Committee Rules Ministers Lack Authority to Withhold Mandelson Vetting File

The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) has declared that UK ministers have no legal authority to withhold Peter Mandelson’s security vetting file, accusing the government of failing to comply with Parliament’s will. This follows a parliamentary motion requiring the release of all documents related to Mandelson’s controversial appointment as US Ambassador. Although the government promised compliance, the ISC revealed that key documents, specifically the UK Security Vetting file which initially recommended denying clearance, were withheld. Former Foreign Office permanent secretary Olly Robbins admitted to granting clearance based on an oral briefing rather than reviewing the file itself, citing pressure from Downing Street. The ISC also criticized the government for applying overly broad redactions to released papers, exceeding the allowed grounds of national security and international relations. This dispute intensifies political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose decision to appoint Mandelson has already drawn significant criticism and impacted Labour’s recent electoral performance. The committee insists that any further redactions or withholdings require explicit parliamentary permission, highlighting a significant constitutional clash between the executive and legislative branches over transparency and accountability in high-level diplomatic appointments.