Topic analysis

Key evidence from sacked official at heart of Mandelson vetting row

Sir Olly Robbins, the recently sacked former top Foreign Office civil servant, testified to the UK's foreign affairs committee about his role in vetting Lord Mandelson for US ambassador, stating Downing Street pressured his department to fast-track the process despite UK Security Vetting (UKSV) leaning toward denying clearance, and that he never received the definitive UKSV recommendation against granting clearance. No 10 rejected Robbins' claims of a dismissive attitude toward vetting, and Robbins also disclosed he was asked by Downing Street to potentially find an ambassadorial role for then-PM communications director Matthew Doyle—who denied seeking such a post—while being instructed not to inform then-Foreign Secretary David Lammy.