Prime Minister Faces Grilling Over Controversial Diplomatic Appointment
Sir Keir Starmer has publicly acknowledged that he possessed detailed knowledge regarding Peter Mandelson's continued association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein prior to appointing the Labour grandee as the United Kingdom's ambassador to the United States. The admission came during a tense session of Prime Minister's Questions, where Starmer faced sustained interrogation from opposition leader Kemi Badenoch.
Vetting Process Under Intense Scrutiny
During the parliamentary exchange, Starmer confirmed that security vetting procedures had indeed highlighted Mandelson's "ongoing relationship" with Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from minors. The Prime Minister stated that, as a result of these findings, specific questions were directed at Mandelson during the appointment process.
"Time and time again, Mandelson completely misrepresented the extent of his relationship [with Epstein]," Starmer told the Commons. He added that Mandelson had "lied repeatedly" both during the vetting for the crucial diplomatic role and throughout his tenure in Washington.
Revelations from US Justice Department Documents
The controversy has been fuelled by revelations contained within three million documents recently released by the US Department of Justice. These records exposed disturbing communications between Mandelson and Epstein, including an email exchange where Mandelson described Epstein's release from prison as "liberation day".
In the correspondence, Mandelson inquired: "How is freedom feeling?" to which Epstein replied: "She feels fresh, firm and creamy." Mandelson responded with the words "naughty boy", raising serious questions about the nature of their relationship.
Further Allegations and Police Investigation
Additional emails suggest Mandelson may have leaked market-sensitive information held by the UK government to Epstein during the height of the financial crisis. The Metropolitan Police has now opened a formal investigation into Mandelson, having received detailed dossiers from the Cabinet Office.
Starmer revealed he had been in contact with authorities regarding the matter earlier in the day, but this did little to assuage the mounting political pressure.
Cross-Party Criticism and Calls for Resignation
Political figures from across the Commons intensified their criticism of the Prime Minister's judgement. Plaid Cymru's Liz Saville Roberts directly called for Starmer's resignation, questioning his decision-making capacity in making the appointment.
Badenoch further challenged Starmer about whether he retained confidence in his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who shared close ties with Mandelson. Starmer defended McSweeney as "central" to his Downing Street team, but the questioning highlighted the wider implications of the scandal within government circles.
Parliamentary Showdown Over Document Release
MPs are scheduled to debate the terms for releasing government documents related to Mandelson, with Starmer proposing an amendment to a motion that would protect national security concerns and prevent prejudice to international relations. Badenoch has urged Labour MPs to join Conservatives in voting against this amendment, characterising it as a potential "cover up" of the affair.
Reflecting on the appointment with evident regret, Starmer concluded: "If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near my government." The statement underscores the profound political damage caused by the revelation that the Prime Minister proceeded with Mandelson's appointment despite being aware of his problematic connections.
