Full Breakdown
ISC Accuses Government of Withholding Mandelson Vetting File
5/16/2026, 1:58:35 AM
Withholding of Vetting File and Broad Redactions
The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) reports that the government has not provided all papers required by the February humble address, citing the UK Security Vetting (UKSV) vetting file as a “prime example” of non-compliance. Of the 337 documents reviewed, the ISC says redactions are “far too broad”, and it has set a 28-day sitting-day deadline for publication.
Appointment Background and Humble Address
Peter Mandelson was named UK ambassador to the United States in December 2024. UK Security Vetting recommended denying his clearance in January 2025, but Foreign Office permanent secretary Olly Robbins granted “developed vetting” status. In February 2026 Parliament passed a humble address ordering the release of all related papers, subject to ISC review.
Official Statements
Lord Beamish warned that “the committee has been told that certain documents are being withheld from the process” and called the lack of an audit trail for WhatsApp-based policy discussions “unacceptable in government”. The Cabinet Office reiterated it “takes its obligations to Parliament and the protection of our national security extremely seriously” and pledged to redact only where necessary and transparently.
Opposition Criticism
Alex Burghart called the government’s actions “outrageous” and accused Labour of “pulling the wool over the public and Parliament’s eyes”. Sir Ed Davey said the refusal to release the vetting file “reeks” and urged the Prime Minister to intervene personally. Both warned that ignoring security advice threatens governmental integrity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But the committee wrote: "The Committee has been told that certain documents are being withheld from the process.” — Lord Beamish, ISC Chair
- “Lengthy WhatsApp conversations between senior officials and ministers appear now to be the format by which government policy is formulated.” — Lord Beamish, ISC Chair
- “ Alex Burghart, the shadow chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, said: “It is outrageous that Labour are trying to withhold documents about the Mandelson-Epstein affair from parliament.” — Alex Burghart, Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Conflicting Views
The government says redactions protect national security and legal privilege, but the ISC argues the humble address does not permit such breadth. The Foreign Office claims the clearance decision was independent of the withheld file, yet the committee notes the file was never reviewed.
Next Steps
The ISC has ordered publication of the reviewed documents within 28 sitting days and requires explicit parliamentary permission for any further redactions. Non-compliance could trigger a parliamentary motion for a further inquiry into procedural breaches and the use of unofficial communication channels.
