Story perspectives

Committee Demands Release of Mandelson Vetting File Amid FO Approval

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Intelligence and Security Committee reported that the government is withholding Peter Mandelson’s security-vetting file while his U.S. ambassador appointment is under review.
Although security-vetting officials advised against granting Mandelson clearance, the Foreign Office approved it without the prime minister’s knowledge.
The committee warned that redactions are overly broad, especially for personal data, and ordered the documents be released within 28 sitting days.

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Story summary

The Intelligence and Security Committee reported that the government is withholding Peter Mandelson’s security-vetting file while his U.S. ambassador appointment is under review.
Although security-vetting officials advised against granting Mandelson clearance, the Foreign Office approved it without the prime minister’s knowledge.
The committee warned that redactions are overly broad, especially for personal data, and ordered the documents be released within 28 sitting days.