British envoy to U.S. dismissed over Epstein ties

Britain’s ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, was dismissed Thursday following revelations about his deeper connection to Jeffrey Epstein than had previously been disclosed.

NBC News reported that Prime Minister Keir Starmer ordered Mandelson’s immediate removal after newly released emails showed he minimized Epstein’s conviction and described him as a close companion, igniting a wave of political pressure.

Mandelson, a veteran Labour Party politician who rose to prominence under former leader Tony Blair, had been appointed ambassador for his political clout and connections in Washington. However, scrutiny grew after a recently unearthed birthday book contained a message in which he described Epstein as “my best pal.”

Emails Reveal Previously Unknown Details

The foreign ministry confirmed Thursday that the newly uncovered emails revealed Mandelson’s ties to Epstein were significantly more extensive than what officials knew when he was appointed. The ministry called the communications “new information” that fundamentally changed their understanding of the relationship.

One of the most damaging revelations was that Mandelson had privately suggested Epstein’s first criminal conviction was unjust and should be challenged. The ministry acknowledged this was not known when Mandelson was chosen to serve in Washington.

In a statement, the ministry said, “The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.”

Prime Minister Reverses Course Under Pressure

Just a day earlier, Prime Minister Starmer had defended Mandelson against critics who questioned his suitability for the post. But mounting political pressure within the Labour Party made the defense increasingly untenable. By Thursday, Starmer directed the foreign ministry to withdraw Mandelson without delay.

The ministry emphasized that its decision was made with the victims of Epstein’s crimes in mind. “In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes he has been withdrawn as Ambassador with immediate effect,” the statement said.

Starmer’s decision to act swiftly underscored the sensitivity of the matter, as opponents seized on the revelations to question the government’s judgment.

Mandelson Expresses Regret for Association

In an interview published Wednesday by Britain’s Sun newspaper, Mandelson expressed remorse over his past ties to Epstein. He said he sympathized with the women who had suffered as a result of Epstein’s actions.

“I feel a profound sense of sympathy for those people, those women who suffered as a result of his behavior and his illegal criminal activities,” Mandelson said in the interview.

He added that he regretted both meeting Epstein and maintaining the relationship. “I feel a tremendous sense of regret not only that I met him in the first place, but that I continued the association and I took at face value the lies that he fed me and many others,” Mandelson stated.

Political Fallout and Public Perception

Mandelson’s fall from the ambassadorial post highlights the ongoing repercussions of Epstein’s legacy, even years after his death. High-profile figures across politics and business have faced scrutiny for their connections to the disgraced financier.

Mandelson described Epstein as a “charismatic criminal liar,” a phrase that captures both his disapproval and his acknowledgment of being misled. Yet critics argued that his decision to overlook Epstein’s criminal record reflected poor judgment unbefitting a top diplomatic representative.

His removal is expected to trigger a new search for a replacement, one likely chosen from career diplomats rather than political veterans, as officials work to restore credibility in the important Washington post.