Epstein's files threaten British Prime Minister Starmer with resignation. What the media is writing

The release of the files of Jeffrey Epstein, convicted of sexual crimes, has led to a political crisis in the UK. They contained information about the financier's close ties with Peter Mandelson, whom Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed to the post of ambassador to the United States. Both the Conservatives and the Labor Party demanded an investigation, which could result in the resignation of the head of the cabinet. What the world media write about Starmer's situation is in the Izvestia digest.

Financial Times: Starmer in spotlight over Mandelson allegations

Starmer faced the discontent of the Labor Party and renewed speculation about his future in the party when he had to deal with the consequences of his decision to appoint Mandelson as British ambassador to the United States. On February 4, the prime minister admitted that he had chosen Mandelson last year, despite the fact that, according to officials, he had already maintained relations with Epstein. after the financier was convicted of involving minors in prostitution.

Starmer said that documents related to Mandelson, which the Conservatives demanded, would be made public unless they raised national security issues or harmed Britain's international relations. Chris Wormold, the Cabinet Secretary, should be responsible for verifying these documents. But when Starmer realized that he could lose the vote in the House of Commons on this issue, he made one last concession to the rebel Labor and agreed with the proposal that the inter-party parliamentary intelligence and security committee should control the publication of documents.

Bloomberg: Starmer's premiership is in crisis after a dramatic day in parliament

Keir Starmer is not the first prime minister from the Labour Party to find himself in a crisis situation because of Peter Mandelson. This isn't even the first time this has happened to Starmer. The difference is that members of his own party are now beginning to write off his days as leader. The drama began with a parliamentary session in which Starmer tried his best to dodge questions from Conservative opposition leader Kemi Badenoch. She asked what he knew about the connection between Epstein and Mandelson, whom he returned to a prestigious diplomatic post shortly after winning the election 18 months ago.

Badenoch drew attention to Starmer's influential chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who advocated Mandelson's appointment. So the government was looking for a specialist who could handle the return of Donald Trump to the White House. Some Labour MPs called McSweeney's position difficult and suggested that the only reason Starmer did not fire him was because he understood that doing so could accelerate his own downfall.

Reuters: Starmer said about Mandelson's repeated lies

Starmer expressed regret over Mandelson's appointment as British ambassador to Washington, saying that the veteran Labor Party member had come up with "a whole list of lies" about his ties to Epstein. The prime minister, under pressure from the opposition Conservative Party, gave in and released the documents on Mandelson's appointment.

A chaotic day in the House of Commons, when lawmakers from all sides lined up to criticize Starmer and demand maximum transparency, ended with the government agreeing to compromise to avoid an embarrassing defeat. The documents on Mandelson will be submitted to the parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee. British police said they had also asked the government not to disclose some of the files due to concerns that they could undermine the investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office against Mandelson.

The Guardian: Labour MPs say Starmer's days as prime minister are numbered

Labour MPs have warned that Starmer's days as prime minister are numbered after a day of outrage over Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, despite his friendship with Epstein. The government was on the verge of defeat in the House of Commons until, in the middle of the debate, an amendment was introduced, mediated by Meg Hiller and Angela Rayner, which forced the release of documents on Mandelson's appointment and the depth of his ties to convicted child sex offenders.

The deputies said Starmer's admission that he knew about Mandelson's friendship with Epstein before his appointment was a turning point. Several of them said it would be ironic if Starmer was forced to resign because of Mandelson's ties to Epstein, as they are convinced of his personal commitment to fighting violence against women and girls.

Human trafficking and corruption: What does Epstein's files say about Ukraine?

Vladimir Zelensky is mentioned more than fifty times

Politico: Time is running out for Starmer

Starmer has only four months left to save his post. After the British parliament returned from the Christmas break, Starmer marked his first 18 months in Downing Street with a speech praising his Labour Party's efforts to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis. But behind the scenes, there is growing concern that voters will not feel significant relief until the crucial regional and local elections on May 7, which could decide the prime minister's political fate.

Under growing pressure, Starmer harshly criticizes Mandelson and insists on transparency in the investigation of his appointment, but this may not be enough. Perhaps the prime minister's removal will not follow immediately, or even immediately after polling day in May. But there is no doubt that Starmer's authority is weakening. Labour MPs may fear a destabilising leadership contest, and many have already concluded that Starmer will not lead them to the next general election. And in private conversations, some ministers believe that the question is no longer whether the prime minister will fall, but when it will happen.