Starmer faces rising pressure over US envoy appointment after new testimony
Summary
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing criticism over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK envoy to the United States amid claims that Downing Street pressured officials to speed up the security approval process. Olly Robbins, a former senior official, said there was pressure to have Mandelson in post quickly despite security concerns, which Starmer has acknowledged were mishandled.Key Facts
- Peter Mandelson was appointed as the UK envoy to the US by Prime Minister Keir Starmer but was later sacked over connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Olly Robbins, a former top foreign ministry official, testified that Downing Street pressured officials to fast-track Mandelson’s security clearance.
- Robbins said Starmer’s office showed a dismissive attitude toward the security vetting process.
- Starmer admitted to parliament that he was wrong to appoint Mandelson but accused officials of hiding information about denied security clearance.
- Security officials initially recommended denying Mandelson clearance, but the Foreign Office approved it, calling it a "borderline" case.
- Downing Street denies applying improper pressure, stating they only requested updates on the process.
- The scandal has led to calls for Starmer’s resignation and an emergency parliamentary debate.
- Opposition politicians have pushed for a no-confidence vote against Starmer over the issue.
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