London (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) February 4, 2026 – Prime Minister Keir Starmer has conceded to demands from Labour MPs to alter plans for releasing vetting documents related to Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US. The government backed down after pressure from figures including Angela Rayner, agreeing to refer sensitive papers to the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). The move follows revelations from US Department of Justice files about Mandelson's contacts with Jeffrey Epstein.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced significant internal party pressure during a parliamentary debate on February 4, 2026, leading to a change in the government's position on disclosing documents concerning Lord Peter Mandelson's vetting for his role as UK ambassador to the US. Initially, ministers proposed an amendment to redact information prejudicial to national security or international relations, but this was withdrawn following interventions from senior Labour MPs. The updated amendment now directs such documents to parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee for review, averting a potential rebellion.
Background to Mandelson's US Ambassador Appointment
Lord Peter Mandelson served as the UK's ambassador to the US, a political appointment made by Prime Minister Starmer in February 2025. He was dismissed from the role in September 2025 after emails emerged showing he sent supportive messages to Jeffrey Epstein in 2008, while Epstein faced imprisonment for sex offences. Further US Department of Justice files released on January 30, 2026, revealed additional emails between Mandelson, then business secretary under Gordon Brown, and Epstein, suggesting Mandelson shared sensitive information on the 2008 financial crisis.
The Cabinet Office referred these matters to the Metropolitan Police, citing potential breaches of protocols on handling market-sensitive data. Prime Minister Starmer stated during Prime Minister's Questions that Mandelson "lied repeatedly" to his team about the extent of his relationship with Epstein during the vetting process. Starmer expressed regret over the appointment, saying,
"If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near government."
Labour MPs Express Strong Objections
Several Labour MPs voiced opposition to the initial government amendment during a six-hour debate in the House of Commons. Labour MP John McDonnell highlighted the mounting pressure on the government in a post on X. John McDonnell said in X post,
“There is another government U Turn coming this afternoon. The government’s attempt to restrict the publication of material in the inquiry into Mandelson is being opposed by many Labour MPs with the result that the government is being forced to back down.”
Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner intervened to support a Conservative proposal for the ISC to handle redactions, influencing the government's retreat. Dame Meg Hillier also called for the change, aligning with Rayner's position.
Richard Burgon, a former frontbencher, described Mandelson's appointment as "literally indefensible." Apsana Begum demanded release of internal Labour documents, phone messages, and electronic communications. Paula Barker stated she was "ashamed" of the government's initial stance and implored removal of the amendment. Sky News political editor Beth Rigby shared insight into the private frustration among Labour MPs regarding the handling of the affair. Beth Rigby said in X post,
“On Labour MP’s anger, this message from one MP last night gives a sense of mood in party: “Cannot believe how stupid they were putting us all in this position. Morgan pushing for this means they all just think a man is so talented you can ignore the risk to everyone else””
Government and Opposition Responses
Prime Minister Starmer committed to disclosing all relevant documentation to the House, excluding only items affecting national security or international relations, which would go to the ISC. He accused Mandelson of betraying "our country, our Parliament and my party." The Metropolitan Police raised concerns about materials that could prejudice their investigation into Mandelson's alleged misconduct in public office.
Conservative shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart pushed for a parliamentary vote to release the documents reviewed by No 10 and the Foreign Secretary before Mandelson's appointment. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions, with a party spokesman noting the U-turn followed their demands. The motion proposed by Conservatives seeks disclosure of due diligence documents, emails, and texts exchanged with Mandelson in the six months prior to his appointment.
Timeline of Key Developments
- February 2025: Mandelson appointed UK ambassador to US by Starmer.
- September 2025: Sacked after emails show support for Epstein in 2008.
- January 30, 2026: US DoJ releases files showing Mandelson-Epstein emails on financial crisis.
- February 2, 2026: Mandelson resigns from Labour Party to avoid embarrassment.
- February 3, 2026: Cabinet Office refers emails to Met Police; Starmer plans peerage removal legislation.
- February 4, 2026: Government U-turns on amendment during Commons debate after MP pressure.
Lord Mandelson retired from the House of Lords on February 4, 2026, ahead of potential action to strip his peerage. UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting described Mandelson's actions as a "betrayal on multiple levels." A European Commission spokesperson noted they would assess if the documents indicate breaches of conduct rules for former commissioners.
Parliamentary Debate Dynamics
The debate saw "frenzied activity" in parliament, with ISC deputy chair Sir Jeremy Wright discussing changes with Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell and ISC chair Lord Beamish. Sky News chief political correspondent Jon Craig reported the government acted to avoid a split among MPs furious over Mandelson's behaviour. Conservative frontbencher Alex Burghart highlighted concerns that ministers would otherwise "mark their own homework" on redactions.
Labour MPs reportedly expressed despondency over the handling of the affair, with some blaming No 10 chief of staff Morgan McSweeney for the appointment process. Jo White, MP for Bassetlaw, called the situation "excruciating," embarrassing the party, prime minister, and Mandelson. Rachael Maskell suggested Mandelson report to the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards.
Ongoing Investigations and Implications
The Metropolitan Police investigation into Mandelson's alleged leaks continues, with Starmer offering government support. Conservatives aim to compel further disclosures, including questions to Morgan McSweeney on pre-appointment vetting. Prime Minister Starmer plans a speech on Thursday positioning the government on "decency and respect."
The Intelligence and Security Committee will now assess any withheld documents, ensuring parliamentary oversight. Labour MP Gordon McK remarked that Epstein's associates would be "rightly" scrutinised by the revelations. A Conservative spokesman credited Kemi Badenoch for forcing the concessions.