The UK government publishes a second batch of documents relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the United States and his activities while in the role. Multiple outlets report that the release follows a Commons motion and constitutes one of the largest government document disclosures in response, with figures cited around nearly 1,500 pages (BBC and others reference about 1,000 pages previously and around 1,504 pages in the main second tranche). The documents include material connected to the appointment process, such as vetting-related correspondence and declarations of interest, alongside communications with ministers, including WhatsApp messages.
Several outlets also report that not all material is being released at once. The government withholds specific papers, with coverage indicating some are held back at the request of the Metropolitan Police because publication could potentially prejudice an ongoing investigation. MPs and observers are therefore looking ahead to a third tranche, which the government says will publish the remaining documents when the police conclude their assessment or when it no longer risks prejudicing the investigation.
