In his commentary, Brian Reade critiques the way the British Establishment uses the excuse of 'national security' to protect powerful individuals from accountability. He highlights the recent instance where Keir Starmer, during Prime Minister's Questions, invoked this excuse to withhold information regarding Peter Mandelson's controversial diplomatic appointment, which many deem unethical given Mandelson's connections to Jeffrey Epstein. This incident reflects a broader issue where key figures in power often escape scrutiny by hiding behind vague justifications.

Reade emphasizes the public's frustration, particularly among Labour MPs, over the government's decision to allocate significant positions to individuals with questionable pasts, like Mandelson, who has maintained ties with known criminals. The outrage from within the party serves as a reminder that there is a growing demand for transparency and accountability from elected officials, and that current political maneuverings are increasingly seen as out of touch with the electorate. This scandal has ignited debates around the culture of silence surrounding privilege and power.

The commentary culminates in a call for the implementation of a stronger Hillsborough Law, which seeks to provide justice for victims by holding powerful entities accountable without the usual legal shields they exploit. Reade's argument resonates on multiple levels, suggesting that the Epstein and Mandelson affair not only exposes deep-seated issues of integrity within the UK political landscape but also underscores a potential turning point for public advocacy against the establishment’s longstanding culture of impunity.