Arabic version: مسؤول رفيع المستوى للإجابة على أسئلة حول تصريح الأمن لمندلسون

The chief Foreign Office official, Sir Olly Robbins, who was ousted over the decision to grant Peter Mandelson a security clearance despite vetting concerns, is set to face scrutiny from MPs on Tuesday. According to BBC News, Robbins will be questioned by the Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the decision to approve Mandelson’s clearance despite existing vetting concerns.

This development adds to the challenges facing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is scheduled to appear in the Commons a day before Robbins’ questioning. The scrutiny comes as opposition MPs challenge Starmer’s claims regarding his knowledge of Mandelson’s vetting status.

Lord Simon McDonald, Robbins’ predecessor, has publicly defended him, suggesting that the political pressure from No 10 led to a hasty decision. He criticized the lack of fairness in the process, stating that Robbins was not given an opportunity to present his case adequately.

Mandelson was announced as the government’s choice to be US ambassador in December 2024, but his tenure was cut short in September 2025 after revelations about his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein emerged. The vetting process for government appointments is managed by a Cabinet Office agency, which provides recommendations to hiring departments. Reports indicate that the vetting process returned a “no” verdict on whether a security clearance granting access to sensitive government material should be given to Mandelson.