Newly released documents from the National Archives reveal that Sir Tony Blair met with Jeffrey Epstein at Downing Street while he was prime minister, following a suggestion from Peter Mandelson. The meeting took place on May 14, 2002, after Mandelson recommended Epstein to Blair’s then chief of staff, Jonathan Powell.
At the time, Mandelson was a backbench Labour MP but remained a trusted ally of Blair, having resigned from government just over a year earlier amid controversy. He was later dismissed as US ambassador in September when new details emerged about his closeness to Epstein, a convicted sex offender. In an email before the meeting, Mandelson described Epstein to Powell as “safe” and a “friend.”
Powell, who is now Keir Starmer’s national security adviser, has faced scrutiny over his role in the collapse of a Chinese spying case. A government spokesperson stated that Powell had only forwarded the request as part of his duties as chief of staff.
According to the released papers, a briefing memo by senior civil servant Matthew Rycroft noted that Epstein was a friend of Mandelson, former US President Bill Clinton, and Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.
A spokesperson for Blair said the meeting occurred long before Epstein’s crimes were known or he was convicted. Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor and died in prison in 2019.
Government officials had initially blocked the release of these documents over concerns about UK-US relations, but the National Archives made them public following a freedom of information request.
The BBC reported that Mandelson emailed Powell a week before the meeting, recalling that Clinton had wanted to introduce Epstein to Blair previously, but the meeting was thwarted for unclear reasons. Mandelson praised Epstein as a “young and vibrant” financial adviser and “scientific catalyst” with global market insights, adding that Clinton traveled frequently with him. He confirmed that Blair was interested in meeting Epstein and requested scheduling details.
Rycroft’s briefing on the day of the meeting described Epstein as a financial advisor to the wealthy and a property developer, emphasizing his connections to Clinton, Mandelson, and Prince Andrew.
Blair’s spokesperson stated that, to the best of his recollection, the meeting lasted less than 30 minutes.In 2002, Jonathan Powell had a brief meeting at Downing Street where they talked about US and UK politics. He never saw or communicated with the person again. This meeting took place long before the individual’s crimes came to light and he was later convicted. A government spokesperson clarified that Jonathan Powell only passed on the request and was not involved beyond that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the reported meeting between Tony Blair and Jeffrey Epstein designed with clear natural questions and direct answers
Basic Questions Definitions
1 Who is Tony Blair
Tony Blair was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007 leading the Labour Party
2 Who is Jeffrey Epstein
Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy American financier who was a convicted sex offender He was arrested in 2019 on new sex trafficking charges and died in jail while awaiting trial
3 Who is Peter Mandelson
Peter Mandelson was a key political ally and advisor to Tony Blair serving in his cabinet and often described as a chief architect of New Labour
4 Did Tony Blair really meet with Jeffrey Epstein
According to documents and reports yes It has been reported that a meeting took place at the official prime ministers residence 10 Downing Street
5 When did this meeting happen
The meeting reportedly took place in the late 1990s or early 2000s during Blairs time as Prime Minister
Context and Details of the Meeting
6 Why did they meet
The exact purpose of the meeting has not been officially confirmed Reports suggest Peter Mandelson recommended the introduction possibly for Epstein to discuss philanthropy economic ideas or to connect with influential figures
7 What is the significance of the meeting being at 10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street is the official office and residence of the British Prime Minister A meeting there implies a level of official recognition and access lending Epstein an air of legitimacy and credibility
8 What was Peter Mandelsons role in this
Documents indicate that Peter Mandelson was the one who suggested or facilitated the meeting acting as an intermediary between Blair and Epstein
9 Did Tony Blair know about Epsteins crimes at the time of the meeting
There is no public evidence to suggest that Blair or his team were aware of Epsteins criminal activities at the time of this meeting which occurred years before Epsteins first conviction in 2008
Implications and Aftermath
10 Why is this meeting a big deal now
The meeting has gained significant attention in light of the full extent of Epsteins crimes becoming public after his death It raises questions about the judgment of world leaders in associating with him
