"The UK Security Vetting agency is understood to have recommended rejecting clearance, citing potential risks. That advice was later overruled by Olly Robbins, who judged the concerns to be manageable."
"Downing Street has insisted there was no legal barrier preventing ministers from being informed of the failed vetting, rejecting Sir Olly's claim that the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 restricted disclosure."
"Further controversy has arisen over reports that Lord Mandelson was later granted 'strap three' clearance-the highest level of classified access-despite failing the initial vetting process."
Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure due to claims he was aware of security concerns about Peter Mandelson prior to his appointment as US ambassador. The Prime Minister plans to state it was 'unforgivable' not to inform him of Mandelson's failed vetting clearance. Senior sources suggest Starmer had been briefed on risks related to Mandelson's connections to China and Russia. The UK Security Vetting agency recommended rejecting clearance, but this was overruled. Controversy continues as Mandelson was later granted the highest level of classified access despite initial vetting failures.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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