Ex-Foreign Office Boss Says No 10 Pressured Clearance for Mandelson
Olly Robbins told MPs Downing Street pressured the Foreign Office to approve Peter Mandelson despite UK Security Vetting leaning to deny clearance.
New York PostUK PM Starmer gets support from Trump as he faces spiraling scandal over ally’s ties to Epstein
The GuardianOlly Robbins’ account of Mandelson vetting piles pressure on Keir Starmer
Associated PressTakeaways from former top UK official's testimony on the Mandelson appointment scandal
BBC NewsNo 10 had 'dismissive attitude' to Mandelson vetting, says ex-official
Overview
Olly Robbins told the Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday that Downing Street applied 'constant pressure' and he approved Peter Mandelson's security clearance despite being orally briefed that UK Security Vetting was 'leaning towards recommending' denial.
Mandelson had been announced as the UK's ambassador to Washington in December 2024 and had been given access to the Foreign Office and highly classified briefings while vetting was still underway, Robbins said.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer fired Robbins last week and faces criticism from Conservatives and some Labour MPs, while Darren Jones opened a leak inquiry and the Intelligence and Security Committee has been handed vetting files.
Officials said UK Security Vetting had recommended clearance 'should not be granted' but the Foreign Office granted clearance in January 2025, and Robbins began his role on 20 January, according to his letter and testimony.
The Intelligence and Security Committee expects to conclude its review within days before the Cabinet Office redacts documents, meaning key material will not be released before parliament rises ahead of May elections, committee officials said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a political scandal highlighting misjudgment and pressure from the prime minister’s office. Editorial techniques include loaded descriptors like "scandal-tainted," repeated linkage to Epstein, prioritizing Robbins’ stark phrases such as "atmosphere of pressure," and foregrounding opposition calls for resignation over Starmer’s denials.