11.27 GMT Starmer: 'None of us knew depth and darkness of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein’ Starmer has addressed the fallout from the Epstein scandal during a speech this morning in Hastings, East Sussex. He said that while Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein was publicly known, “none of us knew the depth and darkness” of it. He said: 44 Serious allegations and serious evidence has emerged concerning Mandelson’s conduct, including his relationship with Epstein, a convicted sex offender. It had been publicly known for some time that Mandelson knew Epstein, but none of us knew the depth or the darkness of that relationship. Information that was not known at the time of his appointment [as US ambassador]. He apologised to Epstein’s victims, saying: 44 “I want to say this. I am sorry, sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you. Sorry for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointed him and sorry that even now you're forced to watch this story unfold in public once again.