Starmer furious over Mandelson vetting

The UK government has been plunged into turmoil following reports that the Foreign Office overruled a recommendation from security officials to deny Peter Mandelson clearance for his diplomatic role.

Sir Keir Starmer described the failure to inform him of this vetting lapse as 'staggering' and 'unforgivable,' though opposition leaders have accused the Prime Minister of a cover-up.

In response to the scandal, Starmer effectively sacked the country's top diplomat, Olly Robbins, who is expected to dispute the official version of events in a public showdown.

A retired High Court judge has been commissioned to review the entire national security vetting system to prevent future breaches.