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MPs Compel Government to Release Mandelson Ambassador Appointment Files

lite News Desk 2 min read

At a glance

  • MPs voted to require ministers to share documents on Peter Mandelson's US ambassador appointment
  • A binding motion was passed compelling publication of the files
  • The Metropolitan Police advised against releasing some documents due to an ongoing investigation

Parliament has directed the government to release documents related to Peter Mandelson’s selection as UK ambassador to the United States, following a binding vote by MPs.

The decision followed a Conservative 'humble address' motion, which has compelled ministers to share the relevant files. The government had previously planned for Cabinet Office minister Sir Chris Wormald to determine which documents could be withheld, citing national security or international relations.

Labour MPs, including Angela Rayner and Dame Meg Hillier, pressed for a change in the process, resulting in the government agreeing to refer the documents to Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee instead of making the decision internally. This adjustment was made after concerns were raised about transparency and oversight.

The Metropolitan Police advised the government not to release certain documents at this stage. According to the police, making some information public could interfere with an ongoing investigation.

What the numbers show

  • The binding motion was passed on 4 February 2026
  • One Cabinet Office minister was initially designated to decide on document release
  • Two Labour MPs, Angela Rayner and Dame Meg Hillier, led calls for a process change

Cabinet Office minister Chris Ward stated that the documents would not be published immediately. He said the government would make the files available as soon as possible, but did not provide a specific timeline for release.

The initial government plan would have allowed Sir Chris Wormald to withhold documents on specific grounds. After parliamentary pressure, the process was altered so that the Intelligence and Security Committee would now review the documents instead.

The Metropolitan Police’s advice to delay the release was based on concerns that public disclosure could affect their active investigation. The government has acknowledged this advice as part of its decision-making process regarding the timing of publication.

The next steps for the release of the documents will depend on further review by the Intelligence and Security Committee and ongoing consultation with law enforcement agencies.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.

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