A British parliamentary committee has accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government of censoring and withholding critical documents related to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as United States ambassador.
The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) claims the government applied excessive redactions to released files, removing key information from documents used in a parliamentary investigation into Mandelson’s controversial selection. The committee also alleged Starmer’s administration withheld a vetting file on Mandelson despite a parliamentary order requiring full disclosure of relevant materials.
“The committee has made clear that, in its view, they are being applied far too broadly – particularly in the case of personal information. 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 stated.
Mandelson, a former European Commissioner and Cabinet minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, was a close friend of Jeffrey Epstein and is currently under police investigation for allegedly passing sensitive government information related to the deceased pedophile. His dismissal in September 2025 followed revelations that his connection to Epstein was even closer than initially stated. United Kingdom Security Vetting had advised against his appointment, but Starmer’s office reportedly pressured the Foreign Office to accept him regardless.
The political fallout has intensified, with growing calls for Starmer’s resignation from within Labour’s ranks. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned this week criticizing the Prime Minister’s leadership, while Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced plans to run in an upcoming by-election to challenge Starmer for party leadership.
