Epstein affair British connections

Hardly pressed Keir Starmer fires his “scapegoat”

Demands for resignation are piling up around a pressured Keir Starmer. Now the British Prime Minister is taking action and firing the Foreign Office’s top official, Olly Robbins. Several British media outlets are describing it as Starmer having found his “scapegoat” and is now trying to save his own skin.

The sting comes after revelations that Peter Mandelson, who had close ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was appointed US ambassador despite failing his security clearance.

The opposition is demanding more. Everyone involved in the Mandelson scandal has been stinged except for Starmer himself, writes Tory leader Kemi Badenoch on X, but ultimately it was Starmer’s decision to appoint him.

“He has no one left to fire. It’s time for him to take responsibility. He should resign,” she writes.

Starmer furious: Didn't know anything about Mandelson

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer claims that he was never told that Peter Mandelson had failed a security check before he was appointed ambassador to the United States. This is reported by British media.

Starmer says that it is both "astonishing" and "inexcusable" that he was never told about the matter.

- It wasn't just me who was not informed, no minister was informed. And I am absolutely furious about it, says Starmer.

The Prime Minister is under heavy pressure after The Guardian's latest revelation that Mandelson was appointed ambassador, despite having failed the security check. The leader of the opposition Tory party, Kemi Badenoch, has demanded Starmer's resignation.

Mandelson and Epstein — the matter is relevant

• Peter Mandelson, former British ambassador to the United States and Labour politician, left Labour in February after revelations about financial links to Jeffrey Epstein.
• Mandelson was accused of accepting £75,000 from Epstein. He is suspected of misconduct and leaking market-sensitive information during his time as trade secretary.
• British police have carried out searches at addresses linked to Mandelson and launched an investigation.
• Mandelson was arrested in London later in February, questioned and later released on bail. He denies all charges.
• The scandal has led to harsh criticism of the British government, which appointed Mandelson despite warnings. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure to resign.