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FILE - Peter Mandelson, the former U.K. ambassador to the United States, leaves his house in London, March 10, 2026.

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Starmer rejects calls to resign over Mandelson appointment as pressure builds

Starmer rejects calls to resign over Mandelson appointment as pressure builds

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has no plans to resign over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as U.K. ambassador to Washington, despite Mandelson failing security checks. Starmer says he was unaware that the Foreign Office overruled security officials' recommendations in early 2025. He called that “staggering” and “unforgivable.” The top Foreign Office civil servant, Olly Robbins, took the fall for the decision and resigned late Thursday. Mandelson was considered risky due to his past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer fired Mandelson in September 2025 after evidence showed he lied about his links to Epstein. Opposition leaders demand Starmer's resignation. He said he will statement to Parliament on the issue on Monday.