Despite having no direct connection to Jeffrey Epstein, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing the risk of losing his position because of the controversy, U.S. media report, noting that “this reflects Starmer’s vulnerability.” Starmer, for his part, issued an apology, saying, “I’m sorry.”
U.S.-based CNN commented that, in light of newly released documents related to billionaire Jeffrey Epstein—who died in prison while awaiting trial on charges of running a sexual abuse and prostitution ring involving underage girls—“a political crisis is deepening on the eastern side of the Atlantic.”
According to the outlet, “This contrast reflects Trump’s relative political strength, while Starmer appears to be in a potentially existential position of weakness.”
In its analysis titled “It’s not only Starmer who is feeling the pressure,” CNN added the following:
Public anger in the United Kingdom over Epstein-related connections is so intense that King Charles stripped his brother, former Prince Andrew—an associate of Epstein—of his royal titles and forced him to leave his residence on the Windsor estate.
In the United States, however, no comparable purge has taken place among figures linked to Epstein.
The report also noted that Starmer’s recent remarks defending his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson—known to have links to Epstein—as the UK’s ambassador to Washington last year have intensified backlash within the ruling Labour Party, further increasing pressure on the prime minister.
Starmer apologizes
In response to the growing criticism in the UK, Starmer said in a statement today that he would do everything in his power to ensure accountability.
After apologizing to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, the prime minister pledged to work toward uncovering the truth and upholding the “integrity of public life.”
Addressing Epstein’s victims, Starmer said, “I am sorry,” adding, “I am sorry that I believed Mandelson’s lies and appointed him to the post.”