The government reports that Keir Starmer has ordered the release of emails, documents, and messages regarding Peter Mandelson’s appointment as Britain’s ambassador to the United States. However, the government will not release any material that could harm national security or damage diplomatic ties. While the Conservatives were preparing a motion in the House of Commons to force the government to share these files, ministers decided to release the records voluntarily after a formal review. Officials must first check if any of the material needs to be handed over to the police, meaning the documents will likely not be made public immediately.

Scotland Yard has started a criminal investigation into claims that Mandelson leaked Downing Street emails and sensitive market information to Jeffrey Epstein. Documents released in the U.S. appeared to show that Mandelson sent confidential internal details to Epstein following the global financial crisis. Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated that the Prime Minister is committed to total transparency and expressed a deep sense of betrayal over the allegations. Meanwhile, Conservative Chairman Kevin Hollinrake argued that the government should not be allowed to hold back any information. He also accused Starmer of knowing about Mandelson’s past and his relationship with Epstein before choosing him for the role.