A UK security vetting case is raising questions as key documents, including a vetting summary, a security chief's note, and a declaration of interest form, are missing from a released tranche. Concerns involve links to foreign officials and oligarchs, a large loan, and potential naivety.
New files on Peter Mandelson's tenure as UK envoy to Washington detail his criticism of Keir Starmer's cabinet, his pushback against security vetting, and his meetings with law enforcement regarding Jeffrey Epstein allegations. The documents also reveal internal government concerns about leaks and Mandelson's attempts to influence trade talks.
New files detail Peter Mandelson's controversial tenure as UK envoy to Washington, covering his security vetting, critical remarks on Keir Starmer's cabinet, and links to Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson was sacked after Epstein revelations and faces a police investigation.
Queen Elizabeth II consistently supported her son Prince Andrew, even after his association with Jeffrey Epstein and a settlement with Virginia Giuffre. Despite public criticism, she maintained a close bond, offering him roles and continuing family traditions.
Government admits no formal security vetting or due diligence was carried out before Prince Andrew's appointment as trade envoy in 2001. Documents reveal the Queen's wish for him to take the role.
Starmer denies allegations that his office applied pressure on the foreign ministry to approve Mandelson's appointment as Britain's ambassador in Washington despite having failed security vetting.
Morgan McSweeney has admitted that Foreign Office officials came under intense pressure to expedite Peter Mandelson's posting as UK ambassador to Washington, but denied they were forced to skip security vetting steps. The former chief of staff, who resigned over the scandal, acknowledged asking the then top official Philip Barton to process the appointment 'at pace' but insisted he never asked officials to do anything improper. McSweeney described learning the extent of Mandelson's Jeffrey Epstein links as 'a knife through my soul' and admitted a 'serious error of judgment' in advising Keir Starmer to proceed with the appointment.
Chief property and security officer Ian Collard set to submit written answers to foreign affairs committee questionsA key figure in the row over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to Washington will not appear before a parliamentary committee of MPs to give evidence.Dame Emily Thornberry had requested that Ian Collard speak to the foreign affairs committee (FAC) on Tuesday, but confirmed on Saturday that he would submit written answers instead.Whether he felt under pressure to deliver Lord Mandelson’s clearance, after Sir Olly said there was an “atmosphere of pressure” and “constant chasing” from Downing Street.Whether he had seen the cover form for Lord Mandelson’s vetting by UK Security Vetting (UKSV), the agency responsible for checks on candidates for sensitive posts, in which it had ticked two red boxes – meaning they had “high concern” and recommended “clearance denied or withdrawn”.If he was asked by anyone in the Foreign Office, Downing Street or the Cabinet Office for advice about whether Lord Mandelson required vetting for the post given he was a member of the House of Lords.If he advised on how Lord Mandelson should be treated during the period between his appointment being announced and his clearance coming through. Continue reading...
Analysis piece examining how Peter Mandelson has responded to a political storm by appearing relaxed, walking his dog Jock near his Regent's Park home while photographers capture the scene. The article explores the 'doorstep photo' as a modern British media ritual where public figures facing scandal are judged on every facial expression and body language detail.
Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, collapsed in February owing £4.54m to creditors including £645,789 to HM Revenue and Customs. The firm's collapse on 20 February happened three days before Mandelson was arrested by police over allegations he passed sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. The firm had suffered a significant financial impact as customers cut ties amid pressure over its association with the former Labour minister and US ambassador.
Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, collapsed owing £4.54m to creditors including £645,789 to HM Revenue and Customs. The London-based firm went into administration on 20 February 2026, three days before Mandelson was arrested over allegations he passed sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. The firm said it suffered significant financial impact after clients cut ties amid pressure over its association with the former Labour minister and US ambassador.
Keir Starmer dismissed claims of cabinet divisions over the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal and the sacking of Olly Robbins, emphasizing the government's focus on its agenda. Meanwhile, opposition MPs are calling for an inquiry into whether Starmer misled Parliament.
In evidence to MPs, Cabinet Office top civil servant disputes that her department suggested vetting might not be neededUK politics live – latest updatesOlly Robbins refused to hand Peter Mandelson’s vetting summary to the Cabinet Office, the civil servant who leads the department has said.The summary – which would have revealed that Robbins, the now-sacked Foreign Office head, had granted Mandelson clearance against the advice of security officials – was instead provided to Cat Little by UK Security Vetting (UKSV), she said. Continue reading...
Cabinet Office permanent secretary Cat Little has accused former Foreign Office head Olly Robbins of refusing to hand over a vetting summary about Peter Mandelson's security clearance. Giving evidence to the Commons foreign affairs committee, Little said Robbins resisted her department seeing documents connected to Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US, despite her specific request. She disputed Robbins' claim that the Cabinet Office had suggested Mandelson might not need vetting, saying emails showed it was the Foreign Office that raised this possibility given his status as a member of the House of Lords.
Cat Little testified that she delayed informing the Prime Minister about Peter Mandelson's vetting report to seek legal advice. The testimony highlights ongoing confusion regarding civil service procedures and communication between the Cabinet Office and Foreign Office.
Sir Olly Robbins faced parliamentary scrutiny over his decision to grant Peter Mandelson developed vetting clearance despite UK Security Vetting (UKSV) recommending denial in red. Robbins relied on oral briefing rather than viewing the actual vetting file, describing the case as "borderline". Former senior civil servants defended Robbins, but the testimony raised questions about the opacity of the vetting system and why risks potentially related to Jeffrey Epstein were apparently missed.
Morgan McSweeney, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's former chief of staff, will appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee next week to answer questions about his role in the security vetting of Lord Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to Washington. Sir Olly Robbins, former senior Foreign Office civil servant, has accused Downing Street of a "dismissive" attitude towards the vetting process and described an "atmosphere of pressure" to speed up clearance. McSweeney resigned in February taking responsibility for advising the PM on the appointment, after UK Security and Vetting raised concerns that the Foreign Office nonetheless granted clearance.
Keir Starmer faces PMQs today with the Peter Mandelson vetting row dominating the Westminster agenda. Olly Robbins, the former Foreign Office permanent secretary whom Starmer sacked, gave evidence to MPs yesterday, with Labour MPs warning the prime minister's leadership is now on borrowed time. Former cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill said Robbins should get his job back.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sacked senior Foreign Office civil servant Olly Robbins for failing to inform him that former US ambassador Peter Mandelson had not passed UK security vetting. The dismissal has sparked fury within Whitehall, with senior civil servants believing Robbins was sacked for doing what No 10 wanted by swiftly passing Mandelson through vetting and implementing mitigations. Former officials and unions have rallied behind Robbins, with the FDA union stating he did absolutely nothing wrong and was unjustifiably dismissed. The incident marks a new low in No 10-civil service relations following February's ousting of cabinet secretary Chris Wormald.
Fury erupts in Whitehall after Prime Minister Keir Starmer sacked senior Foreign Office civil servant Olly Robbins for failing to inform him that former US ambassador Peter Mandelson had not passed UK security vetting. Supporters of Robbins say he was sacked for doing exactly what No 10 wanted by swiftly passing Mandelson through vetting with mitigations. The dismissal has sparked warnings of a crisis in relations between ministers and civil servants, with senior officials questioning why they would take any risky action if they won't be protected by politicians.
Kemi Badenoch opens Commons emergency debate criticizing Keir Starmer's appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, highlighting vetting failures and broken promises. Olly Robbins' hearing exposes procedural issues, drawing sharp commentary from journalists and podcasters.
Former Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins has told MPs that No 10 had a 'dismissive approach' to the security vetting of Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador, describing an 'atmosphere of pressure' with a 'very strong expectation' that Mandelson should be 'in post and in America' as quickly as possible.
Olly Robbins was sacked as Foreign Office permanent secretary over the Peter Mandelson security vetting revelations in the GuardianThe hearing has started.Emily Thornberry, the chair, started by saying that Robbins did not tell the whole truth about this process when he gave evidence to it in November. Continue reading...
Olly Robbins was forced out as Foreign Office permanent secretary over the Peter Mandelson security vetting revelations in the GuardianThe hearing has started.Emily Thornberry, the chair, started by saying that Robbins did not tell the whole truth about this process when he gave evidence to it in November. Continue reading...
