Keir Starmer criticized Peter Mandelson for betraying the country, while No10 disclosed that the Cabinet Office has referred material to the police after reviewing the Jeffrey Epstein files. The Prime Minister has instructed officials to work on legislation to revoke the Labour veteran’s peerage promptly amid escalating outrage over the released documents.
According to Downing Street, a review of the documents provided by the US Department of Justice last Friday revealed potential market-sensitive information and breaches in official handling protocols post the 2008 financial crisis. Emails from that release hinted that Mandelson might have shared sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as Business Secretary under Gordon Brown.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson stated that the Cabinet Office has turned over the documents to the police after discovering likely market-sensitive data related to the financial crash and subsequent economic stabilization efforts. They emphasized that only authorized individuals had access to this information, and the safeguards to prevent financial exploitation were compromised. The government is prepared to assist the police as needed to investigate the matter further.
During a Cabinet meeting, Keir Starmer urged Mandelson to resign from the House of Lords, accusing him of failing the country. The Prime Minister expressed disbelief at a senior politician claiming to have no recollection of substantial payments, alluding to Mandelson’s response after reports surfaced about him receiving payments from Epstein.
Mandelson was dismissed as the US ambassador in September following revelations of his association with Epstein. Discussions across party lines are underway to introduce new legislation that could lead to the removal of Mandelson and other disgraced peers from the House of Lords.
No 10 announced that legislation is being prepared to strip Mandelson of his peerage swiftly, with the potential for the law to be enacted within weeks. Additionally, there is a push for the House of Lords to have expedited procedures for ousting members who breach ethical standards, with specific proposals expected to be released soon.
Reports emerged on Monday of police investigating allegations of misconduct in public office regarding Mandelson allegedly leaking confidential information to Epstein. However, a decision on whether to launch a formal investigation is pending.
Newly released documents from the US Department of Justice indicate that Epstein received confidential details from within the UK government post the financial crisis. Mandelson, then the Business Secretary, appeared to have communicated with Epstein regarding lobbying efforts on banker bonuses and advance knowledge of a Eurozone bailout announcement.
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