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A second set of documents concerning Lord Mandelson’s appointment as the UK ambassador to the United States is scheduled for release on Monday, according to three sources involved in the matter, who spoke to the BBC. Although Number 10 has not officially confirmed the exact publication date, a government spokesperson described the forthcoming release as one of the largest ever submitted to Parliament.
Lord Mandelson was dismissed from his ambassadorial role last year following new disclosures about the depth of his association with Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender. Earlier this year, in February, MPs voted in favor of compelling the government to disclose all documents related to Mandelson’s appointment via a humble address, a formal parliamentary procedure. Initially, the government opposed this motion, citing concerns about potential risks to national security and diplomatic relationships.
Eventually, a compromise was reached in which sensitive papers would first be reviewed by the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), which would determine which parts could be made public. The first batch of documents was published in March, revealing that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had been advised that Mandelson’s connection to Epstein presented a “general reputational risk” before confirming his ambassadorship. Additionally, Sir Keir’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, described Mandelson’s appointment as “weirdly rushed.”
The government has stated their commitment to fully complying with the humble address and emphasized the thorough and transparent nature of the review process. The publication of these documents coincides with Parliament resuming its sessions after a one-week recess. While all pertinent documents are set to be released, those requested by the Metropolitan Police to be withheld due to an ongoing investigation will remain confidential. Certain portions will also be redacted to protect national security, international relations, or the identities of junior officials.
Sir Keir had originally announced Mandelson’s ambassadorial appointment in December 2024, praising his “unrivalled experience.” Nevertheless, his dismissal nine months later followed additional revelations regarding Mandelson’s longstanding friendship with Epstein. In response, Lord Mandelson has acknowledged the friendship as a “terrible mistake,” but maintained that he “never saw anything in [Epstein’s] life… that would give me any reason to suspect what this evil monster was doing.” Criticism of the prime minister’s decision to appoint Mandelson has come from MPs across party lines.
At present, Lord Mandelson is subject to a criminal investigation for alleged misconduct in public office. Throughout the inquiry, he has insisted that he did not act criminally or for personal gain and that he is cooperating with police authorities
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