Prime Minister Transfers Mandelson Files Authority to Parliamentary Committee
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has formally ceded control over which documents relating to Lord Mandelson's controversial appointment as British ambassador to the United States can be released to the public. This significant move comes in response to mounting political pressure and a Conservative-led Commons motion demanding full transparency. The authority now rests with Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), marking a substantial shift in how sensitive government material will be handled.
Substantial Volume of Material Requires Extensive Review
Sir Keir has explicitly warned that a "very significant volume of material" will likely require thorough examination in connection with Lord Mandelson's diplomatic appointment. The Prime Minister emphasized that his government remains committed to ensuring both "urgency and transparency" throughout this process. This development follows intense scrutiny regarding what was known about the peer's relationship with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein when he was selected for the prestigious diplomatic posting.
Downing Street has agreed to release all documents pertaining to the appointment, including potentially embarrassing communications between ministers and senior officials. This decision represents a notable concession after initial attempts by Number Ten to include possible exemptions to protect international relations faced substantial backlash from Labour members of parliament.
Police Investigations and National Security Considerations
Metropolitan Police officers conducted searches at two properties connected to Lord Mandelson on Friday evening as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct in a public office. Officers were observed leaving his address near Regent's Park in London carrying multiple boxes of evidence. Scotland Yard has formally requested that certain documents be withheld from public release, expressing concerns that premature disclosure could jeopardize their criminal investigation.
The police probe focuses on accusations that Lord Mandelson improperly passed market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as business secretary following the 2008 financial crisis. Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart confirmed that searches occurred at locations in both the Wiltshire and Camden areas, relating to a 72-year-old man who has not been arrested.
Complex Document Review Process Underway
The sheer volume of emails, messages, and documents requiring examination is understood to run into the high tens of thousands, suggesting that publication will likely occur gradually rather than in a single comprehensive release. The Intelligence and Security Committee must still assess any items the government wishes to withhold for legitimate national security reasons, adding another layer of complexity to the review process.
In a letter to committee chairman Lord Beamish published on Friday, Sir Keir stated: "I have asked the Cabinet Secretary to work with you and your committee to agree the detail of how material that may be prejudicial to the UK's national security and international relations is shared and reviewed, having regard to the requirements of the Metropolitan Police investigation."
Political Fallout and Internal Labour Pressure
Pressure continues to mount within Labour ranks for Sir Keir to dismiss his most senior adviser, Morgan McSweeney, whom many Labour MPs blame for the decision to appoint Lord Mandelson. During a speech on Thursday, the Prime Minister accused the peer of lying about his relationship with Epstein during the vetting process for what is considered Britain's most prestigious diplomatic posting abroad.
Sir Keir stated that "none of us knew the depth of the darkness" of the association between the two men when the peer was appointed and offered apologies to Epstein's victims for believing what he characterized as Lord Mandelson's "lies." Dozens of MPs, including twenty-two from Labour, have backed a call from Labour left-winger Nadia Whittome for a full public inquiry into links between Epstein and figures within the British establishment.
Documentary Evidence and Ongoing Developments
Emails from 2009 released as part of the publication of the so-called Epstein files appear to show Lord Mandelson sharing an assessment by Gordon Brown's adviser of potential policy measures, including an "asset sales plan." Additional communications suggest he discussed a tax on bankers' bonuses and confirmed an imminent bailout package for the euro the day before its official announcement in 2010.
Lord Mandelson has not yet spoken publicly about these allegations, though the BBC has reported that he maintains he did not act criminally and that his actions were not for personal gain. The UK Government has stated it "stands ready to provide whatever support and assistance the police need" regarding their ongoing investigation.
While most MPs have declined to call for the Prime Minister's resignation, emphasizing their continued support for Sir Keir, many have urged significant changes to backroom staff. The Prime Minister's official spokesman has confirmed that Sir Keir retains "full confidence" in Mr. McSweeney despite the growing political pressure.
