Sacked civil servant to speak out in Mandelson vetting row

Last Thursday evening, Sir Olly Robbins, the permanent under secretary at the Foreign Office since January 2025, was dismissed by the prime minister and foreign secretary. The decision came after the prime minister learned Sir Olly had withheld information about Lord Peter Mandelson’s failed vetting process for the UK ambassador post in Washington. Robbins is set to address the matter in Parliament this morning, defending his rationale for not informing Sir Keir Starmer.

Robbins appears emotionally affected by the loss of his position and the public scrutiny of his actions. A colleague shared with the BBC that “Olly doesn’t engage in personal criticism. He never has and he never will,” highlighting a contrast with the perception of his treatment. During his testimony, he will outline the circumstances behind his initial choice, including the prior public announcement of Mandelson’s appointment and his interpretation of the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act, 2010.

The prime minister’s allies argue that Robbins should have disclosed the vetting findings to ministers earlier, asserting that the legal framework allows for such sharing. Critics, however, question why he maintained his stance after Mandelson’s removal and the resurfacing of doubts about the appointment process. Dame Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, has expressed frustration over Robbins’ failure to provide details during their inquiry.

Key questions will focus on whether Robbins communicated his knowledge to others and what information he chose to withhold. The prime minister aims to use his testimony to reinforce the claim that opportunities for disclosure were available and unutilized. Following the committee’s session, a Commons debate on the issue will be led by the Conservative party, reflecting ongoing tensions over the vetting process.

“That’s exactly how it feels,” remarked an ally of Sir Olly after reflecting on the suggestion that the entire British state was targeting him.