Politics1 min read

More Mandelson papers set to be published before Christmas

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The upcoming disclosure follows a parliamentary vote in February that mandated transparency over the decision to appoint Lord Mandelson to Washington. Although prior tranches were made public earlier this year, other materials were suppressed to protect an active Metropolitan Police investigation. Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary Cat Little indicated that while some sensitive files will remain withheld, several can now be laid before Parliament ahead of the 17 December recess. Mandelson was dismissed from the diplomatic post in September after Downing Street uncovered new information regarding his relationship with Epstein.

Key points

  • The UK government plans to release the next batch of appointment documents before Parliam…: The UK government plans to release the next batch of appointment documents before Parliament rises on 17 December.
  • Certain files will remain redacted or entirely withheld to safeguard national security, i…: Certain files will remain redacted or entirely withheld to safeguard national security, international relations, and the police probe.
  • Lord Mandelson denies any criminal wrongdoing or personal gain and continues to cooperate…: Lord Mandelson denies any criminal wrongdoing or personal gain and continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing police inquiry.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

- Published

The government is preparing to publish more documents about the appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador.

Batches of papers were published in March and June - but others were withheld because they were part of a Metropolitan Police investigation.

The Cabinet Office has now said a number of extra documents will be published, likely before Christmas. Some will still be withheld at the request of the Met.

Cat Little, permanent secretary at the Cabinet Office, said that some of the documents could "now be published without prejudicing their investigation".

The Met Police had launched an investigation over allegations that, while he was serving as a government minister, Lord Mandelson had passed on market-sensitive government information to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Writing to the chair of Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee, Little said: "The Cabinet Office is now beginning the process to prepare these documents so that they may be laid before the House in response to the Humble Address motion as soon as possible."

She said the documents would be reviewed and in some…

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