Starmer Apologises for Appointing Epstein Associate as US Ambassador

Political tensions have escalated in the UK following revelations that Peter Mandelson, former UK ambassador to the US appointed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in December 2024, had close ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Speaking on 5 February 2026, Starmer admitted he was unaware of the depth of Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein at the time of the appointment. He publicly apologised to Epstein’s victims, stating: ‘I am sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people in power let you down, and sorry that I believed Mandelson’s lies and appointed him.’ Starmer also confirmed he would comply with police requests not to disclose information that could prejudice the ongoing investigation. He noted that while Mandelson’s acquaintance with Epstein had been publicly known, the true extent and nature of their relationship were not.