Lord Mandelson: Response to Humble Address Motion

Lord Katz Excerpts

Tuesday 17th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord in Waiting/Government Whip (Lord Katz) (Lab)]

My Lords, we have time to hear from both Benches. Let us go to the Labour Benches first and then the Conservative Benches.

[Lord Harris of Haringey (Lab)]

My Lords, this is not the first political appointment to an ambassadorship, including that in Washington, which has not been without controversy. But would the Minister confirm that there are some circumstances in which it is appropriate for there to be a political appointment, rather than one which is selected from Civil Service ranks, provided it is quite clear that that is the responsibility of the Ministers making the appointment?

Secondly, could she confirm that it is quite common for organisations that are facing what may seem quite unreasonable severance requests from individuals to make a judgment about what the cost is of fighting those arrangements and to reach a balanced decision?

In the circumstances where people are criticising the nature of some of the material being published and trying to read too much into it, is it not the case—as Bismarck said, if you ever like laws or sausages, never watch either being made—that this minute inspection, which quite properly the Opposition have demanded should be released, will reveal the imperfections of any process in government, or indeed anywhere else?

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Sherbourne of Didsbury (Con)]

My Lords—

[Lord Katz (Lab)]

My Lords, we will hear from somebody on the Conservative Benches.

[Lord Sherbourne of Didsbury (Con)]

My Lords—