The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has criticised the Government for redacting documents related to Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador far too broadly. In a statement on Friday, the ISC said it had made final decisions on redactions to 337 documents on national security grounds but raised concerns about wider redactions, including personal data, email addresses, and identities of junior civil servants.
Committee Questions Scope of Redactions
The ISC stated it did not believe the Commons motion demanding documents allowed redactions other than for national security and international relations. It suggested non-security redactions were being applied far too broadly and accused the Government of withholding documents without authority. Specifically, the committee noted that the Government had withheld a vetting file compiled by UK Security Vetting (UKSV).
Vetting File Controversy
Last month, it was disclosed that UKSV had recommended against granting Lord Mandelson developed vetting, but the Foreign Office overruled this advice. The ISC criticised this failure to adhere to security advice, stating that proper security concerns cannot be dismissed simply because they are inconvenient.
In February, MPs demanded the release of documents connected to Mandelson's appointment, including private messages between the peer and senior ministers. The ISC was tasked with reviewing redactions on national security grounds but said ministers should seek Parliament's permission for exclusions based on other grounds.
Concerns Over WhatsApp Use
The ISC also raised concerns about extensive use of WhatsApp for government business, lack of audit trails, and use of less secure IT systems, describing it as appalling.
Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghart accused the Government of a cover-up, saying Labour is trying to withhold documents about the Mandelson-Epstein affair. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the refusal to release the vetting file reeks, urging the Prime Minister to intervene.
