UK Ambassador to US, Peter Mandelson, Sacked Over Epstein Links

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sacked Britain’s ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, after fresh revelations surfaced about his close ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that Mandelson had been withdrawn from his Washington post with immediate effect. The decision followed the publication of emails showing he had offered support to Epstein during his 2008 prosecution in the US.

“The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment,” the ministry said.
“In particular, Mandelson’s suggestion that Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information. In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes, he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.”

The disclosures, reported by The Sun and Bloomberg, revealed that Mandelson had encouraged Epstein to “remember the Art of War” when dealing with prosecutors and urged him to “fight for early release” shortly before his sentencing. On the eve of Epstein’s conviction, Mandelson wrote: “I think the world of you.”

The 71-year-old former Labour minister and ex-European trade commissioner admitted he had relied on “assurances of innocence” from Epstein’s lawyers.
“I foolishly relied on their word, which I regret to this day,” he told the BBC.

Mandelson, long regarded as a powerful figure within the Labour Party and once dubbed the “Prince of Darkness” for his political spin tactics, was appointed earlier this year to strengthen ties with US President Donald Trump. His dismissal comes just a week before Trump is due to make a state visit to Britain.

Opposition Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch had described his position as “untenable,” while several Labour MPs also called for his removal.

Adding to the controversy, it emerged that Mandelson had referred to Epstein as his “best pal” and “an intelligent, sharp-witted man” in a 2003 letter published in a book marking Epstein’s 50th birthday. The letter was later cited in a US congressional investigation into Epstein’s sex crimes.

Mandelson has since expressed regret, saying he “very deeply” regretted maintaining ties with Epstein “for far longer than I should have done.”

CHANNELS/AFP