UK releases second batch of files on Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador

Over and over again the prime minister's most consequential judgement in office circles back into ministers' airspace – and today it will do with gusto.

The omissions cast doubt on assurances provided by senior Whitehall officials to MPs on the foreign affairs select committee.

While a very technical thing in Whitehall lore, box comments are used by ministers to jot down their thoughts or sign off on the thousands of documents that go through their red boxes.

Keir Starmer’s embattled administration vowed to begin releasing files related to Mandelson’s controversial — and ill-fated — appointment as envoy after U.S. disclosures showed he continued to correspond with the sex offender for years after his conviction.