Sir Keir Starmer has given Peter Mandelson his full backing after it emerged the British ambassador to the US had described notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein as his “best pal”.
Lord Mandelson features in a 50th birthday book for Epstein that was compiled by the late financier’s ex-girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently in prison for her role in recruiting and trafficking minors for sex.
It contained a photo of Lord Mandelson and Epstein on what appeared to be the multimillionaire’s island, as well as a handwritten note for the disgraced financier.
After the message was made public in files released by a US congressional committee, the prime minister’s official spokesman stressed he has full confidence in the Labour grandee, praising his work in strengthening Britain’s relations with the US under Donald Trump.
“We are focused on our relationship with the US and President Trump going forward, with the unprecedented second state visit next week to build on the progress we have already made between our governments,” the spokesman said.
He added that Lord Mandelson has “played a key part” in the strengthening of UK-US relations under Mr Trump.
Wes Streeting also backed the under-fire ambassador, saying that he has “been very clear that he deeply regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein”.
Speaking to ITV News, the health secretary said: “Given what we now know about his horrific crimes, I mean, who would want to be associated with that sexual predator and paedophile?
“I don’t think we should tar everyone with the same brush and do guilt by association. The most important thing at this stage is that the victims of Epstein are heard.”
Two years ago, Lord Mandelson said he “very much regrets ever having been introduced to Epstein”.
The note from Lord Mandelson to Epstein appeared to take the form of a poem beginning: “Once upon a time, an intelligent, sharp-witted man they call ‘mysterious’ parachuted into my life.”
Other pictures featured alongside the note included a shot of Lord Mandelson on a balcony in a pair of swimming trunks, shot from behind, with his hands on his hips.
Lord Mandelson’s note appeared to refer to “interesting” friends he had been left to entertain by Epstein.
“But wherever he is in the world, he remains my best pal,” it concluded. Lord Mandelson appeared to add: “Happy birthday, Jeffrey, we love you!!”
The British embassy in Washington has been asked to comment. Downing Street on Tuesday insisted Lord Mandelson had previously answered questions about his association with Epstein.
The publication of the documents came as a report by JPMorgan Chase into Epstein detailed the “particularly close relationship” between the two. It set out the ambassador’s ties to the financier, who was close enough to Lord Mandelson to call him “Petie”.
The report also suggested that Lord Mandelson had stayed at Epstein’s New York home in June 2009 – when he was still Gordon Brown’s business secretary and the financier was serving 18 months in prison for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
Earlier this year, he reacted with a foul-mouthed rant when pressed about his friendship with the disgraced financier. He also accused others of having an “obsession” with his relationship with Epstein, who died six years ago.
He said: “I regret ever meeting him or being introduced to him by his partner, Ghislaine Maxwell. I regret even more the hurt he caused to many young women.”
He went on to add: “I’m not going to go into this. It’s an… obsession and frankly you can all f*** off. OK?”
Maxwell is serving a 20-year jail sentence for recruiting and trafficking underage girls for Epstein.
Epstein was found dead in his prison cell in 2019, but the circumstances surrounding his death and his activities continue to make headlines.
The birthday book for Epstein also appeared to contain contributions from high-profile individuals, including Donald Trump and Bill Clinton.
Mr Trump has denied any link to the drawing he allegedly sent Epstein, which depicts a woman’s body alongside a birthday message and the US president’s apparent signature.
