Sir Keir Starmer has directed the Foreign Office to provide clarification on the approval process that allowed Lord Peter Mandelson to assume the position of UK ambassador to the US, following revelations of the department’s decision to override a security vetting procedure.
The Prime Minister was reportedly unaware of the endorsement of developed vetting for the former prominent Labour figure against the advice of UK Security Vetting until recently, prompting immediate action to investigate the circumstances surrounding the granting of vetting clearance. The Foreign Office has committed to promptly addressing this inquiry.
Sources from Downing Street have conveyed the Prime Minister’s strong disapproval of the situation. This development follows reports by The Guardian indicating that security officials initially rejected the peer’s clearance, which was subsequently overturned by the Foreign Office after he had been announced as the UK’s top diplomat in the US.
While Sir Keir has affirmed that due process was followed in Lord Mandelson’s appointment, questions have arisen regarding the accuracy of information provided by the former diplomat about his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Although security vetting carried out independently by the security services reportedly cleared Lord Mandelson for the role, it was revealed that he did not receive approval following the confidential process conducted by the Cabinet Office’s UK Security Vetting (UKSV) last January.
A government spokesperson stated that the decision to grant developed vetting to Peter Mandelson against the recommendation of UK Security Vetting was made by officials at the FCDO. Upon being informed, the Prime Minister promptly instructed officials to investigate the circumstances surrounding the vetting decision to address the situation within the House of Commons.
There are indications that a statement may be given by the Prime Minister to Members of Parliament on Monday, although this has not been confirmed by No 10. Additionally, the Foreign Office’s top civil servant, Sir Olly Robbins, has been summoned to appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament to provide further clarity on the matter.
In response to the unfolding events, calls for Sir Keir’s resignation have surfaced from various political quarters, including the Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green Party, and Reform UK leaders. Lord Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US, a political appointment rather than a career diplomatic role, faced scrutiny and eventual dismissal due to revelations about his association with Epstein.
Challenges to Sir Keir’s judgment have intensified following disclosures that he was cautioned about potential reputational risks associated with Lord Mandelson’s ties to Epstein before his appointment. The vetting process, a critical component in such appointments, has come under scrutiny, with calls for a comprehensive review to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Efforts to uncover more details regarding Lord Mandelson’s appointment continue, with additional documents being sought by MPs to shed light on the decision-making process that led to his controversial tenure as UK ambassador to the US.