Labour MPs have forced a last-minute government concession over the disclosure of documents related to Peter Mandelson's links with Jeffrey Epstein, after threatening to vote down a government amendment. Whips agreed to hand oversight of the disclosures to the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), a compromise brokered by Treasury select committee chair Meg Hillier and former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner.
The government had originally proposed that the cabinet secretary could refuse to disclose documents that prejudiced national security or international relations, a exemption many MPs considered too broad. The new arrangement gives the ISC control over what is released, following warnings from Labour backbenchers that they would rebel unless the change was made.
Speaking in the Commons, backbench MP Matt Bishop rejected the idea of an internal review by the same structures that failed to prevent Mandelson's appointment. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Mandelson had 'betrayed our country' and lied repeatedly about his relationship with Epstein, adding: 'I regret appointing him. If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near government.'
The Conservatives triggered the vote to force the release of documents related to Mandelson's vetting as US ambassador. The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into potential misconduct in public office over sensitive government documents allegedly forwarded from Mandelson to Epstein.
Angela Rayner argued that the ISC should oversee the process to maintain public confidence, given the 'public disgust and sickening behaviour' involved. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said he would consider the changes, and the government is expected to back the new amendment.
