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Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologized to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to Washington despite his despite his connections to the late US sex offender.
Starmer launched a fierce attack on Mandelson on Thursday, seeking to assuage anger from across British politics.
Starmer is under huge pressure, including from lawmakers in his own Labour Party, over the decision to make Mandelson Britain's envoy to Washington in December 2024, when his ties to Epstein were already known.
"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 at the outset of a speech in southern England on Thursday.
Tackling the mounting criticism, he used his speech to angrily condemn Mandelson, saying the latest revelations raised serious questions. He accused Mandelson of not entering public service because he believed in serving the public good.
"I was lied to, lied to, deceit," he said. "I understand the anger and frustration among Labour MPs (members of parliament) about what has happened ... I actually share that anger and frustration, it was palpable yesterday. I'm not surprised."
Addressing Epstein's victims he said: “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 appointed him and sorry that even now you’re forced to watch this story unfold in public once again.”
Starmer said he wanted to release the security vetting advice that he was given when he selected Mandelson for the Washington role, but said he needed to abide by a police request not to do anything that could prejudice an investigation.
Starmer dismissed Mandelson in September after emails were published showing he maintained a friendship with Epstein following the late financier's 2008 conviction for sex offenses involving a minor.
Epstein died by suicide in a jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on US federal charges accusing him of sexually abusing dozens of girls.
Starmer never met Epstein and is not accused of any wrongdoing.
British police are investigating Mandelson over potential misconduct in public office. He is not accused of any sexual offences.
Documents published last week by the US Department of Justice contain revelations including papers suggesting Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Epstein after the 2008 global financial crisis.
The files also contain messages pointing to a closer relationship than Mandelson had previously disclosed.
The newly released files also suggest that in 2003 to 2004, Epstein sent three payments totalling $75,000 (€63,500) to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner Reinaldo Avila da Silva, now his husband.
Mandelson, 72, has been a major and contentious figure in the Labour party since the 1990s. He twice resigned from senior posts in previous administrations due to scandals involving money or ethics.
He was chosen as ambassador because his trade expertise, network of contacts and mastery of political tactics were considered assets in dealing with President Donald Trump's administration.
Critics said Mandelson's ties with Epstein made his appointment too risky and Starmer was naïve.
"I think the prime minister has shown that his judgement is questionable," Labour lawmaker Paula Barker said.
"I think he has questions to answer. I think he has a very long way to go to rebuild trust and confidence with the public, and trust and confidence within our party." — Agencies
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