UK MPs block inquiry into Starmer over Epstein-linked Mandelson role

British lawmakers have rejected a motion that would have triggered a parliamentary inquiry into Prime Minister Keir Starmer over statements he made regarding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. Mandelson, a longtime Labour strategist, lost his post after undisclosed ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein surfaced.

Vote ends probe effort

Following nearly five hours of heated debate, the House of Commons voted 335-223 against referring Starmer to the Privileges Committee. The Conservative-led motion sought to examine whether the prime minister misled Parliament when he claimed that "full due process" was followed during Mandelson's vetting and that "no pressure existed whatsoever." Labour's parliamentary majority ensured the motion's defeat.

Pressure claims and political timing

Cabinet ministers dismissed the move as a "political stunt" ahead of local and national elections next week. However, a former senior civil servant, Olly Robbins, told MPs there had been "constant pressure," though he said it did not affect his clearance decision. Starmer later responded by saying there are "different types of pressure," describing it as "the everyday pressure of government." Mandelson was appointed in December 2024 but dismissed last September after Downing Street cited new information about his Epstein ties.