By Blessing Nweke

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Foreign Office officials of deliberately withholding crucial information about Peter Mandelson’s failed security vetting prior to his appointment as UK ambassador to the United States.

In a statement to Parliament, Starmer said he only learned last Tuesday that officials had overruled advice from the UK’s security vetting agency, which had recommended denying Mandelson Developed Vetting clearance. “Had I known, I would not have proceeded,” he told MPs, describing the omission as a “deliberate decision” repeated at several stages, including during Mandelson’s appointment, dismissal, and a subsequent review.

Mandelson was announced as ambassador in December 2024 before full vetting was completed. He formally assumed the role in February 2025 but was dismissed seven months later over links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called for Starmer’s resignation, accusing him of misleading Parliament and failing to correct the record promptly. Starmer rejected the claims, insisting he had not knowingly misled MPs.

The controversy has intensified following the removal of senior civil servant Olly Robbins, who led the Foreign Office during the decision. Allies argue Robbins could not disclose sensitive vetting details due to confidentiality rules.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was also reportedly not informed of the vetting recommendation when responding to parliamentary scrutiny, a lapse Starmer described as “unforgivable.”

Criticism has extended within Labour ranks, with MPs questioning whether political pressure influenced Mandelson’s appointment. Starmer denied any such interference and announced reforms, including requiring full security clearance before ambassadorial appointments are confirmed.

An emergency parliamentary debate has been scheduled as pressure mounts on the government.