Peter Mandelson has been asked to testify before the U.S. Congress over his relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a letter from two Democratic members of the House of Representatives.
The lawmakers urged Mandelson to appear for a transcribed interview with staff of the House Oversight Committee as part of the panel’s ongoing probe into Epstein. The letter, reviewed by Axadle Times, stated: “Given the appalling allegations regarding Epstein’s conduct, we request that you make yourself available for a transcribed interview with Committee staff regarding the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators.”
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The outreach from Capitol Hill injects new urgency into a political storm already gathering in Britain. Mandelson’s links with Epstein have led to calls for Keir Starmer to stand down as Prime Minister, a remarkable escalation that underscores how the scandal surrounding Epstein continues to reverberate beyond the United States.
Critics have also questioned Starmer’s judgment in appointing Mandelson, a peer, as U.S. ambassador — a role widely regarded as the most prestigious posting in British diplomacy. The request from the House Oversight Committee is likely to intensify scrutiny of that appointment and heighten pressure on Downing Street to defend the selection.
The Oversight Committee’s examination aims to build a fuller picture of Epstein’s network and the individuals who had contact with him. Lawmakers said their request is focused on understanding the scope of Epstein’s crimes and identifying potential co-conspirators and enablers.
Mandelson’s representatives have been contacted for comment.
The congressional letter signals how the Epstein investigation continues to sprawl across jurisdictions and institutions, pulling in public figures and raising fresh questions about due diligence, vetting and accountability. Any testimony from Mandelson, whether written or in person, would likely become a focal point in both Washington and London, with implications for the ambassadorial appointment and for Starmer’s handling of the controversy.
No timeline for any appearance has been announced by the committee. The extent of Mandelson’s cooperation — and whether the request leads to a formal hearing — remains to be seen.
By Abdiwahab Ahmed
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
