UK Leader Apologizes to Epstein Victims for Appointing Peter Mandelson as Ambassador

Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologizes for controversial diplomatic appointment

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, apologized on Thursday to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as the country's ambassador to Washington. Mandelson has faced scrutiny over his ties to the disgraced financier Epstein.

Why it matters

The appointment of Mandelson, a former cabinet minister with links to Epstein, has drawn criticism from those who feel the UK government is not doing enough to address the legacy of the Epstein scandal and support his victims.

The details

Mandelson, a senior Labour politician, was appointed as the UK's ambassador to the United States in 2024. However, his ties to Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019, have come under renewed scrutiny. Starmer acknowledged the pain caused to Epstein's victims by the controversial appointment.

  • On Thursday, February 5, 2026, Keir Starmer apologized for the appointment.

The players

Keir Starmer

The current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Peter Mandelson

A former cabinet minister who was appointed as the UK's ambassador to the United States in 2024, despite his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier who was convicted of sex crimes and died in prison in 2019.

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What they’re saying

“I apologize to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein for the appointment of Peter Mandelson as our ambassador to the United States.”

— Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges the UK government faces in addressing the legacy of the Epstein scandal and supporting his victims, even as it seeks to maintain important diplomatic relationships.