No 10 will have no say on which Mandelson papers are released
BBC World
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Commons Intelligence Committee has confirmed that senior MPs and peers will have the final decision on whether sensitive documents related to Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador are made public. These documents could potentially reveal details about Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a disgraced financier, and what the government knew before his arrest this week. The ISC also stated that it has reached an agreement with the government on which papers will be released, with some expected to be shared "shortly." However, both the Metropolitan Police and the government have established a framework to ensure no documents are disclosed in a way that could prejudice an ongoing criminal investigation into Mandelson.
The ISC emphasized that neither the Prime Minister nor the government will have the final say on what is deemed too sensitive to release. This decision was made after concerns were raised by MPs who feared Downing Street might exert too much influence over the process. Sir Keir Starmer, the Attorney General, has expressed a desire to publish the files but has stressed that he will not compromise national security or diplomatic relations in doing so. Mandelson himself has not responded to requests for comment, but sources indicate he believes he has acted appropriately and was not motivated by financial gain.
This development is significant because it underscores the growing tension between executive power and parliamentary oversight. The decision to hand control of the document release process to an independent committee reflects a broader effort to restore public trust in government transparency. For readers interested in global politics, this story highlights the delicate balance between national security concerns and the need for accountability in high-ranking officials. The outcome will likely set a precedent for how sensitive information is handled in similar cases moving forward.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/26/2026