A parliamentary foreign affairs committee session is set to begin shortly, with a live stream available. According to a report in The Times by Steven Swinford and Oliver Wright, Olly Robbins plans to inform the committee that he did not review the complete security vetting document for Peter Mandelson. Sources indicate Robbins will explain that he was not shown the official advice from UK Security Vetting (UKSV), which recommended against granting Mandelson clearance. Instead, he received an oral update from the Foreign Office’s security staff, who described Mandelson’s situation as marginal, with UKSV likely to reject approval. Robbins evaluated the remaining risks and determined they could be managed. He is anticipated to emphasize the context surrounding the appointment, noting that Prime Minister Keir Starmer proceeded with naming Mandelson as US ambassador prior to completing the vetting process. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stated he anticipated issues with appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. In a Sky News interview, Miliband mentioned that David Lammy, then foreign secretary and now deputy prime minister, shared similar concerns. However, Miliband did not raise these with Starmer, partly due to their known strained relationship. The two had disagreements during Gordon Brown’s premiership and later when Miliband led Labour, sidelining Mandelson, who then criticized Miliband’s approach. Miliband told the interviewer he agreed the appointment was unwise and had avoided involvement with Mandelson since becoming leader in 2010. Upon hearing of the decision, Miliband thought it might lead to problems and discussed his worries with Lammy beforehand, believing Lammy felt the same. Still, he did not speak to Starmer about it, suggesting his views on Mandelson were already understood. Miliband added that he does not believe Starmer should step down over this matter, arguing that prime ministers err and frequent resignations would cause instability. He praised Starmer’s key decisions, such as on the conflict with Iran. Labour MP Sarah Champion, who leads the international development committee, appeared on the Today program to discuss party sentiment amid the Mandelson controversy. She noted Starmer’s unpopularity among voters stems from other factors, including opposition efforts to discredit him, rather than this issue. Champion described the focus on details as reinforcing perceptions of an insular political elite, which frustrates the public. She stressed that a leadership contest is the least desirable option currently. US President Donald Trump continues to engage with Keir Starmer via social media criticism, posting on Truth Social that selecting Mandelson as ambassador was a poor choice. This morning, at 9 a.m., Olly Robbins, recently dismissed as Foreign Office permanent secretary, will address the Commons foreign affairs committee regarding Mandelson’s ambassadorship to the US. Robbins’ predecessor, Simon McDonald, previously exposed falsehoods by Boris Johnson that ended his tenure. While no major revelation is expected from Robbins, his testimony poses risks for Starmer. Robbins was removed for failing to inform Starmer that Mandelson did not pass his security check after the announcement. Evidence showing Starmer was aware could be devastating for the prime minister, though this is not anticipated. The session represents a critical moment.
