Explosive court documents have revealed that former Prime Minister Tony Blair met with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Downing Street, following direct advice from his close political ally Peter Mandelson.
The stunning revelation emerges from newly unsealed court papers in the US, shedding fresh light on the extent of Epstein's connections within the highest echelons of British political power.
The Downing Street Meeting
According to the documents, the controversial meeting took place during Blair's tenure as Prime Minister, with Epstein being welcomed into the heart of UK government at 10 Downing Street. The encounter was reportedly arranged on the specific recommendation of Mandelson, one of Blair's most trusted advisors and architects of New Labour.
The timing and precise nature of their discussions remain unclear, but the mere fact of such access being granted to a man later convicted of sex offences has sent shockwaves through Westminster.
Mandelson's Controversial Role
Peter Mandelson, often described as the mastermind behind New Labour's electoral success, appears to have played a central role in facilitating Epstein's access to the Prime Minister. The documents suggest Mandelson actively advised Blair to engage with the disgraced financier, despite growing concerns about Epstein's background and behaviour.
This revelation places fresh scrutiny on Mandelson's own relationship with Epstein and raises questions about what exactly he knew about the financier's activities at the time.
Growing Political Fallout
The disclosure has ignited immediate political controversy, with opposition parties demanding full transparency about the nature and purpose of Epstein's access to Number 10.
Key questions being raised include:
- What was the official purpose of Epstein's visit to Downing Street?
- How many times did Epstein meet with Blair or other senior government figures?
- What due diligence was conducted before granting Epstein access?
- Were security services aware of Epstein's activities at the time?
Broader Implications
This revelation forms part of a wider pattern of Epstein's extensive connections with global political leaders, business magnates, and royalty. The documents continue to be unsealed in US courts, potentially exposing further uncomfortable truths about the ease with which Epstein navigated the world's most powerful circles.
The development comes at a sensitive time for the Labour Party, currently in government, and is likely to prompt difficult questions about historical associations and judgment during the Blair era.
Both Tony Blair and Peter Mandelson are expected to face mounting pressure to provide comprehensive statements about their dealings with Epstein and the advice that led to his welcome at the UK's most famous address.
