Great Britain Government crisis in London: Prime Minister Starmer buys time
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has been badly hit by the Epstein scandal, continues to resist calls for his resignation despite the recent political turmoil.
10.02.2026, 02:53
SDA
In a non-public address to the Labour parliamentary group in the House of Commons, Starmer showed his combative side, as British media reported, citing participants. "I have won every fight", Starmer is said to have shouted to the MPs. He received a lot of applause for this.
Alongside opposition politicians, the leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Anas Sarwar, had also previously called on his party colleague Starmer to resign. The current crisis was triggered by the prime minister's decision to appoint veteran politician Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the USA just over a year ago, despite his close ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who had long since died. The pressure has increased over the past few days, with several of Starmer's confidants resigning in quick succession.
Charles wants to support any investigations against Andrew
The US multimillionaire Epstein, who died in prison in 2019, had run an abuse ring for years, to which dozens of young women and girls fell victim. At the same time, he maintained close contacts with the highest circles in politics, business and academia. The recently published Epstein files revealed how closely linked Mandelson was to the sex offender. The police are also investigating the disclosure of confidential government information that Mandelson is said to have leaked to his friend.
The Epstein case is also becoming an increasing burden for the British royals due to the once close relationship between the New York financier and the now disgraced ex-Prince Andrew. After the Epstein files brought new allegations against Andrew to light, King Charles III announced in a statement from the palace that he would support the police in any investigations into his brother.
Andrew could face an even deeper fall
Similar to Mandelson, Andrew's case also involves confidential information that is said to have been passed on to the US investor Epstein. If a criminal investigation does indeed take place, the ex-prince, who has already lost all his titles and offices due to his association with Epstein, could fall even further. He himself did not initially respond to the allegations.
Prince William, who arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday for a visit lasting several days, spoke out instead. The heir to the throne has to walk a tightrope there: On the one hand, the UK is seeking closer economic relations with the kingdom on the Persian Gulf. On the other hand, the authoritarian country is considered a difficult partner due to systematic human rights violations.
"I can confirm that the Prince and Princess are deeply concerned about the ongoing revelations," a spokesperson for William and his wife, Princess Kate, told the accompanying press about the Epstein scandal. Their thoughts remain with the victims.
Starmer has already lost his most important advisor
For Starmer, the government crisis is far from over. Last week, under pressure from opposition politicians and from within his own party, the Prime Minister announced that he would publish the documents and correspondence relating to the selection process prior to Mandelson's appointment as ambassador. It is unclear exactly when and to what extent this will happen. However, it is expected that further inconvenient details will come to light.
In addition, the head of government has lost his most important string-puller with the recent resignation of his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney. It is even more uncertain whether he will be able to salvage his already rather hapless term of office and turn his fortunes around without his close advisor at his side.
There is no replacement solution
There has been speculation for months that the Labor parliamentary group could chase Starmer out of office. There are also fears within the party that Labour is heading for heavy defeats in the regional elections in Scotland and Wales and the local elections in England in May. By then at the latest, many expect a motion of no confidence in the parliamentary group. The biggest stumbling block for Starmer's opponents within the party has so far been the lack of a suitable challenger.
