A former victim of Jeffrey Epstein, Lisa Phillips, addressed the House of Commons on 4 June 2026, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer of ignoring survivor voices by appointing Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States. Phillips, who was trafficked by Epstein at 21, called for a full public inquiry into Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and anyone who enabled their criimes.

Lisa Phillips' Call for a Public Inquiry

Phillips told MPs that she had repeatedly asked to meet Sir Keir, but every request was dismissed.. she urged the government to set a timetable for a comprehensive inquiry, saying, “For survivors, this raises serious questions about whether the lessons of the Epstein scandal have truly been learned.” According to the report, her statement was read aloud by former victims minister Alex Davies‑Jones, highlighting the silence that followed.

Peter Mandelson’s Known Ties to Jeffrey Epstein

The controversy centers on Mandelson’s long‑publicized friendship with Epstein, documented in multiple media investigations. Despite those warnings, Starstarmer confirmed the appointment in early May, prompting Phillips to ask, “How could you appoint someone whose association with Epstein was publicly known?” The source notes that Mandelson’s links to the convicted sex‑offender have been cited in parliamentary debates since 2023.

Sir Keir’s February Apology and Its Limits

In February 2026, Starmer issued a general apology to Epstein’s survivors, saying, “I am sorry for what was done to you… for having believed Mandelson’s lies and appointed him.” Phillips dismissed the apology as hollow, stating, “Your apology means little without meaningful action.” The report records that the Prime Minister’s words were intended to acknowledge past failures, yet survivors feel no concrete steps have followed.

Disappearing Messages Controversy in Mandelson Files

Davies‑Jones also criticized the use of disappearing messages by senior ministers, including Starmer, when communicating with Mandelson. The practice, revealed in the “Mandelson files,” left gaps in the material released to parliament and raised questions about record‑keeping compliance. Downing Street confirmed that ministers follow Cabinet Office guidance but refused to detail how long the feature has been used.

Unanswered Request for Direct Meeting with the Prime Minister

After Phillips’ remarks, Chief Secretary Darren Jones offered to arrange a meeting,saying ministers were “determined to remember the harrowing suffering experienced by Epstein’s victims.” However, the report indicates no meeting has been scheduled, and Phillips remains waiting for a direct audience with Starmer. the lingering lack of engagement underscores the broader frustration among UK survivors who feel sidelined by political elites.