LONDON, Feb. 10 -- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday insisted he would not resign despite growing pressure over the government's handling of a scandal linked to Jeffrey Epstein, after a senior ally publicly called on him to step down.

Speaking to Labour MPs at a closed-door meeting, Starmer said he would not "walk away" from his mandate, arguing that after fighting hard to gain power, he remained committed to his responsibilities as prime minister. He was greeted with applause as he struck a defiant tone, saying he had "won every fight" he had ever been in.

Read More: Starmer fights for survival after Epstein fallout

The remarks came hours after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar urged Starmer to quit, criticising his decision t...