Ministers block release of Lebedev peerage details on security grounds

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Government has said it is withholding detailed security advice relating to the awarding of a peerage to the Russian-born businessman Evgeny Lebedev in order to “protect national security”. In a statement, Cabinet Office minister Michael Ellis said the Government was “committed to openness and transparency” but said it had to take into account security concerns as well as the need to maintain the “integrity” of the honours system. “As laid out in today’s House of Commons paper, the disclosure of these documents reflects the need to protect national security, to maintain integrity in the system for the awarding of honours and dignities by the Crown, the vetting of nominees for probity and the data protection rights of individuals.” Mr Ellis said that in response to a separate request, the Government would be sending information relating to “any national security matters arising” to Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee, which normally sits in private. “I believe this sharing of information illustrates the Government is acting in good faith in responding to Parliament’s request for information,” he said.