The dismissal of the top Foreign Office official responsible for authorizing security clearance for Peter Mandelson is set to be scrutinized by Members of Parliament on Tuesday.
Sir Olly Robbins will be questioned by the Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the clearance granted to the former US ambassador despite concerns raised during the vetting process.
During Sir Olly’s tenure as the highest-ranking civil servant at the Foreign Office, a decision was taken to override advice from UK Security Vetting to allow Peter Mandelson to assume a prestigious role.
Number 10 clarified that Keir Starmer was not informed of the initial denial of clearance to the Labour veteran. Following queries on potential misrepresentation to MPs and Parliament, the Prime Minister ordered a swift investigation into the approval of Lord Mandelson’s vetting. This parliamentary inquiry is scheduled right after the Prime Minister’s appearance in the Commons to address the controversy.
Former Whitehall official Lord Simon McDonald criticized the abrupt dismissal of Sir Olly, labeling it as a rushed sacrifice by Number 10 without due process. McDonald contested the use of the term “failed” to characterize the vetting outcome, emphasizing the nuanced nature of security assessments and the need for mitigating measures.
Keir Starmer has faced mounting criticism for nominating Lord Mandelson as the UK’s envoy to Washington last year. The former Labour stalwart, with ties to past Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair, was tasked with advising the PM on US relations. However, revelations from newly uncovered emails led to his dismissal seven months later, exposing the depth of his association with Epstein.
