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Ex-Foreign Office boss says No 10 had 'dismissive approach' to Mandelson vetting

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April 21, 2026

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The Foreign Office boss sacked by Sir Keir Starmer over Peter Mandelson's vetting has told MPs there was pressure from No 10 to get Mandelson installed as the UK's ambassador to the US as quickly as possible.

Sir Olly Robbins was dismissed by the prime minister last week after it emerged UK Security Vetting (UKSV) recommended against granting Mandelson top security clearance - but Robbins went ahead with the approval and did not inform ministers or the PM about the recommendation.

He told the Foreign Affairs Committee there was "an atmosphere of pressure" to get Mandelson in the post.

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Guests & Subjects Covered

The Foreign OfficeSir Keir StarmerPeter Mandelson'sSir Olly RobbinsUK Security Vetting UKSVForeign Affairs CommitteeTwitter LikeFacebook Follow

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Ex-Foreign Office boss says No 10 had 'dismissive approach' to Mandelson vetting · Sky News · Sentinel