The Intelligence and Security Committee published a statement earlier today accusing the government of covering up the latest tranche of Mandelson Files:
“Criteria applied too broadly
In addition, having seen how Government is applying redactions on those grounds, the Committee has made clear that, in its view, they are being applied far too broadly – particularly in the case of personal information. We note that no body has been commissioned to review those redactions and assure Parliament that they are within the spirit of the Humble Address.
Documents being withheld
The Committee has been told that certain documents are being withheld from the process. The prime example is a vetting file held by UK Security Vetting. The Committee has made clear that it does not consider that the terms of the Humble Address allow for any documents to be withheld from Parliament: while Government may believe that there is good reason to withhold certain documents, it does not currently have the authority to so do. The Committee has therefore advised Government that we believe it must return to Parliament to seek Parliament’s agreement to withhold any documents.
The Committee has also noted a number of overarching matters, which gravely concerned the Committee and which it considers it must therefore bring to Parliament’s attention:
Use of unofficial communication systems
The Committee found it extraordinary to see how much Government business appears to be being conducted over unofficial systems. Lengthy Whatsapp conversations between senior officials and ministers appear now to be the format by which Government policy is formulated. Government systems exist for a reason and should be the proper forum for the conduct of Government business. The Committee has raised this issue before – with the last Government – and it is disappointing to see not only that it continues, but the extent to which it has spread.”
The statement was since withdrawn. After an internal row no doubt…
The Tories said: “Starmer promised transparency in government. He must come clean with the full facts about Mandelson’s vetting. Nothing short of that will suffice.” The second tranche was meant to come right after the Easter recess – now government sources say it is likely next week..
Paula Barker, Liverpool Wavertree MP backing Andy Burnham, told Times Radio there wouldn’t be trouble from the markets under Burnham:
“The markets will have to fall in line.”