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The latest release of documents linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein has led to the dismissal of a senior British politician and intensified scrutiny of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s judgment, raising questions about the stability of his government.
Peter Mandelson, formerly the UK’s ambassador to the United States, was sacked by Starmer earlier this month after further details of his relationship with Epstein emerged in a latest tranche of files released by a U.S. Court. Mandelson’s eight-month tenure in Washington was already under a cloud due to his history of scandal, including previous resignations from government positions over financial improprieties, but the Epstein connection proved fatal to his diplomatic career.
The files, released on February 4th, 2026, revealed further details about Mandelson’s interactions with Epstein, prompting Starmer to remove him from his post. The Prime Minister’s decision to appoint Mandelson in the first place, despite his controversial past, is now facing intense criticism. The timing of the release, and its impact on the UK political landscape, has been described as a “political earthquake” by some observers.
The fallout extends beyond Mandelson. The Epstein files have implicated a number of high-profile European figures, including members of the Norwegian royal family and former politicians in Norway, France, Latvia, Poland, and Lithuania. Investigations have been launched in both Norway and France, while authorities in the Baltic states are examining the possibility that individuals were trafficked from their countries.
The revelations are in stark contrast to the response in the United States, where the impact of the Epstein files has been more muted. While the files initially triggered scrutiny of prominent American figures, the European response has been far more decisive, with several individuals losing their positions as a direct result of the disclosures.
Among other British politicians named in the Epstein files are Nigel Farage, Boris Johnson, Tony Blair, and David Cameron, according to a collation of emails made accessible through the Jmail interactive site. However, being named in the documents does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing, and the nature of the connections varies widely, ranging from business discussions to casual social contact. Peter Mandelson, however, was a known associate of Epstein.
The ongoing release of Epstein files, with potentially millions more documents still to come, continues to fuel speculation and demand for greater transparency from authorities. Epstein survivors are calling for full disclosure of the remaining files, hoping to shed further light on the extent of the network and bring those involved to justice.
As of February 15, 2026, Prime Minister Starmer has not addressed Parliament directly regarding the full extent of the implications of the Epstein files, and his office has declined to comment on whether further investigations are planned. The Labour Party has remained largely silent on the matter, beyond confirming Mandelson’s dismissal.
