Starmer admits personal fault for appointing former Labour peer as US ambassador
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken full responsibility in his first public comments since the release of new documents, admitting that it was a mistake to name Peter Mandelson—known due to close friendship and financial dealings—with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein—as Britain's envoy to Washington despite warnings from senior advisers about this connection. The newly released files reveal how Downing Street handled these appointments while ignoring internal concerns regarding Mr.
Key Points
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1UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken full personal responsibility for appointing Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington, admitting it was a mistake.
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2The appointment is causing significant political fallout because senior advisers had previously warned about the close friendship between Mandelson and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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3Starmer made this apology in his first public comments following the release of new government documents regarding the selection process.
Developments
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer admitted making a mistake by appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador despite prior warnings about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the associated reputational risk, while apologizing to victims of sexual abuse linked to Epstein's crimes. Downing Street denied any cover-up regarding this decision following recent public scrutiny over government documents related to the appointment process.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologized for his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador, acknowledging it despite warnings about reputational damage and a lack of due diligence regarding Epstein. National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell described the appointment process as "weirdly rushed," noting that risks were known before Senior Counsel was appointed in 2018.