Peter Mandelson has been named the UK’s ‘Trump whisperer’ despite failing his security clearance, which has caused a significant setback for Keir Starmer, according to the Government’s acknowledgment.
The Prime Minister was reportedly not informed about the rejection of Mandelson’s security clearance before he was sent to Washington last year. The Foreign Office intervened to overturn the decision, as revealed recently, leading to a chain of events that has stirred frustration among MPs, prompting calls for the Foreign Office to clarify the situation.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, speaking in Washington DC, hinted that both Starmer and former Foreign Secretary David Lammy should have been aware of the vetting process, emphasizing her lack of knowledge on the matter due to her role as Chancellor and not directly involved in the vetting process.
A government spokesperson clarified that no ministers were informed about the security clearance situation, attributing the decision to officials in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The Prime Minister was reportedly only made aware of the situation recently and has initiated inquiries to understand the circumstances behind the deviation from the standard vetting procedure.
The rejection of Mandelson’s security clearance came after the announcement that he would be the UK’s representative in Washington to engage with then-President Donald Trump.
Starmer has pledged transparency, with the Government committed to disclosing all relevant documents related to Mandelson’s appointment. MPs, in response to a vote instigated by the Tories, supported the release of the files through a humble address.
Dame Emily Thornberry has demanded the truth be revealed to MPs following reports that Mandelson failed his security vetting yet was still appointed as ambassador to the US. Thornberry expressed concerns over potential red flags raised during Mandelson’s vetting process and questioned the decision-makers behind the appointment.
The Government has assured compliance with the humble address and the forthcoming release of documents, with any necessary redactions for national security or international relations to be handled accordingly.