Minister Demands Mandelson Testify Before US Congress Over Epstein Connections
A senior UK government minister has declared that Lord Peter Mandelson possesses "a moral obligation" to testify before the United States Congress regarding his connections with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This demand follows the release of documents by the US justice department that appear to shed new light on their relationship.
Financial Transactions and Bank Statements Under Scrutiny
Bank statements included in the document release appear to show three separate payments of $25,000 each, referencing the former MP for Hartlepool, being sent from Epstein's JP Morgan bank accounts. These transactions reportedly occurred in 2003 and 2004, with "Peter Mandelson" identified as the beneficiary in the records.
When contacted about these statements, Mandelson responded: "I have no record and no recollection of receiving these sums and do not know if the documents are authentic." He reiterated his regret for having believed Epstein and continuing their association, adding: "I deeply regret doing so and apologise unequivocally to the women and girls who suffered."
Political Pressure Mounts on Labour Leadership
Housing, communities and local government secretary Steve Reed emphasised that anyone with information about Epstein should come forward, stating: "They have a moral obligation to share what they knew so that the victims can help find the justice that they've been denied for so long."
Pressure is increasing on Labour leader Keir Starmer to take decisive action regarding Mandelson's potential return to the House of Lords as a Labour peer. This follows emails that appear to show the then business secretary assuring Epstein in December 2009 that he was "trying hard" to change government policy on bankers' bonuses at the financier's request.
Email Correspondence Reveals Policy Discussions
In email exchanges released alongside the financial documents, Mandelson, then serving in Gordon Brown's cabinet, appears to engage with Epstein on taxation policy. When Epstein asked if the policy on bankers' bonuses could be modified, Mandelson responded: "Trying hard to amend as I explained to Jes last night. Treasury digging in but I am on case."
These communications came months after correspondence appeared to show that Mandelson's husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, had successfully requested £10,000 from Epstein to fund an osteopathy course and other expenses in September 2009.
Cross-Party Calls for Accountability and Transparency
Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine, a member of the women and equalities select committee, stated that Mandelson should offer to give evidence to US congressional investigators. She emphasised: "I think anyone who has any knowledge of what Epstein was doing has a moral responsibility to his victims to help the authorities in any way they can."
Labour MP Andy McDonald went further, calling for Mandelson's expulsion from the party: "He's got to go, and Keir has got to demonstrate that he will not put up with this and show some moral leadership on the issue."
Uncertainty Surrounds Document Authenticity
It remains unclear whether the three payments ever reached the named accounts, and being referenced in the files does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing. Sources close to Mandelson have cautioned that the statements cannot be taken at face value and may contain errors, noting that the US justice department has previously warned that Epstein files could include false images, documents, or videos.
The latest document release also included images of the former UK ambassador to the US in his underwear. Responding to a redacted picture showing him standing next to a woman, Mandelson stated he "cannot place the location or the woman and I cannot think what the circumstances were."
Government Response and Ongoing Investigation
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, when questioned about the £10,000 payment to Mandelson's partner during his tenure as business secretary, responded: "In relation to Peter Mandelson, obviously he was removed as ambassador in relation to the further information that came to light in September of last year. I've nothing more to say in relation to Peter Mandelson."
As the investigation continues, political figures across party lines are calling for greater transparency and accountability regarding all connections to the Epstein case, emphasising the importance of justice for victims and maintaining public trust in political institutions.
