Peter Mandelson has accused the Metropolitan Police of arresting him over 'baseless' claims that he planned to flee to the British Virgin Islands. The former Labour peer was taken into custody on Monday after police received intelligence that he was preparing to leave the UK. He was released on bail in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with travel restrictions imposed as a condition.
Mandelson's lawyers, Mishcon de Reya, said the arrest contradicted a prior agreement for a voluntary interview in March. They challenged the Met to provide evidence for the arrest, describing the suggestion of permanent relocation abroad as 'complete fiction'. Mandelson himself sent a message to friends questioning 'who or what' was behind the allegations.
The arrest stems from an investigation into claims that Mandelson passed sensitive government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The controversy has already cost Mandelson his role as UK ambassador to the US and his membership of the Labour Party and House of Lords.
Meanwhile, a Cabinet Office report into Mandelson's appointment is expected next week, with sources warning it could prove 'very difficult' for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The report is said to highlight the 'reputational risk' of the appointment, which Starmer had previously defended.
The Met confirmed they acted on intelligence deemed credible, though the British Virgin Islands has an extradition treaty with the UK. A spokesperson for the Lord Speaker, Michael Forsyth, denied any involvement in passing information to police.
