Another Scandal: UK Minister Helped Epstein Access Downing Street

An Al Jazeera Exclusive reveals that Epstein emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice deepen scrutiny of Peter Mandelson’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, revealing attempts to facilitate access to senior UK institutions during a period when Epstein was serving an 18-month sentence for sex offenses involving a minor.

The correspondence shows Epstein seeking help from Mandelson in 2009 to arrange visits to 10 Downing Street and the House of Lords for a 15-year-old girl he described as his “goddaughter.”

Mandelson asked, “how old?”, to which Epstein replied “15,” adding that she would be accompanied by her parents. Mandelson responded: “Fine on all,” before later stating he was “trying my best to accommodate” the request.

The exchange occurred while Mandelson was serving in government under Gordon Brown and Epstein was in prison as a sex offender in Florida.

Subsequent emails suggest the visit coincided with access to Buckingham Palace. Glenn Dubin later wrote to Epstein: “Grt time in buck palace…. ….andrew was great. Thx! G.”

Epstein then wrote to Ghislaine Maxwell: “andrew had tea with the dubin kids and glenn.” The references appear to involve Prince Andrew, who later faced a 2021 lawsuit over allegations linked to Epstein, settled out of court.

The files indicate sustained contact between Mandelson and Epstein across multiple years, including after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. Mandelson wrote: “I think the world of you,” while also advising him: “You are fighting back so you need strategy.”

Financial records cited in the documents show payments of $25,000 in 2003 and June 2004 to accounts associated with Mandelson, while a 10,000-pound ($13,310) transfer was later made to his husband for course fees, structured as a loan to avoid tax implications.

The disclosures have intensified political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who appointed Mandelson as US ambassador in 2024. Mandelson stepped down after the first tranche of files in September 2025.

A second release on January 30 alleged he passed sensitive information to Epstein, prompting a police investigation. Authorities conducted raids on Mandelson’s homes in February, and he was briefly arrested before being released on bail.

Officials had previously warned of “reputational risk” during vetting, but the appointment proceeded. The fallout has since forced the resignation of 2 senior aides and renewed calls for Starmer to step down.

Earlier emails from 2002 onward reveal a relationship blending personal, political, and financial ties. Mandelson referred to Epstein as his “best pal,” while Epstein facilitated introductions with senior figures including JPMorgan executives.

In one exchange, Mandelson told Epstein: “You are the only person that knows everything about me.” The correspondence continued until at least 2016, with government assessments suggesting contact persisted until 2019.