Lord Mandelson
The question
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the vetting and due diligence exercise for the appointment of Lord Mandelson as Ambassador to the United States considered (a) the Financial Times report entitled Links between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein detailed in JPMorgan report, published on 21 June 2023 and (b) the associated material on the Epstein-Mandelson relationship detailed in JP Morgan's Project Jeep released by the US courts, reference: Government of the United States Virgin Islands v. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (1:22-cv-10904), District Court, S.D. New York, published on 20 June 2023, Exhibit 4.
Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds
It is long-standing practice that we do not comment on confidential details in individual vetting cases. We cannot publicly discuss the details of individual vetting cases, as doing so would compromise the trust, confidentiality and candour required for the national security vetting (NSV) process to retain its effectiveness as a safeguard. NSV, which is one of a suite of personnel security mechanisms, relies on individuals feeling comfortable sharing sensitive, private information with UKSV.
Regarding due diligence, I refer the Hon Member to the Government’s statement and release of information on 11 March and 1 June, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →