In a powerful indictment, the family of Virginia Giuffre has accused the UK government of enabling a culture of impunity by appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. Their charge that powerful people are allowed to hold status “without shame” cuts to the heart of the political scandal.
Amanda Roberts, speaking on behalf of the family, suggested that Mandelson’s appointment was symptomatic of a broader problem within government. By selecting him despite his known ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the administration, in her view, signaled that such associations were not a barrier to holding one of the highest offices in public service.
This accusation directly challenges the government’s pragmatic defense. While ministers talk of “singular talents” and “worthwhile risks,” the Giuffre family frames the issue in starkly moral terms: as a failure to uphold basic standards of decency and a disregard for the victims of Epstein’s crimes.
Their intervention has been pivotal in shaping public perception of the scandal. It has elevated the story from a Westminster political drama to a debate about the ethical responsibilities of those in power. The charge of enabling a culture of impunity is a deeply damaging one that will be difficult for the government to shake.