New documents from the so-called ‘Epstein files’ published by the US Department of Justice have caused a huge stir in Britain. According to the documents, Lord Peter Mandelson, former Business Secretary in Gordon Brown’s government and former British Ambassador to the US, passed confidential information about sensitive economic discussions within the British government to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In particular, email correspondence from 2009 shows that Mandelson forwarded internal government documents to Epstein, including a memorandum entitled ‘Business Issues’ dated 13 June 2009. This document, prepared by Nick Butler, special adviser to the Prime Minister, and addressed to the Cabinet, among others, contained proposals for the sale of £20 billion in state assets, tax policy plans, and a discussion of measures to overcome the global financial crisis of 2008–2009. Mandelsohn accompanied the transfer with the comment: ‘Interesting note that’s gone to the PM.’
In addition, the files show that Mandelson notified Epstein in advance of the upcoming announcement of a €500 billion aid package for the eurozone (May 2010) and discussed lobbying activities on behalf of Epstein’s clients (including JP Morgan) on the issue of a tax on bankers’ bonuses.
The Metropolitan Police has already received a number of statements and has begun investigating possible misconduct in public office. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered an urgent investigation through the Cabinet Secretary and called on Mandelson to leave the House of Lords. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown also supported the idea of an independent review of the situation.
Mandelsohn denies allegations of improper disclosure of information and claims he does not remember any payments from Epstein. Nevertheless, the scandal has already cost him his post as ambassador to Washington in 2025.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the government ‘fully supports’ any investigation and calls for maximum transparency. It is expected that in the coming days, new batches of documents may emerge that shed light on the extent of Epstein’s contacts with the British elite between 2008 and 2010.