The Metropolitan Police has issued a formal request to the Government, urging officials not to release specific documents concerning Lord Peter Mandelson's controversial appointment as ambassador to the United States. Police authorities have stated that publishing these particular files at this time would actively "undermine" their ongoing investigation into the disgraced peer.
Prime Minister's Previous Commitment to Transparency
This intervention comes despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer having previously agreed in principle to release papers related to the high-profile diplomatic appointment. The Prime Minister had stipulated that such disclosure would proceed only if it did not prejudice national security or damage international relations. However, the police have now introduced a further consideration regarding the potential impact on their investigative work.
Starmer's Admission Regarding Epstein Links
Sir Keir Starmer has publicly acknowledged that he was aware of Lord Mandelson's friendship with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein when he appointed him to the prestigious Washington role. The Prime Minister claimed that Mandelson had "lied repeatedly" about the true extent and nature of this controversial relationship, raising significant questions about the vetting process for such sensitive diplomatic positions.
Police Statement on Evidence Preservation
In a detailed statement released on Wednesday evening, Met Police Commander Ella Marriott emphasised the critical importance of evidence preservation in any investigation. "As with any investigation, securing and preserving any potential evidence is vital," Commander Marriott stated. "For this reason, when approached by the UK Government today with their intent to publish material, we reviewed it immediately and advised that the release of specific documents could undermine our current investigation."
The police commander further explained: "We therefore asked them not to release certain documents at this time. Going forward as material is made available to us, and if we identify further documents that we believe could prejudice our investigation, we will continue to ask the Government to pause their release until such time as the risk of prejudice no longer exists."
Integrity of Investigation Paramount
Commander Marriott stressed that maintaining the integrity of the police investigation remains the highest priority, stating unequivocally: "The integrity of our investigation is paramount to securing justice." She expressed gratitude for governmental cooperation while confirming that the investigation remains active, noting: "We are grateful for their co-operation. We continue to assess all relevant information brought to our attention as part of this investigation."
This development creates a complex situation for the Government, balancing commitments to transparency with operational requirements of law enforcement. The requested document withholding represents a significant intervention by police authorities into governmental disclosure processes, highlighting the sensitive nature of investigations involving high-profile political appointments and historical associations with controversial figures.
