Keir Starmer will deliver a high-stakes statement to MPs on Monday as he struggles to contain a growing scandal over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador to Washington, despite failing security vetting. The prime minister is expected to explain how the Foreign Office overruled the vetting decision without informing him, a revelation that has prompted calls for his resignation.
The scandal, first reported by the Guardian last week, has already led to the sacking of Foreign Office permanent secretary Olly Robbins, who will appear before MPs on Tuesday to answer questions. Starmer has said he was kept in the dark and described the failure to inform him as “unforgivable”.
Opposition leaders have argued that Starmer would not have proceeded with Mandelson’s appointment had he known about the vetting failure. Senior government figures fear the crisis could prove “make-or-break” for the prime minister, despite some support following his handling of the Iran crisis.
Downing Street has published an explanatory document rejecting claims that civil servants were legally prevented from informing ministers, stating: “No law stops civil servants sensibly flagging UK security vetting recommendations… to allow ministers to make judgments.” Starmer has insisted he will set out the facts to ensure “full transparency”.
Robbins is taking legal advice after his dismissal, which has sent shockwaves through Whitehall. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has warned against a leadership contest, arguing that voters want stability, not “a self-flagellating, internally focused” party. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall denied that Starmer had gambled with national security by appointing Mandelson.
