Sky News was halted as Keir Starmer faced yet another blow.

 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street

Keir Starmer was forced to take responsibility for hiring Mandelson (Image: Getty)

Sky News’ regular programming was halted for major breaking news from the House of Commons. The broadcaster instantly aired a live feed from Westminster, where the prime minister’s Chief Secretary, Darren Jones, issued a statement following the first release of files about Peter Mandelson’s appointment. This comes after MPs ordered the government to release tens of thousands of documents relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the United States in 2024 after questions over how he was vetted and what was known about his links to paedophile financier, Jeffrey Epstein.

Addressing the MPs, Mr Jones stated: “The Prime Minister has taken responsibility for Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the United States. He has acknowledged it was a mistake and has apologised, not least for believing Peter Mandelson’s lies.” The politician continued: “As the Government has said previously, there are specific documents that this Government would like to have been able to disclose today.

Sky News went live to the House of Commons

Minister Darren Jones released a statement about the Mandelson files (Image: Sky News)

“The Metropolitan Police have asked us not to do so yet, in order to avoid prejudicing their ongoing criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson.”

The minister stated: “We have agreed to that request. We will therefore publish these documents in the future, as soon as the Metropolitan Police have confirmed it will no longer prejudice their investigation.”

He also referenced the “disgust and horror” felt at the nature and extent of the relationship Mandelson maintained with Epstein despite being convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor.

Jones adds that Epstein’s victims will be the Government’s “first priority” as he apologises to them having to “relive the horrors” with “still too little justice being served”.

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Peter Mandelson getting into a car

Peter Mandelson was arrested last month (Image: Getty)

The Prime Minister has insisted Mandelson “lied repeatedly” to No.10 about his relationship with Epstein, before and during his tenure as ambassador.

After photos of Mandelson were uncovered in the Epstein files, he was fired from his taxpayer-funded role in September 2025 after No.10 admitted the pair were closer associates than previously believed.

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The New Labour minister, who worked alongside former Prime Ministers Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, was arrested last month on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations that he leaked sensitive information.

Following his departure from his governmental role, Mandelson is due to be stripped of his peerage and remains under police investigation.