Lord Mandelson

Derek Twigg Excerpts

Wednesday 4th February 2026 Commons Chamber

[Nick Thomas-Symonds]

I will take one more intervention, and then I have to make some progress.

[Derek Twigg (Widnes and Halewood) (Lab)]

It is disappointing that neither the Opposition nor the Government have referenced the important role that the ISC could have here. As a member of the Intelligence and Security Committee—I have spoken to its Chair, the Lord Beamish, and we heard earlier from its deputy Chair—we feel that the Committee should be involved to help this process on behalf of Parliament, and I urge my right hon. Friend to speak to No.10 to ensure we get that, and that it happens quickly.

[Nick Thomas-Symonds]

As I think I have already said, I will take the point away. My hon. Friend knows from our personal details on a different matter my respect for the Intelligence and Security Committee and its work.

--- Later in debate ---

[Chris Ward]

Any correspondence involving Peter Mandelson is within scope. As I say, that will be looked at by the Cabinet Secretary, who will make decisions with independent lawyers and working with the ISC.

[Derek Twigg]

Can I give an assurance that we in the ISC are very confident that we can do an effective job on this? It is worth pointing out that we cannot be told what we can and cannot publish. That will be a matter and a decision for us. May I ask for an assurance, following on from what the Minister has just said, that there will be no block whatsoever on the documents that the ISC should be getting?

[Chris Ward]

Yes, I can confirm that. I thank my hon. Friend, who has huge expertise. We will work with the ISC on this.