The UK’s new ambassador to the US told a journalist to “f*** off” after being asked about paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Lord Mandelson, a Labour peer, issued the sweary response after becoming frustrated by the line of questioning.
Epstein, described as the “most infamous pedophile in American history”, died in a New York prison cell. Multiple media reports have focused on his friendships with the rich and famous.
Lord Mandelson has not been accused of any wrongdoing but was asked by the Financial Times about his relationship with Epstein.
“I regret ever meeting him or being introduced to him by his partner Ghislaine Maxwell,” he said. “I regret even more the hurt he caused to many young women.” He added: “I’m not going to go into this. It’s an FT obsession and frankly you can all fuck off. OK?”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer last month confirmed the appointment of Mandelson to be the next British Ambassador to the US. His Majesty the King approved the appointment on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary.
Lord Mandelson is co-founder of Global Counsel, a global public policy advisory firm. On how he would deal with President Trump’s team, he said “with respect, seriousness and understanding of where they are coming from politically”.
He added: “Politics is in turmoil. There’s an often alienated and angry electorate which feels the system has let them down.” Lord Mandelson was a Cabinet Minister in the Labour Governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.
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