Keir Starmer admits ‘mistake’ in Mandelson appointment

Mr Starmer was meeting with the political leaders at Stormont before attending the UK-Ireland Summit in Cork

Thu, 12 Mar, 2026 - 12:43

Gráinne Ní Aodha and Claudia Savage

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has taken responsibility for his “mistake” in sending Peter Mandelson to Washington, as Downing Street denied there was a “cover up” in the release of files related to the appointment.

Mr Starmer is facing fresh questions about his judgment in giving the peer the ambassadorship despite being warned of a “general reputational risk” because of his relationship with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.