns with Downing Street but was subtly advised to remain silent.
Lord Glasman's Allegations of Suppressed Warnings
In a candid interview with Sky News, Lord Glasman recounted how he submitted a formal report to Number 10 regarding Mandelson's relationship with Epstein. He stated, "They asked me to send a report and I sent a report. I did say when I got back, I would think again about this publicly. Then I did get a discreet suggestion to basically shut up about that, and I did." This admission has sparked a fierce debate within the Labour Party about transparency and accountability.
Calls for Full Disclosure from Labour Figures
Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South, has been vocal in demanding the release of Glasman's report. He argued, "Either Maurice [Lord Glasman] needs to show the email trail and the document that he passed on to Number 10. And Number 10 needs to show what they knew. The longer this takes to draw out, the more damage to the Labour Party - this needs a clean, all cards on the table approach." Other ministers echoed this sentiment, questioning whether the prime minister saw the report or if it was deliberately withheld from him.
Starmer's Apology and Ongoing Fallout
Sir Keir Starmer has publicly apologised to Epstein's victims, expressing regret for believing what he termed "Mandelson's lies" and for appointing him as US ambassador. Despite this apology, Labour MPs remain divided, with some calling for the resignation of key advisors like Morgan McSweeney, whom they blame for poor counsel. One minister remarked, "Universally we can see PM is a good man and I genuinely believe he means his apology. The problem we have is the people around him - he is clearly reliant on people who give him bad advice."
Document Release and Criminal Investigations
The controversy has led to governmental agreements to publish documents related to Mandelson's appointment, following a humble address tabled by the Conservatives. Initially, the government sought to redact information for national security reasons, but this stance was modified after interventions from figures like Angela Rayner. The process may face delays due to an ongoing criminal investigation into Mandelson, with police searches conducted at his properties in Wiltshire and Camden.
Internal Party Tensions and Future Implications
Within the Labour Party, frustration is palpable. Some backbenchers have gone as far as to call for Starmer's resignation, with one stating, "100% Keir needs to go. He wants to hang on to May so he can say things haven't worked out. He wants to blame the local elections. Frankly his name is dirt here." This internal strife highlights the broader challenges facing Labour as it navigates the fallout from the Mandelson-Epstein scandal, with MPs urging swift action to prevent further damage to the party's reputation.
