Further files concerning Lord Peter Mandelson's tenure as the UK's ambassador to the United States are anticipated to be published before the upcoming Christmas recess, authorities confirmed Thursday. These documents were initially withheld to avoid compromising an ongoing Metropolitan Police investigation into allegations that Mandelson shared market-sensitive government information with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Cat Little, permanent secretary to the Cabinet Office, informed Lord Beamish, the chair of Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), that the Metropolitan Police have assessed that some withheld documents can now be released. The Cabinet Office is preparing these files for submission to Parliament in response to a 'humble address' motion, a parliamentary procedure invoked earlier this year to demand their publication. Little stated this process should be completed before the House of Commons rises for its Christmas recess on December 17.
Some documents will undergo review for potential redactions related to national security or international relations before being referred to the ISC. While a portion of the files can now be published, other documents will remain withheld at the request of the Metropolitan Police to protect the integrity of their investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that their investigation into alleged misconduct in public office is active.
Lord Mandelson was appointed UK ambassador to Washington in February 2026. His appointment was later rescinded in September 2025 by former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer following the leak of messages showing supportive communications from Mandelson to Epstein during the latter's legal troubles.
Earlier batches of documents released in June revealed internal discussions regarding security vetting procedures. One official admitted a lack of familiarity with the 'Strap' enhanced clearance system when questioned about vetting an ennobled peer, suggesting exemptions might apply. In a separate message from 2025, Mandelson reportedly expressed to then-Cabinet minister Pat McFadden that Sir Keir Starmer and the broader Cabinet "lack verve."