Wes Streeting Confronts Westminster's Moral Failure in Mandelson Scandal
In a candid reflection on the recent controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson's appointment as British ambassador to the United States, Labour's Wes Streeting has issued a stark warning about the deeper cultural issues plaguing Westminster. Speaking out against the backdrop of the Labour party conference in Liverpool, Streeting emphasised that the scandal is not merely a procedural failure but a profound moral lapse that demands urgent attention.
The Limits of Vetting and the Need for Cultural Change
Streeting argued that while calls for improved vetting procedures and legal reforms are valid, they alone cannot address the root cause of the problem. The real issue, he contends, lies in a political culture that has long insulated powerful, well-connected men from the consequences of their actions, particularly towards women and girls. He pointed out that Mandelson's known association with convicted sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein did not sufficiently weigh on decision-makers, highlighting a disturbing tolerance within the system.
"This is more than a story about the flaws of individuals and the flaws of a system," Streeting wrote. "This is about culture and moral character. About how, for too long, proximity to power insulated powerful, wealthy and well-connected men from the consequences of their appalling behaviour towards women and girls."
Personal Reflections and a Call for Accountability
Addressing widespread speculation about his relationship with Mandelson, Streeting clarified that he was not a close friend but acknowledged their occasional interactions. He revealed that they dined together about once a year in group settings, and Mandelson offered advice. Streeting also noted that his partner worked for Mandelson 25 years ago, which led to a familiarity beyond typical political circles.
Despite not being involved in the appointment, Streeting admitted that, like many in Westminster, he initially viewed it as a strategic move to bolster relations with a key ally. He now recognises this as a failure of moral seriousness, where practical considerations overshadowed ethical concerns. To counter smears, he has decided to publish his messages with Mandelson, showing that his main worry was about colleagues' positions regarding Israel and Palestine recognition.
The Critical Role of Diversity and Women's Voices
Streeting stressed that the absence of women in decision-making rooms is not incidental but central to the problem. He cited examples from Parliament, where female MPs like Jess Phillips and Polly Billington have repeatedly highlighted issues of sexism and misogyny, often to the point of exhaustion. "If women such as Jess Phillips had been in that room when the decision was taken, Mandelson would never have been sent to Washington," he asserted.
He linked this to broader societal issues, sharing experiences from the NHS, where he has witnessed women's voices being ignored, even in healthcare settings founded on equality principles. "Diversity brings different perspectives to every place where power resides," Streeting explained. "Who is in the room shapes what is said out loud, what is noticed, what is deemed to count, and what is silently laid aside."
A Warning Against Moral Indifference
Drawing on George Orwell's insights, Streeting warned that a belief in righteous causes can sometimes lead to moral blindness. He urged the Labour party and political institutions to confront these ethical questions head-on, rather than relying solely on procedural fixes. "The rules we live by cannot substitute for behaviour," he stated. "There is no vetting good enough, no rules tight enough, no system of accountability strong enough if we do not understand this."
In conclusion, Streeting called for courage in speaking out and a commitment to real change, emphasising that some forms of power are not worth the moral cost. This scandal, he insists, must serve as a catalyst for transforming the culture of sexism and misogyny in public life, ensuring that such failures are not repeated.
