“I Believed His Lies”: Starmer’s Apology to Epstein Victims as Mandelson Scandal Rocks UK Govt

At Brainx, we believe…

This deepening scandal is more than a lapse in vetting; it is a catastrophic failure of political judgment that exposes the dangerous intersection of power, privilege, and secrecy. At Brainx, we believe Prime Minister Starmer’s apology, while necessary, cannot undo the damage done by appointing a figure with known toxic associations to a sensitive diplomatic post. This episode highlights a systemic blindness in the British establishment, where “old boys’ club” loyalties often override due diligence and moral accountability.

The News: A Prime Minister “On the Ropes”

In a dramatic turn of events that threatens to destabilize the UK government, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has issued a public apology to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein. The apology comes amidst a firestorm of criticism over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to the United States—a decision Starmer now claims was based on “lies” told by the former Labour titan.

The Apology and The “Lies”

Speaking on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Starmer directly addressed Epstein’s victims, stating:

• “I am sorry”: Starmer apologized for “what was done to you” and for “believing Mandelson’s lies.”
• The Deception: The PM insisted that while Mandelson’s acquaintance with Epstein was known, the “depths and darkness” of the relationship were concealed. He claims Mandelson “portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew” during the vetting process.
• The Dismissal: Mandelson was sacked as ambassador in September 2025 after initial reports surfaced, but new revelations have reignited the scandal.

Explosive New Revelations

The scandal has intensified following the release of damning documents by the US Department of Justice, which paint a picture of a much closer and more compromised relationship than previously admitted:

• Financial Ties: Documents suggest Epstein made payments totaling $75,000 to accounts linked to Mandelson in 2003 and 2004. Additionally, Mandelson’s partner allegedly received £10,000 from Epstein in 2009.
• Leaking State Secrets: Perhaps most damaging are emails suggesting that in 2009, while serving as Business Secretary, Mandelson forwarded market-sensitive government information to Epstein. This included details about the 2008 financial crisis response and an imminent €500 billion Eurozone bailout.
• Police Investigation: The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into potential “misconduct in public office” regarding these leaks.

Political Fallout: “Untenable” Position

The backlash has been swift and severe from all sides of the political spectrum:

• Conservative Attack: Tory leader Kemi Badenoch declared Starmer’s position “untenable,” arguing that the PM’s judgment is fundamentally flawed.
• Lib Dem Challenge: The Liberal Democrats have called for a vote of no confidence to test whether Labour MPs still support their leader.
• Labour Revolt: The crisis has fractured Starmer’s own party. Labour MP Jonathan Hinder called the appointment a “catastrophic error of political and moral judgment,” while MP Rachael Maskell stated Starmer has “no choice” but to step down.
• Mandelson’s Exit: Amidst the furor, Peter Mandelson has resigned from the House of Lords and the Labour Party, though he denies criminal wrongdoing.

Why It Matters

This scandal matters because it shatters public trust in the integrity of high office. For the common man, it reinforces the cynical view that there is one rule for the elite and another for everyone else. If a senior minister can allegedly trade state secrets with a convicted sex offender and still be appointed to represent the nation, the vetting system is broken. This is not just a Westminster bubble story; it is a test of whether political survival can ever trump moral responsibility.