British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday rejected the country’s Ambassador in the United States Peter Mandelson because of his references to convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein.
The release comes only a few days before the second state visit to US President Donald Trump in the UK. Peter Mandelson, a long -time British political character, was removed from his position after the release of e -mails in which he demonstrated the support of Epstein, even though the dishonored financier faced imprisonment for sexual crimes.
Minister of Foreign Office Stephen Doughty told Parliament that e -Maily revealed the “depth and scope” of the relationship of Mandelson and Epstein, which were “significantly different” from what was known at the time of his appointment as Ambassador to Washington last year after the election victory of the Labor party, as mentioned in AP.
What is the connection?
Stephen Doughty, in particular, pointed to Mandelson in one e -mail that the first conviction of Epstein in 2008 was “unjustified and should be questioned”.
Peter Mandelson took over his role as the British Ambassador in the United States in February after the Government Keir Starmer called the “extensive” screening process. Since then, Mandelson has expressed deep regret for his previous connection with Jeffrey Epstein and stated that at that time he did not know about Epstein’s criminal behavior.
Read also: Epstein ‘Birthday Book’ Letter and ‘Dead Issue’?
“Being a ambassador here was the privilege of my life,” Mandelson wrote in a letter to the Embassy staff reported by the BBC.
“The circumstances surrounding today’s announcements are those I regret deeply. I still feel terrible about my connection with Epstein 20 years ago and the situation of his victims.”
Mandelson’s decision came only a day after Starmer said he had “confidence” in it. It is the last blow of the Prime Minister before Trump’s visit to the UK next week, which is likely to meet protests and some controversy.
According to Epstein reports, he died suicide in prison in August 2019, while waiting for a court of accusation of sex trading, more than ten years after his initial conviction.
Mandelson called Epstein’s “best friend”
On Wednesday, Sun published the allegedly showing Mandelson, who told Epstein to “fight for early release” shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
“I think the world of you,” Mandelson said allegedly before Epstein began his sentence in 2008 for requesting prostitution from a minor.
Also read: Jeffrey Epstein Documents Name Celebrity A-List: Donald Trump, Prince Andrew among the names in court records | Complete list
Mandelson’s ties to Epstein came under control after the Democrats at the Domestic Committee for Supervision released a 50th birthday album composed in 2003 for Epstein. The album also also included a note from US President Donald Trump. In the album Mandelson called Epstein “My Best Pal”.
Starmer’s last headache
Last week, the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Angela RayNer resigned over a tax error related to the purchase of real estate and the following days of speculating on its position. Following her departure, Keir Starmer carried out the main regrouping of the cabinet – a step considered to be a necessary reset for its government after a tumultuous 14 months marked by declining evaluation and growing political pressure.
“Mandelson could have gone, but like Angela RayNer, Starmer faced when he had to be crucial,” said Kemi Badenoch, leader of the main opposition conservative party. “He has no spine and no beliefs.”
Starmer is now facing questions about his appointment by Mandelson, who is no foreign controversy, and resigned twice to the government of former Prime Minister Tony Blair in 1998 and 2001.
After his second resignation in Blair’s government, Mandelson became the European Commissioner when Britain was still in the European Union before returning to British politics in 2008 to serve under Blair’s successor Gordon Brown.
Mandelson short
Mandelson’s business knowledge was considered to be the main asset in attempting to persuade Trump’s administration so that it did not break heavy tariffs on British goods, and it seemed that it was worthwhile when the country concluded a business agreement in May, although some details of the agreement had to be completed.
Peter Mandelson, often described as a smart-some, called a ruthless-political strategist, acquired the nickname “Prince of Darkness” for his influence behind the scenes and mastering political maneuvering.
Also read: Epstein Aide Maxwell bomb on Trump: “He was cordial, never saw him in any massage environment”
His appointment by the ambassador was unusual because such high -ranking diplomatic roles are usually reserved for civil servants rather than politicians. Mandelson’s selection was particularly surprising given his past criticism of Donald Trump, whom he once described “danger to the world”-commentary, who later admitted, was “poorly assessed and bad”.
I continue to feel absolutely terrible about my connection with Epstein 20 years ago, and the situation of his victims.
After his release, the United Kingdom’s government announced that James Roscoe, a representative of the Washington mission, would serve as a temporary ambassador and oversees President Trump’s upcoming state visit. Roscoe is a seasoned diplomat and previously served as the head of the road for late Queen Elizabeth II.
(Tagstotranslate) British Prime Minister
