"There is a vast difference between protecting national security, for example, in direct intelligence reports from agents on the ground or intercept and subjective judgments made about things that may embarrass national security or may embarrass international relations. "And that's why the leader of the Opposition was precisely correct to say we need some independent mechanism. "So why on earth can't we agree that the ISC should look at each of these exemptions, and if they feel it passes that threshold, fine, we'll accept it because we need to protect national security, but it can't be to spare the party opposite's blushes."
"Rayner has said that Starmer should allow Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to take charge of the documents that should not be made public, citing national security and international reasons. Rayner insists this will help with "public confidence" as there has been warnings things could be seen as a "cover-up" by Labour."
"I will vote against the Government's amendment today that tries to exclude papers from the inquiry into Mandelson on the grounds 'prejudicial to international relations. "This is so wide that it opens up the Prime Minister to allegations of collusion in a cover-up."
Angela Rayner led a revolt against Keir Starmer over the release of Peter Mandelson files amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Rayner said Starmer should allow Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to take charge of documents that should not be made public, citing national security and international reasons. Rayner insisted ISC oversight would help public confidence amid warnings the handling could be seen as a cover-up by Labour. Tory MP Sir Oliver Dowden argued for an independent mechanism and ISC scrutiny of exemptions claimed for national security. Labour MP John McDonnell said he would vote against a government amendment that excludes papers on grounds prejudicial to international relations. The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into Mandelson over alleged misconduct in public office, and the Conservatives demanded release of all papers relating to Mandelson's appointment.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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