MPs Force Publication of Mandelson Ambassador Files Amid Police Investigation
Sir Keir Starmer has been compelled to release files concerning Peter Mandelson's appointment as the UK's ambassador to the United States, following a binding parliamentary motion passed by MPs. This development comes as the Metropolitan Police conducts an investigation into Lord Mandelson's conduct, particularly his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Parliamentary Pressure and Government Concessions
The Conservative Party utilised an obscure procedural tool known as a "humble address" to mandate the publication of these documents. This move was driven by widespread outrage over revelations regarding the extent of Lord Mandelson's association with Epstein. Initially, the government signalled its intention to publish most documents after Labour MPs indicated they would not oppose the Tory motion. However, No 10 attempted to amend the motion to withhold papers deemed prejudicial to national security or international relations.
This effort sparked fury among Labour MPs, with the Tory leader accusing the government of attempting to conceal documents from parliament and the public. A six-hour debate on Wednesday featured strong interventions from senior Labour figures Angela Rayner and Dame Meg Hillier, leading to intense negotiations between the government, opposition, and backbenchers.
Last-Minute Amendment and Political Fallout
In a last-minute compromise, the government tabled a new amendment. This amendment stipulates that documents related to national security and international relations will be handed over to the independent Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), which will determine their subsequent handling. This adjustment proved sufficient to placate MPs across the political spectrum, resulting in the amendment and the binding Conservative motion passing the Commons without a formal vote.
Nevertheless, this episode places Sir Keir Starmer in what is arguably the most precarious position of his premiership to date. A Downing Street spokesperson stated that Lord Mandelson "lied to the prime minister, hid information that has since come to light and presented Jeffrey Epstein as someone he barely knew." The government pledged to comply with the parliamentary motion to publish the demanded documents.
Police Investigation Delays Publication
Despite the parliamentary mandate, the timeline for releasing the documents remains uncertain due to an ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation. The police have advised the government that publishing specific documents at this time could potentially compromise their current inquiry into Lord Mandelson for alleged misconduct in public office. No 10 insists it aims to release the documents as soon as possible, asserting they will corroborate Sir Keir's claims that Lord Mandelson repeatedly lied about his relationship with Epstein.
Starmer's Regret and Mandelson's Response
Addressing the House of Commons, the Prime Minister expressed regret over the appointment, stating a due diligence process had been followed but the full depth of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was not known. "He lied about that to everyone for years," Sir Keir said, adding, "I regret appointing him. If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near government."
Lord Mandelson has apologised for his past association with Epstein, calling it a mistake and expressing regret over "a handful of misguided historical emails." He has resigned his Labour Party membership, citing a desire not to cause further embarrassment, but has not directly addressed the latest allegations regarding sharing sensitive government information.
Background to the Scandal
Lord Mandelson was appointed as the UK's top diplomat in Washington in February last year, shortly after Donald Trump began his second term. He underwent standard vetting processes ahead of his appointment. The crisis escalated in September when new emails between Mandelson and Epstein were published, leading to his dismissal. The recent release of over three million documents from the US Department of Justice, which appear to show Mandelson sharing sensitive government information with Epstein while serving in Gordon Brown's government, triggered the current police investigation and parliamentary scrutiny.
