By Micah Jonah, February 27, 2026
Britain’s government has agreed with police on a framework governing the release of documents related to the late-2024 appointment of former US Ambassador, Peter Mandelson, a parliamentary committee said on Thursday.
Mandelson, 72, was arrested on Monday by London’s Metropolitan Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released from custody. The arrest followed revelations about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Intelligence and Security Committee said it had agreed with the government which documents could be disclosed, adding that it not Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office would retain the final decision on what is published.
Material concerning Mandelson’s vetting and appointment is being gathered by the Cabinet Office from across government departments. The committee said it expects to receive the first batch of documents shortly, with publication anticipated in early March.
A government spokesperson said officials were working closely with the committee and proceeding “at pace” to release the initial tranche of documents.
Mandelson was dismissed from his diplomatic post in September after details of the extent of his relationship with Epstein became public. Emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice in January suggested closer contact between the two men than previously known.
Separately, the European Union’s anti-fraud office, European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), said it is reviewing Mandelson’s conduct during his time as European trade commissioner from 2004 to 2008, following a request from the European Commission. OLAF stressed that the review does not automatically mean a formal investigation has been opened and that the presumption of innocence applies.
Mandelson has previously expressed deep regret over his association with Epstein but has not publicly commented on the latest developments. His lawyers have described his arrest as stemming from a “baseless suggestion” that he intended to leave the country.
