Legal representatives of Peter Mandelson have refuted allegations of his intention to flee the country, describing the claims as unfounded. The former US ambassador criticized the actions of Scotland Yard after being apprehended on Monday in connection with accusations of sharing sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure in Gordon Brown’s government.
Amid dramatic events, plainclothes officers descended on the 72-year-old’s £12 million London residence before transferring him to a London police facility. Following a nine-hour detention, he was released on bail pending further inquiries.
His legal team stated that he had already agreed to participate in an interview voluntarily next month, but Metropolitan Police decided to detain him, citing concerns of a potential escape. Lord Mandelson has reportedly dismissed claims of planning to relocate to the British Virgin Islands as entirely fictitious.
In an official statement, his law firm Mishcon de Reya asserted that the arrest, despite a prior arrangement for a voluntary interview, was instigated based on groundless assumptions of his intention to depart the country permanently. The legal team has requested the evidence supporting the arrest and emphasized Mandelson’s commitment to cooperating with the investigation to clear his name.
The Metropolitan Police declined to provide comments, reiterating that the 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released on bail for further investigation. Following search warrants at locations in Wiltshire and Camden, no additional details were disclosed to safeguard the investigation’s integrity.
According to reports, Lord Mandelson, after his release, expressed disbelief over the arrest, highlighting an alleged last-minute decision by the police to apprehend him based on flight risk allegations. The former ambassador remained secluded in his residence after being released on bail, returning home in the early hours of the morning following his release from Wandsworth police station.
US lawmakers have summoned Lord Mandelson to address inquiries regarding his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, setting a response deadline of February 27. While Congress lacks the authority to compel his testimony under oath due to his residency in the UK, it remains uncertain whether he will accept the invitation.
Having resigned from the Lords recently due to his association with Epstein, Lord Mandelson was dismissed as Britain’s US ambassador in September following revelations of continued contact post-Epstein’s conviction in 2008. Despite facing scrutiny and criticism, he has consistently denied any prior knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities.
Lord Mandelson has expressed regret for his association with Epstein and apologized to the victims for the lack of protection they deserved. He acknowledged his wrong judgment in maintaining ties with Epstein post-conviction and vowed to rectify his actions, expressing deep remorse for the victims’ suffering.
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