Failure to strip Mandelson of peerage would be ‘betrayal’, SNP warns

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 24, 2026

The Scottish National Party has demanded that the UK government revoke Lord Peter Mandelson's peerage amid ongoing police and EU investigations into his alleged misconduct involving Jeffrey Epstein. The SNP warns that failing to act would betray public trust and the victims, while the government has yet to introduce the promised legislation.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has urged the UK government to strip Lord Peter Mandelson of his peerage when Parliament reconvenes in September, warning that failure to do so would constitute a “betrayal of the public.” Lord Mandelson, a former Labour politician, is currently under investigation by both UK police and European Union anti-fraud authorities for alleged offences committed while in public office, including reportedly passing privileged information to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Lord Mandelson was dismissed from his role as the UK ambassador to the United States in September 2025 following the release of leaked emails. These communications reportedly included messages expressing support for Epstein at a time when the financier faced incarceration for sex offences.

The UK government had previously indicated intentions to introduce legislation to revoke Lord Mandelson’s peerage. In February, Darren Jones, chief secretary to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, told the House of Commons that such measures would be implemented “very, very shortly.” The plan was also featured in the King’s Speech outlining the government’s agenda in May. However, no legislation has been introduced to date, prompting criticism from the SNP.

SNP MP Seamus Logan, representing Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, called on new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to clarify his position on the issue when Parliament returns from its summer recess. Logan criticised the Labour Party for allowing Mandelson to retain his peerage amid the ongoing controversy, noting that he was permitted to retire from the House of Lords rather than face expulsion.

Logan also highlighted the £75,000 payment Lord Mandelson received from the Labour Party, which was funded by taxpayers. He said, “If Burnham fails to strip Mandelson of his honours it will be a betrayal of the public and a betrayal of the brave victims of Jeffrey Epstein who have been so badly failed by the Labour Party.”

The government has not yet responded to the latest calls to act on Lord Mandelson’s peerage as the investigation into his conduct continues.

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