Labour MPs have broken ranks to demand Lord Peter Mandelson's immediate dismissal as ambassador to the United States over his friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Richard Burgon and Nadia Whittome joined Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch in calling for his removal from the post.
Badenoch described Mandelson's position as "untenable" and said he should be "fired now". The cross-party pressure follows damaging revelations about the extent of his relationship with Epstein.
Criminal guidance controversy
Reports in The Sun revealed that Mandelson had guided Epstein through the criminal process whilst he was facing child sex charges in 2008. He wrote to the disgraced financier: "Your friends stay with you and love you."
Mandelson also reportedly told Epstein to "fight for early release" shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison. The guidance came despite Epstein facing serious criminal charges related to child sex offences.
Blocked Blair memo emerges
The Times reported that a 2002 memo has emerged showing Mandelson encouraged then-Prime Minister Tony Blair to meet Epstein. The document was due to be released as part of a National Archives disclosure but was blocked by officials.
Officials concluded the memo could embarrass the UK and harm relations with the United States. The revelation adds to existing controversy over a 2003 birthday note in which Mandelson described Epstein as his "best pal".
Government stands firm
Sir Keir Starmer defended Mandelson's appointment at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, saying he still had "confidence" in the ambassador. The Prime Minister insisted that "due process was followed" during the appointment process.
Downing Street repeatedly evaded questions about how much Starmer knew of Mandelson's Epstein association when making the appointment. Officials pointed to "extensive vetting" and Mandelson's previous comments about the relationship.
Mandelson expresses regret
Speaking to The Sun's programme, Mandelson said he regrets "very, very deeply indeed carrying on" his association with Epstein "for far longer than I should have done". When asked about maintaining contact after Epstein was charged, he responded: "It was not a business relationship."
He claimed he "never saw the wrongdoing" or "evidence of criminal activity" and does not believe he is "named in the Epstein files". Mandelson described his birthday message words as "very embarrassing to see and read".
Whittome said of the controversy: "We either stand with victims or we don't." Both Labour backbenchers argued Mandelson should never have been appointed to the crucial Washington role.
Sources used: "The Sun", "The Times" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
