London, 15 September (H.S.): The family of Virginia Giuffre—the most prominent victim of the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein—has declared that Lord Mandelson should never have been appointed Britain’s ambassador to the United States, alleging a “deep corruption” in the systems that enabled his rise. In an exclusive BBC interview, Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts criticized the vetting process that elevated Mandelson despite his documented ties to Epstein, whose crimes have cast a long shadow over global elites.
Lord Mandelson was dismissed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer this week after emails revealed the Labour peer had sent supportive messages to Epstein as he faced jail in 2008 for sex offences. Business Secretary Peter Kyle conceded to the BBC that, in hindsight, Mandelson’s appointment was “highly unlikely” had the full extent of his relationship with Epstein been known to government officials at the time. Kyle acknowledged the decision was rooted in the UK’s urgent diplomatic needs amid a “perilous” state in UK-US relations, but admitted “the information we know now is materially different.”
Mandelson, for his part, has expressed regret over his association with Epstein, stating he had relied on assurances of Epstein’s innocence that later proved “horrendously false.” He has denied ever meeting Giuffre or having knowledge of Epstein’s crimes during their acquaintance.
The revelations have triggered a political firestorm. Opposition parties are demanding a full accounting of what was known within government circles prior to Mandelson’s appointment. The Conservatives have written to the prime minister seeking answers, while the Liberal Democrats are pressing for an independent inquiry. Labour MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan joined the chorus, stating Mandelson “should never have been appointed” given the known links to Epstein, and warning that Labour would be “judged” at next year’s local elections for its handling of the affair.
Giuffre’s family emphasized that Mandelson’s removal was only a “step in the right direction,” calling for broader accountability for all those associated with Epstein. Giuffre’s sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, questioned why survivors must “continuously point the finger” for institutions to act, lamenting the systemic failure to hold powerful figures to account. The family also reiterated calls for a full investigation into Prince Andrew over Giuffre’s allegations; the Duke of York has consistently denied any wrongdoing and settled her civil claim without admission of liability.
The controversy comes amid renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s global network, highlighted by the publication of a “birthday book” to which Mandelson contributed, alongside dozens of other high-profile figures—though none are accused of criminal misconduct in connection with Epstein.Neither Downing Street nor Lord Mandelson offered further comment. The saga underscores enduring questions about transparency, elite accountability, and the adequacy of political vetting in an era of heightened public scrutiny.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
