British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sept. 11 fired the nation’s ambassador to america, Peter Mandelson, after correspondence got here to mild revealing the extent of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
London’s Overseas, Commonwealth, and Growth Workplace (FCDO) stated in a assertion asserting his dismissal that he was being withdrawn “in light of the additional information in emails” written by the diplomat.
In emails revealed by The Solar and Bloomberg on Wednesday, Mandelson described the convicted intercourse offender as his “best pal” and urged that Epstein’s first conviction in 2008 was “wrongful and should be challenged.”
“The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment,” the FCDO stated. “In particular Peter Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information. In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes, he has been withdrawn as Ambassador with immediate effect.”
James Roscoe, British deputy head of the mission in Washington, will serve as interim ambassador and oversee President Donald Trump’s state go to to the UK, the federal government stated.
Mandelson, a former MP and cupboard minister within the UK who was a key ally of former Prime Minister Tony Blair throughout his time period, was chosen for the Washington job in December final yr after what have been described as “extensive vetting and background checks” by UK Overseas Secretary Stephen Doughty within the Home of Commons on Thursday.
He formally took up the function in February, following his official acceptance by the Trump administration.
In an interview with The Solar, Mandelson stated he regretted his friendship with Epstein and felt sympathy for his victims.
He stated his affiliation with Epstein was “an albatross around” his neck.
“I regret very, very deeply indeed, carrying on that association with him for far longer than I should have done,” he stated.
His removing comes only a day after Starmer stated he had confidence in him throughout Prime Minister’s Questions.
“The ambassador has repeatedly expressed his deep regret for his association with Epstein, and he is right to do so,” Starmer stated on Wednesday. “I have confidence in him, and he is playing an important role in the UK–U.S. relationship.”
Mandelson resigned from Blair’s authorities in 1998 and 2001. Within the wake of his second resignation from Blair’s authorities, Mandelson turned a European commissioner when Britain was nonetheless within the European Union, earlier than returning to front-line British politics in 2008 to serve below Blair’s successor, Gordon Brown.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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