Britain's former ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, has issued a public apology to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, acknowledging the failures of the system that allowed Epstein's crimes to go unchecked. However, Mandelson stopped short of apologizing for his own actions, insisting he was unaware of Epstein's criminal behavior and was not complicit. Mandelson's dismissal last September followed revelations of a much closer relationship with Epstein than previously admitted, including correspondence in which he referred to Epstein as 'my best pal' and advised him on seeking early release from jail.

The British government cited new evidence from emails as the reason for Mandelson's removal, stating that the extent of his ties to Epstein was significantly greater than known at the time of his appointment. Mandelson maintains that he believed Epstein's claims of innocence at the time, expressing regret for having trusted those accounts. The government has since appointed Christian Turner as the new ambassador, marking a shift in diplomatic leadership amid ongoing scrutiny of Mandelson's past connections.