The UK government is set to release a second batch of documents on Monday relating to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the United States, according to BBC.
The UK Prime Minister’s office has not confirmed the date, but a government spokesperson described the release as ‘among the largest publications ever laid in Parliament’.
Mandelson was removed from the ambassadorial role last year after fresh details emerged about the extent of his past relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In February, UK lawmakers approved a “humble address” motion compelling the government to publish all related documents. The government initially resisted the move, citing concerns that releasing some materials could harm national security or strain diplomatic relations.
A compromise was later reached, with sensitive files first sent to the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), which determined what could be made public.
The first set of documents was released in March. They revealed that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was warned before Mandelson’s appointment that his ties to Epstein posed a “general reputational risk”.
The papers also showed that Starmer’s national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, described the appointment as “weirdly rushed”.
The government says it remains “committed to complying with the Humble Address in full”, adding: “That reflects the transparent and thorough process we have followed.”
Parliament resumes on Monday after a one-week recess, coinciding with the release of the new documents.
Officials say all relevant materials will be published, except those withheld at the request of the Metropolitan Police, which is investigating allegations of misconduct in public office linked to Mandelson. He denies any wrongdoing.
However, his official vetting file will not be released for now, as police have asked for it to be held back during the investigation.
Some parts of the documents will also be redacted on national security and international relations grounds, or to protect the identities of junior officials.
Sir Keir announced Mandelson’s appointment in December 2024, describing him as bringing “unrivalled experience to the role”.
However, just nine months later, he was dismissed after further details of his long-standing association with Epstein emerged.
Mandelson has acknowledged that his friendship with Epstein was a “terrible mistake”, but insists he “never saw anything in [Epstein’s] life… that would give me any reason to suspect what this evil monster was doing”.
Lawmakers from across political parties have criticised the decision to appoint him.
He is currently under criminal investigation over alleged misconduct in public office. He maintains that he did not act criminally, did not benefit personally, and is cooperating with investigators.
