Starmer would have blocked Mandelson role over vetting failure, says Lammy
Exclusive: deputy prime minister says it is ‘inexplicable’ top civil servant kept Downing Street in dark
Keir Starmer would have blocked Peter Mandelson from serving as the UK’s ambassador to Washington had he known he failed https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/17/what-happens-security-vetting-peter-mandelson">security vetting, David Lammy has said, as he attempted to shore up the prime minister amid damaging fallout from the row.
In his first public comments on the vetting affair, Lammy said it was “inexplicable” that Oliver Robbins, the former top civil servant who was forced out of the Foreign Office this week, had opted to leave Downing Street in the dark over the outcome.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/apr/18/starmer-would-have-blocked-mandelson-role-over-vetting-failure-says-lammy">Continue reading...Starmer faces Mandelson vetting scandal
- Starmer to be grilled in the Commons on Monday over Mandelson appointment The i Paper —
- Starmer backs Cabinet Secretary who failed to tell him about Mandelson vetting Irish Independent —
- Foreign secretary concerned ministers not told of Mandelson vetting fears sooner BBC News —
- Sir Keir Starmer to update House of Commons on latest Mandelson revelations ITV —
- Starmer urged to publish advice given on Mandelson appointment, as PM to face 'judgement day' ITV —