Police Urge Ministers to Withhold Messages Amid Mandelson Investigation
Scotland Yard has issued a stern warning to government ministers, advising them against following the example set by Health Secretary Wes Streeting in publishing private communications with Lord Peter Mandelson. This caution comes as detectives actively assess material related to an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct in public office by the peer, who stands accused of sharing confidential government documents with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Metropolitan Police Emphasize Due Process
In a clear statement released on Tuesday, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson stressed the critical importance of maintaining due process to avoid compromising their criminal investigation and any potential prosecution. The spokesperson elaborated, stating that the force is currently reviewing material provided by the Cabinet Office to determine whether publication could detrimentally impact their enquiries.
The police emphasized their commitment to a thorough and timely process, working alongside the Cabinet Office over the coming weeks to examine relevant documents. However, they clarified that the ultimate decision regarding which documents should be published remains a matter for government and parliament, respecting the legislative body's role in promoting transparency.
Streeting's Controversial Disclosure
The warning follows a bombshell move by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who publicly released his private WhatsApp messages with Lord Mandelson in an effort to counter what he described as "smear and innuendo" regarding their relationship. In an interview with Sky News, Streeting asserted he had "nothing to hide," while in a Guardian article, he clarified that the pair were not close friends but refused to disavow their association entirely.
The disclosed messages revealed candid admissions from Streeting, including fears about his electoral prospects, criticisms of the government's growth strategy, and strong remarks about Israel's actions. This unprecedented disclosure has ignited a political firestorm, prompting the Cabinet Office to formally advise government members against releasing material that might fall under a parliamentary motion passed the previous week.
Downing Street and Parliamentary Response
When questioned about the publication of these messages, Downing Street reiterated the government's position of full cooperation with the Metropolitan Police investigation. A Prime Ministerial spokesperson stated that authorities would be guided by the Met's advice and respect the integrity of their probe, though they stopped short of suggesting Streeting's actions had jeopardized the investigation.
Meanwhile, control over which files can be released to the public has been transferred to Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee following Labour's opposition to initial government attempts to include exemptions protecting international relations. Committee chairman Lord Beamish assured that the ISC would not undertake any action that might undermine the police investigation.
Background of the Allegations
The investigation centers on serious allegations that Lord Mandelson, during his tenure as Business Secretary following the 2008 financial crisis, passed market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. These accusations form part of a broader, potentially complex investigation linked to the Epstein files, with police emphasizing their focus on ensuring justice is served in this and related cases.
The unfolding situation highlights the delicate balance between parliamentary transparency and the integrity of criminal investigations, setting a significant precedent for how sensitive communications involving high-profile figures are handled during official probes.
