The victims of Jeffrey Epstein have received a public apology from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who also expressed remorse for the mistakes of those in authority, particularly for accepting false information from Peter Mandelson prior to his appointment as the country's ambassador to the US.

In a statement, Starmer stated, "I apologise for what was done to you, for the failure of so many powerful people, and for believing Mandelson's lies and appointing him." "We'll seek the truth."

In the face of mounting criticism brought on by recently made public documents exposing Mandelson's close relationship with Epstein, the apology was made Thursday during a speech in southern England.

Starmer emphasised that while Mandelson’s acquaintance with Epstein had been publicly known for some time, the full extent and depth of their relationship had not been understood at the time of the appointment in December 2024.

Despite evidence indicating a closer relationship, he accused Mandelson of deceiving the authorities by portraying Epstein as someone he hardly knew.

The prime minister pledged his administration to responsibility, openness, and ongoing investigations into the entire extent of misconduct connected to Epstein's network.

After years of delays and rejections, he emphasised that victims need to be heard, supported, and given justice.

While awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking allegations in the United States, Epstein, a convicted sex offender, passed away in 2019.

His case continues to get international attention, with victims and activists calling for increased accountability from powerful individuals and organisations that might have condoned or ignored his crimes.