The PM has backed down following a rebellion by Labour MPs over plans to limit the release of files relating to Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US.

Previously, ministers had insisted that information relating to national security or international relations would not be published. 

But following outspoken interventions from senior Labour MPs Angela Rayner and Dame Meg Hillier, the government has now backed down. 

It has altered its amendment, to say that any papers which are prejudicial to national security or international relations will be referred to parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC).

This is what Rayner and Hillier, among others, have called for. 

The Tories previously warned the government’s original amendment would amount to ministers “marking their own homework” – having free rein to decide what could be made public.