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 ordered the release of all files related to Lord Mandelson’s 2024 appointment as US ambassador, in February.
When the release of the files was agreed, 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 claimed that a vetting file is being withheld, calling for the government to seek permission from Parliament to withhold such a document.
“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.”
This is a breaking news story. More to follow...
