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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has decided to dismiss the United Kingdom's ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, after shocking revelations about his close friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
The news was confirmed by Foreign Minister Stephen Doughty, in a statement to British MPs.
Mandelson's departure is considered a serious blow to the British government, at a sensitive diplomatic moment, as London prepares for the official visit of US President Donald Trump, who has also been criticized for his previous links to Epstein.
Keir Starmer had previously supported Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to Washington, insisting it had been fully vetted and there was no wrongdoing.
However, public and political pressure increased significantly after new revelations suggested Mandelson's involvement in trying to help Epstein gain early release from prison while he faced sex crime charges.
The Sun newspaper published several compromising emails that served as a catalyst for the decision to sack him. In one of them, dated June 2008, Mandelson wrote to Epstein: “I have great respect for you and I feel helpless and angry about what has happened to you. This would not have happened in Britain.”
He further encourages Epstein to fight for release and face the situation "philosophically," adding that "everything can be turned into an opportunity to emerge stronger."
Mandelson's spokesman did not deny the authenticity of the emails. Mandelson himself, in a preliminary response, acknowledged that other "disturbing" details could come to light, but insisted that he had never witnessed any illegal action by Epstein.
The close relationship between Mandelson and Epstein came to light after the publication of Epstein's so-called "birthday book", which was handed over to members of the Democratic Investigative Committee in the US Congress.
Inside is a handwritten note in which Mandelson describes Epstein as his "best friend."
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