Politics Weekly UK Could Trump’s visit be a useful distraction for Starmer?
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Sep 15, 2025 Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey delve into the political chaos surrounding Keir Starmer's handling of Peter Mandelson's Epstein ties. They explore whether Trump’s upcoming UK visit may provide a needed distraction for the beleaguered government. The duo also discusses the internal tensions within Starmer’s leadership and the scrutiny from fellow Labour MPs. With global issues like Ukraine and Gaza looming, they highlight the complex dynamics at play in British politics.
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State Visit As Double-Edged Distraction
- Donald Trump's state visit could distract attention from Keir Starmer's domestic troubles.
- But an unpredictable visit may amplify scrutiny, not reduce it.
How The Epstein Emails Surfaced
- Peter Mandelson's emails about Jeffrey Epstein emerged after The Sun and Bloomberg stories surfaced.
- Downing Street later said Starmer hadn't read the emails when he first defended Mandelson at PMQs.
Known Risk In Mandelson Appointment
- Key detail known at appointment was Mandelson's continued contact with Epstein after conviction.
- That prior knowledge made Downing Street's defence of him politically risky.