"Sir Keir Starmer has agreed to release files on his decision to pick Lord Mandelson as his US ambassador, after police launched a probe into claims the ex-minister passed sensitive government information to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The Tories are pushing a Commons vote later to force the release of documents about how the peer was recruited into the role. Downing Street has agreed to release documents, whilst exempting material that could damage national security or UK diplomatic relations."
"The peer faces an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office, after claims he sent market-sensitive government information to Epstein whilst a cabinet minister in Gordon Brown's New Labour government. Emails released by the US Department of Justice on Friday suggest Mandelson forwarded Epstein an internal Downing Street memo in 2009 discussing possible government asset sales. Other emails published in the tranche of documents appear to show he gave Epstein advance notice of a 500bn bailout by the EU to save the Euro in 2010."
"Other emails suggest Epstein made $75,000 in payments to Lord Mandelson in three separate $25,000 transactions in 2003 and 2004. Lord Mandelson has said he has no record or recollection of the payments. The peer, who gave up his Labour Party membership over the weekend, is set to stand down from the House of Lords on Wednesday. The government is drafting legislation required to formally remove his title."
Sir Keir Starmer agreed to release files on his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as US ambassador, while exempting material that could harm national security or diplomatic relations. Police launched a probe into claims that Mandelson passed sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein. Emails released by the US Department of Justice suggest Mandelson forwarded a 2009 Downing Street memo about possible government asset sales and gave Epstein advance notice of a 2010 EU bailout plan. Other emails indicate Epstein paid Mandelson $75,000 in three transactions between 2003 and 2004. Mandelson denies recollection of the payments and will quit the House of Lords.
Read at www.bbc.com
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