Lord Mandelson: Response to Humble Address

Debate between Martin Wrigley and Nick Thomas-Symonds

Wednesday 3rd June 2026 Commons Chamber

[Martin Wrigley (Newton Abbot) (LD)]

Will the right hon. Gentleman give way?

[Nick Thomas-Symonds]

I will, just.

[Martin Wrigley]

I was trying not to interrupt his flow—[Interruption.] Until I did.

Throughout the files there are mentions of Palantir and Peter Mandelson, including a memo in which he tries to introduce Peter Thiel to No. 10 staff in June last year. Even though Mr Louis Mosley has written to me today suggesting that Peter Mandelson was not intervening regarding Palantir business with the Government, does the Minister agree that he still was doing so?

[Nick Thomas-Symonds]

I reject the suggestion that there is any wrongdoing, as regards Palantir contracts being renewed—I think one was renewed by the Ministry of Defence—in the way that the hon. Gentleman suggests. I reject that absolutely. On the meeting between the Prime Minister and Peter Thiel, to be clear, that did not happen.