"Robbins stated that No 10 created an atmosphere of pressure which made it almost impossible to deny clearance for Mandelson, who had already been announced for the senior diplomatic posting."
"Robbins confirmed that senior government officials, including those within the Cabinet Office, had been in dispute over whether to release documents relating to Mandelson's vetting."
"Labour MPs expressed dismay over Starmer's decision to appoint someone with Mandelson's reputation to the UK's most sensitive diplomatic post, indicating that his leadership is now on borrowed time."
Olly Robbins, a former top official at the Foreign Office, revealed that Downing Street exerted significant pressure on the civil service regarding Peter Mandelson's appointment as Washington ambassador. Concerns from vetting officials were dismissed, allowing Mandelson access to sensitive briefings before obtaining security clearance. Robbins indicated that this pressure made it nearly impossible to deny clearance. The situation has led to internal disputes within the government and criticism of Keir Starmer's leadership, particularly regarding his decision to appoint Mandelson to a sensitive diplomatic role.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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