Starmer could have been told about Mandelson’s vetting failure, claims No 10 with release of briefing paper – UK politics live
Summary
Downing Street says that under UK law, civil servants can share security vetting concerns with ministers, but officials managing the vetting decide whether clearance is granted. They argue Olly Robbins could have told Labour leader Keir Starmer about Peter Mandelson’s vetting issues before his appointment as ambassador. Former cabinet secretary Gus O'Donnell defended Robbins' choice not to share the information, saying he followed legal rules.Key Facts
- Olly Robbins was the permanent secretary at the Foreign Office responsible for vetting decisions.
- Peter Mandelson failed or had issues with UK security vetting before his US ambassadorial appointment.
- Downing Street claims Robbins could have informed Keir Starmer about these vetting concerns.
- The Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 governs rules about vetting and ministerial information.
- Gus O’Donnell, former cabinet secretary, said Robbins acted within his legal authority and correctly granted clearance.
- Critics say the government is unclear about how vetting laws and ministerial information rules work.
- Labour figures say Starmer was not told about Mandelson’s vetting problems and did not lie about it.
- Douglas Alexander expects Starmer to stay Labour leader until the next election.
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