Starmer apologises to Epstein victims over Mandelson appointment
Starmer apologises to Epstein victims over Mandelson appointment
Prime Minister Starmer apologises for appointing Mandelson amid Epstein ties, telling victims he’s sorry and facing renewed party pressure.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologised to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims for believing Lord Mandelson’s lies and for appointing him as the UK’s ambassador to the US.
Speaking ahead of a planned speech on funding to improve local communities, Starmer acknowledged that Mandelson’s ties to Epstein were publicly known but said none of us knew the depths and the darkness of that relationship.
“I am sorry, sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you. Sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointed him and sorry that even now you’re forced to watch this story unfold in public once again,” Starmer said directly to Epstein’s victims.
The remarks come as Labour faces internal pressure, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch calling his position untenable and Liberal Democrats urging a confidence vote to determine whether Labour MPs still back him. Several backbenchers have privately questioned his leadership, while some former aides suggested the PM is fighting for his premiership.
Reaction from survivors and lawmakers was mixed. Epstein survivor Marina Lacerda welcomed the apology, telling BBC that going on national television to admit a mistake is a huge step. The controversy over Mandelson’s appointment, and Epstein’s ties, has continued to reverberate through the political debate, turning the spotlight onto accountability and judgment in government appointments.
Beyond the immediate political fallout, the episode risks shaping Starmer’s broader effort to steady the party and push local funding plans, as opponents seize on the episode to scrutinise leadership judgment and trust.
