UK Prime Minister Sacks Ambassador to US Over Epstein Links
Keir Starmer dismisses Peter Mandelson following revelations about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
LONDON: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed his ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, after fresh revelations regarding the diplomat's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
This decision comes as Starmer prepares for US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit, adding a diplomatic complication to an already tense situation.
Mandelson, known as the 'Prince of Darkness' during his tenure as a media spin doctor, has previously resigned twice from Tony Blair’s Labour government in the late 1990s and early 2000s amid allegations of misconduct.
His dismissal creates political and diplomatic challenges for Starmer's administration.
This move follows the recent resignation of former Deputy Angela Rayner for underpayment of property tax.
Starmer is attempting to revitalize his increasingly unpopular government.
According to Yvette Cooper, who was instructed by Starmer to withdraw Mandelson, emails exchanged between Mandelson and Epstein after his conviction revealed a closer relationship than previously known.
Mandelson suggested that Epstein's first conviction might have been wrongful, which led to his immediate dismissal.
In a letter addressed to embassy staff, Mandelson expressed regret over his association with Epstein two decades ago and empathy for the victims of Epstein’s crimes.
Despite the circumstances, he stated that Anglo-American relations were in good condition upon his departure.
Bloomberg reported that Mandelson sent supportive messages to Epstein while the latter was under investigation in 2008 for sexual offenses.
These communications suggested Mandelson's ongoing support and friendship with Epstein, despite the severity of Epstein’s crimes.
Starmer has been criticized for appointing Mandelson as ambassador given his prior association with Epstein.
However, Starmer’s spokesperson insisted that the prime minister found the emails exchanged between Mandelson and Epstein 'reprehensible' and took decisive action upon learning about them.
Mandelson defended himself by stating he had relied on assurances of Epstein's innocence, which turned out to be false.
Despite this defense, political pressure mounted for further actions, with some calling for his resignation from the House of Lords.
The dismissal of Mandelson comes at a critical time as he was tasked with building a close relationship with Trump, a task now complicated by these developments.
This decision comes as Starmer prepares for US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit, adding a diplomatic complication to an already tense situation.
Mandelson, known as the 'Prince of Darkness' during his tenure as a media spin doctor, has previously resigned twice from Tony Blair’s Labour government in the late 1990s and early 2000s amid allegations of misconduct.
His dismissal creates political and diplomatic challenges for Starmer's administration.
This move follows the recent resignation of former Deputy Angela Rayner for underpayment of property tax.
Starmer is attempting to revitalize his increasingly unpopular government.
According to Yvette Cooper, who was instructed by Starmer to withdraw Mandelson, emails exchanged between Mandelson and Epstein after his conviction revealed a closer relationship than previously known.
Mandelson suggested that Epstein's first conviction might have been wrongful, which led to his immediate dismissal.
In a letter addressed to embassy staff, Mandelson expressed regret over his association with Epstein two decades ago and empathy for the victims of Epstein’s crimes.
Despite the circumstances, he stated that Anglo-American relations were in good condition upon his departure.
Bloomberg reported that Mandelson sent supportive messages to Epstein while the latter was under investigation in 2008 for sexual offenses.
These communications suggested Mandelson's ongoing support and friendship with Epstein, despite the severity of Epstein’s crimes.
Starmer has been criticized for appointing Mandelson as ambassador given his prior association with Epstein.
However, Starmer’s spokesperson insisted that the prime minister found the emails exchanged between Mandelson and Epstein 'reprehensible' and took decisive action upon learning about them.
Mandelson defended himself by stating he had relied on assurances of Epstein's innocence, which turned out to be false.
Despite this defense, political pressure mounted for further actions, with some calling for his resignation from the House of Lords.
The dismissal of Mandelson comes at a critical time as he was tasked with building a close relationship with Trump, a task now complicated by these developments.
