Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Northern Ireland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Alex Burghart Excerpts
Wednesday 11th February 2026

(3 days, 8 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lindsay Hoyle Portrait Mr Speaker
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I call the shadow Secretary of State.

Alex Burghart Portrait Alex Burghart (Brentwood and Ongar) (Con)
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Over the past 10 days we have seen a number of revelations about the procurement of services and goods and the provision of sensitive information during Peter Mandelson’s time as a Government Minister and as an ambassador in Washington. Given that Mandelson was, for two years, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, can the Minister assure the House that his Department will comb its records to identify any possible wrongdoing?

Matthew Patrick Portrait Matthew Patrick
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I can absolutely give the shadow Secretary of State that assurance. That work is under way and we will update the House on anything that may emerge.

Alex Burghart Portrait Alex Burghart
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I am very grateful to the Minister for that direct response. Will he also commit to return to this House before Easter to update Members on the work that his Department has done and what it has found?

Matthew Patrick Portrait Matthew Patrick
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I believe that work will be published by the Cabinet Office. I will ensure that, through that, the House will receive an update on the records.