Starmer accused of ‘withholding’ documents from Mandelson probe

MPs probing files detailing the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador have accused Sir Keir Starmer of “withholding” documents from their inquiry.

The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) – which is overseeing the release of the documents – has raised concerns that the government is redacting more information than was initially agreed on and accused it of applying redactions “far too broadly”.

It has demanded assurances that any information removed is “in the spirit of the Humble Address” that in February ordered the release of all files related to Lord Mandelson’s 2024 appointment as US ambassador.

When the motion was approved, MPs voted to release any documents that may compromise international relations or national security to the ISC.

But the government then said it could black out details in documents if they were deemed to be “commercially sensitive”, as well as redacting individuals’ addresses and contact information.

In a statement on Friday, the committee said: “Having seen how government is applying redactions … the committee has made clear that, in its view, they are being applied far too broadly – particularly in the case of personal information.”

It added: “We note that no body has been commissioned to review those redactions and assure Parliament that they are within the spirit of the Humble Address.”

The ISC also added: “The committee has been told that certain documents are being withheld from the process. The prime example is a vetting file held by UK Security Vetting.

“The committee has made clear that it does not consider that the terms of the humble address allow for any documents to be withheld from parliament. While government may believe that there is good reason to withhold certain documents, it does not currently have the authority to so do.

“The committee has therefore advised government that we believe it must return to parliament to seek parliament’s agreement to withhold any documents.”

The latest intervention has added more pressure on Sir Keir, who is already fighting for his political survival.

He continues to be criticised for his handling of Lord Mandelson’s appointment, who was eventually sacked from the role last year over links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

A further row followed after it was revealed that Lord Mandelson was appointed to the role despite UKSV advising against the appointment.

Sir Keir is also facing a bruising over the party’s brutal local election results last week, which saw Labour lose hundreds of seats to Reform UK.

The statement issued by the ISC also raised “grave concerns” over a number of other issues revealed in the documents, including the use of unofficial systems for government business.

It said: “The committee found it extraordinary to see how much government business appears to be being conducted over unofficial systems. Lengthy WhatsApp conversations between senior officials and ministers appear now to be the format by which government policy is formulated.

“Government systems exist for a reason and should be the proper forum for the conduct of government business. The committee has raised this issue before – with the last government – and it is disappointing to see not only that it continues, but the extent to which it has spread.”

It also expressed concerns over use of “lower-level government IT systems” rather than more secure systems, adding: “This failure to adhere to professional practices is appalling and puts the UK’s national security at risk.”

Finally, the committee hit out at the “lack of an audit trail” in government, particularly at the Foreign Office, including agendas, minutes and records of conversations, as well as criticising a “failure to adhere to security advice”.

“Even when proper security processes have been followed, there appears to be nothing to say that the conclusions should be acted on,” the ISC warned.

Downing Street has been contacted for comment.