No 10 had 'dismissive attitude' to Mandelson vetting, says sacked Foreign Office chief
Summary
Sir Olly Robbins, a recently sacked Foreign Office chief, said Downing Street (No 10) had a dismissive attitude toward security checks when appointing Lord Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the US. Despite security concerns, Robbins approved Mandelson's clearance under pressure, while denying that he informed Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of the full vetting details.Key Facts
- Lord Mandelson was appointed UK ambassador to the US in December 2024.
- Security vetting raised concerns about Mandelson, but the Foreign Office eventually cleared him.
- Sir Olly Robbins says No 10 pressured the Foreign Office to approve Mandelson quickly.
- Some officials believed Mandelson’s status made security vetting unnecessary, but the Foreign Office insisted on it.
- Robbins denied informing Sir Keir Starmer of the vetting concerns before Mandelson’s appointment.
- Mandelson resigned as ambassador in September 2025 after reports revealed his connection to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Robbins described the vetting as a "borderline case" and said risks could be managed.
- The controversy has led to calls for Prime Minister Starmer’s resignation.
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