Virginia Giuffre’s family praise UK authorities for treating Epstein files with ‘urgency’ after Lord Mandelson’s arrest
Virginia Giuffre’s family has praised British authorities for “dealing with the Epstein files with the urgency they demanded” after Lord Peter Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The former Labor minister was released on bail pending further investigation, the Metropolitan Police said just after 2am on Tuesday.
Lord Mandelson is accused of passing sensitive information to pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while he was trade secretary.
He was still in contact with Epstein in late 2016, and emails emerged suggesting he had warned his financier to stay away from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor following allegations that Giuffre had sexually assaulted him after being kidnapped by the US billionaire (which the former duke denies).
Sir Keir Starmer will lead the Cabinet on Tuesday following the arrest of the former US ambassador. The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, will seek to force the public release of files on Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as trade envoy because the former prince is accused of sharing sensitive information with Epstein while in office.
Giuffre’s sister, Sky Roberts, and his wife, Amanda Roberts, said in a statement reported by the BBC and other outlets: “The family of Virginia Roberts Giuffre commends the British authorities for taking meaningful action and treating the Epstein files with the urgency they demanded.
“While these arrests do not address underlying exploitation, they are a crucial step towards truth and accountability.
“The contrast to the continued inaction in the United States is undeniable. Survivors deserve transparency, prompt investigation, and true justice, regardless of who was involved in the crime.”
Footage on Monday showed Lord Mandelson being escorted from his home by a plainclothes police officer, and the Metropolitan Police later said the 72-year-old was taken to a London police station for questioning.
Two of his properties were previously searched by police in connection with allegations that emerged after the US Department of Justice dumped documents related to Epstein last month.
Following the release of the Epstein files, Lord Mandelson said he had “no recollection” of receiving payments totaling $75,000 (about £55,000) from Epstein between 2003 and 2004, according to bank details given in the documents.
Epstein is also said to have paid for an osteopathy course for Lord Mandelson’s husband, Reinaldo Avila Da Silva, in 2009, when the government was dealing with a financial crisis.
Lord Mandelson’s arrest comes just days after Andrew was detained on suspicion of abuse of public office.
The former prince was released under investigation.
Although he was stripped of his title last year, the former Duke of York is still eighth in line to the throne and an Act of Parliament will need to be passed to depose Andrew and prevent him from becoming king.
The UK government will consider introducing such legislation after police complete their investigation into the King’s disgraced brother, the Press Association has learned.
