Confidential nature of security vetting must be maintained

Over the last few days in the wake of the outcry over Peter Mandelson’s security vetting, some of the rhetoric has come close to suggesting that the findings of some vetting should be shared, rather than simply the outcome of that vetting investigation.

Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, which represents many workers in security dependent sectors, said:

“Prospect represents thousands of workers subject to security vetting at all levels, in both the public and private sector.

“For this system to operate it requires the full confidence of those subject to vetting that the sensitive information they disclose will not be shared either now or in the future.

“While of course it is right that Parliament closely scrutinises the actions of ministers and officials in relation to Peter Mandelson, it is vitally important that the basic principle that the content of vetting decisions must not be shared is not brought into question.

“There is a real risk that the events of recent days may have put doubt in the minds of many of the workers concerned. It is beholden on all political leaders to make clear they will uphold this vital principle going forward.”