Britain sacks Mandelson as U.S. ambassador over Epstein links

Britain has sacked Peter Mandelson as its ambassador to the United States over his relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, its foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Mandelson, a veteran Labour politician who was key to the party's success under former leader Tony Blair, came under heavy scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein after a birthday book was released including a letter purportedly from Mandelson describing Epstein as "my best pal".

"In light of the additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the prime minister has asked the foreign secretary to withdraw him as ambassador," Britain's foreign ministry said.

"The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment."

The ministry said the revelation of Mandelson's suggestion that Epstein's first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged was "new information."

Mandelson, has said he deeply regrets ever meeting convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and that he had carried on that association "for far longer than I should have done."

In an interview with Britain's Sun newspaper released on Wednesday (10 September), Mandelson said he felt a "profound sense of sympathy for those people, those women who suffered as a result of his behaviour and his illegal criminal activities."

"I feel a tremendous sense of regret not only that I met him in the first place, but that I continued the association and I took at face value the lies that he fed me and many others," he said, describing Epstein as a "charismatic criminal liar."

The release of the document and others involving Epstein, who died by suicide in prison in 2019, have brought renewed attention to an issue that has implicated others, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Britain's Prince Andrew.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told parliament on Wednesday that he still had confidence in Madelson. 

"The ambassador has repeatedly expressed his deep regret for his association with (Epstein)," Starmer said.

"He's right to do so. I have confidence in him, and he's playing an important role in the UK-U.S. relationship," he added.

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