Senior minister defends decision to withhold some Mandelson files
Summary
A senior minister defended the government’s choice to keep some documents secret about Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington. The intelligence committee said the government redacted or withheld information against Parliament’s wishes, but ministers said protecting sensitive personal data is necessary for national security.Key Facts
- The government delayed releasing some documents on Peter Mandelson’s ambassador appointment until June.
- Ministers said some personal details of junior officials and raw vetting data should not be published.
- The intelligence and security committee (ISC) criticized the government for withholding and redacting too much information.
- Parliament had voted to release all related documents with agreed redactions for security and diplomacy.
- The ISC wants transparency about what information is redacted and why.
- Some MPs support the government’s need for secrecy; others say the government is ignoring Parliament’s rules.
- The controversy continues weeks after the Mandelson appointment caused political criticism.
- The dispute includes concerns over following proper legal processes and respecting parliamentary decisions.
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