Parliament's intelligence watchdog has criticised the Government for redacting documents 'far too broadly' in response to MPs' demands for details on the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) said on Friday it had made final decisions on redactions to 337 documents connected to the appointment on national security grounds.
However, the ISC raised concerns about wider redactions, including individuals' personal data, email addresses and the identities of junior civil servants. The committee stated it did not believe the Commons motion demanding the documents allowed redactions 'other than on grounds of prejudice to UK national security and international relations'. It accused the Government of withholding documents without having 'the authority to do so'.
In particular, the committee noted that the Government had withheld a vetting file compiled by UK Security Vetting (UKSV). Last month, it was disclosed that UKSV had recommended against granting Lord Mandelson the developed vetting necessary for his appointment, but the Foreign Office had given him clearance despite that advice. The ISC criticised a 'failure to adhere to security advice', stating that 'proper security concerns cannot be dismissed simply because they are inconvenient'.
The committee also raised concerns about the extensive use of WhatsApp for Government business, the lack of an audit trail for decisions, and the use of less secure IT systems, which it described as 'appalling'. Shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart accused the Government of a 'cover-up', while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the refusal to release the vetting file 'reeks'.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: 'The Government takes its obligations to Parliament and the protection of our national security extremely seriously. We have been clear that the public deserve transparency and we are committed to complying with the Humble Address in full. Redactions will only be made where necessary and in a way which is transparent to the House.'
