Keir Starmer launches blistering attack on Peter Mandelson - 'he betrayed Britain'

Keir Starmer has told PMQs Peter Mandelson betrayed Britain and said he would never have appointed him if he knew what he knows now

Keir Starmer has launched a blistering attack on Peter Mandelson - accusing him of betraying Britain and saying he regrets appointing him.

The Prime Minister said Mandelson, who quit the House of Lords on Tuesday, had repeatedly lied before and after being appointed as ambassador to the United States. Documents released by the US Department of Justice suggest Mandelson leaked sensitive information to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein while he was Business Secretary under Gordon Brown.

A criminal investigation has been launched. A furious Mr Starmer said during PMQs: "To learn that there was a cabinet minister leaking sensitive information at the height of the response to 2008 crash is beyond infuriating, and I am as angry as the public and any member of this House.

"Mandelson betrayed our country, our Parliament and my party. Mr Speaker, he lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein before and during his tenure as ambassador. I regret appointing him.

"If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near government." He accused the New Labour heavyweight of creating "a litany of deceit".

The Prime Minister added that he has ordered officials to draw up legislation to remove disgraced peers. He told the Commons: "I've instructed my team to draft legislation to strip Mandelson of his title and wider legislation to remove disgraced peers.

"And this morning I've agreed with His Majesty the King that Mandelson should be removed from the list of privy councilors on the grounds that he's brought the reputation of the Privy Council into disrepute."

In a statement on Tuesday, Commander Ella Marriott, of the Metropolitan Police, said: "Following the further release of millions of court documents in relation to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice, the Met received a number of reports into alleged misconduct in public office including a referral from the UK Government.

"I can confirm that the Metropolitan Police has now launched an investigation into a 72-year-old man, a former Government Minister, for misconduct in public office offences. The Met will continue to assess all relevant information brought to our attention as part of this investigation and won't be commenting any further at this time." A Government spokesperson responded: "The government stands ready to provide whatever support and assistance the police need."

Mandelson has not commented publicly since the police launched their probe. But the BBC reported on Tuesday evening the former Labour peer maintains that he has not acted criminally, did not act for personal gain and will cooperate with the police. The broadcaster said Lord Mandelson argues he sought banker Epstein's expertise in the national interest.