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Question
Burghart raised concerns about the lack of disclosure in documents related to Peter Mandelson's appointment, including prime ministerial readouts, meeting minutes, security clearance records, and conflict of interest declarations. He questioned whether full due process was followed or if there was a breach of protocol.
Minister reply
Jones confirmed that the Government is committed to publishing all relevant documents within the scope of the Humble Address. However, some documents are being held back at the request of the Metropolitan police until the ongoing investigation is concluded.
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Question
Kane inquired about contacts between Manchester Metropolitan University and Government during Mandelson's chancellorship, seeking assurance that these communications are not currently under investigation.
Minister reply
Jones confirmed that documents within the scope of the Humble Address regarding communications between Ministers and others with Peter Mandelson are part of the current disclosure process.
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Question
Discusses the Prime Minister's appointment of Peter Mandelson and its impact on public trust, questioning if the ministerial code should be binding in law.
Minister reply
No response provided.
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Question
Asks about structural changes to prevent factionalism and cronyism, impacting public appointments.
Minister reply
Refers the MP to the work of the Ethics and Integrity Commission regarding transparency and lobbying rules.
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Question
Questions about releasing withheld documents related to Peter Mandelson's appointment, citing lack of statutory bars preventing release.
Minister reply
Agrees with the Chair of a Select Committee seeing documents to prevent accusations of cover-up.
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Question
Calls for a full independent inquiry into Labour Together and those in the Prime Minister’s office involved.
Minister reply
Asserts that Government will take action where possible, while organisations outside of it must consider such requests.
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Question
Asks about making available private emails and telephone conversations regarding Mandelson's appointment.
Minister reply
Documents within the scope of the Humble Address will be made available to the House.
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Question
Inquires about the proportion of documents being withheld and due process in Government appointments.
Minister reply
Reflects on depth of work being undertaken by Government, moving to publish documents as soon as possible.
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Question
Asks if specific withheld documents exist or are being held back.
Minister reply
Documents owned by the Government within scope of Humble Address have been published.
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Question
Questions about Baroness Anderson's work and expected progress reports.
Minister reply
Confirms Baroness Anderson’s role in modernisation and reform, awaiting her proposals.
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Question
Asks about who gave Mandelson top-level briefings before his vetting was finalised.
Minister reply
Explains established process for ambassadors and review of such processes to prevent future gaps.
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Question
Calls for an independent statutory inquiry into Epstein’s relationship with British public figures.
Minister reply
Agrees that there should be justice for victims, encouraging those with insights to come forward.
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Question
Inquires about communication between the Prime Minister’s chief of staff and Mandelson.
Minister reply
Communications subject to Humble Address will be published in second tranche.
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Question
Questions about proposed legislation removing life peerages from disgraced peers.
Minister reply
Confirms Government's commitment to introducing such legislation for disrepute or criminal penalties.
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Question
The Prime Minister ignored Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, his scandalous history, and security services' advice. Can the minister understand why people doubt the Prime Minister’s ability to remain in office?
Minister reply
On the second half of the question, the public sees important leadership from the Prime Minister on global issues. On the first part, the Prime Minister regrets appointing Mandelson; if he had known more about Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, he would not have appointed him.
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Question
Gloucester residents expect no one to be above the law. Will the Chief Secretary ensure the Metropolitan police have all support needed for their investigation?
Minister reply
The Government respects Parliament's sovereignty and acknowledges the importance of criminal investigations for justice, avoiding undermining these efforts.
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Question
Is it unclear whether a declaration of interests was submitted or exists due to withheld documents?
Minister reply
I am not at liberty to itemise the withheld documents but confirm all documents that can be published have been released.
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Question
How will tightening up the process ensure such personnel are not in a position to make political judgments?
Minister reply
The Government hope the work of the Ethics and Integrity Commission will lead to processes avoiding future issues.
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Question
Is it true that no rules were broken regarding Mandelson's severance payment, despite Treasury rules?
Minister reply
The documents published speak for themselves; the 56 missing documents are not yet released due to ongoing investigation.
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Question
Will the Chief Secretary outline when we might hear about the next steps and release of critical information?
Minister reply
The Government will publish withheld documents once the Metropolitan police discharge their duties, ensuring no interference with ongoing investigations.
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Question
Did the Prime Minister formally interview Peter Mandelson for his job?
Minister reply
The proper process was followed as per documents published last week.
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Question
Will this Government do everything to support police investigation and ensure public trust that nobody is above the law?
Minister reply
All Members recognise criminal investigations are crucial for justice. The Government will comply with transparency obligations while holding back documents as requested by the Metropolitan police.
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Question
Does a declaration of interests form exist and is it being withheld?
Minister reply
All documents that can be published have been released; specific details on held-back documents are not disclosed due to ongoing investigation.
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Question
Will the Government seek recovery of £75,000 given to Mandelson as a severance payment?
Minister reply
The decision was based on advice that this sum was lower than anticipated legal fees in an employment tribunal dispute.
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Question
Did Peter Mandelson receive STRAP security clearance and submit a declaration of interests?
Minister reply
Refers to previous answer.
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Question
Should a declaration of interests form have been submitted for such an important role?
Minister reply
Agrees all process should be followed.
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Question
The MP questions the rationale behind the £75,000 payment to Peter Mandelson and suggests that it was based on the potential reputational damage for HM Government, which contradicts what the Minister previously stated. The question also raises concerns about whether the Government broke Treasury rules in making such payments.
Minister reply
The minister clarifies that while there was a business case mentioned in correspondence, he did not receive it and based on advice, the payment was made to avoid legal fees from an employment tribunal dispute.
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Question
The MP asks what additional information the Prime Minister received about Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein after making a statement in Prime Minister's questions.
Minister reply
The minister responds that the initial release of documents by Bloomberg exposed the extent of the relationship between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, which was not made clear to the Prime Minister prior to Mandelson's appointment.
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Question
The MP inquires about the Government’s steps in investigating evidence from the US Department of Justice regarding British persons involved in the exploitation of women and girls.
Minister reply
The minister confirms the commitment to investigate and prosecute individuals based on the evidence, acknowledging the need for further action against male violence against women.
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Question
The MP asks about the level of security clearance Peter Mandelson received prior to his appointment as ambassador to the United States.
Minister reply
The minister confirms that he can provide information on the process for appointment and security vetting but refers the specific details to the Foreign Office.
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Question
The MP questions how additional steps can be put in place to ensure public confidence in Government employment processes and adherence to Nolan principles.
Minister reply
The minister acknowledges the need for preventing those who wish to circumvent rules, highlighting the work of the Ethics and Integrity Commission as vital.