UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is battling for his political survival after fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files reignited anger over his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, a long‑time Epstein associate, as Britain’s ambassador to Washington. Though Starmer himself has never been implicated in Epstein’s crimes, the scandal has badly damaged his authority, prompted calls for his resignation and triggered open soul‑searching within the Labour Party over his judgment. Responding to reporters at a community centre in southern England, Starmer apologised for trusting Mandelson, vowed to fight on, and tried to refocus attention on the cost‑of‑living crisis and failing public services that he says matter most to ordinary voters. Watch for more