The family of Virginia Giuffre has praised Britain for “treating the Epstein files with the urgency they demand” following the arrest of Lord Mandelson on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The former Labour minister was freed on bail in the early hours of Tuesday morning after being detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the Metropolitan Police confirmed shortly after 2am.
Lord Mandelson faces allegations that he shared sensitive information with the paedophile financier whilst serving as Business Secretary.
Officers escorted the 72-year-old from his residence on Monday, with footage capturing a plain clothes detective leading him away before he was transported to a London police station for questioning.
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Sky Roberts and Amanda Roberts, Ms Giuffre's brother and sister-in-law, issued a statement through the BBC and other media outlets expressing their support.
"As Virginia Roberts Giuffre's family, we commend the British authorities for taking meaningful action and treating the Epstein files with the urgency they demand," they said.
The family acknowledged that whilst the arrests do not relate directly to the underlying exploitation, they represent "a crucial step toward truth and accountability".
They drew a stark comparison with American authorities, saying: "The contrast with the continued inaction in the United States is undeniable.
The family of Virginia Giuffre has praised Britain for 'treating the Epstein files with the urgency they demand'
| REUTERS"Survivors deserve transparency, swift investigation, and real justice, no matter who is implicated."
Lord Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein as late as 2016, with email correspondence suggesting he cautioned the financier against associating with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor amid sexual abuse allegations involving Ms Giuffre.
Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Bank records contained within the released documents indicated Epstein transferred approximately $75,000 to Lord Mandelson between 2003 and 2004, though the peer has stated he has "no recollection" of receiving such payments.
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Lord Mandelson faces allegations that he shared sensitive information with the paedophile financier
| PAThe disgraced financier also allegedly funded an osteopathy course for Lord Mandelson's husband, Reinaldo Avila Da Silva, in 2009.
Lord Mandelson's arrest came just days after Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
The former prince subsequently released under investigation.
Sir Keir Starmer will preside over Cabinet on Tuesday in the wake of the ex-US ambassador's arrest.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last week in connection with allegations of misconduct in public office | GETTY
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats are pressing for the release of documents relating to Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a trade envoy.
The disgraced former Duke of York has been accused of passing sensitive information to Epstein while serving in the role.
Although stripped of his royal title last year, Andrew remains eighth in the line of succession.
Removing him from the line of succession would require fresh legislation passed by Parliament.
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