Revealed: Mandelson vetting warned of ties to senior figures in China, Russia and Israel
Summary
Peter Mandelson’s security clearance to become the UK ambassador to the US was initially denied by the UK’s vetting agency due to concerns about his connections to senior figures in China, Russia, and Israel. Despite these warnings, the Foreign Office granted him clearance, leading to criticism and a parliamentary investigation into possible government cover-up and security risks.Key Facts
- The UK Security Vetting agency flagged Mandelson’s links to China’s finance minister, a Russian oligarch under sanctions, and an Israeli intelligence general as security concerns.
- Mandelson had a close relationship with a British individual considered potentially compromising.
- He received a £1 million loan to invest in an Israeli startup, raising further concerns.
- The vetting agency described Mandelson as naive about the risks from his past relationships.
- A nine-page vetting report recommended denying his security clearance before he became ambassador.
- The Foreign Office’s permanent secretary approved Mandelson’s clearance despite the warnings.
- A parliamentary committee accused the government of withholding and over-redacting key vetting documents.
- The government plans to release more files in June amid calls for transparency about potential national security risks.
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