Naming Mandelson as ambassador before vetting was mistake, minister says
Summary
A senior UK minister said it was a mistake to announce Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US before he was fully security checked. The government is reviewing its process to make sure proper vetting happens before any future ambassador appointments are announced.Key Facts
- Peter Mandelson was named as UK ambassador to the US before completing security vetting.
- The vetting process flagged concerns about Mandelson that were not shared with ministers in time.
- The UK government plans to change its procedures so vetting is always completed before announcing appointments.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer removed Olly Robbins, a senior civil servant, after it was revealed Robbins’ department did not inform ministers about the failed vetting.
- Former civil service head Gus O’Donnell warned that Robbins’ dismissal might harm government staff morale.
- Opposition parties have called for Prime Minister Starmer to resign over the handling of the issue.
- Ministers are working to support Starmer amid concerns that the scandal could threaten his leadership.
- The case involved Mandelson’s connections to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, which contributed to the controversy.
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