Parliament's intelligence watchdog, the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), has accused the government of withholding Peter Mandelson's vetting file without authority. In a blistering statement on Friday, the committee, which is reviewing thousands of documents regarding Mandelson's appointment as Ambassador to the US, described the file as a "prime example" of evidence being held back.
WhatsApp Concerns Raised
The committee, chaired by Labour peer Lord Beamish, also voiced alarm over the extensive use of WhatsApp for government business, branding it "extraordinary." Members found an "unacceptable" lack of records after examining the documents. They highlighted concerns about the security of Westminster IT systems, calling the failure to follow processes "appalling."
The committee stated: "The Committee found it extraordinary to see how much Government business appears to be being conducted over unofficial systems. Lengthy WhatsApp conversations between senior officials and ministers appear now to be the format by which Government policy is formulated. Government systems exist for a reason and should be the proper forum for the conduct of Government business. The Committee has raised this issue before - with the last Government - and it is disappointing to see not only that it continues, but the extent to which it has spread."
Lack of Audit Trail
The committee, which oversees the release of the Mandelson files, complained about the absence of a full audit trail on agendas, minutes, and records of conversation. "This is unacceptable in Government," it said.
Withholding of Documents
While the government has agreed to release documents about Mandelson's appointment to the committee, except where national security is impacted, the committee noted that certain documents are being withheld. "The prime example is a vetting file held by UK Security Vetting," the committee wrote. It also accused the government of redacting documents "far too broadly."
In February, a Commons motion was passed requiring documents related to Mandelson's appointment to be released to Parliament. Mandelson, who is under police investigation for alleged misconduct in public office, was sacked from the Washington role in September last year due to his links with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. It is alleged that he passed market-sensitive government information to Epstein while serving as a Cabinet member after the 2008 market crash.
UKSV Recommendation Overruled
It later emerged that UK Security Vetting (UKSV) had recommended against granting Mandelson security clearance, but this was overruled by the Foreign Office without the Prime Minister's knowledge.
The committee stated that the government has no authority to withhold files, even if it believes it has good reason. "The Committee has therefore advised Government that we believe it must return to Parliament to seek Parliament’s agreement to withhold any documents," the statement continued.
Political Reaction
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the refusal to release Mandelson's vetting file "reeks," adding: "What could be worse than what we've already seen? The Prime Minister must make use of what could be his last days in office to personally intervene and make sure we get the truth."
A Cabinet Office spokesman responded: "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. We are working to publish as much material as we can, as soon as possible."
