Prime Minister in Sussex defending his position over Mandelson scandal

He had come to the town to discuss Hastings being given £22 million under the Government’s Pride in Place initiative but immediately addressed the growing clamour over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador.

Taking the lectern at Horntye Sports Centre, the Prime Minister said, referring to Jeffrey Epstein: "I want to say this to the victims. I am sorry, sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you.”

He began his address by saying: “I entered politics not for personal gain or status, but because I wanted to change the country for the better.”

He went on to talk about the cost of living crisis and the migration issue, commenting: “Migration is bound up with who we are. The failure of the migration system under the Tories was shocking and has led to grievance politics.

"Our reforms on migration are about taking control of our borders but also integration. Look at the success of Windrush. Those people came here because Britain needed them. There are people who think that whiteness is the same thing as Britishness. We should not turn a blind eye to racial hatred of any kind.”

Challenged over his appointment of Mandelson as US ambassador, the Prime Minister said: “We were led to believe that Mandelson barely knew Epstein. Had I known at the time what I know now. I would not have appointed him. That is why I have apologised.”

Asked about calls from MP’s for him to step down, he said: “I understand the anger and frustration of MP’s, I feel it myself. I was elected on a mandate and I intend to go on doing vital work for our country. I am angry and frustrated that the good work we do gets pushed to the side by this issue.”