Keir Starmer will face further scrutiny over Peter Mandelson’s security vetting failure after MPs voted in favour of an emergency Parliament debate on Tuesday
MPs will have the chance to grill Keir Starmer (maybe) once again over the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as US ambassador in an urgent debate later today. Starmer has pointed the finger at former top civil servant Sir Olly Robbins for intentionally keeping him uninformed about Lord Mandelson’s failure to pass security vetting checks prior to assuming the role.
The Prime Minister informed the Commons that he would not have appointed Lord Mandelson had he known the peer had failed the checks, and maintained there was no pressure from No 10 to expedite the high-profile appointment.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated it is “a matter of national security because the Prime Minister has admitted appointing a known serious security risk to our most sensitive diplomatic post”, as she lodged an application for the debate under standing order 24.
The Prime Minister dismissed Sir Olly from his position as the Foreign Office’s top official after discovering last week that Lord Mandelson had been granted security clearance despite failing the checks.
Sir Keir faced questioning by MPs for over two hours on Monday, however Mrs Badenoch said “there remain serious questions about what he knew and when”.
The Prime Minister denied misleading the Commons amid allegations that he lied to Parliament by failing to provide the full details surrounding how Lord Mandelson was granted developed vetting (DV) status.
“I accept that information that I should have had, and information that the House should have had should have been before the House, but I did not mislead the House, and that’s why I’ve set out the account in full,” he said.
Arguing for an emergency debate, Mrs Badenoch told the Commons: “This is a matter of national security, because the Prime Minister has admitted appointing a known serious security risk to our most sensitive diplomatic post.
“This goes beyond Mandelson’s close relationship to a convicted paedophile.
“Today I raised deeply concerning ties to the Kremlin and China, which the Prime Minister admitted he knew about before the appointment.
“This is why, despite the Prime Minister’s statement today, there remain serious questions about what he knew and when. He has hidden behind process at every turn and failed to take responsibility.”
She continued: “There are also questions to be asked about the Prime Minister repeatedly sacking senior civil servants on a whim for his own decisions and leaving the taxpayer with financial liabilities.”
Mrs Badenoch also demanded a debate on remarks made by Sir Olly Robbins following his appearance before the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Earlier on Monday, the Prime Minister stated Sir Olly’s position was “that he couldn’t provide this information to me because he wasn’t allowed to”, which No 10 has insisted is incorrect. Sir Keir revealed that he questioned Sir Olly about his decision to ignore the advice of UKSV (United Kingdom Security Vetting).
“I did ask him and I didn’t accept his explanation,” Sir Keir stated. “That’s why I sacked him.”
The application was approved without opposition, with Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle scheduling a three-hour debate for Tuesday at the commencement of public business.
It remains uncertain who will represent the Government in the debate.
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