United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly apologised to victims of Jeffrey Epstein, expressing regret over failures by those in power and specifically for believing lies told by Peter Mandelson before appointing him as the UK’s ambassador to the United States.

“I am sorry, sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointing him,” Starmer said in a statement. “We will pursue the truth.”

The apology was delivered during a speech in southern England on Thursday amid growing scrutiny triggered by newly released documents detailing Mandelson’s close ties to Epstein.

Starmer emphasised that while Mandelson’s acquaintance with Epstein had been publicly known for some time, the full extent and depth of their relationship had not been understood at the time of the appointment in December 2024.

He accused Mandelson of misleading the government by portraying Epstein as someone he barely knew, despite evidence showing a much closer connection.

The prime minister committed his government to accountability, transparency, and continued efforts to uncover the full scope of wrongdoing associated with Epstein’s network.

He stressed that victims must be heard, supported, and given justice after years of delays and denials.

Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges in the United States.

His case continues to generate global attention, with victims and advocates demanding greater responsibility from influential figures and institutions that may have enabled or overlooked his crimes.