UK Releases New Files on Mandelson-Epstein Affair

The British government has disclosed a new batch of files concerning the affair involving former minister and EU commissioner Peter Mandelson and his links to the convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The release comprises over 1,500 documents, including emails and chat messages exchanged during Mandelson's nine-month tenure as Britain's ambassador to the United States.

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If you were inclined to appoint me, I would ensure you never regretted it.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government has faced sustained pressure for months due to these revelations. Among the newly published documents is a handwritten note from Mandelson to then-British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in November 2024, stating, "If you were inclined to appoint me, I would ensure you never regretted it." The files also reveal Mandelson's sharp criticism of the government in London. In a May 2025 chat message to then-Cabinet Secretary Pat McFadden, Mandelson commented on Prime Minister Starmer, "Keir lacks verve, as does the entire cabinet." Another message from July 2025 described the operations in Downing Street as "under siege and deserted."

Mandelson, who was previously the trade minister and an EU commissioner, allegedly shared sensitive information with Epstein, with whom he was friends, during his time in government. Starmer appointed Mandelson as ambassador to the US in 2024 but dismissed him in September 2025. The Prime Minister accused his Labour colleague of not fully disclosing the extent of his relationship with Epstein, who died in custody in 2019. Starmer's administration has been under scrutiny for months regarding the Mandelson affair, leading to several resignations. It had previously emerged that Mandelson was appointed ambassador despite failing a prior security check. A government spokesperson stated that the decision to proceed with the appointment despite this outcome was made within the Foreign Office.

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Keir lacks verve, as does the entire cabinet.

Epstein is accused of abusing more than a thousand minors and young women, allegedly facilitating victims to prominent figures. He was arrested again in July 2019 and was serving a prison sentence. On August 10, 2019, he was found dead in his New York prison cell, with official reports stating he committed suicide.

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under siege and deserted.