Sir Keir Starmer has provided the most detailed timeline yet of Peter Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US, revealing that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) overruled standard security vetting procedures. In a Commons statement on Monday, the Prime Minister outlined the vetting process that culminated in his decision to appoint Mandelson.
The timeline shows that the UK Security Vetting (UKSV) raised concerns, but these were ultimately overridden by the FCDO. Starmer stated that civil servants had opportunities to raise objections but failed to do so, leading to the appointment proceeding.
The statement marks the first comprehensive account of the appointment process, which has faced scrutiny over Mandelson's past controversies. The Prime Minister defended the decision, emphasising that due process was followed despite the unusual step of overruling UKSV's initial assessment.
