The chair of Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has said the committee will not shy away from publishing documents related to Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, even if they embarrass the government. Lord Beamish told BBC Radio 4's The World Tonight that there must be 'maximum transparency' regarding the vetting process and what the government knew about Mandelson's friendship with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The ISC, which oversees the UK's intelligence services, will assess whether documents should be withheld solely on national security grounds, not to protect international relations. Beamish noted that in the past, the committee had published material that was embarrassing to governments when it did not jeopardise national security.
Downing Street had initially sought to add exemptions for national security and international relations to the release of documents, but MPs accused the government of a 'cover-up'. An amendment was passed on Wednesday night transferring the decision to the ISC. No 10 said it would comply as soon as possible, but the Metropolitan Police prevented immediate release, citing a potential criminal investigation into Mandelson's alleged sharing of confidential documents with Epstein.
Further revelations from the Epstein files suggest Mandelson offered to help Epstein obtain a Russian visa, which the financier planned to use to meet young women in Moscow. There is no indication Mandelson knew why Epstein wanted the visa, and the trip was reportedly cancelled.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said Mandelson had 'conned everybody', including the prime minister and his team. Labour MP Paula Barker expressed disappointment and questioned Starmer's judgment, saying the country deserves better, though she stopped short of calling for his resignation.
