Mandelson's US job ‘an insult to every survivor who fought to expose Epstein's web of power'

JEFFREY Epstein's victims have reacted with revulsion after the paedophile's friend Peter Mandelson was made ambassador to Washington DC.

- Christopher Bucktin

Now those sexually assaulted and raped by the late Wall Street financier have demanded the Prime Minister explain his decision to them.

Lord Mandelson meanwhile said last night it is a "great honour to serve the country" after Sir Keir Starmer confirmed he had appointed him the next British ambassador to the US.

The Labour grandee, who served under Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, becomes our top diplomat in Washington as Donald Trump returns to the White House.

He said: "We face challenges in Britain but also big opportunities and it will be a privilege to work with the Government to land those opportunities, both for our economy and our nation's security, and to advance our historic alliance with the United States." Sir Keir said he was "delighted", adding: "The US is one of our most important allies and as we move into a new chapter in our friendship, Peter will bring unrivalled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength." But a woman who was sexually assaulted spoke of her "horror" at the appointment.

The now 36-year-old, who received compensation from Epstein's estate for the abuse he inflicted, told the Daily Express: "As a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's depravity, I'm horrified by Peter Mandelson's appointment.

"This isn't just a poor choice. It's an insult to every survivor who fought to expose Epstein's web of power and exploitation.

What's even more shocking is your Prime Minister's clear support of the decision.

"Keir Starmer, who claims to stand for justice and accountability, is now complicit in promoting someone so closely tied to a man who inflicted unimaginable harm.

"He should explain to the dozens of women who live with Epstein's hurt how he can justify such an appointment.