Peter Mandelson ordered to testify in US investigation into Jeffrey Epstein links

The representatives asked Lord Mandelson to respond by Feb 27, citing the “urgency and gravity” of their investigation and the need to “uncover the identities of Epstein’s co-conspirators and enablers, and understand the full extent of his criminal operations”.

Members of Congress say “numerous pieces of evidence have come to light” demonstrating Lord Mandelson’s “close ties to Jeffrey Epstein over the span of multiple years”.

They believe the former business secretary may hold “critical information” on Epstein’s co-conspirators and enablers.

Suhas Subramanyam and Robert Garcia, two members of the House of Representatives, have written to the former US ambassador, asking him to answer questions from the House's Oversight Committee, as part of ongoing investigations into Epstein.

They wrote: "While you no longer serve as British ambassador to the United States and have stepped down from the House of Lords, it is clear that you possessed extensive social and business ties to Jeffrey Epstein and hold critical information pertaining to our investigation of Epstein's operations.

"Given the appalling allegations regarding Epstein's conduct, we request that you make yourself available for a transcribed interview with Committee staff regarding the crimes of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators".

Congress has no legal power to compel Mandelson to appear before it under oath, as he is a foreigner living overseas.

It is unclear whether he will accept the invitation.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was summoned in November to give evidence about his relationship with Epstein, but failed to respond to the request.

Lord Mandelson has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, claiming he was kept in the dark about Epstein’s abuse of young girls.

“During all the time I was an associate of his, I never saw the wrongdoing. I never saw any evidence of criminal activity,” he claimed.

“I never sought, nor did he offer any introductions to women in the way that he allegedly did for others. Perhaps it’s because I’m a gay man.”

The scandal represents a stunning fall from grace for the former Labour grandee, who has served three prime ministers.

Lord Mandelson came to the attention of US politicians after three million documents the US government held on Epstein were published on Jan 30.

Among documents were emails that showed Lord Mandelson repeatedly leaked confidential government information to Epstein while serving in Gordon Brown’s Cabinet as business secretary.

The Metropolitan Police is currently investigating claims that the peer passed sensitive government information to the paedophile.

Sir Keir Starmer is also facing questions over his leadership following his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador.

Sir Keir has claimed that he was not aware of the “depth” of his relationship with Epstein prior to the appointment.