Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting criticism from MPs across the political spectrum after agreeing to release documents concerning Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador to the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). The government initially sought to retain the power to block publication of papers deemed prejudicial to national security or international relations, but backbench pressure from senior Labour figures Angela Rayner and Dame Meg Hillier forced a change of plan.
Cabinet Office minister Chris Ward confirmed that the relevant documents will not be published immediately but will be handed to the ISC “as soon as possible”. Ward stressed that ministers and Number 10 would have no political involvement in the process, which will be overseen by the Cabinet Secretary and independent lawyers. However, the Metropolitan Police have asked Downing Street not to release certain documents, warning that doing so could undermine their investigation. Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle countered that the Met has “no jurisdiction” over Parliament.
The controversy deepened as campaigners demanded full transparency over Mandelson’s ties to the US tech company Palantir, which holds UK government contracts worth over £500 million. Mandelson co-founded and part-owns Global Counsel, a lobbying firm that also works for Palantir. Concerns have been raised that he may have leaked more sensitive information than previously alleged in his emails to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer admitted that he knew Mandelson had remained friends with Epstein after his conviction when he appointed him ambassador in December 2024. The Cabinet Secretary, Sir Chris Wormald, is now being urged to release details of Mandelson’s role in arranging Starmer’s visit to Palantir’s Washington DC showroom in February 2025, shortly after Mandelson took up his post.
The visit included a meeting with Palantir CEO Alex Karp, who later signed a strategic partnership with Defence Secretary John Healey. In January, the Ministry of Defence awarded Palantir a £241 million three-year contract to boost military AI and innovation. Critics argue that Mandelson’s dual roles as ambassador and part-owner of a firm working for Palantir create a conflict of interest that must be fully investigated.
