Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has delivered a formal apology to the victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, expressing profound regret for having believed what he described as "Lord Mandelson's lies" when appointing him as British ambassador to Washington. The Labour leader addressed the escalating political crisis during a speech in Hastings on Thursday, attempting to weather the storm that threatens his premiership.
Prime Minister Confronts Diplomatic Appointment Fallout
Sir Keir acknowledged the growing uncertainty about his political future as Labour MPs express fury over his decision to hand the prominent peer one of Britain's most prestigious diplomatic roles. "I understand their anger and frustration," the Prime Minister stated, adding that he shared these emotions with his parliamentary colleagues. "I am angry and frustrated like them, because nobody wants to see these deceits in public life."
Addressing the Depth of the Relationship
The Prime Minister insisted that "none of us knew the depth of the darkness" of Lord Peter Mandelson's relationship with Epstein when he selected him for the Washington posting. While it had been publicly known for some time that Mandelson was acquainted with the financier, Sir Keir emphasised that the full extent of their connection remained concealed during the appointment process.
"He was asked directly about the nature of his relationship with the paedophile, whether he had stayed with Epstein after his conviction, and whether he had accepted gifts from the financier," Sir Keir revealed. "The information now available makes clear that the answers he gave were lies. He portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew. And when that became clear and it was not true, I sacked him. Such deceit is incompatible with public service."
Direct Apology to Epstein's Victims
In his most emotional remarks, the Prime Minister turned his attention directly to those who suffered at Epstein's hands. "The victims of Epstein have lived with trauma that most of us can barely comprehend, and they've had to relive it again and again," he said.
Sir Keir continued with a comprehensive apology: "I want to say this: I am sorry, sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, sorry for having believed Mandelson's lies and appointed him, and sorry that even now you're forced to watch this story unfold in public once again."
Defiant Tone Amid Political Pressure
Despite facing calls from some of his own MPs to stand down to restore trust in politics, the Prime Minister struck a defiant tone. "I was elected in on a mandate in 2024 to change the country for the better," he asserted. "That is what we're doing. That's what I intend to do."
Sir Keir expressed frustration that "tomorrow's front pages are unlikely to be about the pride in place project" he had come to Hastings to discuss, describing this community regeneration programme as "the change that will affect millions of lives" upon which he would remain focused.
Questions Over Security Vetting Process
The Prime Minister also raised concerns about the security vetting process that cleared Lord Mandelson's appointment, suggesting this required examination. "I think we need to look at the security vetting, because it now transpires that what was being said was not true," Sir Keir stated. "And had I known then, what I know now, I'd never have appointed him in the first place."
Commitment to Truth and Accountability
In closing remarks that sought to reaffirm his government's principles, Sir Keir declared: "In this country, we will not look away, we will not shrug our shoulders, and we will not allow the powerful to treat justice as optional. We will pursue the truth. We will uphold the integrity of public life, and we will do everything within our power and in the interests of justice to ensure accountability is delivered."
He concluded: "That is what the public expects. That is what the victims deserve, and it is what I will do." The Prime Minister's address represents his most comprehensive response to the scandal that has dominated Westminster since details of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein emerged following his diplomatic appointment.
