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By Barney Henderson
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Peter Mandelson has been withdrawn as Britain's ambassador to the United States with immediate effect following revelations about his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.
Leaked emails published by The Sun newspaper showed Mandelson telling Epstein in 2008 to "fight for early release" as he awaited sentencing for soliciting prostitution from a minor.
The veteran Labour politician also wrote a handwritten message to Epstein in his 50th birthday book, which was released by the House Oversight Committee this week, in which he described the disgraced pedofile as "my best pal."
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Stephen Doughty, a foreign office minister, told the Commons: "Mr. Speaker, in light of additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the prime minister has asked the foreign secretary to withdraw him as ambassador to the United States.
"The emails show, Mr. Speaker, that the depth and extent of Lord Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.
"In particular, Mr Speaker, Lord Mandelson's suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein's first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged, is new information."
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Mandelson Told Epstein: 'Fight for Early Release'
In the emails released on Wednesday, Mandelson told Epstein: "Your friends stay with you and love you."
"I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened," Mandelson wrote.
"I can still barely understand it. It just could not happen in Britain. You have to be incredibly resilient, fight for early release and be philosophical about it as much as you can."
Mandelson, who took up the prestigious ambassadorship earlier this year has admitted knowing Epstein well and told The Sun newspaper that his comments in the birthday book were "very embarrassing to see and to read."
He said his comments were written before Epstein was indicted and that he did not have a business relationship with him.
Starmer Said He Had 'Confidence' in Mandelson
On Wednesday, Keir Starmer, the British prime minister backed Mandelson, 71.
Starmer said Mandelson has "repeatedly expressed his deep regret" for his friendship with Epstein.
"I have confidence in him, and he is playing an important role in the U.K.-U.S. relationship," he said.
It is thought the decision to dismiss Mandelson was made on Thursday morning at a meeting between Starmer and his foreign secretary, after reviewing the emails.
It has been a difficult month so far for Starmer, following the resignation of his deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, last week for underpaying tax on a property purchase.
Mandelson is no stranger to controversy, and twice resigned from Tony Blair's governments: firstly in 1998 over an undeclared interest-free loan; and 2001 over accusations of using his position to influence a passport decision.
President Donald Trump is due to visit the U.K. next week for a state visit.
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