UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has apologised for believing assurances given by Lord Peter Mandelson about his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, admitting he was misled and expressing regret to Epstein’s victims. The apology follows mounting political pressure after fresh disclosures contradicted Mandelson’s earlier claims and raised questions about Starmer’s judgement in appointing him to a senior diplomatic role.
Speaking to reporters, Starmer said he had relied on information provided during official vetting processes and accepted Mandelson’s explanations about the nature and extent of his contact with Epstein. He acknowledged that those explanations were untrue and said he was “sorry for having believed those lies,” adding that victims of Epstein had been failed repeatedly by people in positions of power. Starmer stressed that, had he known the full facts at the time, the appointment would not have been made.
The controversy erupted after newly surfaced documents and media investigations revealed that Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction, contradicting previous public statements in which he had downplayed the relationship. These revelations prompted intense scrutiny of Mandelson’s role and led to his removal from his post. Starmer confirmed that Mandelson is no longer serving in government and that the circumstances surrounding the appointment are being reviewed.
Opposition parties seized on the scandal, accusing the prime minister of poor judgement and demanding greater transparency about how senior appointments are vetted. Some critics have argued that the episode damages public trust in government, while others within Starmer’s own party have privately expressed concern about the political fallout. Starmer has rejected calls to resign, saying accountability also means acknowledging mistakes and correcting them.
In his remarks, the prime minister said the focus must remain on supporting victims and ensuring such failures are not repeated. He promised tighter checks for future appointments and said his government would cooperate fully with any ongoing reviews or investigations linked to the Epstein case. Despite the backlash, Starmer insisted he remains committed to leading the country and restoring confidence in public life through openness and responsibility.
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