Prime Minister Condemns Mandelson's Actions as 'Disgraceful'
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has delivered a scathing assessment of Lord Peter Mandelson's conduct, stating unequivocally that the former ambassador has "let his country down" in light of revelations contained within the Jeffrey Epstein files. The Prime Minister expressed profound concern that the full extent of information regarding these matters has not yet come to light, telling his Cabinet he was "not reassured that the totality of the information has yet emerged."
Government Moves to Strip Mandelson's Peerage
In a decisive response to the escalating scandal, Downing Street has confirmed that officials are actively drafting legislation designed to remove Lord Mandelson's peerage "as quickly as possible." The Prime Minister has made it clear that Mandelson should no longer serve as a member of the House of Lords or retain his title, with pressure mounting for his removal from the upper chamber and the Privy Council should he not resign voluntarily.
During Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, Sir Keir described the alleged transmission of emails containing highly sensitive government business as "disgraceful," amid accusations that the peer leaked information to the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Files released by the US Department of Justice appear to show Lord Mandelson passing material to Epstein while serving as a cabinet minister in Gordon Brown's Labour administration.
Police Referral Over Market-Sensitive Information
In a significant development, Number 10 has revealed that the Cabinet Office has referred material to the police following an initial review of documents released as part of the Epstein files. This review concluded that the documents likely contain market-sensitive information related to the 2008 financial crash and subsequent government efforts to stabilise the economy.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman stated: "Only people operating in an official capacity had access to this information and there were strict handling conditions to ensure it was not available to anyone who could potentially benefit from it financially. It appears these safeguards were compromised." The referral to police authorities was made earlier today, marking a serious escalation in the government's response to these revelations.
Broader Reforms to House of Lords Discipline
Beyond the immediate case concerning Lord Mandelson, the government has identified a broader need for reform within the House of Lords. The Prime Minister's spokesman emphasised the necessity for the upper house to develop mechanisms to "remove transgressors" more swiftly and efficiently. Proposals addressing this systemic issue are expected to be published imminently, with the government examining all available options including potential primary legislation.
Sir Keir Starmer has instructed the Cabinet Secretary to conduct a comprehensive review of all available information regarding Mandelson's contacts with Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as a government minister. The Prime Minister has pledged full government cooperation with any police inquiries while emphasising the need to "move at pace" in addressing these serious matters.
Mandelson's Response and Financial Transactions
In an interview conducted before the latest allegations surfaced, Lord Mandelson admitted to what he termed a "lapse in judgment" concerning Epstein's funding of an osteopathy course for his husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, in 2009. This occurred during the period when the government was grappling with the global financial crisis, with the Epstein files referencing a £10,000 transfer from the financier.
The peer has vigorously rejected suggestions that this financial arrangement left him vulnerable to bribery claims, despite Epstein reportedly lobbying him to alter banker bonus regulations. Furthermore, Lord Mandelson has stated he has "absolutely no recollection" of receiving payments totalling approximately £55,000 from Epstein between 2003 and 2004, as indicated by bank details in the released documents.
Despite the mounting pressure and potential loss of his peerage, Mandelson has suggested he does not intend to completely withdraw from public life, arguing that "hiding under a rock would be a disproportionate response to a handful of misguided historical emails, which I deeply regret sending." He maintains that none of the recently released Epstein files demonstrate wrongdoing or misdemeanour on his part.
