Political opinion with Alison Bennett MP: Epstein, power and the choices our leaders make

The news has been dominated by the publication of the Epstein files. The details have been deeply unpleasant, but they raise serious questions that cannot simply be brushed aside. At their heart is a reminder that justice depends on listening to those who speak out, even when doing so is uncomfortable.

Too often, victims are asked to wait, to prove themselves, or to stay silent in the face of powerful interests. That is a hard thing to ask of anyone. The fact that Virginia Giuffre is not alive to see her testimony vindicated is a tragedy, and it should give us pause. Whatever our politics, most of us agree that victims deserve to be heard and treated with dignity.

In British politics, attention has turned to the Prime Minister and those around him. As I write, it has been reported that Morgan McSweeney, Keir Starmer’s Chief of Staff, has resigned. Ultimately, however, responsibility rests with the elected politician, not the adviser.

So, what of Sir Keir Starmer himself? I have never been a supporter of his politics, but I do not doubt that he sees himself as a decent man trying to do the right thing. Last Thursday, I listened to one of his speeches on the radio. The tone was serious and moral, and one phrase in particular stood out: “We will not shrug our shoulders.”

Those are strong words. But they sit uneasily alongside a decision he had already made. When choosing a new British Ambassador to the United States, Sir Keir faced a difficult situation. The election of Donald Trump was not what Labour would have wanted, and relations with Washington matter enormously. In that context, Peter Mandelson was viewed as the person most likely to be able work his charms with the White House.

Yet Sir Keir knew that Peter Mandelson had maintained a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein even after Epstein’s conviction. Appointing him anyway was a choice, and choices reveal priorities.

It is easy to speak well after the event. It is harder to act with principle when the pressure is on. That is the test of leadership, and it is one we should expect our leaders to pass.