Peter Mandelson Arrested Following 'Baseless' Claims He Would Flee the Country
Police have arrested former business secretary Peter Mandelson after what his legal team describes as a 'baseless' suggestion that he intended to leave the United Kingdom and reside abroad permanently. The disgraced peer was taken from his Camden flat on Monday night and later released on bail.
Lawyers Condemn Arrest as Unnecessary
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Mandelson's law firm, Mishcon de Reya, strongly criticized the arrest. They revealed that an agreement had been in place for Mandelson to attend a police interview voluntarily next month, making the detention unwarranted.
'The arrest was prompted by a baseless suggestion that he was planning to leave the country and take up permanent residence abroad,' the statement asserted. 'There is absolutely no truth whatsoever in any such suggestion. We have asked the Metropolitan Police Service for the evidence relied upon to justify the arrest.'
The firm emphasized Mandelson's commitment to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, stating his overriding priority is to clear his name.
Allegations Linked to Jeffrey Epstein
The arrest relates to suspicions of misconduct in public office, specifically allegations that Mandelson passed sensitive information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as business secretary. Emails from 2009, part of the so-called Epstein files, appear to show Mandelson sharing policy assessments.
These communications reportedly included:
- An assessment by Gordon Brown's adviser on potential policy measures, including an 'asset sales plan.'
- Discussions about a tax on bankers' bonuses.
- Confirmation of an imminent euro bailout package the day before its 2010 announcement.
The emails were allegedly sent to Epstein after his conviction, raising serious questions about Mandelson's conduct.
Police Confirm Bail Until End of May
The Metropolitan Police issued a brief statement early Tuesday, confirming the arrest of a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office and his subsequent release on bail pending further investigation. Later, they specified that bail has been set until the end of May.
The force declined to comment further on the specifics of the case or the allegations regarding Mandelson's potential flight from the country.
This development adds to the scrutiny surrounding high-profile figures connected to Jeffrey Epstein, as authorities continue to investigate related misconduct. Mandelson's legal team remains adamant about his innocence and cooperation, setting the stage for a contentious legal process ahead.
