Starmer says Peter Mandelson lied over ambassador job and 'betrayed our country'

Mandelson, a political appointment rather than a career diplomat, was sacked from his Washington role in September last year over his links with Epstein

Keir Starmer speaking during prime minister’s questions in the House of Commons (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA)

British prime minister Keir Starmer admitted he knew about Peter Mandelson’s friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein when he appointed him ambassador to the US but claimed the he had “lied repeatedly” about the extent of the relationship.

Starmer said Mandelson “betrayed our country” by leaking information from the heart of the UK government to Epstein.