Wes Streeting has defended Peter Mandelson after the US ambassador appeared to refer to Jeffrey Epstein as his “best pal” according to files released by a US congressional committee. Britain’s ambassador to Washington features in a 50th birthday book for the convicted paedophile that was compiled by Epstein’s former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently in prison for her role in recruiting and trafficking minors for sex. Appearing on Sky News on Tuesday (9 September), the health secretary said that it was “very clear that [Lord Mandelson] deeply regrets ever having been introduced" to Epstein. Asked if the government would axe Mandelson from his ambassador role, he said: “No, I don't think we should regard everyone as guilty by association.” The British embassy in Washington has been asked to comment.

The description is contained an alleged 50th "birthday book" given to the disgraced financier that has been released by US lawmakers.

Letter from UK ambassador to deceased billionaire paedophile released by US lawmakers

The missive was among a trove of documents released by US lawmakers last night and formed part of a 'birthday book' given to Epstein by Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003.

Prime Minister’s support comes as Wes Streeting says Mandelson ‘has more to say’ on association with paedophile

Wes Streeting has defended Peter Mandelson after the US ambassador appeared to refer to Jeffrey Epstein as his “best pal” according to files released by a US congressional…

Sir Keir Starmer has given Peter Mandelson his full backing after it emerged the British ambassador to the US had described notorious paedophile Jeffrey Epstein as his “best pal”.

The past association between the British ambassador to the US and Jeffrey Epstein raises serious questions

Lord Mandelson faces intense pressure after messages revealed him fawning over paedophile Jeffrey Epstein as 'my best pal'. Britain's ambassador to Washington hailed his love for…

Britain's ambassador to Washington called the disgraced financier his 'best pal' and sent photos of himself topless and wearing a fluffy white dressing gown, it emerged.

UK ambassador to US says he regrets continuing his association with paedophile financier ‘far longer than I should have done’

Keir Starmer insisted the US ambassador was 'right' to express regrets after an extraordinary birthday message emerged in which he called the disgraced financier his 'best pal'.

Peter Mandelson described his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein as ‘an albatross around my neck’

UK ambassador, fondly referred to as ‘Petie’ by late financier and sex offender, stayed in contact with Epstein well after allegations about him came to light

PM under pressure to sack Labour peer as it’s claimed he advised paedophile: ‘Your friends stay with you and love you’

LONDON: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer backed the UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson Wednesday after details emerged of the diplomat’s friendship with disgraced sex…

Veteran Labour politician under scrutiny over relationship with the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.

The British ambassador to the US has been sacked over his ties to the paedophile financier

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Mandelson had come under scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein after the release of a letter in which he purportedly described the late sex offender as "my best pal."

LIVE UPDATES: Follow the latest developments as Peter Mandelson is sacked as US ambassador following new emails detailing his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.