British PM backs ambassador to US over Epstein letter

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LONDON - British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday gave his backing to UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson after details emerged of the diplomat's friendship with disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Mandelson, an influential former Labour minister and spin doctor, called the late Epstein his "best pal" and an "intelligent, sharp-witted man" in a 2003 letter, released to the public just a week before US President Donald Trump is due to pay a state visit to Britain.

Challenged in parliament about his judgement in appointing the 71-year-old Labour grandee to the key diplomatic post, Starmer described Epstein as a "despicable criminal" who "destroyed the lives of so many women and girls".

But he added: "The ambassador has repeatedly expressed his deep regret for his association with him. He is right to do so. I have confidence in him."

The letter was one of many included in a book compiled to mark the now notorious financier's 50th birthday.

The contents were published by a US congressional panel investigating Epstein's sex crimes case.

Mandelson said it was "very embarrassing" to see the letter published, in comments to The Sun daily's Harry Cole Saves the West YouTube channel.

"I regret very, very deeply indeed carrying on that association with him for far longer than I should have done," the ambassador said.

He said he had never witnessed any criminal behaviour, but added he also felt a deep sense of sympathy for the women "who suffered as a result of (Epstein's) behaviour and his illegal criminal activities".