Mandelson vetting scandal deepens

The political crisis surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as British ambassador to Washington has intensified following testimony from sacked civil servant Sir Olly Robbins.

Robbins told the Foreign Affairs Committee that Number 10 displayed a 'dismissive attitude' toward the vetting process despite concerns regarding Mandelson's past links to Jeffrey Epstein.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has blamed Robbins for withholding the vetting failure, a claim Robbins is now publicly disputing.

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