 "Starmer sacks US ambassador Mandelson over ties with Epstein revealed in new email expose")
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer fired Peter Mandelson, the country’s ambassador to the US, after details emerged of the diplomat’s friendship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“In light of the additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the Prime Minister has asked the Foreign Secretary to withdraw him as ambassador. 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," a statement from the Foreign Office read.
Mandelson called the late Epstein his “best pal” and an “intelligent, sharp-witted man” in a 2003 letter, released to the public just a week before US President Donald Trump was due to pay a state visit to Britain.
Soon after the information about Mandelson’s ties with Epstein’s ties went public, MPs in UK’s Parliament have been demanding that the diplomat should be “hauled” back for questioning.
Starmer backed Mandelson initially
Earlier today, the British prime minister had supported Mandelson, saying that “due process was followed” in his case, despite being challenged in Parliament about his decision to appoint the diplomat to the post.
Starmer described Epstein as a “despicable criminal” who “destroyed the lives of so many women and girls”.
But he added, “The ambassador has repeatedly expressed his deep regret for his association with him. He is right to do so. I have confidence in him.”
‘Very embarrassing’
Mandelson, an influential former Labour minister and spin doctor, said it was “very embarrassing” to see the letter published, in comments to The Sun daily’s “Harry Cole Saves the West” YouTube channel.
“I regret very, very deeply indeed carrying on that association with him for far longer than I should have done,” the ambassador said.
He said he had never witnessed any criminal behaviour, but added he also felt a deep sense of sympathy for the women “who suffered as a result of (Epstein’s) behaviour and his illegal criminal activities”.
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