Mitigating Mandelson risks would have been impossible, says former MI6 chief
Summary
A former MI6 chief said it was impossible to manage security risks linked to Peter Mandelson's connections with senior figures from China, Russia, and Israel when Mandelson was UK ambassador to the US. Despite security officials recommending that Mandelson be denied high-level security clearance, the Foreign Office granted it after claiming management actions would reduce the risks, sparking criticism and calls for transparency.Key Facts
- Peter Mandelson had close ties to senior officials in China, Russia, and Israel.
- Security officials recommended denying Mandelson developed vetting clearance in early 2025.
- Olly Robbins, a former senior civil servant, approved Mandelson's clearance based on risk "mitigations."
- Richard Dearlove, ex-head of MI6, said it would be impossible to effectively manage such security risks.
- Mandelson reportedly received a £1 million loan to invest in an Israeli startup, raising further concerns.
- The UK Security Vetting agency flagged Mandelson’s close relationship with a British individual as potentially compromising.
- There are accusations that the government is withholding some vetting documents relating to Mandelson.
- MPs and opposition leaders have criticized the government's handling of the clearance and document release process.
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