UK’s next ambassador to Japan may be called to give evidence in Mandelson inquiry
Summary
The UK’s next ambassador to Japan, Corin Robertson, may be asked to give evidence about the decision to grant Peter Mandelson security clearance despite warnings from vetting officials. This is part of a parliamentary inquiry into how Mandelson was appointed ambassador to the US.Key Facts
- Corin Robertson was the Foreign Office’s chief operating officer when Mandelson’s security clearance was approved in January 2025.
- Three senior officials decided on Mandelson’s clearance; Robertson is the only one not yet questioned by MPs.
- The inquiry is close to finishing but will wait for more documents before concluding.
- Olly Robbins, the Foreign Office’s top civil servant, approved Mandelson’s clearance against vetting advice and was recently fired by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- Robbins and another official, Ian Collard, did not read Mandelson’s vetting report but relied on verbal briefings.
- UK Security Vetting warned that Mandelson posed “high” security risks and his clearance should be denied.
- Starmer had already chosen Mandelson as ambassador before the vetting concerns were officially received.
- Robertson may be questioned on whether she fully reviewed Mandelson’s vetting documents or was briefed verbally, and on her role in the decision.
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