UK: Starmer says he wasn’t told about Mandelson vetting

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, facing criticism, addressed the House of Commons on Monday, revealing he and his ministers were unaware that Peter Mandelson, the former U.S. ambassador and Epstein-linked figure, had failed his security clearance. Mandelson, who resigned last year amid controversy, is now under legal scrutiny for potential misconduct in public office. Starmer emphasized that the Foreign Office had overridden the vetting recommendation but failed to inform him or any senior officials about the decision.

“At the heart of this there is also a judgment I made that was wrong,” Starmer told lawmakers. “I should not have appointed Peter Mandelson. I take responsibility for that decision. And I apologize again to the victims of pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, who were clearly failed by my decision.”

Mandelson’s appointment in December 2024 and subsequent dismissal by September 2025 have cast a shadow over Starmer’s leadership. The controversy intensified with the release of “Epstein files,” which exposed his ties to the convicted sex offender and financier. Starmer noted that even after Mandelson’s removal, critical information about his vetting status was withheld from government ministers, leading to unintentional misinformation in parliamentary debates.

Starmer’s admission highlights the growing pressure on his premiership, especially as May’s local and regional elections approach. The Labour leader acknowledged his oversight in not being informed about the vetting failure, stating that if he had known, he would not have placed Mandelson in that prominent Washington role. This revelation followed an internal review he initiated in February, aimed at scrutinizing the UKSV vetting procedures. Yet, despite this, the details about Mandelson’s clearance were not shared with him.

“The fact that I was not told even when I ordered a review of the UKSV process is frankly staggering,” he said. “I know many members across the House will find these facts to be incredible,” Starmer added, his remarks met with loud laughter in the chamber—an effect he likely did not anticipate.