Documents released by the UK National Archives reveal that former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair met financier Jeffrey Epstein at Downing Street in May 2002, following pressure from Lord Peter Mandelson. The meeting, which occurred on May 14, 2002, at 5:00 PM GMT, was arranged after Mandelson described Epstein as “a friend of mine” and a close associate of former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Emails obtained show Mandelson urged Blair’s chief of staff, Jonathan Powell, to schedule the encounter, calling Epstein “safe” and “a financial adviser to the super-rich.” A memo from British civil servant Matthew Rycroft noted Epstein’s ties to Clinton and Mandelson. Blair’s spokesman stated the discussion lasted less than 30 minutes and focused on U.S. and UK politics, adding that Blair had no further contact with Epstein.
Epstein, who later pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008 and died in 2019 while facing child sex trafficking charges, was described by Mandelson as “young and vibrant” and an “active scientific catalyst/entrepreneur.” The documents, previously withheld over concerns about UK-U.S. relations, highlight Epstein’s extensive political connections. Clinton acknowledged knowing Epstein but denied awareness of his crimes.
The release underscores ongoing scrutiny of Epstein’s influence, with recent revelations detailing his banking activities across multiple institutions.
