Tony Blair Met with Jeffrey Epstein in Downing Street, Prompted by Peter Mandelson
Former UK Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair met with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Downing Street in 2002, following lobbying efforts by Lord Peter Mandelson, newly released documents confirm.
A memo dated May 14, 2002, from senior civil servant Matthew Rycroft briefed Sir Tony ahead of the 5:00 PM GMT meeting, describing Epstein as a “financial adviser to the super-rich and a property developer” and a friend of both Bill Clinton and Peter Mandelson. Rycroft also noted Epstein’s close relationship with the Duke of York. Emails show Lord Mandelson urged the meeting, telling Sir Tony’s chief of staff, Jonathan Powell, that Epstein was “a friend of mine” and someone Clinton wished to introduce to the Prime Minister. He described Epstein as “safe” and highlighted his connections to global markets. This revelation adds to scrutiny of connections between prominent figures and Epstein, whose crimes have sparked widespread condemnation.
Sir Tony Blair’s spokesperson stated that the Prime Minister “met with him for less than 30 minutes in Downing Street in 2002, and discussed US and UK politics,” adding, “This was, of course, long before his crimes were known of and his subsequent conviction.” Lord Mandelson’s email included a handwritten note questioning the purpose of the meeting, referencing a desire for a private meeting with Clinton. The documents were previously withheld due to concerns about impacting UK-US relations, but were released by the National Archives following a Freedom of Information request and after Lord Mandelson’s recent dismissal as US ambassador. You can find more information about the Epstein case at the Department of Justice website.
Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor and died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Rycroft’s memo suggested Sir Tony would find a conversation with Epstein worthwhile regarding science and international economic trends. Officials have indicated they are reviewing the newly released documents to determine if any further action is required, and the release is likely to fuel further debate about the extent of Epstein’s network and influence.
