The former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has led a revolt against Sir Keir Starmer over the release of the Peter Mandelson files in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal gripping the government.
Rayner has said that Starmer should allow Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to take charge of the documents that should not be made public, citing national security and international reasons.
Rayner insists this will help with “public confidence” as there has been warnings things could be seen as a “cover-up” by Labour.
Tory MP Sir Oliver Dowden said, “There is a vast difference between protecting national security, for example, in direct intelligence reports from agents on the ground or intercept and subjective judgments made about things that may embarrass national security or may embarrass international relations.
“And that’s why the leader of the Opposition was precisely correct to say we need some independent mechanism.
“So why on earth can’t we agree that the ISC should look at each of these exemptions, and if they feel it passes that threshold, fine, we’ll accept it because we need to protect national security, but it can’t be to spare the party opposite’s blushes.”
Labour MP John McDonnell and the former shadow chancellor said: “I will vote against the Government’s amendment today that tries to exclude papers from the inquiry into Mandelson on the grounds ‘prejudicial to international relations.
“This is so wide that it opens up the Prime Minister to allegations of collusion in a cover-up.”
Starmer is under pressure over his decision to appoint Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US.
The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into Mandelson over allegations he has committed misconduct in a public office which can carry a life sentence.
The Tories has demanded the release of “all paper relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment,” as there is concerns these documents could include information over Epstein’s relationship with the disgraced peer and former MP.
The government tabled an amendment in the House of Commons to withhold some documents as this could be seen “prejudicial to UK national security or international relations”.
Labour MP Jim McMahim OBE said it is “sensible” for the ISC to oversee the possible publication of the Mandelson files.
Independent MP, Rosie Duffield, said, “Labour MPs – not a single one of your constituents believes that voting with the Govt on Mandelson today is ‘to protect national security’.
“So you’re choosing between the least popular Prime Minister in history, or potentially keeping your seats.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, “I’ve been in Parliament 11 years and Starmer’s admission just now is the most shocking I’ve heard He just admitted he knew Mandelson’s relationship with Epstein continued after Epstein’s conviction.
“Yet Starmer still chose to appoint him as Ambassador Unbelievable Starmer did that.
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