Mandelson believed Epstein over victims and should go

[StarlightRobot]

This is a feminist issue. Mandelson has admitted that he chose to believe Epstein, who had at that point been convicted of sex trafficking children, over Epstein’s victims. Surely this choice makes him an unacceptable person to represent the UK? Why on Earth does Starmer think it’s ok to keep Mandelson in his position? I stand with the victims and it is not good enough for Mandelson to sheepishly apologise with the benefit of hindsight.

I do not think that everyone who had some involvement with Epstein did so in relation to his sex parties or knew a lot about them - I think he was canny enough to offer important people what they wanted, be it sex, drugs, luxury holidays, whatever..

However, I really don't think that applies to this guy. I think he knew what was going on.

I am not surprised a gay man would approve of relations of older men with much younger people though, and might fail to see where that was exploitative. It's a common blind spot in certain circles.

Ambassadors are a sensitive position though. It may be he will go soon but they will do it in a way that is less likely to rock the boat. Maybe pressure him to resign.

Pretty sure that PM would recognise exploitation when he saw it.

He's gone.

https://x.com/hzeffman/status/1966075803520966999

'From the Foreign Office: In light of the additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the Prime Minister has asked the Foreign Secretary to withdraw him as Ambassador. The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment. In particular Peter Mandelson’s suggestion that Jeffrey Epstein’s first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information. In light of that, and mindful of the victims of Epstein’s crimes he has been withdrawn as Ambassador with immediate effect.'

Well done, Keir, if a bit slow.

Good, so glad to see he has gone!

Was Keir reading mumsnet this morning?

He's vile, and always has been. And about as far removed from the values of the Labour Party as it's possible to get.

One too many scandals involving this man, he should be gone for good now.

If he has any sense he'll have someone reading it for him.

I'm generally a fan of Starmer's but if it turns out he knew that Mandy was defending a convicted paedo and appointed him anyway because he'd get on well with he sleezy mate Trump then I'm jumping ship. I am so angry.

He's always so reactive, and slow with it. This should have been done immediately, not when the media had spent several days pointing it out. Really, given he's admitted knowing something at the time of appointment, there should have never been an appointment. Saying effectively 'we knew it was bad, but not that bad' isn't a good look.

Gone and good riddance.

He's gone. I think PM has never thought women matter. Maybe I'm naive but I thought much better of Starmer

Good. I’m glad he’s gone. I am however, bothered by the suggestion in some posts that gay men are less likely to be concerned about sexual exploitation than straight men.

I bet Starmer is getting fed up defending so many people he has backed and given top places to. He must be wondering what is going to happen next.

And interpreting. He might be stamped by terms like LTB, cocklodger, woman, women's rights, women and girls safety, but please dont let him know people survive on a huuuge bowl of salad. He might put this ailing nation on a salad diet and tell us not to worry about cost of food.

Fired!

i don't think there's much, if any, difference. Gay men and straight men both include a sizeable proportion with little respect for women, and both include men who are "of the Tatchell persuasion" and think they can justify their behaviour by claiming that children are not damaged by sexual activity with older people.

I am not making any claim about Tatchell's behaviour other than his advocacy for normalising sexual contact with children.

Men in general don't give a shit about women. Gay or straight.

Stamer was daft to come out to back him so vociferously when a storm was brewing. He could have made a holding statement instead.

Given Mandelson's financial history, I wonder how much money he got from Epstein.

I'd like to take responsibility for his sacking, because I emailed my MP this morning. 😂

Well done you. Who is next (rubbing hands gleefully)

Good point, we know he's partial to accepting a loan and those big houses won't buy themselves...

Also totally OT, but hope your feeling better.