Key figure in Mandelson vetting row will not appear to give evidence to MPs
Summary
A key civil servant, Ian Collard, will not appear in person before a parliamentary committee to give evidence about the security vetting of Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to the US. Instead, he will provide written answers about the process, including whether his team's advice differed from official security reports. This follows the sacking of Sir Olly Robbins, who approved Mandelson’s clearance despite concerns.Key Facts
- Ian Collard, who led the Foreign Office security team, will not appear in person before MPs but will give written evidence.
- Collard briefed Sir Olly Robbins about security advice not to clear Lord Mandelson for ambassador.
- Sir Olly Robbins approved Mandelson’s security clearance and was fired after this was revealed.
- MPs were told UK Security and Vetting (UKSV) advised against clearing Mandelson, but Robbins said he only received a verbal briefing calling the advice "borderline."
- A government review led by retired judge Sir Adrian Fulford is examining whether the briefing accurately reflected UKSV’s concerns.
- Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, is facing questions about the vetting process and his decision to appoint Mandelson.
- Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s former chief of staff who recommended Mandelson, will give evidence to the committee.
- The Foreign Office decided not to send Ian Collard in person, and no comment has been given on this decision.
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