Mandelson received sensitive briefings before vetting completed, documents show
Peter Mandelson was receiving sensitive security briefings about the Foreign Office’s work and had agreed to meet with the head of MI6 before he had completed the developed vetting process for his role as UK ambassador to Washington, according to newly released documents. The declassified emails show Mandelson and Richard Moore, former MI6 chief, arranged a meeting in early January 2025. Mandelson initially believed he could access secret documents without vetting because he is a privy councillor, but officials eventually decided clearance was necessary. The documents, published Monday, also reveal internal Labour criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including from Mandelson, who said Starmer tends to buckle under pressure. The 1,500-page release was triggered by a humble address process, but some documents were withheld due to national security concerns and a police request. Missing details include any steps taken to mitigate security concerns over Mandelson’s associations with figures in China, Russia, and Israel. It remains unclear whether Mandelson’s meeting with MI6 and the planned security briefings actually went ahead. The appointment has led to the departure of Starmer’s chief of staff and a top Foreign Office official.
What’s reported
Peter Mandelson received sensitive Foreign Office briefings and met with MI6 chief Richard Moore before completing developed vetting.
Mandelson believed his privy councillor status allowed access to secret documents without vetting, but officials decided clearance was needed.
The documents were released on Monday, June 1, 2026, totaling about 1,500 pages.
Some documents were withheld, including a nine-page UKSV summary requested by Scotland Yard for potential future prosecution.
Mandelson declined to comply with a request to hand over his personal phone and publish WhatsApp messages.
While still in vetting, a meeting with “C” at MI6 was agreed for 15 January 2025; clearance came two weeks later.
Intelligence officials also wanted wider briefings on Russia, Ukraine, China, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and the Middle East.
Mandelson was declaring ties to Oleg Deripaska (sanctioned by the FCDO) and other figures during this period.
Darren Jones told MPs some messages were unavailable due to disappearing messages or device changes; a debate is planned for Wednesday.
Open questions
Whether Mandelson’s meeting with C and the planned wider briefings actually went ahead.
The full contents of the withheld documents, including the UKSV summary and Mandelson’s completed declarations of interest form.
What specific security concerns were raised and what mitigation measures were taken.
The extent of undisclosed contacts Mandelson was asked to provide.
Misconceptions
The article notes Mandelson initially believed he could access secret documents without vetting because he was a privy councillor, but officials decided clearance was needed. Olly Robbins’ claim that the vetting body considered Mandelson “a borderline case” remains unsupported by the released documents.
Key figures
Peter Mandelson (ambassador designate)
Keir Starmer (Prime Minister)
Richard Moore (former head of MI6, “C”)
Blaise Metreweli (head of MI6 technology branch “Q”, now head of the agency)
Oleg Deripaska (sanctioned figure)
Morgan McSweeney (former chief of staff to Starmer)
Olly Robbins (former senior Foreign Office official)
Darren Jones (chief secretary to the Treasury)
Sources: The Guardian
