The US under Trump is increasing pressure on Cuba, drawing comparisons to its approach to Venezuela. However, experts believe Cuba presents a more complex and risky challenge due to its consolidated political structure and disciplined security apparatus.
Peter Mandelson, Britain's appointed ambassador to Washington, failed his developed vetting (DV) security clearance, with officials choosing to deny clearance. The Cabinet Office learned of the failure in March 2026 but Keir Starmer was not informed for several weeks. A humble address motion forced government to publish papers related to Mandelson's appointment, with vetting documents to be referred to the Intelligence and Security Committee.
Peter Mandelson, appointed as Britain's ambassador to Washington, failed his security vetting (developed vetting/DV) check, with officials choosing to deny clearance. The Cabinet Office learned of this in March 2026 but delayed informing Prime Minister Keir Starmer for several weeks while seeking legal advice. The revelation followed the release of Epstein Files documents which prompted Parliament to pass a rare 'humble address' motion forcing government to publish all papers related to Mandelson's appointment. Documents regarding Mandelson's vetting are set to be handed to the Intelligence and Security Committee, which will decide what can be made public.
