Keir Starmer has criticized Peter Mandelson for failing the nation, while Downing Street disclosed that the Cabinet Office has forwarded material to the police after reviewing the Jeffrey Epstein files. The Prime Minister has directed officials to work on legislation to revoke the Labour veteran’s peerage promptly due to mounting outrage over the contents of the documents.
According to No10, the Cabinet Office has handed over material to the police following an initial examination of documents disclosed by the US Department of Justice last Friday in the Epstein files. These documents were found to contain information that could impact the market and revealed compromised official handling procedures post the 2008 financial crisis. Emails unveiled on Friday suggested that the Labour veteran might have shared market-sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as Business Secretary under Gordon Brown.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson stated that the released documents contained sensitive market details related to the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent official actions aimed at stabilizing the economy. Only individuals operating in official capacities had access to this data, with strict protocols in place to prevent any financial exploitation. However, it appears that these safeguards were breached, leading to the referral of the material to the police by the Cabinet Office.
During a Cabinet meeting, Keir Starmer accused Mandelson of betraying the country and urged him to step down from the House of Lords. Reacting to revelations that he had received three payments of $25,000 from Epstein, Mandelson claimed he had no recollection of such transactions and questioned the authenticity of the documents.
Mandelson was dismissed as the US ambassador in September after emails surfaced showing his involvement with Epstein. Discussions are underway across party lines regarding new legislation that could result in the removal of Mandelson and other disgraced peers from the House of Lords. No10 confirmed that legislation is being drafted to expedite the revocation of Mandelson’s peerage, potentially leading to swift action to oust him from the House of Lords.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson emphasized the need for the House of Lords to swiftly expel wrongdoers. Proposals for this action will be unveiled promptly, with the Government exploring various options, including primary legislation.
Recent reports indicate that police are investigating allegations of misconduct in public office concerning Mandelson’s alleged dissemination of sensitive information to Epstein. The decision on whether to launch a full investigation is pending.
Newly released photos accompanying the documents depict Mandelson in his underwear with an unidentified woman in Epstein’s Paris residence. Mandelson has conveyed his intention not to step down quietly, stating in an interview with The Times that he regrets sending a few historical emails and believes that hiding from the situation would be excessive.
Documents disclosed by the US Department of Justice reveal that Epstein received confidential details from the UK government post the global financial crisis. Mandelson, then the Business Secretary, appeared to inform Epstein about lobbying efforts regarding a banker bonus tax in 2009 and the impending euro bailout announcement in 2010.
