Europe Politics

Starmer faces Mandelson vetting crisis

Starmer faces Mandelson vetting crisis

The U.K. government is in turmoil after it emerged that Lord Mandelson, a close associate of the late Jeffrey Epstein, was cleared by the Foreign Office despite failing standard security checks.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced intense criticism from opposition parties, with some calling for his resignation over a perceived lack of judgment.

Starmer is expected to address the House of Commons on Monday to clarify the timeline of the appointment and the vetting process.

Meanwhile, former Foreign Office head Olly Robbins is seeking legal advice after being dismissed in the wake of the scandal.

Keir Starmer
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since 2024
Peter Mandelson
British politician and life peer (born 1953)
Jeffrey Epstein
American financier and sex offender (1953–2019)
David Lammy
British politician (born 1972)
Olly Robbins
British civil servant