"Sir Philip Barton stated, 'I was worried that this could become a problem in future,' referring to Lord Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein, a controversial figure in the US."
"'There was no space or avenue or mechanism for me to put that on the table,' Barton expressed, highlighting his inability to raise concerns about Mandelson's appointment."
"'I was presented with a decision made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and told to get on with it,' Barton explained regarding the lack of consultation before the appointment."
"'That is a very candid account of probably what I was thinking at the time,' Barton reflected on his concerns about Mandelson's potential issues as ambassador."
Sir Philip Barton revealed that he was not consulted before Lord Mandelson's appointment as the UK's ambassador to the US. He considered Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein a potential issue. Barton felt he had no opportunity to raise his concerns, stating he was simply told to proceed with the decision made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Mandelson's appointment faced scrutiny, especially after details about his friendship with Epstein emerged, leading to his dismissal as ambassador.
Read at www.bbc.com
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