Mandelson vetting scandal deepens

The political crisis surrounding Peter Mandelson's appointment as British ambassador to Washington has intensified following explosive testimony from former Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins.

Robbins told the Foreign Affairs Committee that Number 10 created an 'atmosphere of pressure' to bypass standard security vetting procedures.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced calls for resignation as critics accuse him of misleading Parliament about when he was informed of the vetting failure.

The scandal has drawn international attention, with President Donald Trump labeling the appointment a 'really bad pick' for the crucial diplomatic role.