The Prime Minister said "it was me that made the mistake... and it's me that makes the apology to the victims of Epstein".

13:52, Thu, Mar 12, 2026 Updated: 14:00, Thu, Mar 12, 2026

Sir Keir Starmer

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Image: Getty)

Sir Keir Starmer has broken his silence over the latest Lord Peter Mandelson revelations.

The Prime Minister said that "it was me that made the mistake" in appointing him as US ambassador "and it's me that makes the apology to the victims of Epstein".

He was speaking during a visit to Northern Ireland after the first tranche of papers relating to the former Labour grandee's appointment as US ambassador were released by the Government yesterday.

The documents showed that Sir Keir was warned of a "general reputational risk" before handing the peer the plum Washington role amid his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

It has also emerged that Lord Mandelson was handed a £75,000 severance payout after being sacked nine months after being appointed.

The peer was arrested on February 23 on suspicion of misconduct in public office, having been accused of passing sensitive information on to Epstein during his time as business secretary in Gordon Brown's government.

The latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

He was subsequently bailed, but later released from his bail conditions, although he remains under investigation.

THIS IS A BREAKING STORY MORE TO FOLLOW