Prime Minister Keir Starmer has admitted he made a mistake in appointing Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States.
Speaking to reporters following the release of government documents related to Mandelson’s appointment, Starmer accepted full responsibility for the decision and issued an apology to the victims connected to the case involving convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“I made a mistake in appointing Peter Mandelson,” the prime minister said. “Let me follow that up with – as I’ve done before, but I need to do it again – but an apology for the victims of Epstein.”
“It was my mistake and I take responsibility in relation to it.”
Government Files Reveal Concerns Over Mandelson’s Links To Jeffrey Epstein
The government released a series of documents after questions continued over why Mandelson was given the diplomatic role despite his previously known association with Epstein.
Starmer has maintained that Mandelson misled him about the extent of that relationship. The released documents show officials warned the prime minister about the potential “reputational risk” linked to appointing Mandelson.
Further material, including additional questions put to the former ambassador about Epstein by No.10, has not yet been made public.
Metropolitan Police Request Delays Release Of Additional Mandelson Documents
According to the government, some information remains withheld following a request from the Metropolitan Police Service.
Police asked that certain details not be released while they investigate allegations of misconduct in public office involving Mandelson.
Starmer said: “The release of the information shows what was known, that led to further questions being asked.
“Unfortunately because of the Metropolitan Police we can’t release that information yet but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it was me who made the mistake, and it was me who makes an apology to the victims – and I must do that.”
No.10 Defends Appointment Process But Admits Lessons Must Be Learned
A spokesperson for No.10 Downing Street said that the proper procedures were followed during Mandelson’s appointment, though they acknowledged shortcomings in the vetting and security processes.
“The prime minister did read the advice but clearly there are lessons to be learnt on the wider processes,” the spokesperson told reporters.
The spokesperson also dismissed claims from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch that the documents point to a “cover-up”.
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Some pages within the files contained boxes where the prime minister could respond to official advice regarding Mandelson’s appointment, but those sections were left blank.
“I refute the suggestion of a cover-up,” the spokesperson said. “The government’s complied fully. I just don’t accept that it’s the case at all.
“There are a range of different ways in which the prime minister’s senior team responds to advice.”
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