Is the Government censoring the Mandelson Papers?

About this episode

The episode discusses the controversy surrounding the Government's redaction of documents related to Lord Mandelson's appointment and the implications of recent Russia sanctions.

The row over Lord Mandelson’s appointment as Britain’s ambassador to Washington flared up again this week after the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) accused the Government of improperly redacting documents linked to his appointment. Back in February, ministers were forced to release papers under a Humble Address to the King, with the ISC tasked with deciding what could be withheld on national security or diplomatic grounds. But the Committee now says material has been removed for other reasons not covered by the agreement. Senior ISC member Sir Jeremy Wright MP challenged ministers in the Commons through an Urgent Question, before speaking to us about his concerns and the Government’s response.   The annual Private Members’ Bill ballot – Westminster’s version of legislative bingo – has also taken place, with MPs jostling for one of the precious top spots that can offer a realistic chance of changing the law. The big question now is whether one of those successful MPs will choose to bring back the assisted dying bill.   And we untangle the Government’s latest Russia sanctions announcement, after ministers caused confusion over whether the UK was finally…

People in this episode

Guest: Sir Jeremy Wright MP

Topics covered

• government censorship
• Mandelson Papers
• Intelligence and Security Committee
• Russia sanctions
• assisted dying bill
• UK politics

Keywords

• Mandelson Papers
• government censorship
• Intelligence and Security Committee
• Russia sanctions
• assisted dying bill
• UK politics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Intelligence and Security Committee, Government

Places: Britain, UK

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