Mandelson files to exclude worst of UK’s private comments on Trump
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- The UK government plans to publish thousands of communications involving ministers, officials, and former ambassador Peter Mandelson but will likely redact comments prejudicial to foreign relations to avoid diplomatic fallout.
- The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) will have the final say on which documents are released, with a focus on protecting sensitive diplomatic information, especially regarding foreign heads of state and national security policies.
- Tensions exist between the Foreign Office and Cabinet Office over control of the document review process, with the Foreign Office seeking to pre-review messages and the Cabinet Office pushing for unfiltered access.
- Concerns remain about the content, particularly given Mandelson's controversial background and candid communications, though the ISC intends to release embarrassing but non-sensitive information.
- The government faces pressure to publish the documents before the parliamentary session ends ahead of the May 7 elections, while opposition voices call for full transparency without redactions.
