Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has publicly suggested that Prince Andrew should be ready to provide testimony before the United States Congress concerning his associations with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. This statement comes in the wake of the latest document release by the US Department of Justice, which includes files and photographs linked to the convicted paedophile.
New Photographic Evidence Emerges
The newly disclosed files, published on Friday, contain over three million documents. Among them are images that appear to depict Prince Andrew, also known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, in compromising positions. One photograph seems to show the former duke crouching over an unidentified woman, while another captures a man resembling him kneeling on the floor beside a woman who is lying down.
These pictures, part of a 100-page photographic document, also suggest the former prince touching the woman's abdomen. The background of one image includes another unidentified individual with their feet resting on a table. Notably, the photographs lack captions, and their exact location remains unknown.
Starmer's Victim-Centred Approach
While visiting Japan as part of his East Asian tour, Sir Keir was questioned about whether Prince Andrew should issue an apology and testify to the congressional investigation into Epstein. The Prime Minister emphasised a victim-centred perspective in his response.
'Firstly, I always approach this question with the victims of Epstein in mind,' Starmer stated. 'Epstein's victims have to be the first priority. Whether there should be an apology, that's a matter for Andrew.'
He continued, 'But, yes, in terms of testifying, I've always said anybody who's got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they're asked to do that because you can't be victim-centred if you're not prepared to do that.'
Further Revelations in the Document Dump
Beyond the photographs, the extensive document release includes screenshots and scans that indicate Prince Andrew exchanged emails with Epstein. These communications reportedly discussed a 'beautiful' Russian woman and contained an invitation for Epstein to visit Buckingham Palace.
Lord Mandelson's Involvement
The files also bring to light the involvement of Lord Mandelson, the former ambassador to the United States. The peer was dismissed from his role as chief envoy to Washington DC after it was revealed he maintained contact with Epstein following the financier's 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution and a minor.
Documents show exchanges between Epstein and Reinaldo Avila da Silva, Lord Mandelson's husband, regarding a payment for attending the British School of Osteopathy. One email references a £10,000 transfer from Epstein, which apparently occurred while Mandelson served as Business Secretary.
Lord Mandelson has since offered an unequivocal apology to Epstein's victims. When asked if this payment met the standards expected of a peer, Prime Minister Starmer responded, 'In relation to Peter Mandelson, obviously he was removed as ambassador in relation to the further information that came to light in September of last year and I've nothing more to say in relation to Peter Mandelson.'
The ongoing disclosures continue to fuel demands for transparency and accountability from all individuals connected to the Epstein case, with political pressure mounting for key figures to cooperate fully with international investigations.
