President Trump’s state visit to the UK likely to be overshadowed by the Mandelson Epstein Issues

16th September 2025

President Trump’s second state visit to the UK (September 17–18) is being billed as an unprecedented moment of pomp and diplomacy, hosted by King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. But the timing couldn’t be more delicate.

Lord Peter Mandelson, recently sacked as UK Ambassador to the US, is under intense scrutiny for resurfaced ties to Jeffrey Epstein—including a 2003 birthday note calling Epstein his “best pal”.

The scandal has reignited public interest in Epstein’s connections to both Trump and Prince Andrew, with activists staging protests near Windsor Castle and media outlets warning of a “tawdry backdrop”

King Charles reportedly called the Mandelson affair an “unwelcome distraction”.

Starmer’s government is facing a three-hour emergency debate over what the PM knew about Mandelson’s Epstein ties before appointing him.

Trump’s own past with Epstein—including party appearances and flights on Epstein’s jet—is being rehashed in the media, though no criminal wrongdoing has been proven.

The official agenda—focused on AI investment, trade (including Scotch whisky tariffs), and nuclear cooperation—is still expected to dominate formal proceedings.

However, the optics and press coverage will be shaped by the Epstein-linked controversies. Every handshake and photo op may be scrutinized through that lens5.

Public trust is fragile and the Mandelson affair has stirred bipartisan criticism, and Starmer’s handling of it could affect his standing both at home and abroad.

In short, while the visit will go ahead with full ceremonial flair, the Epstein scandal is casting a long and uncomfortable shadow. It’s not just a distraction. It’s a test of political resilience and media management in government circles.

How Voters Are Reacting
Labour is losing ground: Pollsters warn the party “has yet to hit rock bottom” in public opinion. Reform UK gained seats in three council by-elections last week, suggesting the scandal is energizing opposition voters1.

Starmer’s credibility is under fire. His initial defence of Lord Mandelson at PMQs, followed by a rapid sacking, has led to accusations of poor judgment and weak leadership1.

Backbench unrest: Some Labour MPs are openly warning that Starmer could be “gone by May” unless he regains control of the narrative.

Why This Scandal Resonates
Epstein’s notoriety makes any association politically toxic. Mandelson’s emails—calling Epstein his “best pal” and questioning his conviction—have shocked voters.

The scandal broke just days before President Trump’s state visit, amplifying media attention and drawing uncomfortable parallels.

Starmer also lost his deputy Angela Rayner to a tax scandal and his strategy chief Paul Ovenden to a separate controversy involving obscene messages. Voters may see a pattern of poor vetting and internal chaos.

Will It Shift the Elections
It’s too early to say definitively, but here’s the trajectory:

If Starmer fails to fully explain what he knew and when, the scandal could erode Labour’s lead.

If opposition parties especially Reform UK and the Conservatives keep the pressure on, they may sway undecided voters and disillusioned Labour supporters.

If Labour reframes the issue as a lesson learned and pivots to policy wins, it may contain the damage.

The Epstein affair is more than a headline. It’s a stress test for Starmer’s leadership. Voters are watching closely, and the next few weeks could determine whether this scandal becomes a footnote or a turning point.

How the Scandal Is Helping Corbyn’s Movement
The Epstein revelations surrounding Lord Mandelson—once a key figure in New Labour—have reignited public anger over establishment cronyism and elite impunity.

Corbyn’s party is positioning itself as a clean break from the political class, emphasizing transparency, ethics, and grassroots democracy.

The scandal has reopened old wounds between Labour’s centrist leadership and its socialist base.

Many former Labour members who felt alienated by Starmer’s leadership are now rejoining Corbyn’s movement, seeing it as a return to principled politics.

Outlets like The Canary and Novara Media have used the Mandelson affair to highlight Corbyn’s long-standing opposition to figures like Mandelson, whom he once called “the architect of sleaze”.

This coverage is helping Peace & Justice UK gain visibility beyond its core supporters.

If Labour continues to stumble, Corbyn’s party could become a spoiler force in key constituencies—splitting the progressive vote or forcing Labour to adopt more left-wing policies.

The Mandelson scandal is a gift to Corbyn’s new party—not just because it damages Labour, but because it reinforces the narrative that Peace & Justice UK stands apart from the political elite.

Note
The Peace and Justice Project is a UK-based political movement founded by Jeremy Corbyn in 2021, following his tenure as leader of the Labour Party. It’s not just a think tank or pressure group—it’s a grassroots initiative aimed at reshaping British politics around principles of social justice, peace, human rights, and environmental sustainability.

The movement’s core mission is to build a future that works “for the many, not the few”—a phrase familiar from Corbyn’s Labour campaigns. Its focus areas include:

Climate action and green jobs

Economic justice, including fair wages and wealth redistribution

International peace and cooperation

Refugee rights and anti-racism

Democratic reform and corporate accountability

While not a registered political party (yet), Peace & Justice UK is increasingly seen as a launchpad for Corbyn’s post-Labour political future. It’s gaining traction among disillusioned Labour voters, especially those frustrated with Keir Starmer’s centrist leadership.

In recent months, the movement has:

Held rallies in university towns and former Labour strongholds

Supported independent candidates aligned with its values

Built alliances with trade unions and social justice groups

In essence, the Peace and Justice Project is Corbyn’s attempt to reignite the progressive flame in UK politics—outside the constraints of the Labour Party. It’s part movement, part platform, and part provocation to the political establishment.