Lord Mandelson: Government Response to Humble Address Motion Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Lord Mandelson: Government Response to Humble Address Motion

James Wild Excerpts
Thursday 12th February 2026

(2 days, 13 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris Ward Portrait Chris Ward
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Yes, I agree. As I have said, we expect to be able to start publishing this material as soon as possible after the recess. We will do that as quickly as we can. The hon. Lady’s broader point about public confidence is essential. It is why I tried to emphasise in the debate last week—as heated as it occasionally got—that we want to comply, and to get to the bottom of this. There is no one on the Government Benches who does not want to get to the bottom of the lies that Mandelson told and the problems that led to. It is about broader public confidence and trust. We need to demonstrate that this House is not reflected by the acts of Mandelson et al., and that this House is instead about doing public good and public service. The publication of the material is an important part of getting to that.

James Wild Portrait James Wild (North West Norfolk) (Con)
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The motion passed by the House requires the Government to provide details of any payments made to Lord Mandelson. There are no national security or international relations issue in doing so. Will the Minister tell the House now how much money Mandelson got and what the Government are doing to get it back?

Chris Ward Portrait Chris Ward
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I think the hon. Member is referring to severance pay. I think the Foreign Office is providing an update on that. I am afraid it is not a question that I can provide an answer to.