Starmer accuses Robbins of obstructing truth about Mandelson vetting
Summary
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Olly Robbins deliberately hid information about security vetting problems regarding Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington. Starmer blamed the Foreign Office for not informing him or others in government about the vetting failure and announced an investigation into the case.Key Facts
- Keir Starmer said Olly Robbins repeatedly blocked truth about Mandelson’s security vetting failure.
- Peter Mandelson failed security vetting, but Starmer was not told before appointing him ambassador.
- The Foreign Office did not brief the prime minister or Downing Street about the vetting advice.
- The Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) is reviewing vetting documents and will report findings soon.
- Olly Robbins did not inform senior officials, including cabinet secretaries, about Mandelson’s vetting failure.
- Robbins overturned the original security vetting failure decision within 24 hours, allowing Mandelson’s appointment.
- The Foreign Office has lost the power to overturn vetting decisions after this incident.
- Starmer denies misleading Parliament, stating he was deliberately kept in the dark by officials.
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