Starmer apologises to Epstein victims for believing Mandelson's 'lies'

In a statement, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has apologized to victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for believing "lies" told by former Labour minister Peter Mandelson. Starmer acknowledged that the depth of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was not known when he was appointed as the UK's ambassador to the US. The apology comes after revelations that Mandelson had extensive ties to Epstein, including visiting him in prison and receiving financial support from the disgraced financier. Starmer stated that he regrets trusting Mandelson's assurances and not investigating the matter further at the time. The Prime Minister's statement underscores the importance of thoroughly vetting individuals in positions of power and the need to prioritize the voices and experiences of Epstein's victims. The apology is seen as a step towards acknowledging the failings in the handling of this high-profile case and a commitment to ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the future.