UK Prime Minister Starmer Sacks Ambassador Mandelson Over Epstein Links

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dismissed UK Ambassador to the United States, Lord Peter Mandelson, following revelations about his extensive ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision came after the publication of emails in which Mandelson advised Epstein to "fight for early release" before Epstein's 2008 sentencing for soliciting a minor and referred to Epstein as "my best pal" in a 2003 birthday album. The Foreign Office stated that the depth of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was materially different from what was known at the time of his appointment, prompting his immediate withdrawal from the ambassadorial post. Despite initial support from Starmer, pressure mounted from lawmakers across political parties leading to Mandelson's removal. The revelations also included Mandelson's involvement in a £1 billion business deal with Epstein when Mandelson was a government minister. These events come shortly before President Donald Trump's second state visit to the UK, with Trump also named in Epstein-related documents.