Newly released documents from the National Archives have confirmed that former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair met disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein in Downing Street in 2002. The meeting reportedly took place after lobbying by Lord Peter Mandelson, who described Epstein as a “friend” and “safe.”
According to a memo dated May 14, 2002, senior civil servant Matthew Rycroft briefed Blair about Epstein before the meeting, which was scheduled for 5:00 pm that day. Rycroft described Epstein as a “financial adviser to the super-rich” and “a friend of Bill Clinton and Peter Mandelson.” The memo also noted Epstein’s close relationship with the Duke of York.
Emails seen by the BBC reveal that Lord Mandelson had pushed for the introduction, telling Blair’s chief of staff, Jonathan Powell, that Epstein was a “friend of mine” whom former U.S. President Bill Clinton wanted to introduce to the Prime Minister. Mandelson described Epstein as “young and vibrant” and “an active scientific catalyst and entrepreneur.”
Blair’s spokesperson confirmed the meeting, stating it lasted “less than 30 minutes” and focused on “US and UK politics.” He emphasized that Blair “never met or engaged with Epstein subsequently,” adding that the meeting took place “long before his crimes were known.”
The documents were initially withheld by government officials due to concerns over potential impacts on UK–US relations. They were later released under a Freedom of Information request following Lord Mandelson’s dismissal as U.S. ambassador amid renewed scrutiny of his ties to Epstein.
Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor and died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Clinton has acknowledged knowing Epstein but denied awareness of his criminal activities.
The revelation adds another layer to the complex web of high-profile figures once connected to the disgraced financier.
