The UK government weighed Peter Mandelson’s “outstanding, singular talents” against his known links to Jeffrey Epstein and decided the appointment as US ambassador was a necessary risk, according to Business Secretary Peter Kyle. Speaking amidst a political storm, Kyle explained that the perilous state of the UK-US relationship required a uniquely experienced diplomat.
Kyle argued that Mandelson’s appointment was made at a time when global politics had been “turned upside down,” with threats of trade tariffs and a need to redefine the special relationship. He acknowledged that Mandelson’s past association with Epstein was known and had been apologized for, but insisted a political judgment was made to prioritize his diplomatic skills.
This justification has been fiercely challenged following the emergence of new emails. The messages, which were not public at the time of his appointment, revealed Mandelson advising Epstein on how to secure early release from prison, a revelation that made his position untenable and led to his swift dismissal.
The scandal now raises critical questions about the government’s risk assessment and vetting procedures. While Kyle insists the crucial emails were unknown to the Prime Minister, critics, including the family of Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, argue that the pre-existing red flags should have been enough to disqualify him from the start.
