Scott Detrow

In contrast to American politics, the release of the Epstein files has had real consequences in the U.K.

We'll dig into why.

From NPR, I'm Scott Detrow.

It's Consider This from NPR.

Revelations in the Epstein files had already made Prince Andrew the former Prince Andrew.

This week, his brother King Charles expressed his profound concern over allegations about Andrew and said the palace was ready to, quote, support any police investigation into the matter.

The latest batch of documents has also forced one-time ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson, to resign from Britain's House of Lords and from the Labour Party.

The fallout is threatening Britain's ruling government.

So what is going on here?

And why, at first glance, are the revelations leading to more consequences in the UK than the US?

I took these questions to Edward Luce.

He's the chief U.S.

commentator for the Financial Times.

Let's start with that former British ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson.

Remind us what his role in politics and within the Labour Party was before these revelations.

On the topic of questionable ethics, there's a few things that really jumped out and made headlines in this latest trove of files.

What specifically led to his ouster from the House of Lords and this kind of escalating pressure on Starmer's government?

And how does that tie to Keir Starmer, who it's fair to say was under tremendous pressure already, low in the public opinion polls?

Is it fair to say his government was already kind of teetering on the edge before this?

How quickly do you think that would come?