Lord Mandelson declines to apologise over Epstein link

LORD Peter Mandelson declined to apologise to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims for remaining friends with the paedophile financier after his conviction.

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The former UK ambassador to the US said he had paid a “calamitous” price in being sacked over his association with “evil monster” Epstein.

He apologised for a system which meant Epstein’s victims were not listened to, but not for his own association with the sex offender which continued after his first conviction.

Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution and soliciting a minor but Lord Mandelson said he believed his excuses and continued to support him. Lord Mandelson said it was “misplaced loyalty” and “a most terrible mistake on my part”.