Speaker Hoyle Confirms Passing Information to Police About Lord Mandelson
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has publicly stated that he passed information to the Metropolitan Police concerning Lord Peter Mandelson, following the peer's arrest this week on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Lord Mandelson, a former Labour minister and business secretary, was arrested on Monday and later released on bail until May, amid allegations he passed sensitive information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his time in government.
Speaker's Statement to the Commons
In a statement to the House of Commons on Wednesday, Sir Lindsay addressed media reports about the arrest, aiming to prevent inaccurate speculation. He said, "Members will be aware of comments in the media regarding the arrest of Lord Mandelson. To prevent any inaccurate speculation I'd like to confirm that, upon receipt of information, I felt it was relevant I pass this on to the Metropolitan Police in good faith, as is my duty and responsibility." He added that it was regrettable the matter had quickly become public and cautioned members against further comment due to the live investigation.
Background of the Information and Arrest
The Speaker is understood to have received the information during a visit to the British Virgin Islands between February 16 and 20, while Parliament was in recess. According to reports, this information suggested Lord Mandelson was a possible flight risk, which led to his arrest despite an agreement to speak to police voluntarily. However, Lord Mandelson's lawyers have strongly denied this, calling it a "baseless suggestion" and stating there is no truth to claims he planned to leave the country. They have requested evidence from the Metropolitan Police to justify the arrest and emphasized Mandelson's cooperation with the investigation.
Allegations and Related Cases
Emails from 2009, released as part of the so-called Epstein files, appear to show Lord Mandelson passed on policy assessments, including an "asset sales plan", and discussed a tax on bankers' bonuses and a euro bailout package to Epstein after he became a convicted sex offender. This arrest follows that of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor last week, also on suspicion of misconduct in public office for allegedly sharing sensitive information with Epstein during his tenure as a UK trade envoy. MPs have backed the release of files related to Andrew's appointment, though the Government has warned publication may be delayed until police inquiries are satisfied.
Police and Political Reactions
The Metropolitan Police declined to comment beyond their initial statement, which confirmed a 72-year-old man was arrested and released on bail. In related developments, a minister under Sir Keir Starmer criticized Andrew in the Commons, describing him as a "rude, arrogant and entitled man" engaged in self-enrichment. Andrew has denied wrongdoing over his Epstein links but has not directly addressed the latest allegations. Police have completed searches at his former home, Royal Lodge, after he spent 11 hours in custody.
