UK Ambassador to the US fired over Epstein links

By Alpaslan Duven

LONDON — Peter Mandelson has been dismissed from his role as Britain’s ambassador to Washington after newly released documents shed light on the extent of his past relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

The disclosures, which included emails and letters, revealed that Mandelson described Epstein as a close friend and offered him encouragement following his conviction. In some exchanges, Mandelson even suggested ways Epstein might challenge legal findings against him.

Mandelson later admitted he had continued the association with Epstein “far longer than I should have,” adding that he regretted placing trust in assurances of Epstein’s innocence.

The Foreign Office said the material painted a “materially different picture” of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein compared with what had been understood when he was appointed earlier this year.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially defended Mandelson, but on Thursday requested his removal, saying the ambassador could no longer continue in the post. The decision underscores the political sensitivity of the UK’s top diplomatic role in Washington, a position that carries significant weight in managing the transatlantic relationship.

The dismissal comes at a time when Starmer’s government is already navigating pressure at home over cabinet challenges and opinion polls. Attention is now likely to turn to how the vetting process for such a senior diplomatic appointment failed to uncover the depth of Mandelson’s association with Epstein.