UK's former US envoy apologises to Epstein's victims but not for his ties

Peter Mandelson apologised to Jeffrey Epstein's victims for a system that failed them, but he declined to apologise for his own association; he was dismissed as ambassador in September and the government has named Christian Turner as his successor.

Peter Mandelson, Britain's former ambassador to the United States, apologised to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein on Sunday but did not apologise for his personal ties to Epstein. He was dismissed from the ambassadorial role in September after emails emerged showing a closer relationship than had been publicly acknowledged. In a BBC interview he said he would only apologise for his own links if he had known about or been complicit in Epstein's actions and stated he was not culpable or knowledgeable. Key points: - Mandelson apologised to the victims for a system that refused to hear their voices and did not protect them, as he said in the BBC interview. - He declined to apologise for his personal association with Epstein, saying he believed Epstein's explanations and denied culpability. - Mandelson was dismissed in September after emails revealed a closer relationship with Epstein than had been known at the time of his appointment. - The government has named Christian Turner as the next ambassador to the United States. Summary: Mandelson separated an apology for how victims were treated from any admission of personal wrongdoing. His dismissal removed him from the diplomatic post and a successor has been named. Undetermined at this time.