British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday issued a public apology to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein while launching a fierce attack on his former U.S. ambassador, Peter Mandelson, following revelations about Mandelson’s links to the late U.S. sex offender.
Starmer is facing intense pressure, including from members of his own Labour Party, over his December 2024 decision to appoint Mandelson as Britain’s envoy to Washington, despite Mandelson’s known connections to Epstein. Newly released U.S. Justice Department files revealed the closeness of that relationship, suggesting Mandelson may have leaked government documents to Epstein and that Epstein had recorded payments to Mandelson or his partner, now husband.
“It had been publicly known for some time that Mandelson knew Epstein, but none of us knew the depth and the darkness of that relationship,” Starmer said in a speech in southern England.
Mandelson, a former government minister under Labour more than 15 years ago, resigned from the House of Lords on Tuesday over the Epstein links and is under police investigation for alleged misconduct. He has denied receiving payments and has not publicly commented on document-leak allegations.
Starmer dismissed Mandelson in September 2025, but the new revelations have sparked questions about his judgment. Polls indicate Starmer is already unpopular with the public, and critics within his party say his position may be at risk. Government borrowing costs rose Thursday amid the political uncertainty.
Addressing criticism, Starmer condemned Mandelson, accusing him of deceit and prioritizing personal gain over public service. “I was lied to, lied to, deceit,” Starmer said. “I understand the anger and frustration among Labour MPs … I share that anger and frustration—it was palpable yesterday. I’m not surprised.”
Speaking directly to Epstein’s victims, he added: “I am sorry. Sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointing him.”
Starmer said he would like to release the security vetting advice he received before appointing Mandelson but is abiding by police instructions to avoid prejudicing the ongoing investigation. “However frustrating personally—that is, it is—I will not take any step, however politically tempting or popular, that risks justice for victims,” he said.