Newly released court and congressional documents in the United States have raised concerns in the UK and Europe after emails suggested that late financier Jeffrey Epstein had access to sensitive British and European policy discussions through former UK minister Peter Mandelson.
The documents were published by the US Department of Justice and Congress following a transparency initiative. They include email exchanges indicating Epstein received updates on UK tax policy, Bank of England discussions, and European Union financial planning during periods of economic uncertainty.
Peter Mandelson, a senior Labour figure and former UK business secretary and EU trade commissioner, resigned from the House of Lords earlier this week. The UK government confirmed it has forwarded relevant material to police for review.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” by the disclosures and warned that further information could still emerge.
Emails show close contact
The released emails show a close relationship between Mandelson and Epstein, including exchanges during Mandelson’s time in senior public office. In one 2009 exchange, Epstein asked whether the UK government’s bankers’ bonus tax could apply only to cash bonuses.
Mandelson replied shortly after, saying he was attempting to amend the policy while facing opposition from the Treasury.
EU and Bank of England references
In another email from 2010, Mandelson forwarded information related to a planned €500 billion EU financial support programme shortly before its public announcement.
Separate correspondence from 2009 shows Epstein receiving an internal note discussing the Bank of England’s response to the financial crisis. While the emails do not show evidence of trading, officials say such information is considered market-sensitive.
Financial transfers questioned
Bank records included in the documents show three payments totalling $75,000 sent to accounts linked to Mandelson between 2003 and 2004. Additional transfers in 2009–2010 appear to show Epstein paying £10,000 toward an educational course linked to Mandelson’s husband.
Mandelson said he does not recall receiving the funds and has questioned the authenticity of the documents. He resigned from the Labour Party, saying he did not want to cause further embarrassment.
Calls for review
Epstein was indicted on sex trafficking charges in 2006 and pleaded guilty in 2008. Lawmakers in Westminster have called for a review into how a private individual may have gained access to sensitive policy discussions.
The case has renewed debate over transparency, ethics, and safeguards around confidential government information.
