Mandelson Vetting Row: Official Refuses Evidence, Overruling Claim Surfaces

A key official refused to give vetting documents for Peter Mandelson's appointment, a move described as unusual. This is part of a growing row over his security clearance.
By Newsroom | Politics, UK Government |

Cabinet Office Official Details Foreign Office Stonewalling in Vetting Document Dispute

A senior civil servant from the Cabinet Office stated that the Foreign Office refused to provide a summary of Peter Mandelson’s security vetting, a document she asserted would normally exist. Cat Little, leading the Cabinet Office's compilation of documents related to Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, told a Commons committee that she had to obtain the summary directly from UK Security Vetting (UKSV) after former Foreign Office head Sir Olly Robbins declined to supply it. Little also indicated she had not yet located a formal record of Keir Starmer's approval of Mandelson's appointment. Sir Philip Barton, Robbins' predecessor at the Foreign Office, is scheduled to give evidence next week.

Foreign Office Overruled Security Clearance Denial for Mandelson, Investigation Reveals

It has been revealed that the Foreign Office overruled a decision to deny Peter Mandelson security vetting clearance. This revelation led to the departure of the top civil servant at the Foreign Office. Sources close to the former official, Morgan McSweeney, suggest he was unaware of Mandelson's vetting process or its outcome. Downing Street maintained the prime minister lacked knowledge of officials advising against Mandelson's clearance, attributing responsibility to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). This suggests the government may have disregarded vetting advice for Mandelson's appointment.

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Key figure in Mandelson vetting row will not appear to give evidence - 1

Robbins Refuses Vetting Summary; Starmer's Approval Record Unclear

Cat Little, the lead official for the Cabinet Office, told the foreign affairs committee that Sir Olly Robbins refused to provide a summary of Peter Mandelson’s security vetting process. Little insisted such a document should exist and had to be sourced directly from UK Security Vetting (UKSV). She also reported difficulty in finding a formal record of Keir Starmer's approval for Mandelson's ambassadorial role.

McSweeney to Testify Amidst Vetting Controversy

Morgan McSweeney, former chief of staff to the prime minister, is slated to give evidence to MPs regarding his involvement in Peter Mandelson's security vetting. Questions are expected to focus on any pressure he may have exerted on civil servants to expedite the process. The ongoing dispute over Mandelson's vetting has prompted renewed scrutiny of Keir Starmer's judgment and leadership among some Labour MPs. Little previously informed Starmer that UKSV had raised concerns about Mandelson, yet the Foreign Office proceeded with granting him clearance.

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Key figure in Mandelson vetting row will not appear to give evidence - 2

Robbins' Evidence: "Dismissive Attitude" and No. 10 Pressure Claimed

Sir Olly Robbins, in his testimony to MPs, described a "dismissive attitude" from Downing Street towards Mandelson's security clearance. He also stated that there was a "very, very strong expectation" from No. 10, upon his arrival at the Foreign Office, that Mandelson "needed to be in post and in America as quickly as possible." Downing Street has denied this characterization, labeling Robbins' actions as an "error of judgement."

Starmer Accuses Officials of Withholding Vetting Information

Keir Starmer has asserted that Foreign Office officials deliberately and repeatedly withheld information regarding Lord Mandelson’s initial failure in security vetting for the US ambassador position. He stated that had he known, he would not have proceeded with the appointment.

Key figure in Mandelson vetting row will not appear to give evidence - 3

Vetting Process Debates and Mandelson's Contact with Epstein

Sir Olly Robbins stated he was not informed of the recommendation against granting Mandelson clearance. He also noted that he has never seen the UKSV document concerning Mandelson's vetting. It is understood that Mandelson believes he answered questions accurately regarding his association with Jeffrey Epstein during the vetting process.

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"Very Unusual" Move to Contact Vetting Firm Directly

Following Sir Olly Robbins' reported refusal to provide the vetting information, officials reportedly resorted to contacting the vetting firm directly – a move described as "very unusual." There was an initial discussion about whether Mandelson would require any vetting at all, given his status as a member of the House of Lords.

Background: Mandelson's Appointment and the Whitehall Vetting System

Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US was publicly announced prior to the completion of his security vetting. This has led to commentary on the existing Whitehall vetting system, with critiques suggesting it lacks robust independent scrutiny and clear lines of political accountability. Some argue that the shift away from individual ministerial accountability has complicated the situation. The circumstances surrounding the appointment have also led to accusations of misleading Parliament, with opposition parties calling for the Prime Minister's resignation. The controversy has also seen internal political pressure applied to Keir Starmer, with questions raised about his handling of the situation and his awareness of the vetting issues. The vetting agency, UKSV, is an entity within the Cabinet Office.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did a Cabinet Office official have to get Peter Mandelson's vetting documents directly from the agency?
Cat Little, from the Cabinet Office, stated that the Foreign Office did not provide a summary of Peter Mandelson's security vetting. She had to get it from UK Security Vetting (UKSV) directly.
Q: What is the claim about the Foreign Office overruling a security clearance denial for Peter Mandelson?
It has been revealed that the Foreign Office went against a decision that would have denied Peter Mandelson security vetting clearance. This led to the top civil servant at the Foreign Office leaving their post.
Q: Did Sir Olly Robbins refuse to give evidence about Peter Mandelson's vetting?
Yes, Cat Little told MPs that Sir Olly Robbins refused to give a summary of Peter Mandelson's security vetting process. She believes such a document should exist and had to get it from UKSV.
Q: What did Sir Olly Robbins say about Downing Street's attitude towards Peter Mandelson's security clearance?
Sir Olly Robbins described a "dismissive attitude" from Downing Street regarding Mandelson's security clearance. He said there was a "very, very strong expectation" from Number 10 that Mandelson needed to be in post quickly.
Q: Did Keir Starmer know about Peter Mandelson's vetting issues?
Keir Starmer said that Foreign Office officials hid information about Lord Mandelson's initial failure in security vetting. He stated he would not have allowed the appointment if he had known.
Q: Why is Peter Mandelson's vetting process being questioned?
Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US was announced before his security vetting was finished. This has raised questions about the Whitehall vetting system and accountability.