Olly Robbins says he faced ‘constant pressure’ to get Mandelson in post
Summary
Oliver Robbins, a senior civil servant recently removed from his job, said he faced strong pressure from the Prime Minister’s office to quickly appoint Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US, even though Mandelson had not completed the usual security checks. Robbins confirmed that Mandelson was allowed to access sensitive government sites and information before security clearance was granted, and that he did not inform the Prime Minister’s office about security concerns raised during the vetting process.Key Facts
- Oliver Robbins was removed from his civil service role after overturning a security vetting decision about Peter Mandelson.
- The Cabinet Office pushed the Foreign Office to appoint Mandelson quickly without usual vetting.
- Robbins said the Foreign Office eventually carried out the vetting despite initial resistance.
- Mandelson was given access to government offices and some classified information before security clearance.
- Robbins stated he did not tell anyone in the Prime Minister’s office about the concerns from UK Security Vetting.
- The Prime Minister’s private office applied pressure for Mandelson to be in post rapidly.
- UK Security Vetting considered Mandelson’s clearance a “borderline” case, leaning towards denial.
- Robbins received only oral briefings about the vetting concerns to maintain confidentiality.
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