17/09/2025
As reported by many LGBTQIA+ and progressive newswires, Lord Peter Mandelson was recalled to London after a brief term as UK Ambassador to the United States. Mr Mandelson was effectively fired because of his association with the sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, with whom he was friends. Mr Mandelson, a gay man although not really recognised as a figure in leadership positions, had sent mail of support to Mr Epstein whilst the latter was facing trial. BBC 2's flagship evening news review, Newsnight, reported on Wednesday 17th September that Mr Trump was furious that Mandelson had been fired so close to his state visit as the guest of the British King Charles III and the Queen Consort. It means that Trump's own association with Mr Epstein is focussed on by the world's media and provides leverage over the fanatical MAGA Republican camp, who are angry at Trump's evasiveness on the issue. One commentator, interviewed by Newsnight said that Epstein was the one issue that could rend asunder the right wing coalition surrounding Mr Trump. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Labour Party told news network BBC Radio 5Live that Lord Mandelson is "taking a break" from the House of Lords.
