"Sir Keir Starmer has accused officials in the Foreign Office of deliberately and repeatedly withholding the fact Lord Mandelson initially failed security vetting for the role of US ambassador."
"The PM insisted he did not mislead the Commons. The Ministerial Code states that ministers who knowingly mislead Parliament are expected to resign, while any inadvertent error should be corrected 'at the earliest opportunity'."
"UK Security Vetting, a specialist agency within the Cabinet Office, began the checking process in late December 2024, and on 28 January 2025, recommended Developed Vetting clearance should be denied."
"The PM said there were repeated occasions when they should have told him this, including when Lord Mandelson was appointed, when he was sacked, and when he subsequently ordered a review of the vetting process."
Sir Keir Starmer accused Foreign Office officials of deliberately withholding information regarding Lord Mandelson's initial failure of security vetting for the US ambassador position. The Prime Minister stated he would not have proceeded with the appointment had he known. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for the PM's resignation, claiming he shifted blame onto his staff. The Ministerial Code requires ministers to resign for misleading Parliament. Lord Mandelson was appointed before thorough vetting, which later recommended denial of clearance, but officials granted it against advice.
Read at www.bbc.com
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