Key evidence from sacked official at heart of Mandelson vetting row
Summary
Sir Olly Robbins, a former top UK Foreign Office official, spoke to MPs about his role in approving Lord Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US. Despite security officials advising against it, Mandelson received clearance but was later removed from the role due to his connection with Jeffrey Epstein.Key Facts
- Sir Olly Robbins testified about vetting Lord Mandelson for ambassador to the US.
- Robbins was effectively fired after it was revealed his department approved Mandelson’s clearance against security advice.
- Mandelson started the ambassador role in February 2025 and was removed seven months later over links to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Robbins said Downing Street rushed the vetting process, focusing on speed rather than thorough checks.
- Robbins never saw written vetting reports; he was told orally that Mandelson was a “borderline case” for clearance.
- The security concerns did not relate to Epstein, according to Robbins.
- Robbins warned that changing the ambassador nomination after US agreement could have harmed UK-US relations.
- Former President Joe Biden had approved Mandelson’s appointment before leaving office.
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