Foreign Secretary Expresses Concern Over Delay in Vetting Information

Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, has voiced deep concern over the lack of timely communication regarding the vetting issues surrounding Lord Mandelson’s appointment as U.S. ambassador. She highlighted that ministers were not informed earlier about the concerns raised during the vetting process, which may have influenced the information shared with Parliament. The prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is set to address the controversy in Monday’s parliamentary session, with opposition parties urging him to step down.

Civil Servant Sacked Over Vetting Controversy

Sir Olly Robbins, the Foreign Office’s lead civil servant, was recently dismissed over the matter. He is expected to appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesday, following a request by committee chair Dame Emily Thornberry. Ahead of his testimony, Cooper wrote to Thornberry, requesting a review of the committee’s information to guarantee its accuracy.

“I am deeply troubled by the information now revealed and the fact that it wasn’t shared with ministers earlier, which impacted the data presented to Parliament,” Cooper stated.

Sir Keir admitted he was unaware that Lord Mandelson had failed security vetting until recently, calling the omission “staggering.” He had previously defended the process, asserting due procedures were followed, but now faces accusations of misleading the House of Commons.

Deputy Prime Minister’s Testimony and Timeline

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who was the foreign secretary at the time, told the Guardian that the prime minister would have prevented Mandelson’s appointment if informed of the vetting failure. “Knowing the PM, I’m certain he wouldn’t have approved the role had he known Mandelson hadn’t cleared security,” he said.

Lammy acknowledged that he and his advisors were not briefed on the vetting process, though he noted the Foreign Office faced time constraints to confirm the appointment before Trump’s return to the presidency. The sacking of Sir Olly has sparked criticism, with some calling it “egregious.” Former permanent secretary Lord Simon McDonald claimed Robbins was “thrown under the bus” for the scandal.

Vetting for government appointments is handled by an agency under the Cabinet Office, which provides recommendations to hiring departments. BBC News reports that the vetting report concluded Lord Mandelson did not qualify for a security clearance. He officially began his ambassador duties in February 2025 but was removed in September after new details emerged about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.

Political Reactions to the Scandal

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer of allowing others to bear the blame while he maintains power, labeling him “unfit to lead the nation.” She argued the situation represents a “moral failure” and a risk to national security. Liberal Democrats’ Sir Ed Davey demanded an investigation by the Privileges Committee to determine if the prime minister intentionally misled Parliament.

The SNP, Green Party, and Reform UK have also joined calls for Starmer’s resignation, underscoring the growing political fallout from the vetting controversy.