PM Sidesteps Questions on Epstein Link Discussion with Mandelson
Sir Keir Starmer refrained from confirming whether he discussed Peter Mandelson's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein prior to appointing the peer as the UK's ambassador to the United States.
During a session in the House of Commons, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch persistently questioned Sir Keir on the matter. However, the prime minister did not verify if such a conversation occurred. Instead, he issued an apology for the appointment and criticized Badenoch for her position regarding Iran.
Badenoch accused Sir Keir of delegating decisions to his staff and lacking transparency with Members of Parliament.
Documents Reveal Warnings on Mandelson's Epstein Ties
Documents released the previous week disclosed that the prime minister had been cautioned about Lord Mandelson's relationship with Epstein posing a "reputational risk." These 147 pages represented the initial set of files made public following a parliamentary vote mandating the government to publish documents related to Lord Mandelson's appointment.
The documents referenced a 2019 report commissioned by US bank JP Morgan, which indicated that Epstein appeared to "maintain a particularly close relationship" with Lord Mandelson. Additionally, the papers noted that Lord Mandelson reportedly stayed at Epstein's residence while the financier was incarcerated in June 2009.
Lord Mandelson was dismissed as ambassador in September of the previous year after new information emerged regarding his friendship with Epstein. The prime minister has stated that he was unaware of the full extent and depth of the relationship between Mandelson and Epstein at the time of the appointment.
Further disclosures from the release of Epstein-related files in the United States earlier this year triggered a leadership crisis for the prime minister and resulted in the resignation of his senior aide, former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.
Lord Mandelson maintains that he did not deceive the prime minister, does not recall being questioned face-to-face about Epstein during vetting interviews, and asserts that he responded truthfully and comprehensively to written inquiries concerning his contact with Epstein after the latter's conviction.
Badenoch Presses PM During Prime Minister's Questions
During Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions — the first since the initial batch of Mandelson documents was published — Badenoch repeatedly pressed Sir Keir on his conduct prior to the appointment.
"The prime minister tried to avoid scrutiny on the Mandelson files by releasing the documents immediately after Prime Minister's Questions last week,"
Badenoch stated.
"So let me ask him now, did the prime minister personally speak to Peter Mandelson about his relationship with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein before appointing him as our ambassador to Washington?"
In response, Sir Keir said:
"This was my mistake in making the appointment, and I've apologised to the victims of Epstein, I do so again.
The matter of process was looked at by the independent adviser on ministerial standards. It's clear the appointment process wasn't strong enough, and that's why I've already strengthened it.
But it was my mistake, and I've apologised for it. She should follow suit and apologise for her gross error of judgement in calling for the UK to join the war in Iran without thinking through the consequences."
Badenoch replied:
"He is right, it is about his judgement.
He has repeatedly told us that Peter Mandelson lied to him, but he won't tell us if he actually picked up the phone and spoke to Mandelson before appointing him.
If the prime minister didn't speak to him, how can he say he lied to him?"
The prime minister reiterated his previous point that the appointment process had been reviewed by his ethics adviser before shifting focus to criticize Conservative shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy for describing Muslims — including London Mayor Sadiq Khan — praying in Trafalgar Square as "an act of domination."
Sir Keir said Timothy should be dismissed for his "appalling" remarks.
Badenoch defended her shadow justice secretary, claiming he was "defending British values," and accused the prime minister of evading the question.
