Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has emphasised the government's commitment to ensuring both urgency and transparency in the process of releasing documents related to Lord Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the United States. This follows a formal letter sent to Parliament's security watchdog on Friday evening, where Sir Keir acknowledged the substantial task ahead.
Significant Volume of Material Under Review
In his correspondence with the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), chaired by Lord Beamish, Sir Keir highlighted that a "very significant volume of material" is likely to require thorough examination. This review is essential to determine which documents fall within the scope of parliamentary instruction and can be safely disclosed without compromising national security or international relations.
Government's Constructive Engagement Pledged
The Prime Minister stressed the government's intention to engage constructively with the ISC, ensuring that Parliament's directives are met with the deserved urgency and transparency. He has tasked the Cabinet Secretary with collaborating closely with the committee to establish detailed procedures for sharing and reviewing sensitive material. This coordination will also consider the ongoing requirements of the Metropolitan Police investigation into related matters.
Sir Keir's letter, made public on Friday, reiterates the importance of making documents available to Parliament as swiftly as possible. However, he cautioned that the extensive volume of material necessitates a meticulous review process to identify any content that could be prejudicial to the UK's national security or its diplomatic relationships.
Above all, the government aims to balance transparency with security, ensuring that the release of information aligns with both parliamentary expectations and safeguarding protocols. The Prime Minister's directive underscores a proactive approach to addressing the complexities involved in this high-profile appointment review.
