Don't hold back any Mandelson documents, Tories tell PM in contempt warning

The Independent describes its reporting focus across reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, emphasizing fact-checking and on-the-ground journalism. It states that donations fund journalists and that reporting and analysis remain accessible without paywalls. Separately, Sir Keir Starmer is warned that the government must not withhold information about Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US, or it could face a contempt motion. Concerns are raised that ministers may not comply with a vote to release all related papers because the Intelligence and Security Committee says the government is redacting more information than agreed. A new set of papers is expected after an ISC meeting, and the committee plans to require the government to indicate where redactions occurred without permission. The Tories plan a contempt motion if the government fails to comply with a humble address, potentially targeting individual ministers.

"Sir Keir Starmer has been warned that the government must not withhold any information relating to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US or he could face a contempt motion. Concerns have been raised over whether ministers will comply with a vote to release all the papers relating to the appointment, after the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) which is overseeing the release of the documents warned that the government is redacting more information than was initially agreed."

"A fresh tranche of papers is expected to be published next week following a meeting of the ISC, which has already resolved to tell the government it will have to indicate where it has redacted material without the permission of the committee. The Tories have confirmed they will table a motion holding ministers in contempt of parliament if the government fails to comply with the humble address on the publication of all material relating to the appointment, which is likely to target individual ministers responsible, including the prime minister."

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