UK’s Mandelson asked to cooperate in Epstein probe by US Congress
Al Jazeera
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US lawmakers have requested former British ambassador Peter Mandelson to cooperate with their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal operations. Mandelson, who previously served as the UK’s Ambassador to Washington, has been accused of having close ties to Epstein, including social and business connections spanning multiple years. The House Oversight Committee sent a letter demanding his cooperation, citing evidence of his involvement with Epstein, and requesting a transcribed interview. Although the committee lacks the authority to compel testimony, they emphasized the importance of Mandelson’s potential insights into Epstein’s network.
Mandelson was appointed as UK Ambassador in February 2025 but was removed in September following new details about his ties to Epstein. He has since resigned from both the Labour Party and the House of Lords amid growing scrutiny. The controversy has also led to political fallout in the UK, with critics calling for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s resignation due to concerns over Mandelson’s appointment. Additionally, Starmer’s cabinet secretary, Chris Wormald, and other senior aides have resigned, highlighting the broader impact of the scandal on British politics.
The investigation by the House Oversight Committee aims to identify Epstein’s co-conspirators and enablers, shedding light on his criminal operations. While Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing, US lawmakers argue that his connections to Epstein are well-documented, including an undated photograph showing both men together. The probe underscores the global implications of Epstein’s crimes and the need for accountability, particularly in diplomatic circles.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/14/2026