The UK criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson has encountered a major setback due to the US Department of Justice’s refusal to provide crucial Epstein-related files. Scotland Yard’s efforts to uncover the truth have been significantly delayed, raising concerns that any formal charges against Mandelson could be postponed until 2028.
At the centre of the dispute is a collection of heavily redacted documents held by the US Department of Justice. British detectives believe these files may contain vital evidence connected to Mandelson, who previously served as business secretary and British ambassador to Washington.
The Metropolitan Police requested voluntary disclosure of the documents, but the US Department of Justice declined. Instead, they have insisted on a formal Mutual Legal Assistance request, a legal process known for its lengthy duration, often taking 18 months or more.
Despite direct appeals from Met Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley to the US ambassador and a personal visit to Washington, the US authorities have remained firm in their refusal. Without access to the original documents, British prosecutors are unable to open a charging file, meaning a decision on charges could be delayed for years.
The investigation began in January following leaked US Justice Department documents suggesting Mandelson passed sensitive government secrets to Jeffrey Epstein during his time in Gordon Brown’s cabinet. The alleged information included details about a multi-billion-pound EU bailout, the timing of Brown’s resignation, and potential land deals involving Epstein.
Mandelson was arrested in February at his Regent’s Park residence, questioned for nine hours, and subsequently released on bail. He denies all allegations. Another individual involved in the investigation is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has also been arrested but has yet to face charges.
The refusal to cooperate is a US decision rather than a UK legal issue. Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that after reviewing Epstein’s files last summer, “there was nothing in there that allowed us to prosecute anybody.” This position persists despite bipartisan calls for action.
Even Melania Trump has urged Congress to reveal the abusers named in the files, stating: “Epstein was not alone.” Meanwhile, Donald Trump has advocated moving on, commenting: “It’s really time for the country to get on to something else.”
Trump’s long-standing association with Epstein, spanning 15 years, has led to speculation that he fears repercussions if prosecutions expand. Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor-Greene has suggested that Trump is concerned his friends “would get hurt,” a claim dismissed by the White House as “petty bitterness.”
This complex political context means the US refusal to assist the UK has significant implications. The withheld files reportedly contain sensitive information related to ongoing US investigations. Scotland Yard insists on full access before proceeding with any prosecutorial actions.
Domestically, Mandelson’s arrest has caused political turmoil for Sir Keir Starmer’s government. His contentious appointment as UK ambassador to Washington has become a prominent political issue. With the criminal case stalled indefinitely, Conservative critics and the public are expressing frustration over the US stonewalling and the apparent lack of justice.
Originally published by UKNIP.
