Peter Mandelson's lawyers criticize his arrest by the British police, claiming it was based on an "unfounded" accusation regarding his intention to leave the country.

Peter Mandelson, former British ambassador to the USA, was arrested by the metropolitan police on suspicion of abuse of office, following a suggestion that he intended to leave the United Kingdom

His lawyers claim that the arrest was unjustified, considering that Mandelson had agreed to appear for questioning next month. They emphasize that there is no evidence to support the claim that he was planning to settle abroad.

The lawyers have requested the police for the evidence that led to the arrest, stating that Mandelson's priority is to cooperate with the investigation and to prove his innocence.

Mandelson was released on bail Tuesday morning, after the arrest.

In September 2025, he was dismissed from his position as ambassador following information related to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein.