Topic analysis

No 10 had 'dismissive attitude' to Mandelson vetting, says sacked Foreign Office chief

Sacked former Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins told MPs that Downing Street had a dismissive attitude towards the vetting process for Lord Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to the US, citing constant pressure to fast-track the role despite security concerns raised by officials. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who appointed Mandelson, faces calls to resign after it emerged he was not informed of the vetting issues, with the Conservative Party pushing for a vote of no confidence.