Overview

• A May 14, 2002 briefing by senior civil servant Sir Matthew Rycroft told Blair that Jeffrey Epstein was scheduled to see him at 5pm.
• Emails show Peter Mandelson urged the introduction, calling Epstein a friend and describing him as “safe,” while citing Bill Clinton’s wish to connect them.
• Blair’s office says the discussion lasted less than 30 minutes, focused on US–UK politics, and that there was no further contact.
• The memo and related correspondence were released by the National Archives following a Freedom of Information request, updating the public record.
• Mandelson’s role faces renewed scrutiny after his September removal as UK ambassador to the US, with some reports alleging officials previously held back the documents.