Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologised to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, admitting he believed “lies” told by the former Labour minister. In a speech on Wednesday, Starmer said he was sorry for failing the victims and for the public scrutiny they now face again.
Starmer’s apology came as his leadership faced intense pressure following a turbulent day in the Commons. Labour MPs rebelled against his plans to release documents related to Mandelson’s appointment, forcing a U-turn that will see the documents overseen by a parliamentary committee instead of the top civil servant. Starmer said police had warned that earlier release could prejudice an investigation into Mandelson’s communications with Epstein.
The prime minister acknowledged the anger among MPs and the public, stating he too was “angry and frustrated” about Mandelson’s actions, including sharing sensitive government information with Epstein while a minister under Gordon Brown. Starmer insisted his decision to appoint Mandelson was a mistake based on deception.
Starmer attempted to steady his premiership by focusing on his “Pride in Place” scheme, an £800m investment in deprived neighbourhoods. He warned that without such investment, communities risked being exploited by the far right. Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell said mistakes happen but must be learned from to ensure they are not repeated.
Some Labour MPs have called for Starmer’s resignation or the sacking of his senior adviser Morgan McSweeney, comparing the scandal to the events that brought down Boris Johnson. Starmer said he understood the frustration but maintained that MPs’ anger was directed at Mandelson, not himself.
