LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday apologized for his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the British ambassador to the United States, after fresh revelations about the former official’s links to late American financier Jeffrey Epstein triggered a political storm in Britain.
Speaking at an event in the town of Hastings in southeast England, Starmer said he had underestimated the seriousness of Mandelson’s past association with Epstein. He offered an apology to victims connected to the Epstein case and said he understood the anger voiced across parliament.
“The victims of Epstein have lived with trauma that most of us could barely comprehend, and they have to relive it again and again. They have seen accountability delayed and too often denied to them,” he said.
“I want to say this. I am sorry, sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed, 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,” the prime minister added.
The controversy intensified after the US Justice Department last week made public a large cache of files related to Epstein, prompting renewed scrutiny in Britain. British police confirmed on Tuesday that they had opened a criminal investigation into Mandelson over alleged misconduct while in public office, including the possible disclosure of market-sensitive information. Mandelson has denied recalling any improper payments and has not commented on the document-leak allegations.
Mandelson, 72, previously served as a senior cabinet minister under former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He was appointed ambassador to Washington in early 2025 but was dismissed by Starmer after seven months as questions over his past resurfaced. British media reported that the affair has added pressure on Starmer, whose approval ratings remain low, with analysts warning the fallout could further complicate his political standing.