Prime Minister Vows Transparency as Parliament Assumes Control Over Mandelson Document Release
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasised the Government's commitment to ensuring "urgency and transparency" in the handling of documents related to Lord Mandelson's ambassadorial appointment. This comes as control over which files can be released to the public has been transferred to Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), following significant political pressure.
Substantial Volume of Material Under Review
Sir Keir has warned that a "very significant volume of material" will likely require thorough examination. The documents in question pertain to the peer's appointment and his connections with convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. Downing Street has agreed to release all relevant documents, including potentially embarrassing communications between ministers and senior officials, in response to a Conservative-led Commons motion.
The decision to cede authority to the ISC came after Labour backlash against initial attempts by Number 10 to include possible exemptions to protect international relations. It is understood that the collection includes tens of thousands of emails, messages, and documents, meaning publication may be a protracted process as the committee assesses items the Government wishes to withhold for national security reasons.
Police Investigation Complicates Document Release
Scotland Yard has requested that certain documents be withheld, arguing that their release could undermine an ongoing criminal investigation. The probe focuses on allegations that Lord Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to Epstein during his tenure as business secretary following the 2008 financial crisis.
In a letter to ISC chairman Lord Beamish, 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."
The Prime Minister added: "Above all else, the Government wishes to engage constructively with the ISC, and to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency it deserves."
Police Conduct Searches as Political Pressure Mounts
Metropolitan Police officers conducted searches at two properties linked to Lord Mandelson on Friday afternoon—one in the Wiltshire area and another near Regent's Park in central London. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart confirmed the searches were part of an investigation into misconduct in public office offences involving a 72-year-old man, who has not been arrested.
Meanwhile, pressure continues to build within Labour ranks for Sir Keir to dismiss his most senior adviser, Morgan McSweeney, whom many MPs blame for the decision to appoint Lord Mandelson. In a recent speech, the Prime Minister accused the peer of lying about his relationship with Epstein during vetting and apologised to Epstein's victims for believing these "lies".
Dozens of MPs, including 22 from Labour, have backed calls for a full public inquiry into links between Epstein and figures in the British establishment. However, most MPs have stopped short of demanding Sir Keir's resignation, instead expressing support for him while urging changes to his backroom staff.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman has confirmed that Sir Keir retains "full confidence" in Mr McSweeney. As the ISC begins its meticulous review, the sensitive nature of the documents suggests they may be released piecemeal rather than in a single large tranche, ensuring careful scrutiny at every stage.
