Why the Mandelson files mean more trouble for Keir Starmer
This Is Why
Sky News
4.0 • 552 Ratings
🗓️ 11 March 2026
⏱️ 22 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
The first batch of the Mandelson files have finally been released – but even though there’s still more to come, there are already serious questions for the prime minister.
What was the vetting process before Mandelson’s appointment as the UK’s ambassador to the United States?
How much was known about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein? And could more have been done to prevent a five-figure payout following his downfall?
Niall is joined by Sky’s political correspondent Rob Powell, who has been going through the files.
Peter Mandelson has always denied any criminal wrongdoing.
Have you got a question for Niall? Email the show - why@sky.uk
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Sky News, the full story first. |
| 0:09.0 | The Mendelton files are out, secure storm or should be worried. |
| 0:15.0 | And this is why. |
| 0:41.8 | When an offender is released, the probation service keeps them on track, so they can find a place to live, which gives them the stability to say no to old habits, making them more likely to attend their supervision meetings. And all of that ripples out to make the community a better place to live. Search probation service jobs to find out |
| 0:48.7 | more. An extraordinary job done by someone like you. It took me less than 30 seconds to request my repeat description on the NHS app. |
| 0:57.7 | That's quicker than making this brew. |
| 0:59.5 | And I save time by not ringing the GP practice. |
| 1:02.3 | When? |
| 1:02.9 | Plus with notifications turned on, I know as soon as I get a new message. |
| 1:06.9 | Big win. |
| 1:07.7 | So there's more time for this tea break. |
| 1:11.7 | So did you go to that restaurant? |
| 1:13.6 | We're delivering an NHS fit for the future. |
| 1:16.6 | Request repeat prescriptions and turn on notifications to never miss a message. |
| 1:21.6 | Tap the NHS app. |
| 1:24.8 | Lord Mandelson, sir, did you tell Kirste everything about the nature of your relationship with Geoffrey Epstein? |
| 1:32.7 | Hi, everyone, Neil here, a very big breaking news day on This Is Why. |
| 1:37.2 | And as everyone in Westminster dives head first into the Mandelson files, we're going to try and give you a flavour of what's emerging. |
| 1:48.8 | A couple of hours after a session of PMQs in which, guess what, nobody mentioned the Epstein in the room, the data was dumped. |
| 1:50.8 | The documents specifically relate to the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the |
| 1:56.5 | United States and the discussions that subsequently led to his dismissal. |
| 2:00.8 | Darren Jones filling a big Keir-starmer-shaped hole in the Commons there, the Prime Minister |
... |
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