"Following this morning's meeting, officials had provided 'in writing' assurance that the committee holds the final say on which papers are released. This directive from MPs to release a vast quantity of documents stems from persistent questions surrounding the peer's vetting process for Mandelson's appointment in 2024, particularly concerning what was known about his links to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein."
"While some of the thousands of documents are expected to be withheld on grounds of national security or foreign relations, the ultimate decision on specific redactions will rest with the ISC, rather than government ministers."
The UK government confirmed that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer cannot override Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) regarding publication of documents related to Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to Washington. Following a Thursday meeting, the ISC announced officials provided written assurance that the committee holds final authority over document release decisions. The directive to release numerous documents stems from ongoing questions about Mandelson's vetting process, particularly concerning his links to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. While some documents may be withheld for national security or foreign relations reasons, the ISC retains ultimate decision-making power on specific redactions rather than government ministers.
#parliamentary-oversight #government-transparency #mandelson-appointment #intelligence-committee #document-release
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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