Starmer rejects calls to resign over Mandelson appointment as pressure builds
Summary
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces calls to resign after it was revealed he appointed Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington despite Mandelson failing security checks. Starmer says he was not informed about the security concerns and will explain the full situation to Parliament.Key Facts
- Peter Mandelson was appointed U.K. ambassador to Washington in early 2025.
- Mandelson failed security vetting by the U.K. Security Vetting department, which looks at personal and background information.
- The Foreign Office ignored the recommendation not to appoint Mandelson.
- Prime Minister Starmer says he did not know about the security report until recently and is upset he was kept in the dark.
- The top Foreign Office official Olly Robbins resigned over the decision.
- Opposition parties demand Starmer’s resignation, accusing him of misleading Parliament.
- Mandelson’s appointment was seen as risky because of his past friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
- Mandelson’s trade experience was considered important for U.K.-U.S. relations, especially regarding tariffs during the Trump administration.
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