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BBC has confirmed Sir Tony Blair met Jeffrey Epstein in Downing Street in May 2002 after lobbying by Lord Peter Mandelson, according to documents released by the National Archives under a Freedom of Information request. A restricted memo by senior civil servant Matthew Rycroft briefed Blair ahead of a 5pm meeting, describing Epstein as a financial adviser to the super-rich and a friend of Bill Clinton and Mandelson. Emails show Mandelson called Epstein "safe." Blair’s spokesperson said the meeting lasted under 30 minutes, focused on US and UK politics, and there was no subsequent contact.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.