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Keir Starmer ‘ignored’ advice to vet Peter Mandelson before hiring him: Report
UK Security Vetting recommended rejecting Lord Mandelson over China and Russia ties, while officials are accused of overruling the warning and sidelining No 10.
- On Monday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer sacked Foreign Office permanent secretary Sir Olly Robbins after discovering Lord Peter Mandelson had failed UK Security Vetting in January 2025.
- UK Security Vetting recommended denying Mandelson clearance on January 25, 2025, due to ties to Russia and China, yet Robbins approved the appointment anyway. The Independent warned Downing Street of the failure in September 2025.
- Starmer called it "unforgivable" that he was not told of the failure, yet sources claim he was aware of "red flags" ahead of the appointment. The contradiction deepens scrutiny of his account.
- Sir Olly Robbins reportedly feels "angry" at his "unfair treatment" and prepares to tell his side, while Lib Dem chief Sir Ed Davey accused Starmer of "catastrophic misjudgment" and demanded ethics inquiries.
- Fresh reports reveal Russian agents targeted Mandelson for decades, escalating national security concerns beyond political controversy. Starmer faces near-term Commons battles with his political survival uncertain amid calls for resignation from within Labour.
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The Prime Minister was not aware that his choice for the position of ambassador in Washington had not initially been authorized to access confidential information. ...
·Brussels, Belgium
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources8
Leaning Left2Leaning Right3Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Center, 37% Right
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center, 37% of the sources lean Right
38% Center
L 25%
C 38%
R 37%
Factuality
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